Medical Tourism Blog
Korea Flat Cheeks Solutions: Deep Plane Face Lift & Cheekbone Implant Procedures Explained
Table of contents
- Understanding "Flat Cheeks": The Roots of Mid-Facial Volume Loss
- Deep Plane Facelift: Comprehensive Surgical Restoration
- Cheekbone Implants (Malarplasty): Targeted Volume Enhancement
- Deep Plane Facelift vs. Cheekbone Implants: Comparing Options
- Non-Surgical Alternatives for Mid-Facial Volume
- Best Clinics in Korea for Flat Cheeks
- Medical Tourism in South Korea: A Hub for Facial Procedures
- Patient Experiences and Outcomes
- Conclusions
- References
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Mid-facial volume loss—often called "flat cheeks"—is a common cosmetic concern. It can result from aging, genetics, weight changes, or environmental impacts, and tends to make the face look gaunt or tired. This article explores two key surgical interventions: the Deep Plane Facelift, which offers holistic facial rejuvenation by repositioning tissues beneath the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) and delivers lasting, natural-looking results, and Cheekbone Implants (Malarplasty), which permanently enhance cheek projection and facial harmony. The growth of medical tourism in South Korea for these procedures is also highlighted, showing the country’s competitive prices, advanced care, and streamlined patient support. Patient testimonials point to high satisfaction rates with both Deep Plane Facelift and Cheekbone Implants, emphasizing improvements in facial harmony and self-confidence.
Understanding "Flat Cheeks": The Roots of Mid-Facial Volume Loss
Definition and Causes
"Flat cheeks" refer to a lack of mid-face projection and contour, primarily involving the zygomatic arch and overlying soft tissues. Some people are born with flat cheeks due to genetics or underdeveloped bone structure, while others experience sagging or drooping from age-related tissue descent. Aging causes facial fat pads to shift and bone structures to remodel, leading to a hollow or sunken appearance. Breakdown of collagen and elastin further reduces skin resilience, while muscle weakening can worsen sagging. Lifestyle factors like sun exposure, weight loss (such as “Ozempic face”), and smoking also contribute. The surgical response depends on the dominant cause—Deep Plane Facelift for sagging and Cheekbone Implants for structural augmentation. Proper assessment is key to selecting a suitable approach.
The "Inverted Triangle of Youth"
Younger faces typically have fullness at the cheeks and a narrower lower face, forming the "triangle of youth." As cheeks lose volume and sag, the face takes on a more bottom-heavy or “inverted triangle” shape, signaling age and fatigue. The Deep Plane Facelift and Cheekbone Implants target this shift by restoring cheek prominence and upper-face definition, helping recapture the proportions associated with youth.
Deep Plane Facelift: Comprehensive Surgical Restoration
Procedure Overview
Developed by Sam Hamra in 1990, the Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced technique that operates below the SMAS. By releasing tight ligaments and lifting skin, fat, and muscle as one unit, this procedure corrects sagging across the mid-face, lower face, and neck. Benefits include a more natural result—without the "pulled" look of some older facelifts—addressing deep folds, jowls, and sagging cheeks.
The Surgical Technique
After anesthesia, discrete incisions are made within the hairline and around the ears. Surgeons use precise dissection to access the deep plane, releasing ligaments and lifting tissues for maximal effect. In cases of jowling, excess buccal fat may be reduced. The flap is then sutured into a youthful position and closed with fine stitches. The entire surgery can take up to 5 hours due to its complexity.
Benefits and Longevity
The deep plane approach treats the root cause of facial aging, leading to natural, integrated results and an improvement in overall facial balance. Because the deeper tissues bear most of the tension, scarring is minimal and results last up to 10-15 years.
Risks and Recovery Timeline
Complications are rare but can include scarring, nerve injury (usually temporary), hematoma, or skin loss (especially in smokers). Initial recovery involves swelling, stiffness, and bruising, peaking in the first week, with most patients presentable at three weeks and final results maturing over 6-12 months. Following pre- and post-op instructions, such as minimizing salt, avoiding tobacco, and gentle wound care, can optimize healing.
Cheekbone Implants (Malarplasty): Targeted Volume Enhancement
Procedure Overview
Cheekbone Implants, known as Malarplasty, are a permanent solution for enhancing cheek prominence, correcting asymmetry, and balancing facial contours. The procedure can be reversed if desired.
The Surgical Technique
Cheek augmentation uses custom-selected solid implants (silicone or other materials) inserted through hidden incisions inside the mouth. Implants may be placed directly on the cheekbones (malar), under them for mid-face volume (submalar), or combined. Surgery lasts 30-60 minutes under local anesthesia with sedation.
Candidacy
Candidates include those with genetically flat cheeks or whose aging has reduced cheek definition. Younger individuals with weak bone structure and older patients with volume loss may both benefit.
Risks and Recovery
Risks mirror most surgical procedures: anesthesia complications, asymmetry, bleeding or infection, implant movement, numbness, or rare scarring. Swelling and discomfort typically subside in about two weeks. Chewing and brushing should be gentle, and patients should avoid sleeping on their face for 6-8 weeks.
