Guides
Facelift, thread lift and anti-aging surgery in Korea — options, cost and recovery
A guide to lifting procedures in Korea for international customers — SMAS facelift, mini facelift, neck lift, forehead and brow lift, thread lifts and device lifting, what suits each age, recovery and stay length, and live starting prices from verified Korean clinics on Mimi.
Lifting is the fastest-growing category among international customers in their 40s to 60s visiting Korea. Korean surgeons offer a full ladder of options — from a lunchtime thread lift to a deep-plane facelift — and are known for natural results that avoid the "pulled" look. This guide explains the ladder, who suits what, and what to expect.
Lifting on Mimi right now
| Category | Lowest | Median | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifting | 600,000 KRW | 2,500,000 KRW | 12,000,000 KRW |
Prices are starting prices entered by each clinic and are refreshed daily. The final cost is confirmed after a consultation.
See all Lifting clinics & pricesThe main procedures
Surgical facelift (SMAS / deep plane)
Repositions the deeper SMAS layer and removes excess skin through incisions around the ear and hairline. The longest-lasting option (typically 8–10 years) for jowls, deep folds and neck laxity.
Mini facelift
A shorter incision and a limited SMAS lift for early jowling in customers in their 40s and 50s; shorter recovery than a full facelift.
Neck lift
Tightens the platysma muscle and removes fat and skin under the chin and jaw; often combined with a facelift.
Forehead and brow lift
Endoscopic or hairline incision techniques to raise heavy brows and smooth the forehead; sometimes combined with upper eyelid surgery.
Thread lift
Absorbable barbed threads lift the cheeks, jawline or brows with minimal downtime; results last around a year. Popular as a first step or as maintenance between surgeries.
Device lifting
Ultrasound (HIFU) and radiofrequency tightening for mild laxity with no downtime, often done in a course.
Which option suits which stage
- 30s–early 40s, mild laxity: devices, skin boosters, thread lift.
- 40s–50s, early jowls and folds: thread lift, mini facelift, fat grafting for volume.
- 50s–60s+, jowls, neck bands, deep folds: SMAS facelift with neck lift, brow lift as needed.
The surgeon's assessment in a video consultation or in person decides; photos and age alone do not.
Cost in Korea
Thread lifts and devices are the entry level and are priced per number of threads or shots. Surgical lifts are priced by extent (mini vs. full, with or without neck) and anaesthesia. Korean prices for a SMAS facelift are typically well below those in the US or Western Europe for a comparable specialist. The live table above shows the starting prices clinics on Mimi have entered. See the cost guide.
Recovery timeline
- Thread lift: swelling and tightness for 3–7 days; avoid wide mouth opening for two weeks.
- Mini facelift: stitches out around day 7; presentable with light makeup in 2 weeks.
- Full facelift / neck lift: stitches out over 1–2 weeks; swelling and numbness settle over 4–6 weeks; scars mature over months.
Plan 10–14 days in Korea for surgical lifts and 3–5 days for thread lifts. See the trip planning guide.
This week's most consulted: Lifting
Surgical FaceliftSeocho Seoul・AB PLASTIC SURGERYInquiries 2B&A 0
Surgical FaceliftSeocho Seoul・WJ WONJIN PLASTIC SURGERYInquiries 2B&A 0from 4,000,000 KRW
Double Chin LiftGangnam Seoul・RestoryInquiries 2B&A 0
Mini FaceliftGangnam Seoul・VIEW PLASTIC SURGERYInquiries 1B&A 0from 4,840,000 KRW
FaceliftGangnam Seoul・RestoryInquiries 3B&A 0
How to choose a lifting surgeon
- A plastic surgeon whose practice is centred on facial rejuvenation, with before & after photos of customers your age at 6–12 months.
- Ask which plane the surgeon works in (SMAS plication, SMASectomy, deep plane) and why for your case.
- Ask how incisions are hidden around the ear and hairline.
- For thread lifts, ask which threads and how many, and what happens if asymmetry appears.
