Mid-Face Lift in Gangnam: Lifting the Cheeks and Lid-Cheek Groove
The short answer
A mid-face lift raises the cheek fat pads and soft tissue that have descended with age, which restores cheek fullness, softens the groove between the lower eyelid and cheek and lightens the nasolabial folds. In Gangnam it typically costs about KRW 8–15 million, takes about 2–3 hours, and is done endoscopically through small hairline or temple incisions or as part of a deep plane lift. Plan about 10–14 days in Seoul.
Key facts
- What it treats: Sagging cheeks, lid-cheek groove, deep nasolabial folds
- Typical cost in Gangnam: About KRW 8–15 million
- Operating time: About 2–3 hours
- Anesthesia: General or deep sedation
- Approaches: Endoscopic, deep plane, or via lower eyelid
- Recommended stay: About 10–14 days
- Typical longevity: Several years to about a decade
What a mid-face lift is
The mid-face is the area between the lower eyelids and the corners of the mouth. As the ligaments holding the cheek fat loosen, the fat slides down and inward. The cheekbone area flattens, a groove appears below the lower lid (the lid-cheek junction or tear trough), and the nasolabial folds deepen because descended tissue piles up against them.
A mid-face lift repositions this tissue upward and slightly outward, back over the cheekbone. Rather than adding volume, it restores volume to where it used to be. The effect is a fresher, less tired look around the eyes and a softer transition from lid to cheek, which filler alone often cannot reproduce once sagging is significant.
Types of mid-face lift in Korea
Endoscopic mid-face lift
Small incisions in the temple hairline and sometimes inside the mouth; the surgeon uses a camera to release and lift the cheek tissue and fixes it higher. Scars are hidden.
Deep plane mid-face lift
Part of a deep plane facelift, releasing the zygomatic ligaments for a strong cheek lift. See deep plane facelift.
Mid-face lift plus lower blepharoplasty
Done through the lower eyelid incision, combining bag removal with cheek elevation. See lower blepharoplasty.
Mid-face lift plus fat grafting
Adds volume where fat has been lost, not just moved.
Who it suits
- Flattened cheeks and a visible lid-cheek groove
- Deepening nasolabial folds from cheek descent
- Patients in their 40s to 60s with good skin quality
For early changes, non-surgical mid-face lifting treatments may help first.
Choosing a surgeon in Gangnam
Mid-face surgery is technically detailed. Ask how often the surgeon performs endoscopic or deep plane mid-face work, which approach suits your anatomy and how they protect lower eyelid position.
Cost of mid-face lift in Korea
| Plan | Typical Gangnam range |
|---|---|
| Endoscopic mid-face lift | KRW 8–12 million |
| With lower blepharoplasty | KRW 10–15 million |
| As part of deep plane facelift | Included in KRW 18–35 million |
Recovery and results
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–5 | Cheek and eye swelling; smile may feel stiff |
| Days 7–10 | Stitches removed |
| Weeks 2–4 | Swelling fades; temporary over-lift relaxes |
| Months 3–6 | Natural movement and final contour |
Results commonly last several years to about a decade, depending on technique and ageing.
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Ask about prolonged swelling, temporary weakness of facial muscles, lower lid pulling down when combined with eyelid surgery, asymmetry and relapse. Ask how the cheek tissue is fixed in its new position.
Mid-face lift vs. full facelift
| Mid-face lift | Full facelift | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Cheeks, lid-cheek groove | Mid-face, jowls, neck |
| Incisions | Small, hidden | Around the ear |
| Typical cost | KRW 8–15 million | KRW 15–30 million |
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Does a mid-face lift fix nasolabial folds?
It softens them by lifting the descended cheek tissue, though it does not erase them completely.
Is it better than cheek filler?
For true sagging, lifting repositions tissue; filler adds volume. Many patients benefit from a mix.
Will I have visible scars?
Endoscopic incisions are hidden in the hairline or inside the mouth.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
About 10–14 days for stitch removal and swelling checks.
Can it be combined with eyelid surgery?
Yes, it is often combined with lower blepharoplasty.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.