Surgical lifting · Facial rejuvenation
Full Facelift in Seoul
A full facelift treats the temple, cheeks, jowls and jawline in one operation. The surgeon repositions the deeper support layer and removes only the excess skin, so the whole face is lifted in balance.
It is the most comprehensive facelift option in Korea, chosen by patients with moderate to severe facial aging who want results that last 10–15 years.
What makes it a "full" facelift
Your face has layers: skin, a layer of fat, then the SMAS (a sheet of muscle and fibrous tissue), and beneath that the facial muscles and nerves. As you age, all of these slide down together, from the outer brow and temple to the cheeks, jowls and jawline. A full facelift addresses that whole chain in one plan.
The incision runs from inside the temple hairline, around the ear and into the hairline behind it. Through it, the surgeon lifts the skin and repositions the SMAS or the deeper tissues beneath it, depending on how much correction you need. Depending on the plan, the temple portion can also give the outer brow a modest lift. A neck lift can be added through a small incision under the chin.
Most often chosen for
- Moderate to severe aging across the upper, mid and lower face
- A dropped outer brow and temple along with sagging cheeks and jowls
- Deep folds around the mouth and a blurred jawline
- Results that last 10–15 years from one operation
Often combined with
- Neck lift for neck bands and loose skin under the chin
- Facial fat grafting to restore lost volume
- Brow lift or eyelid surgery for the forehead and eyes
The procedure, layer by layer
This cross-section of the cheek shows what the surgeon does at each stage. Press play, or tap a step.
Incision
A fine incision is made inside the temple hairline and along the natural curve of the ear, where it will be hard to see once healed.
Where the incisions are made
The incision follows lines your eye already skips over: the temple hairline, the front edge of the ear and the crease behind it. Most of its length ends up inside hair or tucked behind the ear.
- A
Temple Inside the hairline above the ear, hidden by hair. It can also give the outer brow a modest lift.
- 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.
- D
Under the chin A short incision of about 2–3 cm, added only when a neck lift is combined.
- →
Lift direction The cheeks and jowls are lifted up and back toward the hairline and ear, and the temple area is lifted toward the hairline.
Schematic illustration. Exact incision placement is planned for each patient, for example to keep the temple hairline and sideburn from shifting.
How the scar heals over 12 months
Because the deeper layer holds the lift, the skin is closed with little tension. Low tension is what lets a facelift 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 scar settle.
Recovery timeline
Most patients are back to everyday activities and comfortable flying home after three to four weeks. Your facial contour keeps refining for three to six 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 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 band and keep your head raised.
- Week 1–3
Swelling and bruising Swelling and bruising are most visible in this period. Cold compresses, rest and a soft diet help. Expect tightness more than sharp pain.
- Day 7–10
Sutures out Stitches are removed. Light makeup can usually cover remaining bruising.
- Week 3–4
Back to daily life Return to desk work and social plans. Final review before most international patients fly home.
- Week 4–6
Exercise Gradual return to the gym and strenuous activity once your surgeon clears you.
- Month 3–6
Result settles Residual swelling resolves and the brow, cheeks and jawline 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
- Have moderate to severe facial aging, typically in your late 40s to 60s
- See sagging across the temple, cheeks, jowls and jawline together
- Want comprehensive surgical rejuvenation in one operation
- Were not satisfied with non-surgical or limited lifts
- Are healthy, a non-smoker or willing to stop for several weeks
Another option may suit you better if
- Sagging is mostly in the cheeks and jowls: a SMAS facelift may be enough
- Your main concern is the lower face: consider a lower face facelift or mini facelift
- Only the outer brow has dropped: a temporal lift is less invasive
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Every facelift carries risk, and a longer operation over a wider area adds to it. Choose a surgeon who performs full facelifts regularly. Ask about: bleeding under the skin (hematoma), temporary numbness or facial weakness, hair thinning or a shifted hairline near the temple, slow wound healing (higher in smokers), asymmetry and the usual risks of general anesthesia.
Full facelift cost in Seoul
| Procedure | Approximate price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Full facelift | ₩15,000,000 – ₩30,000,000+ |
| Full facelift + neck lift and fat grafting | ₩20,000,000 – ₩45,000,000+ |
Your quote depends on how much sagging needs correcting, whether SMAS or deep plane dissection is used, any combined procedures, the anesthesia method and the aftercare program. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Full facelift vs. SMAS facelift
| SMAS facelift | Full facelift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cheeks, jowls, jawline | Temple, outer brow, mid-face, jowls, jawline |
| Layer treated | SMAS tightened, skin lifted separately | SMAS or deeper tissue, over a wider area |
| Typical age | 40s–60s | Late 40s–60s |
| Operating time | 3–5 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Results last | 10+ years | 10–15 years |
| Cost | ₩10M–20M+ | ₩15M–30M+ |
Common questions
How is a full facelift different from a SMAS facelift?
A SMAS facelift focuses on the cheeks, jowls and jawline. A full facelift covers a wider area, including the temple and outer brow, and may use SMAS or deep plane techniques. It takes longer and recovery is slower, but it treats the face as a whole.
Will people be able to see my scars?
The incision runs inside the temple hairline, along the natural fold in front of the ear and in the crease behind it. Once healed, usually after 6–12 months, it fades to a fine line that is hard to notice in conversation.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
Plan for 3–4 weeks. That covers the first check-up, suture removal at day 7–10 and a final review before you fly home.
How long do the results last?
Results often last 10–15 years, depending on your skin quality, how fast you age and your lifestyle. Your face keeps aging, but from a more youthful starting point.
How much does a full facelift cost in Seoul?
Approximately ₩15,000,000 to ₩30,000,000+, or ₩20,000,000 to ₩45,000,000+ when combined with a neck lift and fat grafting. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Does a full facelift lift the forehead?
The temple portion can give the outer brow a modest lift, depending on the plan. For a low or heavy forehead, a separate brow lift is often added in the same operation.
Is the recovery painful?
Most patients describe tightness, swelling and numbness rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is usually well controlled with prescribed medication during the first week.
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.
