Medical Tourism Blog
Facelift in Korea | Types of Facelift, Best Clinics & Costs
Table of contents
- Face Lifting Overview
- Best Clinics in Korea
- Face Lifting in Korea
- Cost of Face Lifting in Korea
- Alternatives to Face Lifting
- Conclusion
Are you ready to embrace a more youthful version of yourself? As facial aesthetics continue to evolve, face lifting in Korea offers a compelling blend of innovation and artistry, designed to defy the signs of aging and enhance your natural beauty with exceptional results.
Face Lifting Overview
Face lifting, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing visible signs of aging in the face and neck. This transformative operation involves tightening the facial skin, removing excess skin, and sometimes repositioning underlying tissues. The result is a more youthful facial contour, with diminished wrinkles and sagging. The evolution of this procedure over the years has led to the development of various techniques, each tailored to meet different aesthetic goals and patient needs.
Various face lifting techniques have been developed to cater to specific needs and preferences. Here, we delve into five common types of face lifting procedures: Deep Plane Facelift, SMAS Facelift, Thread Facelift, Neck Lift, and Fat Grafting. Each of these techniques targets different areas and issues, providing tailored solutions for individuals looking to rejuvenate their appearance.
The Deep Plane Facelift is considered one of the most comprehensive face lifting techniques. It targets deep facial structures, specifically addressing the musculature and connective tissues below the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) layer. The goal of this procedure is to reposition these deeper layers without overly tightening the skin, which helps achieve a more natural-looking result. It's particularly effective in improving nasolabial folds and sagging cheeks, offering long-lasting results. Because of its depth and complexity, this procedure usually requires a skilled surgeon with substantial experience in facial anatomy.
2. SMAS Facelift
The SMAS Facelift focuses on the layer of tissue just underneath the skin called the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS). This technique lifts and repositions the SMAS layer, tightening facial muscles and removing excess skin. It's useful for enhancing the jawline, reducing jowls, and creating a more youthful facial contour. Compared to a Deep Plane Facelift, the SMAS Facelift might be less invasive, but it still offers significant improvements by addressing both the skin and the underlying supportive structures of the face.
3. Thread Facelift
The Thread Facelift, often referred to as a non-surgical facelift, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses special threads to lift and tighten sagging skin. These threads are inserted into the face through tiny incisions and then pulled to lift the facial tissues. The threads are absorbed by the body over time, stimulating collagen production and providing a supportive structure for the skin to adhere to. This method is best suited for patients looking for a less invasive option with a shorter recovery time, targeting mild to moderate sagging.
4. Neck Lift
A Neck Lift specifically targets aging signs in the neck and lower jawline area. It aims to remove excess skin, eliminate or reduce the appearance of a "turkey neck," and define the jawline. This procedure can be performed alone or in combination with other face lifting techniques for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. It is ideal for individuals concerned with loose skin and fat accumulation in the neck area, providing a smoother, more refined neckline.
5. Fat Grafting
Fat Grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, involves harvesting fat from one area of the patient's body and injecting it into the face. This technique is used to add volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. It can be an adjunct to other face-lifting procedures or performed on its own, particularly for patients seeking a more subtle lift or those focusing on volume loss rather than skin sagging. The fat is typically taken from areas like the abdomen or thighs, purified, and then meticulously placed in the facial areas requiring augmentation.
Each of these face lifting types offers unique advantages and can be tailored to meet the patient's aesthetic goals and recovery expectations. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the most suitable procedure for achieving a rejuvenated, natural-looking facial appearance.
1. Face Lifting Procedure
The face lifting process begins with pre-operative assessments, including detailed discussions about the patient's expectations and the desired outcome. The actual procedure, which takes a few hours, can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions, often around the hairline and ears, to minimize visible scarring. Skin is then lifted, tissues are repositioned or removed, and the skin is sutured back into place. This procedure demands precision and care to ensure natural-looking results.
2. Who Is Face Lifting For?
Face lifting can benefit those who seek to address:
- Sagging facial skin and deep creases along the nose and mouth
- Loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone in the face and neck
- Jowls or loss of the defined jawline
- Double chin, due to loose skin or excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw
3. Face Lifting Aftercare
Post-procedure, it's crucial to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions closely. This includes taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up visits, and caring for the incision sites. Patients are advised to keep their heads elevated and avoid strenuous activities to minimize swelling and promote healing. The application of cold compresses can also alleviate discomfort during the initial recovery phase.
4. Face Lifting Recovery Period
Recovery varies among individuals but typically spans a few weeks to a few months for full effects to become visible. Initial swelling and bruising subside in the first few weeks, allowing the results of the face lift to emerge. Most patients can resume normal activities within two to three weeks, though full recovery and final results may take up to several months to fully manifest.
