Medical Tourism Blog
Effective Marionette Lines Treatments in Korea: Face Lift, Thread Lift, Fat Grafting, Fillers & Botox Solutions
Table of contents
- Medical Procedures for Marionette Lines: A Detailed Overview
- Best Clinics in Korea for Marionette Lines
- Cost Analysis for Medical Tourists in South Korea
- Conclusion
- References
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Marionette lines are the vertical wrinkles that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin, giving the face a downturned or sad appearance even when at rest. Also known as "melomental folds" or "puppet lines," these should not be confused with "nasolabial folds," which extend from the nose to the mouth corners. Marionette lines form naturally as we age due to a combination of factors: loss of collagen and elastin, facial fat reduction, gravity, and even subtle bone loss in the jaw and teeth. Repetitive facial movements, sun exposure, smoking, and genetics also play significant roles in their development.
Because marionette lines can make someone look sad or serious, addressing them is about more than just aesthetics—it can also improve self-esteem and social interactions. Since these lines result from multiple factors like volume loss, muscle activity, and skin laxity, a single treatment is rarely enough. A combination of approaches is often needed for the most natural and satisfying results.
Medical Procedures for Marionette Lines: A Detailed Overview
Here’s a closer look at the main medical procedures used to treat marionette lines, with a focus on how they’re performed in South Korea and what patients can expect.
Face Lift
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that tightens sagging skin and underlying tissues in the mid- to lower face and neck. While it can improve marionette lines by tightening the area, it doesn’t always address them directly, so additional treatments may be needed.
Techniques:
- Deep Plane Facelift: This advanced method works beneath the SMAS layer, releasing key ligaments and repositioning deeper tissues for a natural, long-lasting result.
- SMAS Facelift: Focuses on lifting and tightening the SMAS layer to enhance the jawline and reduce jowls.
Process in South Korea:
- Consultation: Detailed assessment and multilingual support for international patients.
- Anesthesia: Usually general or IV sedation.
- Incisions: Placed discreetly to minimize scarring.
- Dissection and Lifting: Elevation of skin and SMAS, with careful ligament release.
- Tissue Repositioning: Tension-free closure for a natural look.
- Recovery: Swelling and bruising subside in weeks; full recovery may take months.
Patient Outcomes:
Facelifts are highly effective for overall rejuvenation, with patients often looking years younger. However, marionette lines may not improve significantly with facelift alone, so combining with fillers or fat injections is common for best results.
Corner Mouth Lift (Oral Commissure Surgery)
A corner mouth lift targets downturned mouth corners, directly improving the expression and reducing the appearance of marionette lines. The procedure involves removing a small triangle of tissue at the mouth corners and stitching the area for a subtle, permanent lift.
Process in South Korea:
- Consultation and Design: Highly customized planning for natural results.
- Anesthesia: Local or sedative anesthesia.
- Surgery: Precise tissue removal and muscle adjustment.
- Recovery: Outpatient procedure with swelling subsiding in 1-2 weeks; stitches removed after 7 days.
Patient Outcomes:
Patients report a friendlier, more youthful expression with minimal scarring. The procedure is quick, safe, and can be combined with other treatments for enhanced results.
Stem Cell Fat Grafting
Stem Cell Fat Grafting uses the patient’s own fat, enriched with stem cells, to restore facial volume and improve skin quality. This method is especially effective for deep wrinkles and marionette lines.
Process in South Korea:
- Consultation: Tailored plan and donor site selection.
- Anesthesia: General or local with sedation.
- Fat Harvesting and Processing: Fat is purified and stem cells are added.
- Injection: Fat is carefully injected into target areas.
- Recovery: Outpatient with swelling and bruising resolving in 1-2 weeks.
Patient Outcomes:
Patients enjoy natural-looking, long-lasting results with improved skin texture. Some fat loss may occur, but repeated sessions can yield permanent improvements.
Face Thread Lift
A face thread lift uses absorbable threads to lift and tighten sagging skin, providing an immediate lift and stimulating collagen production over time.
