Facelift in Korea
What does a facelift in Korea involve?
A facelift lifts and repositions lower-face tissues and removes excess skin. SMAS plication, SMASectomy and deep-plane operations differ in how they handle the supporting tissue beneath the skin; the choice depends on the face and neck findings.[1]
Written by the Facelift in Seoul editorial team from the sources listed on each page. Last updated: .
What is the SMAS, and why does it matter?
SMAS stands for superficial musculoaponeurotic system. Surgeons use the term for the supporting soft tissue beneath the facial skin and fat. In a facelift, this tissue can be folded, shortened or lifted. The skin is then redraped over the new contour, with excess removed. The lifting method and the skin incision are separate parts of the plan.[1]
An evidence-based review grouped modern operations into techniques that manipulate the SMAS and techniques that elevate it. The practical question is how much tissue needs to move, where it needs to move and how the surgeon will support that movement.[2]
How do the main techniques differ?
SMAS plication folds the supporting tissue with sutures. Imbrication involves cutting the SMAS, then resuspending its edges; some approaches also remove a portion. SMASectomy removes a strip of SMAS before the remaining edges are brought together. The terms describe tissue-handling steps, although their use can overlap in a proposed “SMAS lift”.[1][6]
In a deep-plane facelift, the surgeon works beneath the SMAS over part of the face and releases selected retaining attachments so that overlying tissues can move together. High-SMAS and extended-SMAS approaches elevate a SMAS flap, with differences in the upper boundary and extent of release. A skin-only lift works above the SMAS, lifting and trimming skin without an equivalent deeper-tissue operation.[1][6]
| Approach | Main tissue step | Point to clarify |
|---|---|---|
| SMAS plication | Fold and secure the SMAS | Which areas are suspended? |
| SMAS imbrication / SMASectomy | Overlap or remove a strip and repair | Which tissue is cut or removed? |
| Deep plane | Release and elevate beneath the SMAS | How far does the release extend? |
| High / extended SMAS | Elevate a SMAS flap | What are its boundaries? |
| Skin-only | Elevate and trim skin | What will support the deeper contour? |
The categories overlap in practice because surgeons modify operations. Ask for a description of the proposed steps as well as the technique name. A systematic review found comparable patient satisfaction across the techniques it examined; it connected their strengths and limitations to tissue movement and the patient’s facial findings.[2]
Where will the incisions run?
A conventional incision can begin near the temple hairline, pass in front of the ear, continue around the earlobe and extend behind the ear into the hair-bearing scalp. A limited-incision operation uses a shorter route. Work beneath the chin may require a separate incision. ASPS facelift procedure guide, checked 4 November 2026
Ask the surgeon to show where the incision meets the sideburn, the ear and the hairline. Include your usual hairstyle in that discussion. If you have an old surgical scar, show its whole route rather than only the part you can see from the front. The incision map should match the operation described in the written plan.
What happens on the day of surgery?
ASPS describes anaesthesia, incision and tissue repositioning, then closure as the main operative stages. ASPS facelift procedure guide, checked 4 November 2026
Step 1 of 3: Confirm the plan
Review the areas to be treated, incision route and consent with the operating surgeon. Confirm the planned anaesthetic and the arrangements after discharge.
Step 2 of 3: Anaesthesia and tissue repositioning
Anaesthesia is given, the planned incisions are made and the agreed skin and deeper-tissue work is performed. Intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia may be used. ASPS facelift procedure guide, checked 4 November 2026
Step 3 of 3: Closure and handover
The incisions are closed and the team provides dressing, medicine and follow-up instructions. Drains or a supportive dressing may be used. ASPS facelift aftercare guide, checked 4 November 2026
Before the day itself, ask who will provide anaesthesia and monitor you, whether an overnight stay is planned, and who will accompany you after discharge. Obtain the fasting and medicine instructions in writing. Keep the surgical plan separate from optional additions so that consent remains clear.
Which risks belong in the consent discussion?
Facelift complications include a collection of blood beneath the skin called a haematoma, fluid collections, nerve dysfunction and unfavourable scarring. A systematic review identifies these as recurring reported complications and discusses prevention through measures including blood-pressure management.[3]
Other possibilities include infection, delayed wound healing or skin loss, hairline changes, asymmetry and altered sensation. Anaesthesia reactions and blood clots are additional surgical risks. The consent discussion should connect your medical history and the proposed operation to the prevention and treatment plan. MedlinePlus facelift guidance, checked 4 November 2026; NHS facelift guidance, checked 4 November 2026[5]
If a brow lift is added, its separate consent needs to address brow asymmetry, sensory changes, hair loss and scar problems. Open and endoscopic approaches have different trade-offs. [4]ASPS brow lift risk guidance, checked 4 November 2026
What answers make a technique choice understandable?
What is causing my jawline change?
Why it matters. The explanation should connect the examination to the operation.
What a good answer includes. The surgeon identifies skin excess, tissue descent and any neck contribution.
Treat with caution. The same named lift is recommended without explaining your findings.
What exactly happens to the SMAS?
Why it matters. A label can cover different tissue-handling steps.
What a good answer includes. You receive a clear account of folding, excision, elevation and planned release.
Treat with caution. The answer relies only on the name of the technique.
Is neck work included?
Why it matters. The jawline and area below it need an explicit plan.
What a good answer includes. The plan states whether skin, fat or platysma treatment is included.
Treat with caution. Neck improvement is mentioned without defining the work.
Who reviews me after surgery?
Why it matters. The care arrangement needs to be usable during your stay.
What a good answer includes. Appointments, the responsible team and a contact route are provided.
Treat with caution. Follow-up is left for you to arrange after discharge.
Bring these questions to a plastic surgery clinic in Sinsa-dong, Seoul with your medical history and your priorities for the face and neck.
Questions about facelift surgery
Is deep plane the same as a SMAS facelift?
Deep-plane surgery works beneath the SMAS over part of the face. “SMAS facelift” is a broader label that can also refer to folding, excision or flap elevation.[1]
Does a facelift include the forehead?
A brow lift is a separate operation for the forehead and brow position. It can be discussed alongside a facelift when those areas also need treatment.[1]
Can I choose the technique before travelling?
You can discuss options in advance, but the written plan should say what remains subject to the in-person examination.
Will a facelift stop facial ageing?
A facelift changes tissue position; facial ageing continues. The operation is tailored to the changes present at assessment.[1]
References
(6)
Bibliographic records retrieved from PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Boyd CJ, Ceradini DJ. Current Trends in Facelift and Necklift Procedures. J Clin Med. 2025;14(12).
Avashia YJ, Stuzin JM, Cason RW, et al. An Evidence-Based and Case-Based Comparison of Modern Face Lift Techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023;152(1):51e-65e.
Fang AH, de la Torre J. A Systematic Review of Rhytidectomy Complications and Prevention Methods: Evaluating the Trends. Ann Plast Surg. 2025;94(6S Suppl 4):S502-S516.
Graham DW, Heller J, Kurkjian TJ, et al. Brow lift in facial rejuvenation: a systematic literature review of open versus endoscopic techniques. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;128(4):335e-341e.
Sinclair NR, Coombs DM, Kwiecien G, et al. How to Prevent and Treat Complications in Facelift Surgery, Part 1: Short-Term Complications. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2021;3(1):ojab007.
Barrett DM, Casanueva FJ, Wang TD. Evolution of the rhytidectomy. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016;2(1):38-44.