Surgical lifting · Face and neck rejuvenation
Face and Neck Lift in Seoul
A face and neck lift treats the lower face and the neck in one operation. The surgeon repositions the deeper support layers of the cheeks and jawline, tightens the neck muscle and removes excess fat and skin under the chin.
It suits patients in their late 40s to 60s whose jowls, loose neck skin and neck bands have developed together, and it gives results that typically last 10–15 years.
Why treat the face and neck together
The jawline is where the face ends and the neck begins. When the cheeks and jowls drop, the neck usually loosens too. Lifting only the face can leave a heavy neck below a sharp jawline, and lifting only the neck can leave jowls above it. Treating both in one plan keeps the result balanced.
Through incisions around the ears and along the hairline, the surgeon lifts the facial skin and tightens or repositions the SMAS (the sheet of muscle and fibrous tissue under the facial fat), using a SMAS or deep plane approach. A short incision under the chin gives access to the platysma (the thin neck muscle that forms vertical bands with age), which is tightened, and to the fat beneath the chin. Excess skin is then trimmed and the incisions closed.
Most often chosen for
- Jowls together with loose skin under the chin
- Visible vertical neck bands
- A blurred jawline and a soft chin-to-neck angle
- One recovery period for face and neck
Often combined with
- Facial fat grafting to restore lost volume
- Eyelid surgery for tired or hooded eyes
- Brow lift for a low or heavy brow
The procedure, layer by layer
This cross-section of the lower face and neck shows what the surgeon does at each stage. Press play, or tap a step.
Incisions
Fine incisions run inside the temple hairline, around the front and back of the ear, and in a short crease under the chin.
Where the incisions are made
The facelift incision follows the hairline and the natural folds around the ear, and the neck is reached through a short crease under the chin. Most of the length ends up in hair, behind the ear or under the jaw.
- A
Temple Inside the hairline above the ear, hidden by hair.
- B
In front of the ear Follows the ear's natural fold and the edge of the tragus, then curves around the earlobe.
- C
Behind the ear Runs up the crease behind the ear and back into the hairline at the nape, where neck skin is tightened.
- D
Under the chin A short incision of about 2–3 cm in the natural crease, used to tighten the platysma and remove fat.
- →
Lift direction The face moves up and back, and the neck skin is drawn back toward the ear and the hairline behind it.
Schematic illustration. Exact incision placement is planned for each patient, for example to protect the sideburn and the hairline behind the ear.
How the scar heals over 12 months
The deeper layers carry the lift, so the skin is closed with little tension. That is what lets the scar mature into a fine line. Move the slider to see the typical progression.
Healing stage
Week 1
Fine sutures are in place and the line is red and slightly raised. Sutures come out at around day 7–10.
Healing varies. Darker and Asian skin can stay pink or brown for longer. Silicone gel, sun protection and avoiding smoking all help the scars settle.
Recovery timeline
Swelling and bruising are most visible in the first 2–3 weeks, and most patients return to daily activities within 3–4 weeks. The contour of the face and neck keeps refining over 3–6 months.
Illustrative curve based on typical recovery; time axis is compressed so the first weeks are easier to read.
- Day 0
Surgery 4–6 hours, usually under general anesthesia. Many clinics keep you overnight for monitoring.
- Day 1–2
First check-up Dressing changed and drains removed if used. You'll wear a compression garment around the face and neck and keep your head raised.
- Day 3–5
Peak swelling Swelling and bruising of the face and neck are at their most visible. Cold compresses, rest and a soft diet help. Expect tightness under the chin.
- Day 7–10
Sutures out Stitches are removed. Light makeup can usually cover remaining bruising on the face.
- Week 2–3
Fly home Most swelling and bruising has eased. Final review before most international patients fly home.
- Week 3–4
Back to daily life Return to work and social plans. Gradual return to exercise once your surgeon clears you.
- Month 3–6
Result settles Residual swelling resolves and the jawline and neck show their final contour.
- Month 6–12
Scars mature Incision lines fade to fine, pale lines.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Are in your late 40s to 60s with sagging in both the lower face and neck
- Have jowls together with loose neck skin, neck bands or fat under the chin
- Want one operation and one recovery for both areas
- Value a natural result that lasts around 10–15 years
- Are healthy, a non-smoker or willing to stop for several weeks
Another option may suit you better if
- Your concern is mainly the neck: a neck lift may be enough
- Your neck is firm and the sagging is in the cheeks and jowls: consider a deep plane facelift or lower face facelift
- You only have fullness under the chin with good skin tone: liposuction may help
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Every face and neck lift carries risk. Ask your surgeon about bleeding under the skin (hematoma), which is more likely in the neck, fluid collection, temporary numbness of the face, neck and ears, temporary weakness of the lower lip from strain on the marginal mandibular nerve, hair thinning near incisions, slow wound healing (higher in smokers), irregular contour under the chin, asymmetry and the usual risks of general anesthesia.
Face and neck lift cost in Seoul
| Procedure | Approximate price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Face and neck lift | ₩18,000,000 – ₩35,000,000+ |
| Face and neck lift + fat grafting or other procedures | ₩25,000,000 – ₩45,000,000+ |
Your quote depends on how much sagging needs correcting, whether SMAS or deep plane lifting is used, the extent of neck muscle tightening, the anesthesia method and the aftercare program. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Face and neck lift vs. neck lift
| Neck lift | Face and neck lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Loose neck skin, bands, chin fat | Jowls, jawline and neck together |
| Areas treated | Neck and under the chin | Mid-face, lower face and neck |
| Typical age | 40s–60s | Late 40s–60s |
| Operating time | 1.5–3 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Back to daily life | 2–3 weeks | 3–4 weeks |
| Results last | 8–12+ years | 10–15 years |
| Cost | ₩8M–18M+ | ₩18M–35M+ |
Common questions
How is a face and neck lift different from a facelift alone?
A facelift lifts the cheeks, jowls and jawline. A face and neck lift adds work under the chin: the platysma muscle is tightened, excess fat is removed and loose neck skin is drawn back toward the ears. It treats the full contour from cheek to collarbone.
Will people be able to see my scars?
The incisions run inside the temple hairline, along the natural fold in front of the ear, behind the ear and in the crease under the chin. Once healed, usually after 6–12 months, they fade to fine lines that are hard to notice in conversation.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Plan for 2–3 weeks. That covers the first check-up, suture removal at day 7–10 and a final review before you fly home. Most patients return to daily activities within 3–4 weeks.
How long do the results last?
Results typically last 10–15 years, depending on how your face ages, your skin quality and your lifestyle.
How much does a face and neck lift cost in Seoul?
Approximately ₩18,000,000 to ₩35,000,000+, or ₩25,000,000 to ₩45,000,000+ with fat grafting or other procedures. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Is the recovery painful?
Most patients describe tightness under the chin, swelling and numbness rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is usually well controlled with prescribed medication during the first week.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with fat grafting, eyelid surgery or a brow lift for a full facial rejuvenation in one operation.
Other lifting procedures
Gangnam.Health is an independent directory and does not perform surgery. This page is general information, not medical advice. Illustrations are schematic. Prices are approximate ranges at Seoul clinics and vary by case; final pricing and treatment plans are set by the operating surgeon after consultation.