Best Clinics in Korea
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery | Led by internationally acclaimed surgeons; expertise in natural facial harmony; comprehensive facelift options; state-of-the-art 4-floor facility; strong focus on patient safety and satisfaction; surgeons active in international research and education; personalized treatment plans; extensive revision surgery experience | Traditional facelift, thread lift, face fat grafting tailored to individual needs |
| Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic | Led by renowned female plastic surgeon; personalized treatment plans; advanced facelift techniques; comprehensive care integrating facial lifting with other aesthetic services; commitment to safety and natural outcomes; multidisciplinary team; state-of-the-art technology; extensive revision surgery experience | Traditional facelift, mini lift, endoscopic forehead lift, thread lifting, laser lifting |
| Made Young Plastic Surgery | Prioritizes patient safety; blend of classic beauty ideals with cutting-edge methods; comprehensive range of services; personalized care; transforms appearance and restores confidence | Traditional surgical facelifts, neck lifts, advanced non-invasive lifting techniques, face contouring, rhinoplasty, specialized eye surgeries |
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, is a premier destination for facelift procedures in Korea. The clinic is renowned for its team of highly skilled, board-certified surgeons, including Dr. Kim, Dr. Jeong, and Dr. Lee, who bring decades of combined experience and international recognition to their practice. With a strong emphasis on natural beauty and facial harmony, THEPLUS offers personalized facelift treatments that enhance existing features while ensuring safety and long-lasting results. The clinic’s commitment to cutting-edge research, continuous education, and patient-centered care makes it the best choice for anyone seeking advanced facelift surgery in Korea.
Why THEPLUS Plastic Surgery is the best clinic for facelift-in-Korea:
- Led by internationally acclaimed surgeons who are active contributors to global plastic surgery research and education.
- Expertise in achieving a harmonious balance of facial features, enhancing natural beauty rather than creating artificial looks.
- Comprehensive facelift options including traditional facelift, thread lift, and face fat grafting tailored to individual needs.
- State-of-the-art facility spanning four floors, providing seamless care from consultation to post-operative skincare.
- Strong focus on patient safety and satisfaction, supported by a team with over a decade of professional experience.
- Surgeons regularly participate in international symposiums and lead educational sessions, ensuring the latest techniques and innovations.
- Personalized treatment plans that combine aesthetic goals with functional considerations for optimal outcomes.
- Extensive experience in revision surgeries, making THEPLUS a trusted choice for complex or secondary facelift procedures.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic stands out as a premier destination for facelift procedures in Korea, combining expert medical care with a deeply personalized approach. The clinic is led by a highly experienced female plastic surgeon and a dedicated team of specialists who prioritize sincerity, precision, and individualized treatment plans. At Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic, patients embark on a comprehensive journey of transformation, supported by cutting-edge techniques and empathetic care. Their extensive range of aesthetic services ensures that every aspect of facial rejuvenation and body contouring is addressed with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail, making it the best choice for those seeking facelift surgery in Korea.
Why Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic is the best choice for facelift-in-Korea:
- Led by a renowned female plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial rejuvenation.
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
- Utilization of advanced facelift techniques including traditional face lift surgery, mini lift, endoscopic forehead lift, thread lifting, and laser lifting.
- Comprehensive care that integrates facial lifting with other aesthetic services for harmonious results.
- Commitment to patient safety, comfort, and natural-looking outcomes.
- A multidisciplinary team offering expertise in related areas such as skin care, scar management, and non-surgical enhancements.
- State-of-the-art medical technology combined with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
- Extensive experience in revision surgeries to refine and improve previous facelift results.
You can check out their website here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
Made Young Plastic Surgery
Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located in Seoul's prestigious Gangnam district, is widely regarded as the premier destination for facelift procedures in Korea due to its exceptional blend of safety, innovation, and personalized care. The clinic’s team of highly skilled plastic surgeons and medical professionals prioritize patient safety above all, ensuring every procedure—from traditional surgical facelifts and neck lifts to advanced non-invasive lifting techniques—is performed with meticulous precision and the latest technology. Made Young stands out by harmonizing classic beauty ideals with cutting-edge methods, offering a comprehensive range of services including face contouring, rhinoplasty, and specialized eye surgeries, all tailored to enhance each patient’s unique features. This commitment to excellence and individualized treatment not only transforms appearances but also restores confidence, making Made Young the trusted choice for those seeking the highest quality facelift experience in Korea.
You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
Face Lifting in Korea
Korea stands out in the field of face lifting due to its advanced surgical techniques and emphasis on achieving natural-looking results. Korean surgeons are celebrated for their meticulous approach, focusing on precise adjustments and patient-specific strategies. The high standard of care, coupled with competitive pricing, makes Korea an attractive destination for those seeking face lifting procedures.
Cost of Face Lifting in Korea
| Procedure Price | Korean Won (₩) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Low Price | ₩7,000,000 | $5100 |
| High Price | ₩15,000,000 | $10900 |
Exchange rate as of 2025-05-22: 1 KRW = 0.0007 USD
Please note that these prices are approximate guidelines and can vary significantly based on the clinic and your individual circumstances.
The cost of face lifting in Korea generally ranges between $6,000 and $15,000, significantly lower than the average cost in the USA, which can exceed $20,000. This price variation, combined with Korea's reputation for quality and innovation in cosmetic surgery, makes it an enticing option for international patients. Factors influencing cost include the extent of the procedure, the clinic's reputation, and the surgeon's expertise.
Alternatives to Face Lifting
For those hesitant about surgical procedures, there are several non-surgical alternatives:
- Thread Lifts: Offer a less invasive solution for skin tightening and lifting through the insertion of temporary sutures.
- Dermal Fillers: Can restore lost volume and smooth out wrinkles, providing an immediate lifting effect.
- Ultherapy: Uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production, tightening and lifting the skin naturally over time.
Conclusion
Face lifting in Korea represents a fusion of advanced medical techniques, aesthetic innovation, and a deep understanding of facial harmony. Whether opting for a traditional face lift or exploring minimally invasive alternatives, patients seeking rejuvenation find Korea a destination that promises not just transformations but a fresh lease on aesthetics and confidence. With the right clinic and specialist, the journey to a revitalized appearance can be both fulfilling and transformative.
