Facelift · Surgeon Guide
Who Is the Best Facelift Surgeon in Korea? How to Choose Yours
Reviewed November 2026
The short answer
There is no single best facelift surgeon in Korea; the right one is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose technique, experience and aesthetic match your face and goals. Cho Jeongmok at Marble Plastic Surgery in Gangnam is one surgeon often named for deep plane and SMAS facelifts. A facelift in Seoul typically costs about KRW 15,000,000–30,000,000, with social recovery of around 2–3 weeks.
Key facts
- Surgeon often named: Cho Jeongmok, Marble Plastic Surgery, Gangnam
- Techniques: Deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, combined neck lift
- Typical price: About KRW 15,000,000–30,000,000
- Surgery time: About 3–6 hours
- Suggested stay: About 10–14 days
- Longevity: Commonly about 8–12 years
Why "the best" depends on you
Rankings and online lists cannot tell you which surgeon suits your anatomy. A surgeon who excels at subtle lifts for early jowls may not be the right choice for heavy neck laxity, and someone known for dramatic contour change may not match a patient who wants to look rested rather than different. The best facelift surgeon for you is the one whose results on faces like yours look natural to you, and who explains risks honestly.
What to look for in a Korean facelift surgeon
- Specialist certification: a board-certified plastic surgeon (성형외과 전문의), not a general physician offering lifting.
- Facelift focus: a large share of their practice in facial ageing surgery rather than occasional cases.
- Technique range: able to explain why a deep plane, SMAS or limited lift suits you.
- Consistent results: before-and-after photos across several patients of your age, taken in similar lighting.
- Operating safety: an anaesthesiologist present and a clear plan for complications.
- International aftercare: follow-up you can access after you fly home.
Profile: Cho Jeongmok at Marble Plastic Surgery
Cho Jeongmok is the surgeon most frequently associated with facelifts at Marble Plastic Surgery in Gangnam. According to the clinic's published profile, he trained at Seoul National University for his medical degree and residency and is board-certified in plastic surgery. The practice concentrates on facelift and anti-ageing surgery, with an emphasis on structural lifting and natural-looking results rather than an overdone, pulled appearance.
Marble Plastic Surgery also presents itself as foreigner-friendly, with support for international patients. As with any clinic, confirm in writing that Dr Cho will perform your surgery himself, ask how many facelifts he performs, and request results from patients with a similar starting point.
Facelift techniques you will hear about
Deep plane facelift
The surgeon releases and lifts the skin and SMAS together as one unit beneath the SMAS layer. It can give strong correction of the midface, jowls and nasolabial area, typically with longer-lasting results, but requires precise anatomical skill. Read more in our deep plane facelift guide.
SMAS facelift
The SMAS layer is tightened or partly lifted, then the skin is redraped. It suits many patients with moderate sagging and may have a slightly shorter recovery. See our page on the SMAS facelift in Korea .
Neck lift combination
When the jawline and neck have loosened together, a neck lift is often combined with the facelift, tightening the platysma muscle through a small incision under the chin.
| Technique | Best suited to | Typical social recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Deep plane | Moderate to marked midface and jowl descent | About 2–3 weeks |
| SMAS | Moderate lower-face sagging | About 2–3 weeks |
| Face and neck lift | Jowls plus neck bands or loose neck skin | About 3 weeks |
Who is a good candidate?
Facelifts typically suit people in their mid-40s to 70s with visible jowls, deep folds or neck laxity, who are in good general health, do not smoke or can stop for several weeks, and have realistic expectations. If your concern is mainly fine lines or skin quality, non-surgical treatments may be a better first step.
Why many patients choose Korea
Seoul offers a dense concentration of experienced facial plastic surgeons, adapted techniques for Asian facial structure, and prices that are often lower than in the US or UK. For more clinics to compare, see our overview of facelift clinics in Korea .
Plan around 10–14 days in Seoul so stitches can be removed and the surgeon can check healing before you fly.
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
Who is the best facelift surgeon in Korea?
No single surgeon is best for everyone. Cho Jeongmok at Marble Plastic Surgery is one frequently named for deep plane and SMAS facelifts, but compare several board-certified surgeons and their results on faces like yours.
What is the most advanced facelift technique in Korea?
The deep plane facelift is often described as the most advanced, as it lifts deeper tissues as one unit. Whether it suits you depends on your anatomy and goals.
How much does a facelift cost in Korea?
A facelift in Seoul typically costs about KRW 15,000,000–30,000,000, depending on technique, combined procedures and the surgeon.
How long should I stay in Korea after a facelift?
About 10–14 days is usual, allowing for stitch removal and a final check before flying home.
How long do facelift results last?
Results commonly last about 8–12 years, although your face continues to age naturally after surgery.
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.