Medical Tourism Blog
Lower Face Wrinkles Solutions: SMAS Facelift Procedures in Korea for Youthful Results
Table of contents
- Understanding Lower Face Wrinkles: Creases Around the Mouth and Chin
- The SMAS Facelift: A Comprehensive Medical Procedure
- Best Clinics in Korea for Lower Face Wrinkles
- The Medical Tourist's Journey: Getting a SMAS Facelift in South Korea
- Cost Analysis: SMAS Facelift in South Korea vs. Other Countries
- Patient Outcomes: Addressing Lower Face Concerns with SMAS Facelift
- Conclusion: Informed Decisions for Facial Rejuvenation
- References
As we age, the lower face often reveals the unmistakable signs of time—wrinkles, sagging skin, and the fading of youthful contours. These changes, most noticeable around the mouth and chin, can have a real impact on how people see themselves and their self-confidence. That's why so many seek reliable ways to refresh their appearance and regain a vibrant look.
From the broad landscape of cosmetic procedures, the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) facelift stands out for its effectiveness in rejuvenating the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. Unlike earlier facelifts that only tightened skin, the SMAS facelift, which evolved in the late 1970s and early 1980s, targets deeper facial layers for more natural and long-lasting results. Patients today are looking for subtle, authentic, and durable facial rejuvenation instead of temporary or artificial-looking fixes—which is exactly what the SMAS facelift seeks to deliver.
Understanding Lower Face Wrinkles: Creases Around the Mouth and Chin
Lower face wrinkles typically show up as visible creases and folds around the mouth and chin. Though aging is the main culprit, other factors can fast-track their appearance. These wrinkles can sometimes make a person look tired or older than they are, impacting both how they're perceived and how they feel.
Common Pseudonyms and Medical Terms
These facial lines take on several names, both in everyday talk and in medical contexts:
- Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines, Laugh Lines, Nasolabial Groove): These lines run from the sides of the nose to the mouth corners, deepening with age.
- Marionette Lines (Melomental Folds): These run downward from the mouth's corners, often giving a perpetual frown and appearing as early as the late 30s.
- Vertical Lip Lines (Perioral Wrinkles, Smoker's Lines, Pleated Wrinkles): Vertical lines on the upper lip, intensified by smoking or repetitive lip movement.
- Transverse Chin Wrinkles (Strawberry Chin): Horizontal lines across the chin caused by underlying muscle contractions.
Though some colloquialisms like "support lines" or "disappointment lines" appear in beauty discussions, medical professionals rely on the above terms when recommending or performing treatments.
Contributing Factors to Their Development
The path to lower face wrinkles involves both internal and external influences:
- Intrinsic Aging: Everyone loses collagen and elastin over time, causing skin to stretch, fold, and settle into lines like marionette and smile lines. Genetics also play a role.
- Sun Damage: Too much UV exposure breaks down skin support structures and leads to premature wrinkling.
- Smoking: The repetitive motion of smoking and the chemicals involved make fine lines, especially around the lips, appear earlier and more prominently.
- Repeated Facial Expressions: Movement from smiling or frowning eventually carves lines into the skin.
- Poor Sleep Habits: Side or stomach sleeping can contribute to deeper skin folds.
- Dehydration and Poor Diet: Dry, undernourished skin is more prone to visible wrinkles.
- Severe Stress: High stress levels can hasten wrinkle formation.
Lifestyle changes can help slow down further wrinkle development, but advanced sagging tied to SMAS layer changes often requires surgical solutions like the SMAS facelift for noticeable and lasting improvement.
Beyond aesthetics, lines like marionette lines can inadvertently signal sadness or fatigue. Many pursue facial rejuvenation not just for cosmetic reasons, but also to feel better about how they’re perceived, boosting both social confidence and overall well-being.
The SMAS Facelift: A Comprehensive Medical Procedure
The SMAS facelift targets the deeper SMAS layer, tackling facial aging at its root by repositioning foundational tissues—not just skin.
What is the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS)?
The SMAS is a critical facial layer—essentially a fibrous network of muscle and connective tissue—sitting between the skin/fat and deeper facial muscles. It helps shape our expressions and facial contours. As time goes by, this layer naturally weakens and sags, leading to telltale signs like jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and a less defined jaw and neck.