Deep Plane Facelift vs. Cheekbone Implants: Comparing Options
- Deep Plane Facelift addresses general sagging, deep folds, and jowling, repositioning tissues for a more youthful lower and mid-face. It’s ideal for patients seeking comprehensive correction and recontouring.
- Cheekbone Implants specifically build out the cheeks’ projection and symmetry, suitable for individuals needing focused volume rather than an overall lift.
- Recovery from facelift is longer but results last a decade or more; cheek implant recovery is shorter with permanent augmentation. The two procedures can be performed together for optimal results, depending on the patient’s individual anatomy and goals.
Non-Surgical Alternatives for Mid-Facial Volume
Dermal Fillers
Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers provide a quick, nonsurgical way to boost cheek volume, lift contours, and improve symmetry. Results last months to a couple of years. South Korean clinics offer HA fillers starting at around $170 per 1 mL.
Facial Fat Transfer
Fat grafting uses purified fat from another body area, injected to restore cheek volume. It can last years, but some fat may eventually be absorbed, requiring touch-ups. The typical cost in South Korea ranges from $1,500 to $4,500.
Other Options
Minimally invasive skin tightening (RF, HIFU, threads) and biostimulatory injections (like Sculptra) offer subtle improvements but don’t address severe volume loss.
Best Clinics in Korea for Flat Cheeks
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for flat cheeks:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery | Four-floor, full-service environment designed to support patients from consultation through surgery, recovery, and post-operative skincare. Known for a research-driven, academically active team, THE PLUS surgeons regularly contribute to journals and educational materials and participate in domestic and international symposiums, reflecting a commitment to current techniques and patient-focused communication. This depth of expertise is especially relevant for patients concerned about flat cheeks, where facial balance, structure, and natural-looking volume must be carefully assessed as part of overall facial harmony. | Rhinoplasty and facial contouring; 3D implants; emphasis on harmonious facial proportions and current techniques; patient-focused communication. |
| ID Hospital Korea | ID Hospital Korea is a leading clinic in Korea known for its strong focus on facial treatments and its commitment to delivering safe, natural-looking, and beautiful plastic surgery outcomes. For concerns like flat cheeks, ID Hospital emphasizes a customized approach based on each patient’s facial structure and goals, prioritizing safety at every step—from consultation and procedure planning to recovery. With a patient safety-oriented treatment philosophy and systematic post-care, the clinic is positioned as a trusted choice for achieving balanced midface volume and harmonious facial contours. - Specialized focus on facial treatments, making it a strong choice for addressing flat cheeks with a comprehensive aesthetic perspective - Customized plastic surgery plans tailored to individual facial proportions and desired outcomes, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach - Patient safety-oriented treatment protocols designed to support safe procedures and dependable recovery - Systematic post-care program to help manage swelling, support healing, and optimize final results - Broad range of treatment options that can be combined when appropriate for facial harmony, including facial contouring, lifting, skin clinic services, and petit plastic surgery - Full-spectrum surgical capabilities and support departments, with treatment items including orthognathic surgery, facial contouring, eye/nose plastic surgery, breast surgery, lifting, skin clinic, petit plastic surgery, and dentistry | Customized facial treatments and plans; safety-oriented protocols; systematic post-care; orthognathic surgery, facial contouring, eye/nose surgery, breast surgery, lifting, skin clinic, petit plastic surgery, and dentistry. |
| Jeio Plasticsurgery | For patients concerned about flat cheeks in Korea, Jeio Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seomyeon stands out as a top choice because it pairs individualized care and a strong focus on patient safety with a full spectrum of options to restore midface volume in a way that fits each face. Flat cheeks can be addressed with natural-looking volume replacement such as fat grafting (using your own fat), dermal fillers for subtle, adjustable enhancement, and facial contouring approaches designed to improve cheek and nasolabial balance, including non-incisional facial contouring and augmentation cheiloplasty aimed at the midface and cheek area. For patients who also notice sagging or deflation over time, lifting and rejuvenation options like thread lift or laser lifting can support contour while improving skin firmness. With this comprehensive mix of surgical and non-surgical solutions, Jeio can tailor a plan to your anatomy, goals, and downtime preferences while prioritizing excellent, balanced outcomes. | Individualized care and safety focus; full spectrum options to restore midface volume; natural-looking volume replacement with fat grafting and dermal fillers; facial contouring for cheek and nasolabial balance; non-incisional contouring and augmentation cheiloplasty; lifting and rejuvenation options like thread lift or laser lifting; tailored plans based on anatomy, goals, and downtime. |
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery clinic, located in the lively Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, offers a four-floor, full-service environment designed to support patients from consultation through surgery, recovery, and post-operative skincare. Known for a research-driven, academically active team, THE PLUS surgeons regularly contribute to journals and educational materials and participate in domestic and international symposiums, reflecting a commitment to current techniques and patient-focused communication. This depth of expertise is especially relevant for patients concerned about flat cheeks, where facial balance, structure, and natural-looking volume must be carefully assessed as part of overall facial harmony.