Process in South Korea:
- Consultation: Assessment for thread type and placement.
- Preparation: Numbing and marking.
- Thread Insertion: Threads are placed under the skin and adjusted for lift.
- Recovery: Minimal downtime; swelling and bruising resolve in days.
Patient Outcomes:
Immediate, subtle lift with results lasting 6 months to 2 years. Thread lifts are ideal for those seeking non-surgical options, though effects are temporary and may require repeat treatments.
PRP Fat Grafting
PRP Fat Grafting combines fat transfer with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to enhance fat survival and tissue regeneration.
Process in South Korea:
- Consultation: Assessment and planning.
- Fat Harvesting and PRP Preparation: Fat and blood are collected and processed.
- Injection: PRP-enriched fat is injected into target areas.
- Recovery: Mild swelling and discomfort, with follow-up visits for monitoring.
Patient Outcomes:
Patients report faster recovery, improved skin quality, and longer-lasting volume compared to traditional fillers. Multiple sessions may be needed for permanent results.
Face Contouring Injection (Fat-Dissolving)
Face Contouring Injections use specialized solutions to dissolve localized fat, refining the lower face and indirectly improving marionette lines.
Process in South Korea:
- Consultation and Marking: Target areas are identified.
- Numbing and Injection: Quick, outpatient procedure.
- Recovery: No downtime; patients can resume activities immediately.
Patient Outcomes:
Quick, non-invasive, and effective for reducing jowling. Steroid-free formulations minimize complications.
Marionette Line Filler
Marionette line fillers, typically hyaluronic acid or other collagen-stimulating products, restore lost volume and smooth the lines.
Process in South Korea:
- Consultation: Facial assessment and filler selection.
- Preparation: Cleansing and numbing.
- Injection: Precise placement for natural results.
- Recovery: Mild swelling or bruising, usually gone in days.
Patient Outcomes:
Immediate improvement with results lasting 6-18 months. Complications are rare but can include lumps, asymmetry, or overfilling—choosing an experienced injector is crucial.
Mouth Corner Lift Botox
[Mouth Corner Lift Botox](/blog/mouth-corner-lift-botox-korea) targets the depressor anguli oris muscle to lift the mouth corners, improving expression.
Process in South Korea:
- Consultation: Assessment and planning.
- Injection: Quick, precise Botox injections.
- Recovery: No downtime; effects appear in days.
Patient Outcomes:
Subtle lift lasting 3-4 months. Often combined with fillers for comprehensive results.
Best Clinics in Korea for Marionette Lines
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for marionette lines:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic Website | - Stem cell–enriched fat grafting processed in rigorously sterile, temperature-controlled conditions and delivered with ultra-uniform precision—is designed to create smoother lower-face contours, natural volume support at the mouth corners, and longer-lasting improvement. - Sterile stem cell facilities: Ministry of Health and Welfare–approved double-door sealed cleanrooms with Clean Class 10,000 air and HEPA filtration minimize contamination during stem cell separation and concentration for safe, high-quality grafting. - Edinizer device for uniform microfat: standardizes fat parcel size to reduce cluster-related necrosis and surface irregularities; enables denser, smoother placement that helps curb swelling and supports graft take. - Surgeon excellence: Dr. An selected among Korea’s Top 18 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Experts; Director of the 5D Liposculpture Academy; listed among the World’s Top 100 Doctors in Stem Cell Aesthetic Medicine; trains domestic physicians in high-definition body sculpting and liposuction technologies. - No outdated equipment: continuous investment in the latest Korean and international medical devices enhances precision and safety. - Anatomy-based design: customized lower-face planning to rebalance proportions and reinforce perioral support where marionette lines form. - 4-step aftercare: structured program for swelling reduction, irregularity correction, skin elasticity recovery, and residual fat contouring to refine results. - Boutique care in Cheongdam: personalized attention for discerning patients, integrating advanced techniques such as full-face fat grafting and stem cell therapy for comprehensive rejuvenation. | - Stem cell–enriched fat grafting: elevates typical fat survival rates (20–30%) to 50–60% by enriching grafts with stem cells concentrated via advanced centrifuges; processed at an optimal 4°C for high-quality stem cell extraction. - Sterile stem cell facilities: Ministry of Health and Welfare–approved double-door sealed cleanrooms with Clean Class 10,000 air and HEPA filtration minimize contamination during stem cell separation and concentration for safe, high-quality grafting. - Edinizer device for uniform microfat: