Representative image of facelift

Lift sagging skin back to its place

Facelift

Facelift is a surgery that lifts and fixes facial tissues sagging due to aging from the SMAS layer beneath the skin.Unlike methods that only pull the skin, it directly addresses the layer causing sagging,allowing you to correct the sagging lines of the mid and lower face at once.

Introductory image of facelift

PIAF CLINIC

Lifted youth and beauty

PIAF Clinic Facelift

3-4cm incision in front of the ear, lifting the SMAS layer to tighten the face

A facelift involves making a 3-4cm incision along the wrinkles in front of the ear and the hairline, then dissecting and lifting the SMAS layer beneath the skin upwards and backwards to fix it in place. Lifting that only pulls the skin can easily sag again over time and may appear unnatural, but lifting the SMAS together avoids excessive tension on the skin, maintaining a natural appearance. It addresses sagging cheeks, buccal fat, jawline, and neck contours. The scope and results of the surgery vary based on individual sagging and skin condition, so decisions are made after consultation.

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Effects of PIAF Facelift

Smooth Facial Contours
Improvement of Lower Face Sagging and Wrinkles
Triple Lifting of Fascia, Fat, and Dermis
Improvement of Sagging Cheeks, Buccal Fat, and Jawline
Aging Management for Ages 30-40

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Not just pulling sagging skin

The Uniqueness of PIAF Facelift

Concept image of customized lifting
01/

Customized Lifting Based on Face Shape and Sagging

Even among people in their 40s, the areas and thickness of sagging skin vary. PIAF Clinic assesses how much the cheeks, jawline, and neck have sagged and the skin's elasticity, then customizes the dissection range and lifting direction for each individual. The goal is to make the face appear smaller and smoother, though results may vary by individual.

  • Diagnosis by Sagging Area
  • Customized Dissection Range and Direction
  • Excision Matching Skin Elasticity
  • Maintaining a Natural Appearance
Concept image of lower face lifting
02/

Address Lower Face Sagging, Jawline, and Wrinkles Simultaneously

Sagging buccal fat, jawline, and mouth wrinkles are interconnected. Facelift lifts the entire SMAS, allowing these areas to be addressed comprehensively without separate procedures. Neck lifting or fat grafting may also be planned if necessary.

  • Simultaneous Improvement of Buccal Fat, Jawline, and Mouth Area
  • SMAS Unit Lifting
  • Possible Neck Lift Combination
  • Consultation for Fat Grafting
Image of operating room
03/

Thorough Communication for Safe Surgery

Facelift involves longer anesthesia and surgery times, making it important to thoroughly discuss health status, medications, and expected changes beforehand. PIAF Clinic explains the surgical method, recovery process, and potential discomforts in advance, proceeding only after the patient understands.

  • Pre-Surgery Health Status Check
  • Medication and Medical History Review
  • Pre-Explanation of Recovery Process
  • Proceeding After Aligning Expectations

Lifting the SMAS Layer

PIAF Facelift

Surgery TimeApproximately 2-3 hours
Anesthesia MethodSedation/Local
Suture RemovalAbout 7 days later
Recovery Period2-3 weeks
Cross-section illustration of epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat, SMAS, and muscle

The SMAS layer (fascia) is key. Beneath the epidermis and dermis lies subcutaneous fat, supported by the fascia (SMAS). As we age, this fascia loosens, causing the overlying fat and skin to sag. PIAF Clinic's facelift precisely dissects the SMAS, lifting the fascia, subcutaneous fat, and dermis together in a triple lifting to enhance the lifting effect. The skin is gently draped without tension and meticulously sutured to minimize scarring. Results and duration may vary by individual.

PIAF Facelift Scar Minimization Process

3-4cm Minimal Incision

Step 01

3-4cm Minimal Incision

The incision is designed to be hidden along the wrinkles in front of the ear and the hairline.

Delicate Tissue Handling and Suturing

→Step 02

Delicate Tissue Handling and Suturing

The SMAS is firmly lifted and fixed, while the skin is gently draped and sutured in layers.

Bruise and Swelling Management

→Step 03

Bruise and Swelling Management

Dissection that reduces bleeding and compression dressings help alleviate initial swelling.

Scar Management and Recovery

→Step 04

Scar Management and Recovery

After suture removal, scar ointment and sun protection help fade the incision line.