The clinic is led by internationally recognized specialists with strong educational and leadership roles in the field. Dr. Kim, a board certified plastic surgeon and award-winning researcher in 3D implants, is a leading expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring who emphasizes harmonious facial proportions to enhance existing features. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is widely sought after for rhinoplasty education and global conference panels, bringing a philosophy that unites function and beauty in every plan. Supporting the team, Dr. Lee is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation with experience at leading Korean hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital, and is known for an approach that prioritizes natural, long-lasting results and ongoing patient satisfaction.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
id Hospital Korea
ID Hospital Korea is a leading clinic in Korea known for its strong focus on facial treatments and its commitment to delivering safe, natural-looking, and beautiful plastic surgery outcomes. For concerns like flat cheeks, ID Hospital emphasizes a customized approach based on each patient’s facial structure and goals, prioritizing safety at every step—from consultation and procedure planning to recovery. With a patient safety-oriented treatment philosophy and systematic post-care, the clinic is positioned as a trusted choice for achieving balanced midface volume and harmonious facial contours.
- Specialized focus on facial treatments, making it a strong choice for addressing flat cheeks with a comprehensive aesthetic perspective
- Customized plastic surgery plans tailored to individual facial proportions and desired outcomes, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
- Patient safety-oriented treatment protocols designed to support safe procedures and dependable recovery
- Systematic post-care program to help manage swelling, support healing, and optimize final results
- Broad range of treatment options that can be combined when appropriate for facial harmony, including facial contouring, lifting, skin clinic services, and petit plastic surgery
- Full-spectrum surgical capabilities and support departments, with treatment items including orthognathic surgery, facial contouring, eye/nose plastic surgery, breast surgery, lifting, skin clinic, petit plastic surgery, and dentistry
Find more about this clinic here: id Hospital Korea Website
Jeio Plasticsurgery
For patients concerned about flat cheeks in Korea, Jeio Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seomyeon stands out as a top choice because it pairs individualized care and a strong focus on patient safety with a full spectrum of options to restore midface volume in a way that fits each face. Flat cheeks can be addressed with natural-looking volume replacement such as fat grafting (using your own fat), dermal fillers for subtle, adjustable enhancement, and facial contouring approaches designed to improve cheek and nasolabial balance, including non-incisional facial contouring and augmentation cheiloplasty aimed at the midface and cheek area. For patients who also notice sagging or deflation over time, lifting and rejuvenation options like thread lift or laser lifting can support contour while improving skin firmness. With this comprehensive mix of surgical and non-surgical solutions, Jeio can tailor a plan to your anatomy, goals, and downtime preferences while prioritizing excellent, balanced outcomes.
Find more about this clinic here: Jeio Plasticsurgery Website
Medical Tourism in South Korea: A Hub for Facial Procedures
Why Patients Choose South Korea
Korea’s leadership in innovation, specialized surgeons, and adoption of the newest technologies (like 3D planning and minimally invasive incisions) make it a top choice. Costs are 40%–75% less than in Western nations, and comprehensive medical tourism packages include translations, transportation, and aftercare.
The Medical Tourism Experience
Agencies help patients with online consultations, clinic selection, quoting and package building (including surgery, hotel, and local transfers), visa support, and personal translators. Patients enjoy a streamlined process from arrival through recovery, with leisure activities built in.
Cost Comparisons
| Procedure | South Korea | USA | Turkey | Australia | Thailand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Plane Facelift | $8,000-$13,000 | $18,000-$100,000 | $1,635-$13,900 | $9,570-$30,750 | $4,435-$20,552 |
| Cheekbone Reduction | $5,000-$12,000 | - | - | - | - |
| Rhinoplasty | $2,500-$10,000 | ~$12,000 | - | - | - |
| Facial Fat Grafting | $1,500-$4,500 | - | - | - | - |
South Korea’s value-to-quality ratio is a big draw, especially with bundled services that simplify the experience for international patients.
Patient Experiences and Outcomes
Deep Plane Facelift
Patients consistently report natural-looking rejuvenation, refreshed facial contours, and significant improvement in mid-face and neck sagging. Results often endure for a decade or longer, and many describe the life-changing impact on self-confidence.
Cheekbone Implants
Those who choose cheek implants or fat grafting note restored cheek fullness, improved facial harmony, and a healthier appearance. Many find the changes boost confidence and reduce their reliance on makeup.
Conclusions
Flat cheeks can arise from genetics, aging, or lifestyle factors, and their correction is best determined by the underlying cause. Deep Plane Facelift and Cheekbone Implants each offer unique advantages: one delivers comprehensive, long-term rejuvenation, while the other targets specific volume deficits with permanence. South Korea stands out as a leading destination, combining affordability, expertise, and patient-centered care. Both procedures reliably restore facial balance and confidence, as attested by patient results.
References
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