Incisional Facelift (SMAS) in Korea

Because the tissue is lifted and anchored down to the SMAS layer, results tend to last longer than non-surgical procedures such as thread lifting. However, aging continues, so how long results last varies by individual depending on age, skin elasticity, and lifestyle.

Minimal incision lifting involves an incision only in front of the ear, primarily improving the midface, while incisional lifting involves an incision from the front to the back of the ear, improving the midface, lower face, and neck wrinkles all at once.

We proceed on the view that fully dissecting the retaining ligaments before lifting reduces tissue strain. Any interfering ligaments are identified and handled safely, and the degree of improvement and scarring burden vary by individual.

Incisions are made along the natural creases in front of the ear and the hairline behind the ear, making scars less visible.

Incisional lifting, commonly called a facelift, lifts and fixes tissue starting from the fascia layer (SMAS) that causes sagging. A wide dissection from in front of the ear to behind it expands the range of tissue that can be lifted, and the remaining excess skin is removed before suturing.

We do not recommend one method for everyone; we choose the method best suited to your current facial condition. If skin sagging has progressed significantly, a facelift may be a more suitable choice than a thread lift; if you are not at that stage yet, we discuss a thread lift or other options.

Thread lifting and other lifting methods work differently, so the choice depends on whether sagging or reduced elasticity is the primary cause. If sagging has progressed to the point where excess skin itself needs to be addressed, threads alone may not achieve the desired change, and we advise incisional lifting instead.

Incisional lifting aims to address the midface, lower face, and neck wrinkles together in a single surgery by extending the dissection from in front of the ear to behind the ear. The degree of improvement varies with the degree of aging and skin elasticity.

Recovery takes about 2 weeks as a guideline, and because the incision is more extensive, swelling and bruising may last longer than with minimal-incision lifting. Recovery speed varies from person to person, so we check your condition at follow-up visits and advise you on when to return.

We decide after checking how the incision heals and the swelling subsides. We review your condition at suture removal and follow-up visits and advise you individually.

Because the dissection extends to the lower face before lifting, sagging tissue around the jawline is addressed as well. However, a double chin has various causes, and the treatment to combine differs depending on whether loss of skin elasticity or the weight of fat is the main cause.

Device treatments allow quick recovery, but if sagging has progressed to the fascia (SMAS) layer, the degree of improvement may be limited. After identifying which layer the sagging comes from, we determine during consultation whether it can be managed with non-surgical treatment or requires surgery.

We look at sagging in three categories: whether it is due to the elasticity of the skin itself, whether fat has shifted downward, or whether the retaining ligaments that hold tissue in place have loosened. Because the right method depends on the cause, we make this distinction first during consultation.

Dr. Daehee Han, a board-certified plastic surgeon, personally handles everything from consultation to surgery and follow-up. He analyzes the degree of aging, facial contours and proportions, muscle and fat, and skin elasticity to make a surgical plan, then carries it straight through to surgery.

Follow-up visits are scheduled at 1 day, 5 days, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Because this surgery involves a wider incision, we check swelling, bruising, and changes in sensation at each stage, and between visits you can consult with us about your recovery via WhatsApp.

It depends on the scope of surgery, any combined procedures, and the anesthesia method. After your condition is checked at the medical consultation, our consultation manager will explain the cost.

Yes. If sagging is still limited to the midface, we first discuss minimal-incision lifting; if volume change rather than sagging is the main cause, we first discuss ways to restore volume. Our principle is to choose the method best suited to your current condition.