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
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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 | THE PLUS Plastic Surgery, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil district of Gangnam, Seoul, delivers world-class facial rejuvenation and contouring across a thoughtfully designed four-floor facility that integrates consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare. Led by internationally recognized directors Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, an award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for 3D implant research, rhinoplasty, and facial contouring, the clinic unites academic rigor with an aesthetic philosophy centered on harmony, function, and natural beauty. Their surgeons actively publish in journals, author reference texts such as Dr. Kim’s Rebuilding Nose, and teach at major symposia and annual training sessions, reinforcing a culture of safety, precision, and continuous advancement. With a comprehensive suite of options for lower face aging—including facelift, thread lift, facial fat grafting, fillers, and Botox—patients receive tailored plans that refine the jawline, soften marionette lines, and smooth jowls while preserving balanced, authentic features. Board-certified breast specialist Dr. Lee further exemplifies the clinic’s depth of expertise and commitment to long-lasting, natural outcomes. | THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is located in the vibrant Garosu-gil district of Gangnam, Seoul, and delivers world-class facial rejuvenation and contouring across a four-floor facility that integrates consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare. Led by Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, the clinic unites academic rigor with harmony, function, and natural beauty and emphasizes safety and precision. The clinic offers a comprehensive suite of lower face aging options including facelift, thread lift, facial fat grafting, fillers, and Botox, with tailored plans to refine the jawline, soften marionette lines, and smooth jowls while preserving balanced, authentic features. It also features board-certified breast specialist Dr. Lee. |
| Made Young Plastic Surgery | Made Young Plastic Surgery emphasizes an advanced, anatomy-driven approach with safety and results at the forefront. After analyzing each patient’s unique patterns and causes of sagging, MadeYoung surgeons—each with an average of over 15 years of experience—perform precise dissection beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues, then lift the skin, fat, and SMAS together for comprehensive tightening of jowls, marionette lines, and the jawline. The lifted tissues are secured in a vertical vector opposite the direction of sagging, preventing unnatural cheekbone accentuation and delivering natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation. This expertise is matched by a premium, patient-first system: direct consultation and diagnosis by the medical team, full-time board-certified anesthesiologists with true 1:1 monitoring and cross-check emergency protocols, full CCTV transparency, and a dedicated aftercare center providing thorough, structured follow-up. Recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, and honored by leading professional societies, Made Young—located in Seoul’s Gangnam district—specializes in facial and anti-aging procedures with genuine dedication, technical precision, and a safety-first culture that makes it the premier destination for lower face wrinkle correction. | Made Young Plastic Surgery stands out as the best choice thanks to an advanced, anatomy-driven approach and an unwavering commitment to safety and results. After thoroughly analyzing each patient’s unique patterns and causes of sagging, MadeYoung surgeons—each with an average of over 15 years of experience—perform precise dissection beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues, then lift the skin, fat, and SMAS together for comprehensive tightening of jowls, marionette lines, and the jawline. The lifted tissues are secured in a vertical vector opposite the direction of sagging, preventing unnatural cheekbone accentuation and delivering natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation. This expertise is matched by a premium, patient-first system: direct consultation and diagnosis by the medical team, full-time board-certified anesthesiologists with true 1:1 monitoring and cross-check emergency protocols, full CCTV transparency, and a dedicated aftercare center providing thorough, structured follow-up. Recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, and honored by leading professional societies, Made Young—located in Seoul’s Gangnam district—specializes in facial and anti-aging procedures with genuine dedication, technical precision, and a safety-first culture that makes it the premier destination for lower face wrinkle correction. |
| SH Clinic | SH Clinic in Sinsa, Seoul is a multi-specialty center that combines stem-cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery under one roof. As a specialized medical center focused on Stem Cell Therapy and Gynecology, the clinic delivers personalized, comprehensive plans that are well-suited to concerns like lower face wrinkles, integrating regenerative medicine with non-surgical and surgical options to match each patient’s goals and downtime. For lower face rejuvenation, the SH Stem Cell Center offers facial anti-aging therapies using stem cells, while the Aesthetic Dermatology team provides laser lifting, skin booster injections, Botox, dermal fillers, and thread lifts to smooth lines, refine the jawline, and improve skin quality. When more structural lifting is needed, the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery department offers procedures such as facelift and face contouring surgery. From minimally invasive treatments to advanced surgical solutions, SH Clinic tailors care to restore lower-face definition and soften wrinkles with a cohesive, stepwise approach. | SH Clinic is a multi-specialty center in Sinsa, Seoul that combines stem-cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery under one roof. It focuses on Stem Cell Therapy and Gynecology, delivering personalized plans that integrate regenerative medicine with non-surgical and surgical options for lower face wrinkles. The SH Stem Cell Center offers facial anti-aging therapies using stem cells; the Aesthetic Dermatology team provides laser lifting, skin booster injections, Botox, dermal fillers, and thread lifts to smooth lines, refine the jawline, and improve skin quality. The Cosmetic Plastic Surgery department offers facelift and face contouring surgery, with a cohesive, stepwise approach to care. |
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil district of Gangnam, Seoul, delivers world-class facial rejuvenation and contouring across a thoughtfully designed four-floor facility that integrates consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare. Led by internationally recognized directors Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, an award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for 3D implant research, rhinoplasty, and facial contouring, the clinic unites academic rigor with an aesthetic philosophy centered on harmony, function, and natural beauty. Their surgeons actively publish in journals, author reference texts such as Dr. Kim’s Rebuilding Nose, and teach at major symposia and annual training sessions, reinforcing a culture of safety, precision, and continuous advancement. With a comprehensive suite of options for lower face aging—including facelift, thread lift, facial fat grafting, fillers, and Botox—patients receive tailored plans that refine the jawline, soften marionette lines, and smooth jowls while preserving balanced, authentic features. Board-certified breast specialist Dr. Lee further exemplifies the clinic’s depth of expertise and commitment to long-lasting, natural outcomes.