PIAF PIAF Facelift Advantages

Customized Lifting Design for Each Individual
Simultaneous Improvement of Lower Face
Natural Appearance Without Skin Tension
Incision and Suturing with Reduced Scar Burden

PIAF PIAF Facelift Recommended for

  • When thread lifting or laser is insufficient for the degree of sagging
  • When buccal fat, jawline, and mouth area are sagging together
  • When seeking a long-lasting lift with a single surgery
  • When concerned about incision scars and have postponed lifting

Lifting the Cause of Sagging, Not the SkinStandards of PIAF Clinic Facelift

First Assessing Sagging Areas and Skin Thickness

Individual Lifting Design

Lifting Fascia, Fat, and Dermis Together

SMAS Triple Lifting

Hiding in Front of Ear Wrinkles and Hairline

3-4cm Minimal Incision

Draping the Skin, Suturing in Layers

Suturing with Scar Consideration

Technical expertise of PIAF Clinic Facelift

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Candidates for PIAF Facelift

  • When wrinkles deepen across the entire face
  • When sagging is severe for age, appearing older
  • When concerned about double chin and sagging jawline
  • When wanting lifting surgery but worried about incision scars
  • When seeking a long-lasting lift
  • When concerned about nasolabial folds, mouth wrinkles, or prominent buccal fat
  • When desiring a naturally youthful lift
Recommended areas for faceliftScar ConcernsIndian Wrinkles and Cheek SaggingNasolabial FoldsBuccal FatJawlineDouble Chin

Facelift Surgery at PIAF ClinicReduce Incision Burden and Enhance Lasting Effects

  • Lifting Expected to Last About 2-3 Years
  • 3-4cm Minimal Incision in Front of Ear
  • Triple Lifting of Fascia, Fat, and Dermis
  • Decisions Made After Consultation Due to Individual Differences
Image of facelift operating room

Precautions for PIAF Facelift Surgery

  1. 01/For a week after surgery, avoid rubbing or sleeping on your stomach, and sleep with your upper body slightly elevated.
  2. 02/Smoking and alcohol can delay wound healing and increase the risk of infection, so avoid them for a month after surgery.
  3. 03/For about a month after surgery, movements or sensations around the mouth may differ from usual but typically recover gradually.
  4. 04/Apply cold compresses for swelling and pain, and switch to warm compresses after three days.
  5. 05/Consume soft foods and avoid salty or hard foods temporarily.
  6. 06/Avoid exercise and saunas for a month after surgery.
  7. 07/Refrain from wide smiles or opening your mouth wide for about a month. Recovery speed varies by individual.

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Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Q.How is thread lifting different from a facelift?
Thread lifting is a non-surgical method that inserts threads to lift sagging tissue, offering quick recovery but shorter duration. Facelift involves incision and direct lifting of the SMAS, providing more significant changes and longer-lasting results for pronounced sagging. Decisions are made during consultation based on the degree of sagging.
Q.Where and how much scarring can be expected?
The incision is designed to be placed along the wrinkles in front of the ear and the hairline, making it less visible when hair is down. Initially, a red line may be visible, but it generally fades over time, with individual differences.
Q.How long do the effects last?
The method of lifting and fixing the SMAS is generally known to last for several years, but aging itself does not stop. It varies with skin condition, lifestyle, and weight changes, and can be maintained with laser lifting and other treatments.

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Explore More Anti-Aging Surgeries and Lifting

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Perfectionist PIAF

What makes PIAF different

Only the surgery you need

We assess your condition and suggest only the necessary scope.

Proven techniques + experience

Well-established methods, refined by experience.

Aesthetics and function together

We consider both a natural look and functional improvement.

Minimal scarring, smooth recovery

Careful guidance from incision and suturing through recovery.

Consultation

Considering Facelift?

Methods and results may vary by individual. Find the right approach for you in a one-on-one consultation.

Consultation inquiries

02-420-8883

Instagram @piafclinic

Clinic hours

Mon · Tue · Thu · Fri10:30 - 20:00
Wednesday10:30 - 19:00
Saturday10:30 - 16:30
Lunch break13:00 - 14:00
Sunday · Public holidaysClosed

Directions

1F-101, 82 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea

5 min walk from Jamsil Station (Line 2) · Parking available in the building

PIAF Clinic is a premium plastic surgery and dermatology clinic in Jamsil, Seoul. We specialize in anti-aging facelifts, eye surgery, and personalized aesthetic care.

PIAF Clinic · 1F-101, 82 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea · Main phone 02-420-8883

Listed prices include VAT and may change after consultation depending on the treatment area and scope. Model photos are staged images, and the director and space photos are actual photos.