Treatment Overview
The Limited Incision Deep Plane Facelift is a minimally invasive facelift procedure designed to lift and rejuvenate the midface, jawline, and lower face using smaller, strategically placed incisions. By targeting the SMAS and deeper facial tissues, this procedure restores facial volume, smooths sagging areas, and produces natural, long-lasting results. Korea is renowned for this procedure due to its advanced surgical techniques, endoscopic guidance, and precise facial planning, making it a preferred destination for international patients seeking minimal scarring and high-quality outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
The Limited Incision Deep Plane Facelift offers multiple advantages:
- Lifts sagging cheeks, jawline, and midface tissues
- Reduces nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jowls
- Restores youthful facial contours and volume
- Preserves natural expressions while rejuvenating the face
- Minimizes visible scarring due to smaller, strategically placed incisions
- Provides long-lasting results compared to traditional skin-only facelifts
Ideal Candidates
The procedure is suitable for individuals who:
- Have moderate sagging in the midface, jawline, or lower face
- Desire natural, long-lasting facial rejuvenation with minimal scarring
- Are in good health and have realistic expectations
- Prefer a less invasive facelift approach rather than full extensive procedures
- Want durable results while preserving natural facial expressions
Possible Risks & Complications
Though generally safe, potential risks include:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Numbness or tingling in treated areas
- Minor asymmetry
- Small scars along incision lines
- Rare risk of infection or nerve injury
Selecting a skilled Korean surgeon minimizes these risks.
Surgical Techniques Used
The Limited Incision Deep Plane Facelift involves:
- Strategic Small Incisions: Minimizes visible scarring while allowing access to deep tissues
- Deep Plane Release: Mobilizes SMAS and underlying facial tissues
- Tissue Repositioning: Lifts and fixes deep tissues for natural contours
- Skin Redraping: Smooths the skin over lifted tissues
- Optional Endoscopic Assistance: Enhances precision and reduces trauma
- Adjunct Procedures: Fat repositioning or minor neck/jaw enhancements may be included for optimal harmony
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery generally takes 7–10 days, with swelling and bruising gradually reducing over 2–3 weeks.
Aftercare includes:
- Wearing a facial support or compression garment
- Sleeping with the head elevated
- Avoiding strenuous activities or heavy lifting for 2–3 weeks
- Gentle scar care and facial massage as recommended
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and symmetry
Results & Longevity
Immediate improvements are visible post-surgery, with final results appearing after 2–3 months as swelling fully resolves. Results typically last 10–12 years, maintaining natural midface, jawline, and lower face contours.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is a top destination for Limited Incision Deep Plane Facelifts due to its combination of advanced surgical techniques, precise imaging, and international patient support.
Step-by-Step Process for International Patients:
- Initial Consultation: Online or in-person consultation with photos, facial assessment, and treatment planning
- 3D Imaging & Simulation: High-resolution 3D scans simulate results and assist in precise incision planning
- Preoperative Checks: Lab tests, anesthesia consultation, and overall health screening
- Surgery Day: Under general anesthesia, surgeons make minimal incisions, release SMAS and deep tissue ligaments, reposition tissues, and redrape skin; procedure lasts 2–3 hours
- Immediate Recovery: Observation in recovery room or overnight hospital stay
- Early Follow-Up (Days 3–5): Swelling and incision check, wound care, and post-op guidance
- Suture Removal & Imaging (Week 1–2): External stitches removed if needed; 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:
- High-volume surgeons with expertise in minimally invasive deep plane facelifts
- Advanced 3D imaging and optional endoscopic assistance for precision
- Minimal visible scarring with natural, long-lasting facial rejuvenation
- Comprehensive international patient services including translation, airport pick-up, and recovery guidance
Cost Range
The cost of a Limited Incision Deep Plane Facelift in Korea generally ranges from ₩25,000,000 to ₩40,000,000 KRW (approximately $19,000 – $30,500 USD), depending on surgeon experience, clinic, and procedure complexity.
| Service Component | Cost Range (KRW) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation & Imaging | ₩100,000 – ₩300,000 | $75 – $230 |
| Surgical Fee | ₩20,000,000 – ₩35,000,000 | $15,000 – $26,500 |
| Anesthesia & Facility Fees | ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,000,000 | $760 – $1,530 |
| Postoperative Care | ₩200,000 – ₩500,000 | $150 – $380 |
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery: Known for precision limited-incision deep plane facelifts
- ID Hospital: High-volume surgeons specializing in structural midface and lower face rejuvenation
- JW Plastic Surgery: Renowned for endoscopic-assisted minimally invasive facelifts
- View Plastic Surgery: Popular among international patients seeking natural results
- The Plus Plastic Surgery: Offers customized minimally invasive structural lifting techniques
