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Facelift hero, portrait of a woman with natural facial contours

Sugar Plastic Surgery

Beginning with the SMAS layer, a root cause of wrinklesA Firmer Facelift

SUGAR Facelift

Facelift

Sugar Motto

The depth of a lift changes the result

Lifting the root cause of sagging, not just the skin

A facelift lifts and smooths skin and deep wrinkles that have sagged with age. At SUGAR Plastic Surgery, we aim for deeper improvement in firmness by lifting not only the skin but also the SMAS layer that contributes to sagging and wrinkles. The lifting area is tailored to the degree of sagging and skin condition to create a natural contour. The board-certified plastic surgeon who conducts your consultation also performs the surgery and your follow-up checks.

Facelift

What Is a Facelift?

As we age, sagging skin and deepening wrinkles can make us look older than we are. A facelift lifts and smooths loose skin and wrinkles, including the SMAS layer that contributes to sagging and wrinkles, to improve firmness at a deeper structural level.

Because the lifting area varies with the location and degree of sagging, an accurate diagnosis and an individualized plan are essential.

Who Needs It

You may wish to consider this procedure if you have these concerns

01Sagging of the cheeks and jawline has become noticeableAims to restore a defined jawline by lifting and smoothing sagging skin and wrinkles.
02Nasolabial folds and jowls have deepenedImproves sagging across the face for a more balanced expression.
03Nonsurgical treatments no longer provide enough improvementIf other lifting treatments have not provided the improvement you wanted, you may consider a facelift that addresses the SMAS layer, a root cause of sagging.
04You want to improve wrinkles across the entire faceAddresses deeper causes of skin aging to improve firmness in a sagging face.

Because the lifting area varies with the location and degree of sagging, an accurate diagnosis and an individualized plan are essential.

SMAS Layer

What Is the SMAS Layer?

The SMAS is a thin fibromuscular layer between the subcutaneous fat and muscle layers beneath the skin. This is why a facelift differs from a skin-only lift.

Cross-section of the skin — skin, subcutaneous fat, SMAS, and muscle layers
01A fibromuscular layer vulnerable to gravityThe SMAS layer is vulnerable to gravity and, over time, can contribute to wrinkles and sagging skin.
02Lifting only the skin can lead to recurrent saggingWhen only the skin is lifted, it can sag again because the SMAS layer remains loose, so the underlying cause must also be addressed.
03Addressing the SMAS layer supports greater satisfactionLifting through the SMAS layer, a root cause of skin aging, is important for a satisfying lifting result.

Surgical Method

How Facelift Surgery Is Performed

SUGAR Plastic Surgery, where natural beauty is created, explains how facelift surgery is performed.

Facelift 01 Hairline Incision and Dissection01 · Incision and DissectionAfter a 1:1 consultation, an incision is made along the hairline from the temple to behind the ear, and the wrinkled area is dissected.
Facelift 02 Adjustment Through the SMAS Layer02 · SMAS Layer AdjustmentThe connective tissues between each layer, from the epidermis through the SMAS, are released, and excess sagging skin is removed.
Facelift 03 Fixation and Suturing03 · Fixation and SuturingAfter the lifted tissue is firmly secured through the SMAS layer, the incision is sutured along the hairline to keep the scar from showing.
Facelift 04 Completion04 · CompletionImproves wrinkles and creates a firmer facial contour.

Facelift at a Glance

Surgery Time4 hours
AnesthesiaSedation anesthesia
Stitch RemovalWithin 2 weeks
Return to Daily Activities2 weeksVaries by individual

Why Sugar

Why Choose SUGAR Plastic Surgery for Facial Rejuvenation?

At SUGAR Plastic Surgery, precise diagnosis, personalized planning, and postoperative care are all part of one continuous facial-rejuvenation journey.

01

100% of surgeries performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon

The board-certified plastic surgeon who conducts your consultation also performs your surgery.
In accordance with Korean law requiring CCTV in operating rooms, our operating-room CCTV system is in operation,
protecting patients' rights.

02

Personalized 1:1 planning based on an in-depth assessment of aging changes

After assessing the location and degree of sagging and the condition of your skin and tissues, we determine the lifting area and
decide the technique together.

03

A technique selected for your condition

From facelift, endoscopic forehead lift, and surgery for aging eyes to nonsurgical options such as thread lifting,
we do not insist on a single approach, but tailor the plan to your condition and
preferences.

Sugar Know-How

SUGAR Plastic Surgery Facelift Expertise

These are the principles SUGAR Plastic Surgery follows in facelift surgery.

