Surgical lifting · Jawline and jowls
Lower Face Facelift in Seoul
The lower face facelift targets the jowls, jawline and lower cheeks. The surgeon tightens the SMAS beneath the skin, lifts the tissue back into place and removes excess skin.
It suits patients in their late 30s to 50s with noticeable jowls who want a sharper jawline without treating the whole face.
What the lower face facelift treats
Your face has layers: skin, a layer of fat, then the SMAS (a sheet of muscle and fibrous tissue that supports the cheeks and jowls). With age the SMAS loosens and the jowls slide down over the jawline. A lower face facelift focuses on this area, from the lower cheek to the angle of the jaw.
The surgeon lifts the skin, then tightens the SMAS or deeper support layer as needed, usually by folding and stitching it or by trimming and overlapping it. The jowl is lifted up and back and the excess skin is removed. Compared with a mini facelift, the incision runs further behind the ear, so more loose skin can be removed along the jaw.
Most often chosen for
- Noticeable jowls and a blurred jawline
- Sagging of the lower cheeks
- Loose skin along the jaw that threads can no longer lift
- A longer-lasting result than a mini facelift
Often combined with
- Neck lift for loose skin and bands under the chin
- Facial fat grafting to restore lost volume
- Ultherapy or other non-surgical tightening to maintain the result
The procedure, layer by layer
This cross-section of the lower cheek shows what the surgeon does at each stage. Press play, or tap a step.
Incision
An incision is made in front of the ear, around the earlobe and up the crease behind the ear into the hairline.
Where the incisions are made
The incision follows the front edge of the ear, wraps around the earlobe and runs up the crease behind the ear. Most of its length ends up tucked behind the ear or in the hairline.
- A
In front of the ear Follows the ear's natural fold and the edge of the tragus, then curves around the earlobe.
- B
Behind the ear Runs up the crease behind the ear and back into the hairline, where excess skin from the jaw is removed.
- C
Under the chin A short incision of about 2–3 cm, added only when a neck lift is combined.
- →
Lift direction The jowl moves up and back toward the ear, which sharpens the jawline without a pulled look.
Schematic illustration. Exact incision placement is planned for each patient, for example to keep the nape hairline in place.
How the scar heals over 12 months
Because the SMAS carries the lift, the skin is closed with little tension. Low tension helps 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 scar settle.
Recovery timeline
Most patients return to daily activities within two to three weeks. Swelling and bruising are most visible in the first one to two weeks, and the jawline keeps refining over one to three months.
Illustrative curve based on typical recovery; time axis is compressed so the first weeks are easier to read.
- Day 0
Surgery 2–4 hours under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia. Some 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
Peak swelling Swelling and bruising are at their most visible. Cold compresses, rest and a soft diet help. Expect tightness along the jaw.
- Day 7–10
Sutures out Stitches are removed. Light makeup can usually cover remaining bruising.
- Week 2–3
Back to daily life Return to 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 1–3
Result settles Residual swelling resolves and the jawline shows its 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 noticeable jowls or jawline sagging, typically in your late 30s to 50s
- Have a mid-face that still sits well
- Have loose skin along the jaw that needs removing
- Want results that last around 7–10 years
- Are healthy, a non-smoker or willing to stop for several weeks
Another option may suit you better if
- Sagging is early and mild: consider a mini facelift or thread lift
- Your cheeks and mid-face have dropped too: a deep plane facelift or full facelift may suit you better
- Your main concern is under the chin: a neck lift may be enough
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Every facelift carries risk. Ask about: bleeding under the skin (hematoma), temporary numbness around the ear and jaw, rare injury to facial nerve branches including the one that moves the lower lip, hair thinning near the incision behind the ear, slow wound healing (higher in smokers), asymmetry, earlobe distortion and the risks of sedation or general anesthesia.
Lower face facelift cost in Seoul
| Procedure | Approximate price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Lower face facelift | ₩7,000,000 – ₩14,000,000+ |
| Lower face facelift + neck lift or fat grafting | ₩10,000,000 – ₩18,000,000+ |
Your quote depends on how much jowl and jawline sagging needs correcting, the SMAS technique, any combined procedures, the anesthesia method and the aftercare program. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Lower face vs. mini facelift
| Mini facelift | Lower face facelift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Early jowls, lower face | Noticeable jowls, jawline |
| Layer treated | Skin, limited SMAS | Skin and SMAS tightened as needed |
| Typical age | Late 30s–50s | Late 30s–50s |
| Operating time | 1.5–3 hours | 2–4 hours |
| Results last | 5–10 years | 7–10 years |
| Cost | ₩6M–12M+ | ₩7M–14M+ |
Common questions
How is a lower face facelift different from a mini facelift?
Both treat the lower face. A lower face facelift usually uses a longer incision behind the ear and tightens the SMAS more fully, so it suits more noticeable jowls and loose skin along the jaw. A mini facelift suits earlier sagging.
Will people be able to see my scars?
The incision runs along the natural fold in front of the ear, around the earlobe and in the crease behind the ear. 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 about 2 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 typically last 7–10 years. Your face keeps aging, but from a more youthful starting point.
How much does a lower face facelift cost in Seoul?
Approximately ₩7,000,000 to ₩14,000,000+, or ₩10,000,000 to ₩18,000,000+ when combined with a neck lift or fat grafting. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Can it be combined with a neck lift?
Yes. A neck lift adds a short incision under the chin to tighten the platysma (the thin neck muscle) and remove fat. It treats loose skin and bands under the chin together with the jawline.
Is the recovery painful?
Most patients describe tightness, swelling and numbness along the jaw 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.