Objectives of the SMAS Facelift
The SMAS facelift aims to reposition and tighten the SMAS layer to resolve:
- Mid-face sagging
- Jowls and a heavy jawline
- Excess skin and fat in the lower face and neck
- Pronounced nasolabial folds
- Double chin or undefined neck
- General loss of neck and facial contour
The overall goal is to restore a natural, refreshed look—often making patients appear a decade or more younger.
Detailed Procedure
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Incisions usually follow the hairline and curve around the ears for discreet scarring.
- Manipulating the SMAS Layer: Surgeons access the SMAS through these incisions, lifting and securing it in a higher position. Variations include SMAS plication, SMASectomy, extended SMAS, and high SMAS facelift—each offering different degrees of lift and longevity.
- Skin Redraping: After the deeper structures are adjusted, any excess skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is gently smoothed and sutured for a seamless finish.
Advantages of the SMAS Facelift
- Natural Results: By lifting the deeper layers, the result is refreshed, not pulled or "done."
- Long-Lasting: Effects typically last 10-15 years.
- Structural Improvement: Corrects sagging at its source.
- Safer: Relative to deep plane techniques, there is less facial nerve risk.
- Potentially Faster Recovery: Less deep dissection can mean quicker initial healing.
Recovery Expectations
Expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort for two weeks post-surgery; most people resume light activity in about two weeks. Swelling resolves over two to three months, with scars typically hidden by hair and natural skin creases.
Best Clinics in Korea for Lower Face Wrinkles
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for lower face wrinkles:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery | Located in Garosu-gil, Gangnam; Led by renowned experts; Board-certified surgeons; Over a decade of combined experience; Regular contributors to medical research and conferences; 4 specially designed floors (consultation to post-care); Focus on patient safety and satisfaction; Personalized communication; Modern setting | Advanced surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation; Lower face wrinkle solutions; Facial contouring and rhinoplasty; Latest cosmetic medicine techniques; Aesthetically harmonious, natural-looking results |
| Made Young Plastic Surgery | Gangnam district; Premier for anti-aging; Innovative surgical expertise; Doctors with 15+ years’ experience; All consultations by core team; Board-certified anesthesiologists always on site; 1:1 anesthesia monitoring; CCTV in procedures; Dedicated aftercare center; Award-winning; Society certified | SMAS layer dissection and lifting; Vertical tissue fixation; Skin, fat, SMAS elevation; Comprehensive root-cause facial analysis; Systematic aftercare for lower face wrinkle reduction; Minimally invasive aesthetic solutions |
| Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic | Forefront of Korean aesthetics; Personalized facial rejuvenation; Led by highly specialized professionals, including a female board-certified plastic surgeon; Sincere, patient-centric philosophy; Uses latest medical technology; High satisfaction and aftercare | Full face lift, mini lift, endoscopic forehead lift, thread lifting; Surgical & non-surgical integration; Thread lifting combined with advanced laser lifting; Detailed facial analysis for custom plans; Natural, lasting wrinkle reduction |
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
Nestled in the sought-after Garosu-gil district of Gangnam, Seoul, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery clinic stands as a beacon of excellence in aesthetic medicine. Led by renowned experts such as Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, and Dr. Lee, the clinic offers a comprehensive range of advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments for facial rejuvenation, including solutions for lower face wrinkles. With more than a decade of combined experience, their board-certified surgeons actively contribute to medical research and education, regularly presenting at international conferences and publishing in respected journals. Dr. Kim, a celebrated authority in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, and Dr. Jeong, the current President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, bring unparalleled expertise and a commitment to combining function with natural beauty for each patient.
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery clinic operates across four specially designed floors, providing seamless care from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare. Patient safety and satisfaction are central to their philosophy, underscored by meticulous attention to detail and personalized communication throughout every stage of treatment. Their team is dedicated to achieving aesthetically harmonious results that enhance each client’s unique features, drawing upon the latest techniques and innovations in cosmetic medicine. For anyone seeking to address lower face wrinkles with world-class care in Korea, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery offers both proven skill and a patient-centered approach in a modern setting.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Made Young Plastic Surgery
Introducing Made Young Plastic Surgery
Made Young Plastic Surgery Clinic, located at the heart of Seoul’s esteemed Gangnam district, is a premier destination for facial rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments in Korea. Renowned for combining innovative surgical expertise with a commitment to safety and patient-centered care, Made Young Plastic Surgery has established itself as a leader in advanced solutions for lower face wrinkles and facial sagging. The clinic’s methodology is distinguished by its careful analysis of facial anatomy and the underlying causes of aging, ensuring tailored treatment plans that deliver natural, long-lasting results.
