Surgical facelifts in Korea are designed to address facial sagging, deep wrinkles, and age-related volume descent with long-lasting results. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Korean facial surgery typically offers several facelift techniques tailored to age, skin condition, and degree of sagging.

This guide explains the three main types of surgical facelifts in Korea—Full Facelift, Mini Facelift, and Deep Plane Facelift—so patients can understand how they differ and who each option is best suited for.

What Is a Surgical Facelift?

A surgical facelift is a cosmetic procedure that repositions facial tissues, tightens underlying structures, and removes excess skin to restore a more youthful facial contour. Unlike non-surgical lifting treatments, surgical facelifts provide structural correction and longer-lasting results.

In Korea, facelift surgery emphasizes:

• Natural facial balance
• Smooth jawline and cheek transitions
• Minimal visible scarring
• Harmony with Asian facial anatomy

Full Facelift in Korea

What It Treats

A full facelift targets advanced facial aging across multiple areas:

• Deep nasolabial folds
• Sagging cheeks and midface
• Jowls and jawline laxity
• Neck skin sagging

Surgical Approach

• Incisions usually extend around the ears and into the hairline
• Skin and deeper tissues (SMAS layer) are lifted and repositioned
• Excess skin is carefully removed

Who It’s Best For

• Patients typically in their late 40s to 60s
• Moderate to severe facial sagging
• Those seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation

Key Benefits

• Dramatic and long-lasting results
• Full correction of face and neck aging
• Strong jawline definition

Recovery

• Swelling and bruising for 2–3 weeks
• Most patients resume daily activities in about 3–4 weeks

Mini Facelift in Korea

What It Treats

A mini facelift focuses on early signs of aging:

• Mild jowls
• Early jawline sagging
• Slight cheek descent

Surgical Approach

• Shorter incisions, typically around the ears
• Limited lifting of facial tissues
• Less invasive than a full facelift

Who It’s Best For

• Patients in their late 30s to early 50s
• Mild to moderate sagging
• Those wanting subtle, natural improvement

Key Benefits

• Smaller scars
• Shorter surgery time
• Faster recovery

Recovery

• Swelling usually subsides within 1–2 weeks
• Return to normal routines sooner than full facelift

Deep Plane Facelift in Korea

What It Treats

The deep plane facelift addresses facial aging at its structural root:

• Midface drooping
• Deep smile lines
• Sagging cheeks and jawline
• Facial heaviness or flattened contours

Surgical Approach

• Lifting occurs beneath the SMAS layer
• Facial muscles and fat pads are repositioned as a single unit
• Skin tension is minimized, focusing on deep support

Who It’s Best For

• Patients with significant midface sagging
• Those wanting the most natural, long-term results
• Individuals concerned about an “over-pulled” look

Key Benefits

• Extremely natural facial movement
• Long-lasting rejuvenation
• Better midface and cheek elevation

Recovery

• Slightly longer recovery than mini facelift
• Swelling improves gradually over several weeks



Why Korea Is Known for Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery in Korea is recognized for:

• Advanced facial anatomy expertise
• Precision scar placement
• Natural aesthetic outcomes
• High surgical volume and specialization

Korean surgeons often customize facelift techniques based on facial proportions, skin thickness, and bone structure rather than relying on a single standard method.

Choosing the Right Facelift in Korea

Selecting the right surgical facelift depends on:

• Degree of facial sagging
• Age and skin elasticity
• Desired level of correction
• Recovery time preference

A proper consultation typically includes facial analysis, skin condition evaluation, and discussion of long-term goals to determine the most suitable facelift approach.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between full facelift, mini facelift, and deep plane facelift in Korea helps patients make informed decisions based on their aging concerns and expectations. Each technique offers distinct advantages, and when performed with proper planning, surgical facelifts can deliver natural, balanced, and long-lasting rejuvenation.