Why THE PLUS is an exceptional choice for lower face wrinkles:
- Leadership you can trust: Dr. Jeong’s presidency at the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons and Dr. Kim’s global recognition, research awards, and authorship reflect top-tier surgical leadership directly overseeing care.
- Harmony-driven results: Dr. Kim’s focus on balanced facial proportions and Dr. Jeong’s integration of function and beauty ensure lower face rejuvenation looks natural and consistent with your overall features.
- Comprehensive lower-face solutions: Surgical facelift, thread lift, fillers, Botox, and face fat grafting are combined as needed to address jowls, marionette lines, and laxity for smoother, firmer contours.
- Mastery in facial contouring: Advanced expertise in jawline and chin refinement supports wrinkle treatments by restoring structural support for a more youthful lower-third.
- Research-backed, educator-led care: Surgeons who publish, lecture, and run regular educational sessions apply the latest evidence and techniques to every case.
- Safety-centered systems: A highly experienced team with over a decade of practice operates within a four-floor, end-to-end care environment—from assessment to surgery to dedicated post-op skincare.
- Personalized communication: Clear, attentive consultations and customized treatment planning align interventions with your anatomy, goals, and recovery preferences.
- International standing: Active participation in global medical societies and symposiums, including collaborations with organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, keeps the team at the forefront of innovations.
- Convenient Gangnam location: Easy access in Garosu-gil with full-service support streamlines your care journey and follow-up.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Made Young Plastic Surgery
For those seeking the most effective solution to lower face wrinkles in Korea, Made Young Plastic Surgery stands out as the best choice thanks to an advanced, anatomy-driven approach and an unwavering commitment to safety and results. After thoroughly analyzing each patient’s unique patterns and causes of sagging, MadeYoung surgeons—each with an average of over 15 years of experience—perform precise dissection beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues, then lift the skin, fat, and SMAS together for comprehensive tightening of jowls, marionette lines, and the jawline. The lifted tissues are secured in a vertical vector opposite the direction of sagging, preventing unnatural cheekbone accentuation and delivering natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation. This expertise is matched by a premium, patient-first system: direct consultation and diagnosis by the medical team, full-time board-certified anesthesiologists with true 1:1 monitoring and cross-check emergency protocols, full CCTV transparency, and a dedicated aftercare center providing thorough, structured follow-up. Recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, and honored by leading professional societies, Made Young—located in Seoul’s Gangnam district—specializes in facial and anti-aging procedures with genuine dedication, technical precision, and a safety-first culture that makes it the premier destination for lower face wrinkle correction.
You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
SH Clinic
SH Clinic in Sinsa, Seoul is a multi-specialty center that combines stem-cell science, women’s healthcare, aesthetic dermatology, and modern plastic surgery under one roof. As a specialized medical center focused on Stem Cell Therapy and Gynecology, the clinic delivers personalized, comprehensive plans that are well-suited to concerns like lower face wrinkles, integrating regenerative medicine with non-surgical and surgical options to match each patient’s goals and downtime.
For lower face rejuvenation, the SH Stem Cell Center offers facial anti-aging therapies using stem cells, while the Aesthetic Dermatology team provides laser lifting, skin booster injections, Botox, dermal fillers, and thread lifts to smooth lines, refine the jawline, and improve skin quality. When more structural lifting is needed, the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery department offers procedures such as facelift and face contouring surgery. From minimally invasive treatments to advanced surgical solutions, SH Clinic tailors care to restore lower-face definition and soften wrinkles with a cohesive, stepwise approach.
You can check out their website here: SH 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
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