DI PLASTIC SURGERY · SEOUL
Facelift
Explore facelift planning at DI Plastic Surgery in Seoul, including facial tissue changes, incision considerations and recovery information.
Medically reviewed by: JUNG YUN IKReviewed on: Content updated:
01
Overview
What is a facelift?
Effective for deep wrinkles, severe sagging, and sagging after contouring surgery, this procedure lifts three layers—the epidermis, dermis, and SMAS— to improve loose skin.
Surgery at a glance
- Surgery duration
- 5 hours
- Anesthesia
- Sedation
- Hospital admission
- Not usually required
- Initial recovery
- Varies by individual
- Suture removal
- Required
- Follow-up visits
- 2–3 visits
Published procedure information is a guide. Your surgeon confirms the method, anesthesia, recovery and follow-up for your individual plan.
DI PROCEDURE GUIDE
Anatomy & planning
A simplified illustration for understanding the area discussed. It shows anatomy in broad terms and is not a surgical placement guide or a prediction of results.
- 01
- Midface support
- 02
- Lower-face support
01
DI Facelift Three key features
DI Facelift Three key features 01 Facial lifting Addresses sagging and wrinkles across the face. 02 Concealed incisions Incisions are planned in less visible areas to limit visible scarring. 03 Ear-shape preservation Careful planning aims to maintain the natural shape of the ear. Illustrations are explanatory. Outcomes and recovery vary.
02
Facelift
Lifting tailored to you: options for different stages of facial sagging. Early 20s: laser, threads, injections. Late 20s to early 30s: Point Lifting. 30s–40s: DIALL Lifting, cheek sagging after facial contouring. 40s–50s: SUV Lifting. 50 and over: facelift. Duration of effect and degree of skin sagging. DI lifting procedures address sagging and wrinkles across different age groups. Individual needs vary; consult a plastic surgery specialist before surgery. Schematic guide, not a measured comparison.
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Comparison of Lifting Procedures
| Category | Point Lifting | DIALL Lifting | Facelift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Method | 1 cm incision | 5–10 cm incision | Temporal and sideburn incisions |
| Treatment area | Sagging areas, treated one area at a time | Sagging cheeks and jawline | Overall facial sagging |
| Anesthesia | Sedation | Sedation | Sedation |
| Duration of effect | Duration varies by individual; a lasting result is not guaranteed. | Duration varies by individual; a lasting result is not guaranteed. | Duration varies by individual; a lasting result is not guaranteed. |
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Firm, separate fixation of three layers
When only the skin is lifted
Epidermis
Dermis Subcutaneous fat Fascial (SMAS) layer Muscle layer
When lifting reaches the fascial layer
A facelift lifts the skin, fat, and SMAS—
three tissue layers in total.
Retaining ligaments are identified, the three layers are evenly dissected, and sagging is assessed. Controlled tension and firm fixation improve wrinkles and facial sagging.
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What is the SMAS layer?
Facelift Areas
Skin
Collagen / fat
SMAS layer
Retaining ligament
Buccal fat
The lifting plan addresses the SMAS layer. Duration varies by individual; a lasting result is not guaranteed.
06
Facelift Surgical Method
Following the hairline and behind the ear, the incision is designed and made. according to eye shape.
The skin layer is widely dissected, and excess SMAS and skin tissue are removed.
Remaining tissue and muscle are lifted together, fixed at designated points, and the incision is meticulously closed.
07
Who may consider this procedure?
People with severe facial sagging for their age
People concerned about sagging after contouring surgery
People seeking overall wrinkle and elasticity improvement
People aged 60 or older with established signs of aging
03
Before & after
Original DI clinic photographs. Results and recovery vary. Cases may include combined procedures; the listed treatment and follow-up refer to that individual case.
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Facelift · Paranasal augmentation
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Facelift
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Facelift
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Facelift
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Facelift
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Facelift
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Recovery & care
Precautions After Facelift Surgery
Follow your surgical team’s individual instructions. Recovery and follow-up schedules vary.
Incision care and hair washing
If sutures are present, keep the surgical area dry and clean until removal. Shampooing is possible after 3 days; preferably visit a salon and ask for gentle washing while avoiding the sutures. If a drain is present, do not shampoo until it has been removed. Do not bend forward to wash your hair yourself.
Swelling and reduced sensation
Major swelling lasts around 2 weeks and gradually subsides after suture removal. Reduced sensation after surgery creates a burn risk; do not apply hot or cold compresses.
Prescribed medication
Take the medications prescribed by the clinic after surgery.
Activity during the first week
For about one week, avoid bending your head down, lifting heavy objects, or other actions that increase pressure in the face.
Rest and sleeping position
Rest as much as possible for about one week. Do not lie on your side or face down. Sleep facing upward with your upper body slightly elevated.
Alcohol, smoking and strenuous activity
Do not drink alcohol or smoke for one month. Avoid strenuous exercise, stress, and saunas.
Bleeding, infection, inflammation, bruising, swelling and pain may occur. Satisfaction and outcomes vary between individuals.
This is an initial recovery estimate, not a guarantee of complete healing. Your recovery and return to activities depend on the procedure and your condition; follow your surgical team’s instructions.
Treatment suitability, recovery and results vary by individual. Your doctor will explain the expected benefits, limitations and possible risks.
CONTINUE YOUR RESEARCH
Questions to discuss before surgery
Before deciding on a procedure, meet Dr. Jung Yun Ik and review his published training. Your consultation should address the proposed approach, alternatives, risks and expected follow-up. You can also compare neck lift when preparing questions for your surgeon. Read the consultation guide for this procedure to prepare more specific questions.
For travel planning, read about the plastic surgery recovery timeline. These general guides do not establish your personal recovery schedule. Understand the factors behind a plastic surgery estimate and learn how the consultation process works before sending an inquiry or booking travel.
DI PLASTIC SURGERY
Discuss your options
Tell us the procedure you are interested in, your preferred language and your planned visit dates.