Surgical lifting · Facial rejuvenation
Mini Facelift in Seoul
The mini facelift is a shorter facelift for early sagging in the lower face and jawline. Through small incisions around the ear, the surgeon lifts the skin, tightens the SMAS where needed and removes a little excess skin.
It suits patients in their late 30s to 50s who want a firmer jawline and softer jowls with a shorter operation and recovery than a full facelift.
What makes it a "mini" facelift
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). A full facelift treats these layers across the whole face and often the neck. A mini facelift works on a smaller area, mainly the lower cheek and jawline.
The incisions are shorter and stay close to the ear. The surgeon lifts a limited skin flap, then tightens the SMAS with stitches that fold it on itself. Deep ligaments are left in place. This gives a cleaner jawline and softer jowls with less surgery, and it suits early sagging rather than advanced laxity.
Most often chosen for
- Early to moderate jowls and a softening jawline
- Mild sagging of the lower cheeks
- A shorter operation and recovery than a full facelift
- Patients who no longer get enough lift from threads or non-surgical treatments
Often combined with
- Facial fat grafting to restore lost volume
- Eyelid surgery for a refreshed upper face
- Ultherapy or other skin tightening to maintain the result
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 at the sideburn and along the front of the ear, ending just behind the earlobe.
Where the incisions are made
The incision is shorter than a full facelift and stays close to the ear. It starts at the sideburn, follows the front edge of the ear and ends just behind the earlobe.
- A
Sideburn A short extension at the sideburn, planned to keep the hairline in place.
- 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 earlobe A short tail in the crease behind the lobe. It does not run into the nape hairline.
- →
Lift direction The jowl and lower cheek move up and back toward the ear, with only a small amount of skin removed.
Schematic illustration. Incision length is planned for each patient, and some patients need a longer incision if more skin must be removed.
How the scar heals over 12 months
A mini facelift scar is shorter than a full facelift scar, and the tightened SMAS takes tension off the skin. Low tension helps the line mature into a fine scar. 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 result refines 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 1.5–3 hours under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia. Many patients go home the same day.
- Day 1–2
First check-up Dressing changed and the wound checked. 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.
- 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
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 early to moderate sagging of the jowls and jawline, typically in your late 30s to 50s
- Have good skin quality with limited excess skin
- Want a shorter operation and recovery than a full facelift
- Accept that results last around 5–10 years
- Are healthy, a non-smoker or willing to stop for several weeks
Another option may suit you better if
- Sagging affects the mid-face and deep folds: consider a deep plane facelift
- Your main concern is the neck: a neck lift may suit you better
- Sagging is very mild: a thread lift or non-surgical lifting can help
Risks to discuss at your consultation
A mini facelift is smaller surgery, but it still carries risk. Ask about: bleeding under the skin (hematoma), temporary numbness around the ear and cheek, rare injury to facial nerve branches, a wider or visible scar, slow wound healing (higher in smokers), asymmetry, earlobe distortion and the risks of sedation or general anesthesia.
Mini facelift cost in Seoul
| Procedure | Approximate price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Mini facelift | ₩6,000,000 – ₩12,000,000+ |
| Mini facelift + fat grafting | ₩8,000,000 – ₩15,000,000+ |
Your quote depends on the extent of lifting, how much SMAS tightening is needed, any combined procedures, the anesthesia method and the aftercare program. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Mini vs. deep plane facelift
| Deep plane facelift | Mini facelift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mid-face, folds, jowls, jawline | Early jowls, lower face |
| Layer treated | Beneath the SMAS, ligaments released | Skin, limited SMAS |
| Typical age | 40s–60s | Late 30s–50s |
| Operating time | 4–6 hours | 1.5–3 hours |
| Results last | 10–15+ years | 5–10 years |
| Cost | ₩15M–30M+ | ₩6M–12M+ |
Common questions
How is a mini facelift different from a full facelift?
A mini facelift uses shorter incisions around the ear and treats mainly the jowls and lower cheek. The SMAS is tightened in a limited way and deep ligaments are not released. A full or deep plane facelift treats a larger area and gives a stronger, longer-lasting lift.
Will people be able to see my scars?
The incision runs at the sideburn, along the natural fold in front of the ear and just behind the earlobe. 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 5–10 years. Your face keeps aging, but from a more youthful starting point.
How much does a mini facelift cost in Seoul?
Approximately ₩6,000,000 to ₩12,000,000+, or ₩8,000,000 to ₩15,000,000+ when combined with fat grafting. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
Is it done under general anesthesia?
It can be done under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend one based on your health and the extent of surgery.
Am I too young for a mini facelift?
Most patients are in their late 30s to 50s. If sagging is very mild, threads or non-surgical tightening may be enough for now.
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.
