December 24, 2025

Facelift and Facial Contouring Surgery in Korea

In Korea, facial rejuvenation goes beyond lifting sagging skin. Many patients choose facelift and facial contouring surgery together to achieve a more youthful yet well-balanced facial structure. This combined approach addresses both soft tissue aging and bone-based facial proportions, which is why Korea is globally recognized for natural-looking facial surgery outcomes.

Why Combine Facelift and Facial Contouring Surgery?

Facial aging affects multiple layers of the face:

  • Skin laxity and wrinkles
  • Drooping fat pads and jowls
  • Changes in facial shape due to bone structure visibility

A facelift improves sagging, but it does not change facial width, jawline shape, or cheekbone balance. Facial contouring surgery reshapes the underlying framework, creating harmony between lifted skin and refined structure.

Together, they provide comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

What Is a Facelift in Korea?

A facelift in Korea focuses on structural lifting, not skin pulling.

Key features include:

  • Deep tissue lifting for long-lasting results
  • Natural tension distribution to avoid a tight appearance
  • Emphasis on facial balance and symmetry

Areas commonly improved:

  • Jowls
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Mid-face sagging
  • Neck laxity

What Is Facial Contouring Surgery?

Facial contouring surgery reshapes facial bones to create a smoother, more proportionate facial outline.

Common contouring procedures include:

  • Jaw contouring (V-line surgery)
  • Cheekbone reduction
  • Chin reshaping or advancement

These procedures are especially popular in Korea due to the emphasis on soft, oval facial lines rather than sharp or exaggerated contours.

How Facelift and Contouring Work Together

When combined, these surgeries address aging in a layered way:

  • Facelift: Lifts and repositions sagging skin and soft tissue
  • Facial Contouring: Refines facial width, angles, and proportions

This prevents issues such as:

  • Loose skin after contouring alone
  • A lifted face that still looks wide or unbalanced

The result is a face that looks younger, slimmer, and naturally refined.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

This combined approach is often suitable for individuals who:

  • Have facial sagging with a wide or heavy lower face
  • Want both anti-aging and facial shape improvement
  • Are seeking long-term, structural facial change
  • Prefer one recovery period instead of multiple surgeries

Age is less important than facial anatomy and overall health.

Recovery and Downtime

Because both procedures are surgical, recovery requires planning.

General expectations include:

  • Initial swelling and bruising for several weeks
  • Gradual refinement over 3–6 months
  • Final results continuing to improve up to 1 year

Korean surgical planning prioritizes smooth recovery and minimized scarring.

Why Korea Is Known for This Combined Approach

Korea is internationally recognized for:

  • Advanced facial anatomy expertise
  • Conservative, detail-oriented surgical techniques
  • Aesthetic focus on harmony rather than dramatic change
  • High surgical volume leading to refined protocols

These factors make Korea a top destination for facelift and facial contouring surgery.

Facelift Alone vs Facelift + Facial Contouring

Facelift Alone

  • Improves sagging and wrinkles
  • Does not change facial width or bone structure

Facelift + Facial Contouring

  • Improves sagging and facial shape
  • Creates better symmetry and balance
  • Produces more complete rejuvenation

For patients with both aging and structural concerns, the combined approach often delivers superior results.

Key Takeaway

Facelift and facial contouring surgery in Korea work together to address both aging and facial shape. By lifting sagging tissues and refining facial structure at the same time, patients can achieve natural, youthful, and well-proportioned results that age gracefully.

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Nerve injury is one of the most commonly discussed concerns in facelift surgery. While it is uncommon, it is a real risk that patients should clearly understand before undergoing a surgical facelift—especially when deeper lifting techniques are involved. This guide explains what nerve injury means in facelift surgery, how often it occurs, which nerves are involved, and how Korean facelift techniques aim to minimize this risk. What Does “Nerve Injury” Mean in Facelift Surgery? In facelift surgery, nerve injury refers to temporary or permanent disruption of facial nerve function caused by surgical manipulation, stretching, compression, or trauma during tissue lifting. Facial nerves control: Facial expressions Muscle movement (smiling, blinking, lip motion) Sensory feeling in certain areas Most nerve-related issues after facelift surgery are temporary and resolve on their own over time. Facial Nerves Involved in Facelift Surgery Motor Nerves (Most Important) These control facial movement and expression. Key branches include: Temporal branch (forehead & eyebrow movement) Zygomatic branch (eye closure & cheek movement) Buccal branch (smiling & upper lip movement) Marginal mandibular branch (lower lip movement) Sensory Nerves These affect feeling rather than movement. Earlobe and cheek numbness is common early after surgery Usually resolves within weeks to months How Common Is Nerve Injury After a Facelift? Temporary nerve weakness: uncommon but possible Permanent nerve damage: rare when surgery is properly performed Most cases involve stretching or swelling, not nerve cutting In experienced hands, the overall risk of permanent facial nerve injury is very low. Types of Nerve-Related Issues After Facelift Surgery Temporary Nerve Weakness Mild asymmetry when smiling Difficulty raising eyebrows Uneven lip movement Typically improves within weeks to months Sensory Changes Numbness around ears or cheeks Tingling or altered sensation Gradual recovery over time Permanent Nerve Injury (Rare) Persistent muscle weakness Long-term asymmetry Often linked to complex anatomy or revision surgery Which Facelift Techniques Carry Higher Nerve Risk? Higher Technical Risk Deep plane facelift Revision facelift surgery Combined facelift + neck lift These involve deeper anatomical layers closer to facial nerve branches. Lower Technical Risk Mini facelift Skin-only facelift Limited endoscopic procedures However, technique alone does not determine safety—surgeon experience matters more. Why Facelift Surgery in Korea Emphasizes Nerve Safety Korean facelift surgery is known for: Detailed facial nerve anatomy knowledge Conservative tension techniques Layer-specific dissection Emphasis on natural movement rather than tight pulling Many Korean surgeons prioritize structural repositioning over skin tension, reducing nerve strain. How Surgeons Minimize Nerve Injury Risk Key safety strategies include: Precise anatomical dissection Avoiding excessive traction on tissues Maintaining correct surgical planes Gentle handling of nerves Thorough preoperative facial analysis Intraoperative technique is the most important factor in nerve protection. Recovery Timeline for Nerve-Related Symptoms SymptomTypical RecoveryMild numbnessWeeks to monthsTemporary weakness1–6 monthsSwelling-related asymmetryImproves as swelling resolvesPermanent nerve damageRare Most patients who experience nerve-related symptoms see gradual and full improvement. When to Be Concerned After Surgery Patients should report: Worsening facial weakness No improvement after several months Difficulty closing eyes Persistent drooping on one side Early evaluation helps rule out complications and guide recovery care. Final Thoughts Nerve injury risk in facelift surgery is real but low, especially when the procedure is properly planned and performed. The majority of nerve-related symptoms are temporary and reversible, caused by swelling or nerve stretching rather than permanent damage. Understanding this risk allows patients to make informed decisions and approach facelift surgery with realistic expectations—particularly when considering advanced lifting techniques.