Korean clinics for Lifting on Mimi
Verified clinics on Mimi that list Lifting. The descriptions below are written by each clinic on its own procedure pages; open the links for the full page, prices and before & after photos.
DA Plastic Surgery
Eye · Nose · Facial · Breast61 video consultationsLifting at this clinic
Combination Lower Face Liftfrom 4,340,000 KRW
A procedure that achieves lifting effects on the lower face (jawline, double chin, sagging neck) by combining various materials. — from DA Plastic Surgery's procedure page
Doctors: Koo Hyun Kook, DA
Mini Faceliftfrom 3,000,000 KRW
Lifts and tightens mild to moderate facial sagging through smaller incisions for a quicker recovery and natural-looking results. — from DA Plastic Surgery's procedure page
Doctors: Koo Hyun Kook, DA
Questions DA Plastic Surgery answers
Q. How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
You can make a reservation by selecting your desired date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The available time slots of the doctor will be displayed, and you may choose your preferred time.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The cost of surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual condition. You can be informed of the exact cost after consulting with the doctor through a video consultation. The basic price range can be checked on each procedure detail page.
JT PLASTIC SURGERY
Eye · Nose · Facial · Lifting138 video consultationsYou can just trust me, JT!
Lifting at this clinic
Full faceliftfrom 2,300,000 KRW
Procedure to comprehensively lift entire face for youthful appearance — from JT PLASTIC SURGERY's procedure page
Doctors: Jinsung Kim, MIJUNG
Midface Liftfrom 2,150,000 KRW
Lifts and repositions sagging midface tissues to restore facial volume and improve cheek contours. — from JT PLASTIC SURGERY's procedure page
Doctors: Jinsung Kim, MIJUNG
Questions JT PLASTIC SURGERY answers
Q. How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
You can make a reservation by selecting your desired date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The doctor's available time slots will be displayed, and you may choose your preferred time.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The surgery cost varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual condition. You can receive information on the exact cost after consulting with the doctor through a video consultation. The basic price range can be found on each procedure detail page.
Lara plastic surgery
Eye · Nose · Facial · Body68 video consultationsLara
Lifting at this clinic
Lifts the brows using an endoscopic technique through small incisions to reduce forehead wrinkles and create a more youthful appearance. — from Lara plastic surgery's procedure page
Doctors: Jongdo Kim, LEE SEUL PARK
Procedure to lift sagging skin and tissue of the neck, creating a firmer and more defined neck contour — from Lara plastic surgery's procedure page
Doctors: Jongdo Kim, LEE SEUL PARK
Questions Lara plastic surgery answers
Q. How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
You can make a reservation by selecting your desired date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The available time slots of the doctor will be displayed, and you may choose your preferred time.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The cost of surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual condition. You can be informed of the exact cost after consulting with the doctor through a video consultation. The basic price range can be checked on each procedure detail page.
Hannaive Plastic Surgery
Eye · Nose · Facial · Breast21 video consultationsLifting at this clinic
Full faceliftfrom 3,000,000 KRW
Procedure to comprehensively lift entire face for youthful appearance — from Hannaive Plastic Surgery's procedure page
Doctors: Consultation Manager
Forehead Reduction Surgeryfrom 1,600,000 KRW
Reduces forehead height by advancing the hairline to create more balanced facial proportions. — from Hannaive Plastic Surgery's procedure page
Doctors: Consultation Manager
Questions Hannaive Plastic Surgery answers
Q. How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
You can make a reservation by selecting your desired date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The available time slots of the doctor will be displayed, and you may choose your preferred time.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The cost of surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual condition. You can be informed of the exact cost after consulting with the doctor through a video consultation. The basic price range can be checked on each procedure detail page.
MARBLE PLASTIC SURGERY
Eye · Nose · Facial · Breast198 video consultationsAt Marvel, where patients always come first, we continuously strive for you.