Why Made Young Plastic Surgery is the Best Choice for Lower Face Wrinkles:
-
Precise Diagnosis & Advanced Techniques • Thorough analysis of facial sagging areas and root causes prior to any procedure • Precise dissection beneath the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer to release and reposition stretched supporting tissues • Comprehensive lifting in which the skin, fat, and SMAS are elevated together for a more secure and natural tightening effect • Tissues are fixed in a vertical direction opposite to sagging, preventing unnatural facial shapes and enhancing long-term results
-
Unmatched Medical Expertise • Only highly skilled doctors, each with an average of more than 15 years of experience • All treatments and consultations performed directly by the core medical team—no delegation to less experienced practitioners • Proven track record of outstanding results, especially in lower face wrinkle reduction and anti-aging procedures
-
Industry-Leading Safety Standards • Full-time board-certified anesthesiologists always on site • 1:1 dedicated anesthesia monitoring, providing individualized safety oversight for each patient • Cross-check system where multiple anesthesiologists collaborate during emergencies for rapid and comprehensive responses • Complete CCTV surveillance of procedures offers transparency and an extra layer of patient protection
-
Comprehensive and Personalized Aftercare • A separate, dedicated aftercare center supports every patient through recovery • Systematic and complete post-procedure care minimizes complications and supports optimal, lasting outcomes
-
Recognized Excellence • Recipient of the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place • Selected as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons • Officially certified by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society
At Made Young Plastic Surgery, world-class facial experts, advanced surgical techniques, and a meticulous approach to safety and aftercare come together to provide the most reliable and natural-looking solutions for lower face wrinkles. By addressing both the symptoms and root causes of facial aging, Made Young empowers patients to achieve a refreshed and youthful appearance with confidence and peace of mind.
You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic
Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic stands at the forefront of medical aesthetics in Korea, renowned for its comprehensive and personalized approach to facial rejuvenation, particularly in the treatment of lower face wrinkles. Drawing on a philosophy rooted in sincere care, precision, and tailored solutions, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic is led by a team of highly specialized professionals, including a distinguished female plastic surgeon with extensive expertise. The clinic offers a transformative patient journey—delivering not just visible results but meaningful personal change—through state-of-the-art techniques, empathetic consultation, and the latest in medical advancements.
Why Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic is the best choice for Lower Face Wrinkles:
- Specialized in a wide variety of face lifting procedures, including full face lift, mini lift, endoscopic forehead lift, and thread lifting, allowing for optimal customization based on individual aging patterns and aesthetic goals.
- Delivers integrated solutions by combining surgical and non-surgical methods, such as thread lifting paired with advanced laser lifting, for enhanced skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
- Personalizes every treatment plan using detailed facial analysis to ensure natural-looking and lasting results, tailored to each patient’s distinct facial structure and signs of aging.
- Led by a board-certified female plastic surgeon renowned for her experience and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring both safety and sensitivity, especially for female patients.
- Maintains a patient-centric philosophy, providing thorough consultation and ongoing care for a supportive and comfortable treatment experience.
- Utilizes the latest, proven medical technologies and techniques to maximize both safety and effectiveness in lowering face wrinkle treatments.
- Recognized for a track record of high patient satisfaction, with comprehensive before-and-after support woven into the clinic’s ethos. Choose Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic for your lower face wrinkle concerns and experience expert, compassionate care with outcomes that help you look as vibrant and youthful as you feel.
You can check out their website here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
The Medical Tourist's Journey: Getting a SMAS Facelift in South Korea
South Korea is a top destination for those seeking cosmetic surgery, blending technical excellence with patient-centered care and hospitality.
Why South Korea?
With nearly a quarter of the world's cosmetic procedures performed in South Korea and the highest density of board-certified plastic surgeons globally, the country leads in:
- Surgical Innovation: Techniques pioneered here are often adopted worldwide.
- Focus on Natural Results: Surgeons aim for subtle, harmonious change.
- Five-Star Experiences: Clinics often resemble luxury hotels and provide robust concierge services.
