Surgical lifting · Facial rejuvenation
Mid Face Lift in Seoul
A mid face lift raises the cheeks and the area under the eyes back to where they once sat. The surgeon lifts the cheek fat pad vertically, which softens the nasolabial folds and smooths the hollow between the lower eyelid and the cheek.
It suits people in their late 30s to 50s whose cheeks have dropped and flattened while the jawline still holds up well.
What a mid face lift treats
Your cheeks hold a pad of fat, called the malar fat pad, that sits high on the cheekbone in youth. With age it slides down and inward. The cheek looks flatter, a hollow forms under the eye and the fold from nose to mouth deepens. You can look tired even when your skin is still in good shape.
A mid face lift works on the cheek fat pad and its supporting tissue, not just the skin. Through a small incision in the lower eyelid or in the temple hairline, the surgeon frees the cheek tissue and lifts it straight up. It is then secured in its new position. The jawline is left alone, which is why it is often a first lift for younger patients.
Most often chosen for
- Cheeks that have dropped or lost their fullness
- Deepening nasolabial folds
- A hollow or visible line where the lower eyelid meets the cheek
- A tired look despite good skin quality
- A structural option instead of repeated cheek fillers
Often combined with
- Lower eyelid surgery for under-eye bags and loose lid skin
- Facial fat grafting to restore lost cheek volume
- SMAS facelift when the jawline also needs lifting
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 short incision is made just under the lower lashes or inside the temple hairline. Both places hide the scar well once healed.
Where the incisions are made
A mid face lift uses short incisions in places that hide well. The surgeon chooses between a lower eyelid approach and an endoscopic approach through the temple hairline.
- A
Under the lower lashes A fine line just below the lash line. It also allows lower eyelid surgery in the same operation.
- B
Temple A short incision of about 3 cm inside the temple hairline, used to guide an endoscope and to anchor the lift.
- →
Lift direction The cheek is lifted straight up toward the eye, rather than pulled sideways toward the ear.
Schematic illustration. The approach is chosen for each patient, for example the eyelid route when lower eyelid bags are corrected at the same time.
How the scar heals over 12 months
The eyelid incision sits in the natural crease below the lashes, and the temple incision is hidden in hair. Move the slider to see the typical progression of the eyelid scar.
Healing stage
Week 1
Fine sutures are in place and the line under the lashes is pink and slightly swollen. Sutures come out at around day 7–10.
Healing varies. Darker and Asian skin can stay pink or brown for longer. Sun protection and avoiding smoking help the scar settle.
Recovery timeline
Most patients return to daily activities within two to three weeks. Facial contours keep refining for 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 2.5–4 hours under general anesthesia or sedation.
- Day 1–2
First check-up Dressings are checked. Keep your head raised and use cold compresses.
- Day 2–4
Peak swelling Swelling and bruising around the cheeks and lower eyelids are at their most visible. Tightness is more common than sharp pain.
- Day 7–10
Sutures out Stitches are removed. Swelling and bruising stay noticeable through the first 1–2 weeks.
- 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 cheek contour refines.
- Month 6–12
Scars mature Incision lines fade to fine, pale lines.
Is it right for you?
A good fit if you
- Are typically in your late 30s to 50s
- See your cheeks dropping or flattening and folds forming beside the nose
- Look tired despite good skin quality
- Want surgery for the cheeks without work on the jawline
- Prefer a structural lift to repeated fillers
Another option may suit you better if
- Your jowls and jawline also sag: consider a deep plane facelift or SMAS facelift
- Your main concern is under-eye bags: lower eyelid surgery may be enough
- You mainly need volume: dermal fillers or fat grafting can help
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Every mid face lift carries risk. Ask about: bleeding under the skin (hematoma), temporary numbness of the cheek and upper lip, temporary facial weakness, a pulled-down lower eyelid (ectropion) or eye dryness after the eyelid approach, hair thinning at the temple incision, asymmetry and the usual risks of anesthesia.
Mid face lift cost in Seoul
| Procedure | Approximate price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Mid face lift | ₩8,000,000 – ₩15,000,000+ |
| Mid face lift + lower eyelid surgery or fat grafting | ₩12,000,000 – ₩20,000,000+ |
Your quote depends on how much sagging needs correcting, the approach (eyelid or endoscopic), any combined procedures, the anesthesia method and the aftercare program. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Mid face lift vs. deep plane facelift
| Deep plane facelift | Mid face lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mid-face, folds, jowls, jawline | Cheeks and under-eye area |
| Incision | Temple, around the ear | Lower eyelid or temple hairline |
| Typical age | 40s–60s | Late 30s–50s |
| Operating time | 4–6 hours | 2.5–4 hours |
| Results last | 10–15+ years | 8–12 years |
| Cost | ₩15M–30M+ | ₩8M–15M+ |
Common questions
How is a mid face lift different from a full facelift?
A mid face lift treats the cheeks and the area under the eyes. A full or deep plane facelift also lifts the jowls and jawline through a longer incision around the ear. If your jawline still looks firm, a mid face lift may be all you need.
Will people be able to see my scars?
The eyelid incision sits just under the lashes and usually fades to a fine line within 6–12 months. The temple incision is hidden in hair.
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 often last 8–12 years, depending on how you age, your skin quality and lifestyle.
How much does a mid face lift cost in Seoul?
Approximately ₩8,000,000 to ₩15,000,000+, or ₩12,000,000 to ₩20,000,000+ when combined with lower eyelid surgery or fat grafting. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Is the recovery painful?
Most patients describe swelling and tightness rather than sharp pain. Swelling and bruising are most visible in the first 1–2 weeks, and discomfort is usually well controlled with medication.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with lower eyelid surgery or fat grafting, and some clinics pair it with a SMAS facelift when the jawline also needs lifting.
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.
