Surgical Facelift Guide | Restore Youthful Contours with Long-Lasting Results

Aging brings wisdom—but it also brings sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial definition. A surgical facelift is the gold standard for facial rejuvenation, delivering dramatic, natural-looking improvements by lifting and tightening the midface, jawline, and neck. It’s the most comprehensive solution for turning back the clock—not just by years, but by decades.

What Is a Surgical Facelift?

A surgical facelift (rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic procedure that lifts, tightens, and repositions the skin and deeper facial tissues, restoring:

  • Sagging cheeks and jawline
  • Deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
  • Jowls and excess neck skin
  • Overall facial harmony and youthful definition

It targets the lower two-thirds of the face and often includes or is combined with a neck lift or fat grafting for a complete transformation.


Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a strong candidate for a surgical facelift if:

  • You're in your 40s to 70s with moderate to severe facial aging
  • You have sagging skin, jowls, or neck laxity
  • Non-surgical options (like fillers or threads) no longer give results
  • You’re in good general health and non-smoking
  • You want a long-term solution with natural results


Benefits of a Surgical Facelift

  • Tightens skin and deep tissues (SMAS layer)
  • Defines the jawline and restores youthful contours
  • Reduces wrinkles, jowls, and loose neck skin
  • Long-lasting results—often 10–15 years
  • Natural appearance (no "pulled" look) when performed by skilled surgeons
  • Hidden scars—typically around the ears and hairline


Surgical Facelift Techniques

TypeTarget AreaBest ForSMAS FaceliftSkin + muscle layerMost common; long-lasting resultsDeep Plane FaceliftUnder SMAS and ligamentsMost natural lift; midface & cheeksMini FaceliftLower face & jawlineMild sagging, younger patientsMid-FaceliftCheeks & under-eyesVolume descent, sagging cheeksShort Scar FaceliftLower face with reduced scarringEarly jowls, minimal aging


Procedure Overview

  1. Anesthesia: General or local with sedation
  2. Incisions: Made around the ears, into the hairline, and sometimes under the chin
  3. SMAS/Deep Tissue Repositioning: Muscles and fat pads are lifted and tightened
  4. Skin Redraping: Loose skin is trimmed and repositioned naturally
  5. Optional Add-ons: Neck lift, fat grafting, eyelid surgery, or brow lift
  6. Closure: Sutures are hidden around natural folds and hairline

Surgery Time: 3–6 hours
 Outpatient Procedure: Most patients return home the same day


Recovery Timeline

  • Days 1–3: Swelling, bruising, and tightness
  • Day 7: Sutures removed; start to see improvements
  • Days 10–14: Resume light activities, work, social outings
  • 1–3 months: Most swelling subsides; final contour appears
  • 6–12 months: Scars fade and facial tissues fully settle
Following post-op instructions and wearing a compression garment helps ensure optimal healing.

How Long Do Results Last?

  • 10 to 15 years depending on age, skin condition, and lifestyle
  • Aging continues naturally, but from a younger starting point
  • Periodic maintenance with Botox, lasers, or skin boosters can prolong results


Surgical Facelift Cost (Estimated)

RegionPrice Range (USD)South Korea₩10M – ₩20M ($7,500 – $15,000)USA / Canada$12,000 – $25,000UK / EU£9,000 – £18,000


Costs vary depending on the technique used, surgeon experience, and whether additional procedures (e.g., neck lift, eyelids) are included.

Commonly Combined Procedures

  • Neck Lift – Tightens neck bands and eliminates loose skin
  • Fat Grafting – Restores youthful volume to cheeks and temples
  • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – Rejuvenates tired or sagging eyes
  • Brow Lift or Temporal Lift – Elevates drooping brows
  • Laser Resurfacing or Exosome Therapy – Improves skin texture and tone


A surgical facelift remains the most powerful and long-lasting solution for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. It addresses skin, fat, and muscle laxity to reshape the face, restore youthful contours, and boost confidence—with results that no non-surgical treatment can match.



Considering a facelift in Korea?
Top clinics in Gangnam, Seoul offer advanced SMAS and deep plane techniques, internationally trained surgeons, and concierge services for foreign patients seeking world-class facial rejuvenation.




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