- Affordability: Procedures can be 40-70% less expensive than in the US or UK, without sacrificing quality.
Process of Getting a SMAS Facelift in South Korea
- Initial Research and Clinic Selection: Patients can connect with clinics online, review portfolios, and receive virtual consultations.
- Travel Arrangements: Clinics assist with everything from lodging to airport pickups.
- Consultation and Examinations: In-person planning with surgeons, full medical work-ups, and translation services.
- Surgery Day: The procedure lasts 2-6 hours, under general anesthesia or deep sedation, with safety protocols in place.
- Aftercare: Recovery takes place in comfortable settings with daily checks, pain management, and dedicated support.
- Recovery and Departure: Patients should plan for a 1-3 week stay in Korea to allow for healing, follow-ups, and support.
Table 1: Typical Timeline for SMAS Facelift in South Korea (for International Patients)
| Stage | Estimated Duration | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Arrival Planning | 1-4 weeks (flexible) | Clinic research, contacting clinics, virtual consultations, booking flights. |
This clear timeline helps patients plan both financially and logistically.
Cost Analysis: SMAS Facelift in South Korea vs. Other Countries
The affordability and transparency of a SMAS facelift in South Korea make it appealing for many international patients.
Average Costs of SMAS Facelift in South Korea
You can expect to pay between $6,000 and $12,000 USD for a SMAS facelift, though prices vary by clinic reputation, case complexity, and procedure type. The broader category of facelift can range from $3,000 to $18,000 USD. Combined procedures for full facial rejuvenation can run even higher.
Factors Affecting Cost
Several elements influence your total cost:
- Clinic/surgeon reputation
- Surgery complexity and specific SMAS technique
- Additional procedures
- Anesthesia fees
- Operating room and facility charges
- Medical supplies
All-Inclusive Packages for Medical Tourists
South Korean clinics often offer bundled packages covering:
- All consultations and medical exams
- Surgery and post-op care
- Medications and follow-up visits
- Translator services
- Accommodation near or within the clinic
- Airport transfers
This approach eases budgeting compared to the itemized bills common in Western countries.
Table 2: Comparative Costs of SMAS Facelift (USD)
| Country | Average SMAS Facelift Cost (USD) | Potential Savings vs. South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $6,000 - $12,000 | N/A |
| United States | $15,000 - $25,000+ | 40% - 70% |
| United Kingdom | $12,000 - $20,000+ | 40% - 70% |
| Australia | $18,000 - $30,000+ | 40% - 60% |
Note: These numbers are approximate and do not include travel or living expenses during recovery.
South Korea’s lower prices stem from market competitiveness, government support, and favorable exchange rates, not lower standards. Patients should still budget for travel and daily living costs during their stay.
Patient Outcomes: Addressing Lower Face Concerns with SMAS Facelift
A SMAS facelift is especially effective in addressing lower face problems like sagging jowls, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines because it directly targets and lifts the foundation of the facial structure.
How SMAS Facelift Addresses Lower Face Issues
By repositioning the sagging SMAS layer, the procedure smooths out wrinkles and restores facial contours. Think of it like smoothing out wrinkles in a sheet by pulling it tight from below—the result is an underlying change, not just a surface tweak.
Expected Aesthetic Improvements
Most patients see:
- Sharper jawlines and less visible jowls
- Smoother, more youthful-looking necks
- Elevated, fuller cheeks
- Softened deep lines around the mouth and nose
- A refreshed, natural appearance—"newer, not different"
- A sense of looking up to 10-20 years younger
Longevity of Results
Expect results to last around 10 to 15 years; while aging continues, your face will look noticeably younger for much longer compared to non-surgical options.
Real-World Patient Experiences
Patients regularly report feeling rejuvenated, more confident, and pleased with the natural look. Many choose to combine their SMAS facelift with other procedures like a neck lift or eyelid surgery for a more comprehensive transformation—and are often delighted by the synergy of results.
Conclusion: Informed Decisions for Facial Rejuvenation
The SMAS facelift offers a proven way to address deep facial aging, providing natural-looking, long-term rejuvenation—especially for lower face concerns like jowls and nasolabial folds. South Korea stands out for its surgical expertise, excellent patient services, and financial value, making it an ideal destination for medical tourism. Careful planning, surgeon selection, and open dialogue ensure that patients can make truly informed, confident decisions for their facial rejuvenation journey.
References
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