01Lifting Through the SMAS LayerBecause a skin-only lift can sag again, we also lift the SMAS layer, a root cause of sagging, to improve firmness.
02Scars hidden within the hairlineIncisions and sutures follow the hairline and natural creases around the ears, helping conceal the scars.
03Your condition matters more than your ageThe timing of surgery depends more on the degree of sagging than on age. We assess your skin and tissues to determine the timing and scope.
04Care through recoveryAlong with swelling-reduction laser treatment, scar injections, vitamin injections, and dedicated 1:1 care, we provide wound care and follow-up checks according to a set postoperative schedule.

Procedure

The SUGAR Plastic Surgery Facelift Process

011:1 Consultation with a SpecialistWe assess the location and degree of sagging and the condition of your skin and tissues, then discuss your desired outcome in detail.
02Personalized DesignWe consider your overall facial proportions and decide the lifting area and technique together.
03Surgery Under SedationAfter preoperative testing, the procedure is performed under sedation anesthesia.
04Recovery CareAfter surgery, wound care and follow-up checks are provided according to a set schedule.

Recovery

Recovery Guide

Immediately after surgery to day 3Swelling is usually most noticeable during this period and is managed with cold compresses.
1–2 weeksAs major swelling subsides, daily activities begin to feel more natural.
Within 2 weeksStitches are removed and your recovery is assessed.
AfterwardResidual swelling gradually subsides over several months as the final contour settles.

Recovery time varies by individual. All surgery carries the possibility of general side effects such as bleeding, infection, and inflammation, and results may vary. Please consult thoroughly with a specialist before surgery.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Facelift: Side Effects, Contraindications, and Emergency Warning Signs

For a safe treatment plan, please review the potential risks, the information we need before treatment, and the symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

Possible Side Effects

Possible risks include bleeding, hematoma, infection, scarring, reduced sensation, asymmetry, reduced blood flow to or necrosis of the skin, hair loss, muscle weakness due to facial nerve injury, and the need for revision surgery.

Contraindications and Precautions

Please tell us if you have facial nerve disease, keloid scarring, a history of lifting or filler treatments, an active infection, uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes, a bleeding disorder, a previous adverse reaction to anesthesia, a possibility of pregnancy, or if you smoke or take any medications or dietary supplements. Do not stop anticoagulants or other medications on your own; consult the prescribing clinician first.

Emergency Warning Signs

Contact the clinic immediately if one side of your face or neck suddenly becomes hard and swollen with worsening pain, or if you have bleeding that will not stop, changes in skin color, new facial paralysis, difficulty breathing, high fever, or pus. If you have difficulty breathing or a change in consciousness, call 119 or go to the emergency room immediately.

This is general safety information and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Actual risks and contraindications may vary depending on the procedure, products used, and your health.

Medical review scheduled: Dr. Jin-Hyung Kim, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon · Content updated: August 18, 2026

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A.

How long results last varies with the lifting area and technique and your skin condition, so we provide an individualized explanation during consultation. Unlike a skin-only lift, a facelift also lifts the SMAS layer, a root cause of sagging, to pursue more fundamental improvement; however, natural aging continues afterward.

A.

Incisions follow the hairline and natural creases around the ears, helping conceal the scars. An incision is made along the hairline from the temple to behind the ear and then sutured along the hairline to keep the scar from showing. Incision marks gradually fade over time.

A.

The degree of sagging matters more than age. If changes such as sagging cheeks or jawline or deeper nasolabial folds have become noticeable, you can be assessed regardless of age. We evaluate the condition of your skin and tissues during consultation.

A.

Contact the clinic immediately if one side of your face or neck suddenly becomes hard and swollen and the pain worsens. If you have difficulty breathing or a change in consciousness, call 119 or go to the emergency room.

A.

We evaluate the distribution of sagging across the cheeks, jawline, and neck, as well as the condition of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, the risk of scarring, and your overall health, to determine the incision and the extent of dissection and fixation.

A.

Because the two approaches treat different tissues and involve different recovery demands, we examine the location and degree of sagging, the change you want, and whether surgery is appropriate, then compare the alternatives and their limitations.

Sugar Care System

SUGAR Plastic Surgery stays with you after surgery

01Plastic Surgery with Attention to Detail

Every step is handled with care, from an in-depth 1:1 consultation and precise diagnosis to operating-room CCTV monitoring and the selection of materials suited to you.

02SUGAR Reassurance Care

We closely support your recovery with swelling-reduction laser treatment, scar injections, vitamin injections, and dedicated 1:1 care.

03Surgical Care Guarantee

We remain by your side through every stage of postoperative follow-up.