Facelift and forehead lift

Lift sagging cheeks, jawline, neck or brow

Lifts and tightens the deeper tissue and skin of the face, neck or forehead to treat sagging that creams and devices cannot reach. Stitches come out in about 5–7 days, and bruising and swelling mostly settle in 2–3 weeks. Plan quiet days in Seoul and keep your head raised while you rest.

Downtime
14–21 days
Minimum stay
14 days
Sessions
1
A side view of a face. A fine dashed line runs in front of the ear and around behind it, a soft blue layer under the cheek and neck has arrows pointing up and back, and a dashed line shows the softer jowl and neck before.
  1. The incision. Runs in the natural crease in front of the ear and behind it into the hairline, where it is hard to see once healed.
  2. The deeper layer. The surgeon lifts the tissue layer beneath the skin (SMAS or deep plane), not just the skin, so the result looks natural and lasts.
  3. Jawline and neck. Jowls and the neck are tightened. Stitches come out in about 5–7 days.

Schematic; the change shown is modest.

Estimated price range

KRW 3,000,000 – 12,000,000

≈ USD 2,229 – 8,916

Varies by clinic and your condition. The final price is confirmed after consultation.

Converted at a fixed rate as of 2026-09-11

Types and indicative prices

Many operations combine two or more of these. Prices are indicative ranges from Seoul clinics; the surgeon recommends a plan and the clinic quotes it after consultation.

  • Mini facelift

    A short-scar lift of the lower face and jowls, often done under sedation. Suits early sagging along the jawline.

    Indicative price
    KRW 2,500,000 – 6,000,000≈ USD 1,857 – 4,458
    Downtime
    10–14 days

  • Full facelift (SMAS or deep plane)

    Lifts the deeper tissue layer of the mid face, lower face and neck, under general anaesthesia with usually one night in hospital. Suits moderate to marked sagging of the cheeks, jowls and neck.

    Indicative price
    KRW 5,000,000 – 13,000,000≈ USD 3,715 – 9,659
    Downtime
    14–21 days

  • Endoscopic forehead and brow lift

    Raises the brow and smooths the forehead through small incisions in the scalp, using an endoscope. Suits a heavy, low brow or deep forehead lines.

    Indicative price
    KRW 2,000,000 – 5,000,000≈ USD 1,486 – 3,715
    Downtime
    10–14 days

  • Neck lift

    Tightens loose neck skin and visible muscle bands, often together with a facelift. Suits a loose neck or a soft angle under the jaw.

    Indicative price
    KRW 3,000,000 – 8,000,000≈ USD 2,229 – 5,944
    Downtime
    14–21 days

  • Non-surgical alternative: thread lift

    Dissolvable threads lift mild sagging with no incision. The effect lasts months rather than years, so it suits early changes or a shorter trip.

    Indicative price
    KRW 500,000 – 2,000,000 · per face≈ USD 372 – 1,486
    Downtime
    3–7 days

    See Thread lift

Good to know

  • Plan about 14 days in Korea so stitches can come out and the surgeon can check you before you fly.
  • Drains may be left in for a day or two; scalp stitches can stay up to 10–14 days.
  • Sleep with your head raised and avoid bending, heavy lifting and hot saunas in the first weeks.
  • Do not smoke before or after surgery, as it raises the risk of poor skin healing.

Questions

Which lift do I need?

The surgeon decides at consultation based on where the sagging is, the quality of your skin and your health. A brow lift and a facelift are sometimes combined.

Where will the scars be?

Facelift incisions usually run in front of and behind the ear and into the hairline, and a forehead lift uses small incisions in the scalp. They fade over months, though healing differs between individuals.

When can I fly home?

Avoid flying for about 7–10 days after surgery; the NHS gives this window for facial cosmetic procedures because of clot risk. The surgeon gives the final clearance.

How long does the result last?

A surgical lift typically lasts years, but the face keeps ageing afterwards. Lifestyle, sun exposure and skin type all play a part.

Related guides

Ask about this treatment
Plastic surgery