Treatment Overview
A Cheek Lift is a surgical procedure designed to elevate and reposition sagging cheek tissues, restoring a youthful midface contour. By lifting the cheeks, this procedure smooths nasolabial folds, improves midface volume, and enhances facial harmony. In Korea, surgeons employ advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking results with minimal scarring and faster recovery, making it a popular choice for facial rejuvenation.
Purpose & Benefits
- Lifts sagging cheeks for a more youthful appearance
- Reduces nasolabial folds and midface wrinkles
- Restores midface volume and contours
- Improves facial symmetry and harmony
- Minimizes visible scarring through hidden incision techniques
- Can be combined with other facial procedures such as facelift, eye surgery, or lip lift for comprehensive rejuvenation
Ideal Candidates
- Individuals with drooping cheeks or midface sagging
- Patients with prominent nasolabial folds
- People seeking rejuvenation without a full facelift
- Adults in their 30s to 60s noticing early to moderate signs of aging
- Those with good skin elasticity and realistic expectations
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the cheek area
- Mild numbness or tingling, typically temporary
- Rare risk of infection or delayed wound healing
- Slight asymmetry during initial recovery
- Minimal risk of visible scarring
- Rare nerve injury affecting facial expression
Surgical Techniques Used
- Hidden Incisions – Typically placed inside the mouth (intraoral) or along the hairline for minimal visibility
- SMAS or Midface Suspension – Lifts the underlying cheek tissues for stable, long-lasting results
- Endoscopic Assistance (Optional) – Provides enhanced visualization for precise adjustments
- Fat Grafting (Optional) – Restores lost midface volume for a youthful contour
- Combination Procedures – May be performed with facelift, eyelid surgery, or other midface enhancements
Recovery & Aftercare
- Initial Recovery: 5–10 days with mild swelling and bruising
- Stitches (if intraoral) dissolve naturally; external stitches removed after 5–7 days
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending forward, or strenuous activity for 2 weeks
- Sleep with head elevated to minimize swelling
- Follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure symmetry
- Full results typically visible after 1–3 months as tissues settle
Results & Longevity
- Immediate improvement in midface contour and cheek lift after swelling subsides
- Restored youthful fullness and smooth nasolabial folds
- Results typically last 7–10 years, depending on skin quality, aging, and lifestyle
- Maintenance can be enhanced with non-surgical treatments such as fillers or skin tightening
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is a leading destination for Cheek Lift surgery due to its precision, artistry, and advanced minimally invasive techniques.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Consultation & 3D Analysis – Digital imaging used to plan precise cheek positioning and midface contour.
- Customized Surgical Planning – Tailored incisions and lift techniques for natural facial harmony.
- Anesthesia – Typically local anesthesia with sedation or light general anesthesia.
- Surgical Procedure –
- Hidden incisions (intraoral or along hairline)
- SMAS/midface tissue lifted and repositioned
- Optional fat grafting to restore volume
- Tissues secured with absorbable fixation devices if needed
- Post-Operative Care – Korean clinics provide:
- LED therapy to reduce swelling
- Topical regenerative treatments for faster healing
- Scheduled follow-ups to monitor results and symmetry
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Surgeons trained in Asian facial anatomy and midface aesthetics
- Expertise in minimally invasive, scar-minimizing cheek lifts
- State-of-the-art technology for precision and safety
- High patient satisfaction with natural and long-lasting results
- Competitive pricing with comprehensive aftercare programs
Cost Range in Korea
The Cheek Lift typically costs ₩5,000,000 – ₩9,000,000 KRW (approx. $3,700 – $6,700 USD).
Factors affecting cost:
- Clinic reputation and surgeon experience
- Technique used (intraoral, SMAS lift, endoscopic assistance)
- Combination with other facial procedures
- Aftercare services such as LED therapy, medications, and follow-ups
Global Comparison:
- US & Europe: $7,000 – $12,000
- Japan: $5,500 – $8,000
- Korea: $3,700 – $6,700 (including comprehensive aftercare)
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – Known for natural, minimally invasive cheek lifts
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic – Expertise in midface rejuvenation and contouring
- ID Hospital – Advanced 3D planning for precise cheek positioning
- JW Plastic Surgery – Long-lasting, natural-looking midface results
- Regen Plastic Surgery – Focus on subtle rejuvenation and rapid recovery