Lifting at this clinic
Faceliftfrom 4,000,000 KRW
The beginning of a transformation to look 10 years younger in the span of a day As time passes, skin elasticity decreases and wrinkles gradually increase. — from MARBLE PLASTIC SURGERY's procedure page
Doctors: Il beom Seo, Jun hyung Kim, MARBLE
Mini Faceliftfrom 3,000,000 KRW
Long-lasting results perfected through Marble’s expertise Mini facelift that firmly lifts up to the SMAS layer - When the effects of procedures such as thread lifting are minimal - When concerned about scarring from a full facelift - When partial improvement is needed - When… — from MARBLE PLASTIC SURGERY's procedure page
Doctors: Il beom Seo, Jun hyung Kim, MARBLE
Questions MARBLE PLASTIC SURGERY answers
Q. How can I make an appointment for a consultation?
You can make a reservation by selecting your desired date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The doctor's available time slots will be displayed, and you may choose your preferred time.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The cost of surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual condition. You can receive guidance on the exact cost after consulting with the doctor through a video consultation. The basic price range can be found on each procedure’s detailed page.
Afternoon Plastic Surgery
Eye · Lifting · Treatment117 video consultationsWith 20 years of experience in eye surgery and over 10,000 clinical cases, we personally oversee every step—from the initial consultation and surgery to post-operative care.
Lifting at this clinic
Mini Faceliftfrom 3,150,000 KRW
With a minimal incision of less than 3 cm, there are no visible signs of surgery even on the day of the procedure. By lifting up to the SMAS layer, the effects are long-lasting. — from Afternoon Plastic Surgery's procedure page
Doctors: Kim Karam, AFTERNOON
Lower Face Liftfrom 9,450,000 KRW
Accurately assess the anatomical structures of the face to minimize adverse effects such as nerve injury and bleeding. Properly dissect the SMAS layer to achieve reliable, long-lasting results. Meticulous hemostasis helps minimize bruising. — from Afternoon Plastic Surgery's procedure page
Doctors: Kim Karam, AFTERNOON
Questions Afternoon Plastic Surgery answers
Q. How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
You can make a reservation by selecting your desired date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The available time slots of the doctor will be displayed, and you may choose your preferred time.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The cost of surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual condition. You can be informed of the exact cost after consulting with the doctor through a video consultation. The basic price range can be checked on each procedure detail page.
FAQ
How much does a facelift cost in Korea?
Mini facelifts are priced lower than full SMAS facelifts, and adding a neck lift or brow lift increases the total. The live table on this page shows starting prices entered by clinics on Mimi; ask what anaesthesia and follow-up care the quote includes.
How long does a thread lift last?
Usually 12–18 months, depending on the threads and your skin. Many customers repeat it or move to a surgical lift later.
Will a facelift look natural?
Korean surgeons favour moderate, natural repositioning rather than tight pulling, and often add fat grafting for lost volume. Bring photos of yourself from 10–15 years ago to the consultation to show the look you want back.
How long should I stay in Korea?
10–14 days for a surgical facelift or neck lift; 3–5 days for a thread lift or devices.
Can I combine a facelift with eyelid surgery?
Yes, upper and lower blepharoplasty are commonly done in the same session as a facelift or brow lift. The surgeon will advise on total operating time and anaesthesia.
Related guides
How much does plastic surgery cost in Korea? A price guide for international customers
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How to find and compare Korean plastic surgery clinics as an international customer (without a broker)
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How to verify a Korean plastic surgery clinic and doctor before booking
The public registries and questions international customers can use to check a Korean plastic surgery clinic — that it is a licensed medical institution, that the surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon, that the clinic is registered to treat foreign patients with malpractice insurance, who administers anaesthesia, the operating-room CCTV rule, and how to avoid ghost surgery.
How to get plastic surgery quotes from Korean clinics before you travel
How international customers get price quotes from Korean plastic surgery and dermatology clinics from abroad — what a Korean quote includes, three ways to request one (chat, multi-clinic quote request, video consultation), what to send, how to compare quotes fairly, and the warning signs of a misleading quote.
This content is general information for international customers and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Recovery times, risks and costs vary by person and clinic. Always make medical decisions in consultation with a licensed doctor.