Treatment Overview
The SMAS facelift with fat grafting combines the traditional SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) facelift technique with autologous fat transfer to restore volume and rejuvenate the face comprehensively. While the SMAS facelift tightens and repositions sagging facial tissues for a lifted appearance, fat grafting replenishes lost facial fat, improving contour, reducing hollows, and enhancing skin texture. Korean surgeons expertly blend these two procedures to achieve balanced, natural, and youthful results.
Purpose & Benefits
- Lifts sagging facial tissues including cheeks, jawline, and neck through SMAS tightening
- Restores youthful volume to hollow areas such as cheeks, under eyes, and temples via fat grafting
- Smooths wrinkles and folds by replenishing soft tissue
- Improves skin texture and elasticity with fat’s regenerative properties
- Offers a natural, harmonious rejuvenation without artificial fillers
- Provides longer-lasting and comprehensive facial rejuvenation
Ideal Candidates
- Patients aged 40 to 70 experiencing both facial sagging and volume loss
- Individuals with hollow cheeks, tear trough deformities, or sunken temples alongside skin laxity
- Those seeking a combined approach for lifting and volumizing without synthetic implants
- Good overall health and realistic expectations
Possible Risks & Complications
- General surgical risks including swelling, bruising, hematoma, infection, scarring, and temporary nerve weakness
- Fat grafting-specific risks such as fat absorption variability or unevenness
- Potential need for touch-up fat grafting sessions to optimize volume
- Rare complications minimized by skilled surgical technique and thorough aftercare
Surgical Techniques Used
- Incisions placed discreetly near the ears for SMAS facelift access
- SMAS layer lifted and tightened to reposition facial structures
- Fat harvested via liposuction from donor sites such as the abdomen or thighs
- Processed and purified fat carefully injected into targeted facial areas to restore volume
- Layered closure and meticulous suturing to minimize scarring
- Can be combined with additional procedures like neck lift or skin resurfacing
Recovery & Aftercare
- Swelling and bruising typically peak within the first 1 to 2 weeks and gradually improve over 3 to 4 weeks
- Patients advised to rest, keep head elevated, and avoid strenuous activity for 4 to 6 weeks
- Korean clinics provide comprehensive aftercare including lymphatic drainage, LED therapy, regenerative injections, and scar management
- Follow-up visits monitor healing progress and address volume or contour adjustments if needed
Results & Longevity
- Initial lift visible after swelling subsides, with full facial volume enhancement evident within 3 to 6 months
- Results from fat grafting can be long-lasting, often several years, depending on fat survival and patient care
- Combined effect produces a natural, youthful, and balanced facial appearance
- Longevity enhanced by fat’s regenerative effects on skin quality
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea is internationally acclaimed for its expertise in combining SMAS facelift with fat grafting:
- Thorough consultation with 3D imaging and facial analysis to tailor surgical and fat grafting plans
- Procedures performed in top-tier clinics with strict safety and hygiene protocols
- Korean surgeons utilize advanced fat harvesting and processing techniques to maximize graft survival
- Integration of surgical precision with artistic vision ensures harmonious facial rejuvenation
- Postoperative care includes regenerative medicine options such as PRP and stem cell treatments to enhance healing and volume retention
- Medical tourism support services offer airport transfers, accommodations, translators, and concierge care for international patients
This comprehensive approach makes Korea a preferred destination for SMAS facelift with fat grafting.
Cost Range
- Typical cost ranges from ₩15,000,000 to ₩28,000,000 KRW (approximately $11,000 to $21,000 USD)
- Pricing varies based on surgeon expertise, clinic reputation, fat grafting volume, and aftercare services
- Additional procedures such as neck lift or skin treatments may affect overall cost
- Many clinics provide all-inclusive packages catering to international patients
- Korea offers competitive pricing combined with advanced surgical and regenerative techniques
Popular Clinics
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery – Experts in combined facelift and fat grafting procedures
- ID Hospital – Known for advanced facial rejuvenation and fat transfer techniques
- JW Plastic Surgery – Offers personalized treatment plans and meticulous surgical execution
- The Line Plastic Surgery – Renowned for natural results and minimal scarring
- Regen Plastic Surgery – Integrates innovative surgery with comprehensive aftercare programs
