Treatment Overview
The Buccal Fat with Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced facial contouring procedure that combines buccal fat removal with a deep plane facelift to achieve a slimmer, more youthful face. While buccal fat removal reduces fullness in the lower cheeks, the deep plane facelift repositions underlying SMAS and facial tissues to lift sagging midface and jawline areas. Korean surgeons are renowned for their precision, natural-looking results, and use of advanced 3D imaging and endoscopic techniques for optimal symmetry and longevity.
Purpose & Benefits
This combined procedure provides multiple benefits:
- Reduces cheek fullness and improves lower face definition through buccal fat removal
- Lifts midface, jawline, and lower facial structures for a youthful contour
- Corrects sagging tissues while maintaining natural facial expressions
- Restores balance and proportion across the face
- Offers long-lasting rejuvenation and facial refinement
Ideal Candidates
The procedure is suitable for individuals who:
- Have chubby or round cheeks with sagging midface or jawline
- Desire both slimming and lifting effects in one procedure
- Are in good general health with realistic expectations
- Prefer permanent results over temporary fillers or thread lifts
- Seek natural, harmonious facial rejuvenation with minimal scarring
Possible Risks & Complications
While safe in experienced hands, potential risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, asymmetry, minor scarring, infection, or rare nerve injury. Choosing a highly skilled Korean surgeon significantly reduces these risks.
Surgical Techniques Used
The procedure combines two advanced techniques:
- Buccal Fat Removal: Precise intraoral incisions are made to remove excess fat while preserving natural facial contours
- Deep Plane Facelift: Facial ligaments are released, SMAS and deep tissues are repositioned, and skin is redraped for smooth, natural contours
- Hidden Incisions: Both procedures use minimal or concealed incisions to prevent visible scars
- Optional Endoscopic Assistance: Enhances precision and reduces tissue trauma
- Combination Adjustments: May include minor neck lift or fat repositioning for complete facial harmony
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery usually takes 10–14 days, with swelling and bruising gradually decreasing over 2–4 weeks.
Aftercare includes:
- Using compression garments or facial support as instructed
- Sleeping with the head elevated to reduce swelling
- Avoiding strenuous activity for 3–4 weeks
- Gentle facial massage and scar care as recommended
- Regular follow-ups to monitor healing and symmetry
Results & Longevity
Initial results are visible immediately, with final contours appearing after 2–3 months. With proper care, the combined procedure provides rejuvenation and slimming effects lasting 10–15 years, maintaining natural midface and lower face harmony.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is a top destination for this combined procedure due to its surgical expertise, advanced technology, and patient-centered services.
Step-by-Step Process for International Patients:
- Initial Consultation: Online or in-person, with photos, facial assessment, and preliminary treatment planning
- 3D Imaging & Simulation: High-resolution 3D scans are used to simulate results, design incision lines, and plan tissue repositioning
- Preoperative Checks: Health evaluation, lab tests, and anesthesia consultation ensure safety
- Surgery Day: Performed under general anesthesia, typically lasting 3–5 hours. Surgeons remove buccal fat, lift and reposition SMAS and deep tissues, and redrape skin for smooth, natural contours
- Immediate Recovery: Observation in recovery room or overnight hospital stay
- Early Follow-Up (Days 3–5): Swelling check, wound cleaning, and guidance on post-op care
- Suture Removal & Imaging (Week 1–2): External stitches removed if used; imaging confirms symmetry
- Final Follow-Up & Discharge: Most international patients return home within 7–10 days with remote follow-up support
Why Korea Stands Out:
- Highly experienced surgeons with hundreds of combined cases annually
- Advanced 3D planning and endoscopic techniques for precise results
- Signature structural lifting methods for long-lasting facial harmony
- Comprehensive international patient support, including translation, airport pick-up, and recovery assistance
Cost Range
The cost of Buccal Fat with Deep Plane Facelift in Korea generally ranges from ₩28,000,000 to ₩45,000,000 KRW (approximately $21,500 – $34,500 USD), depending on surgeon expertise, clinic, and procedure complexity.
| Service Component | Cost Range (KRW) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation & Imaging | ₩100,000 – ₩300,000 | $75 – $230 |
| Surgical Fee | ₩23,000,000 – ₩38,000,000 | $17,700 – $29,200 |
| Anesthesia & Facility Fees | ₩1,500,000 – ₩2,000,000 | $1,150 – $1,530 |
| Postoperative Care | ₩200,000 – ₩500,000 | $150 – $380 |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery: Specialists in combined deep plane facelift and buccal fat removal with natural results
- ID Hospital: High-volume surgeons performing structural rejuvenation procedures
- JW Plastic Surgery: Known for endoscopic-assisted minimal scarring techniques
- View Plastic Surgery: Popular among international patients for harmonious midface and jawline rejuvenation
- The Plus Plastic Surgery: Focuses on full structural lifting combined with cheek slimming for balanced facial contours
