Surgical lifting · Facial rejuvenation
SMAS Facelift in Seoul
The SMAS facelift tightens the supporting layer under your skin to lift sagging cheeks, jowls and the jawline. The surgeon folds and stitches this layer into a higher position, then redrapes the skin over it with little tension.
It is a proven, widely performed facelift in Korea, chosen by patients with moderate to advanced sagging who want a natural result that lasts 10 years or longer.
What the SMAS facelift does
Your face has layers: skin, a layer of fat, then the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a sheet of muscle and fibrous tissue), and beneath that the facial muscles and nerves. With age the SMAS loosens and slides down, taking the cheeks and jowls with it. A skin-only lift cannot correct this for long.
In a SMAS facelift, the surgeon lifts the skin off the SMAS as a separate layer. The SMAS is then tightened by folding it and stitching it to itself (plication) or by trimming a strip and stitching the edges together (imbrication). The skin is redraped over the firmer base and only the excess is removed. The deep retaining ligaments are left in place, which is the main difference from a deep plane facelift.
Most often chosen for
- Moderate to advanced sagging of the cheeks and jowls
- A softened jawline and loose skin along the lower face
- Results that last longer than non-surgical lifting
- A natural contour without a tight or pulled look
Often combined with
- Neck lift for neck bands and loose skin under the chin
- Facial fat grafting to restore lost volume
- Eyelid surgery for a fully refreshed upper face
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 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.
- 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 SMAS and skin are lifted up and back toward the ear, which firms the cheeks, jowls and jawline.
Schematic illustration. Exact incision placement is planned for each patient, for example to keep the sideburn and temple hairline in place.
How the scar heals over 12 months
Because the tightened SMAS 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 two to three weeks. Your facial contour keeps refining for two to three months.
Illustrative curve based on typical recovery; time axis is compressed so the first weeks are easier to read.
- Day 0
Surgery 3–5 hours under general or sedation 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 1–2
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 2–3
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 2–3
Result settles Residual swelling resolves and the jawline and cheeks 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 advanced sagging, typically in your 40s to 60s
- See your jowls forming and your jawline softening
- Were not satisfied with non-surgical lifting results
- Want a natural contour and results that last 10 years or longer
- Are healthy, a non-smoker or willing to stop for several weeks
Another option may suit you better if
- Sagging is early and limited to the jawline: consider a mini facelift or thread lift
- Your mid-face has dropped a lot: a deep plane facelift may lift it further
- You mainly want firmer skin: non-surgical lifting can help
Risks to discuss at your consultation
Every facelift carries risk. Choose a surgeon who performs SMAS lifting regularly. Ask about: bleeding under the skin (hematoma), temporary numbness or facial weakness, hair thinning near incisions, slow wound healing or skin loss at the flap edge (higher in smokers), asymmetry, gradual relaxation of the lift and the usual risks of anesthesia.
SMAS facelift cost in Seoul
| Procedure | Approximate price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| SMAS facelift | ₩10,000,000 – ₩20,000,000+ |
| SMAS facelift + neck lift or fat grafting | ₩15,000,000 – ₩30,000,000+ |
Your quote depends on how much sagging needs correcting, whether a neck lift is included, the extent of SMAS dissection and fixation, the anesthesia method and the aftercare program. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
SMAS vs. deep plane facelift
| Deep plane facelift | SMAS facelift | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mid-face, folds, jowls, jawline | Cheeks, jowls, jawline |
| Layer treated | Beneath the SMAS, ligaments released | SMAS folded or trimmed, skin lifted separately |
| Typical age | 40s–60s | 40s–60s |
| Operating time | 4–6 hours | 3–5 hours |
| Results last | 10–15+ years | 10+ years |
| Cost | ₩15M–30M+ | ₩10M–20M+ |
Common questions
How is a SMAS facelift different from a deep plane facelift?
A SMAS facelift lifts the skin separately and tightens the SMAS from above by folding or trimming it. A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS and releases the retaining ligaments. The SMAS approach usually means a shorter operation and a lower cost, while a deep plane lift can move a heavier mid-face further.
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 2–3 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 years or longer, depending on how fast you age, your skin quality and your lifestyle. Your face keeps aging, but from a more youthful starting point.
How much does a SMAS facelift cost in Seoul?
Approximately ₩10,000,000 to ₩20,000,000+, or ₩15,000,000 to ₩30,000,000+ when combined with a neck lift or fat grafting. Clinics give personal quotes after consultation.
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.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with a neck lift, facial fat grafting or eyelid surgery for a fuller rejuvenation in one operation.
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.