standardizes fat parcel size to reduce cluster-related necrosis and surface irregularities; enables denser, smoother placement that helps curb swelling and supports graft take. - Surgeon excellence: Dr. An selected among Korea’s Top 18 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Experts; Director of the 5D Liposculpture Academy; listed among the World’s Top 100 Doctors in Stem Cell Aesthetic Medicine; trains domestic physicians in high-definition body sculpting and liposuction technologies. - No outdated equipment: continuous investment in the latest Korean and international medical devices enhances precision and safety. - Anatomy-based design: customized lower-face planning to rebalance proportions and reinforce perioral support where marionette lines form. - 4-step aftercare: structured program for swelling reduction, irregularity correction, skin elasticity recovery, and residual fat contouring to refine results. - Boutique care in Cheongdam: personalized attention for discerning patients, integrating advanced techniques such as full-face fat grafting and stem cell therapy for comprehensive rejuvenation. |
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website | - Comprehensive, four-floor facility that seamlessly covers consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare—an ideal setting for personalized marionette line care. - With surgeons who are active researchers and frequent contributors to journals, books, and international symposiums, the clinic prioritizes safety, academic rigor, and clear communication. - For marionette lines, THE PLUS provides a tailored spectrum of options—from fillers and Botox to thread lifts, face fat grafting, and facelift techniques—selected to rejuvenate the lower face while preserving natural expression and balance. - The clinic is led by Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, internationally recognized figures in plastic surgery. Dr. Kim, a board-certified expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring with award-winning research on 3D implants, conducts annual educational sessions and emphasizes harmonious facial balance to enhance each patient’s natural features. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a frequent global speaker and educator whose practice unites function and beauty. Their shared commitment to evidence-based, aesthetic harmony underpins nuanced treatment planning for marionette lines tailored to Korean facial aesthetics. - You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website | - Comprehensive, four-floor facility that seamlessly covers consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare—an ideal setting for personalized marionette line care. - With surgeons who are active researchers and frequent contributors to journals, books, and international symposiums, the clinic prioritizes safety, academic rigor, and clear communication. - For marionette lines, THE PLUS provides a tailored spectrum of options—from fillers and Botox to thread lifts, face fat grafting, and facelift techniques—selected to rejuvenate the lower face while preserving natural expression and balance. - The clinic is led by Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, internationally recognized figures in plastic surgery. Dr. Kim, a board-certified expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring with award-winning research on 3D implants, conducts annual educational sessions and emphasizes harmonious facial balance to enhance each patient’s natural features. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a frequent global speaker and educator whose practice unites function and beauty. Their shared commitment to evidence-based, aesthetic harmony underpins nuanced treatment planning for marionette lines tailored to Korean facial aesthetics. - You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website |
| PangPang Clinic Website | - PangPang Clinic is widely regarded as the best clinic in Korea for treating marionette lines because it is a medical institution that focuses exclusively on thread lifting, delivering unmatched expertise for the lower face. - As home to the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute, PangPang leads global innovation with procedures developed from robust research and clinical data, and its medical team regularly presents invited lectures at international beauty conferences. - For marionette lines, the Thread Lifting Consultation Center crafts truly tailored plans that may combine lifting and assist threads to elevate downturned mouth corners, tightening threads to firm laxity along the jawline, and volume threads to soften the fold and prejowl area—selected from a library of 31 specialized, functional threads to provide the most optimized, personalized outcome. Precision is enhanced through ultrasonic pre-operative design, unlimited thread customization, and structured aftercare, while complementary options such as PIM Injection, fillers, and Botox refine perioral wrinkles when indicated. With a dedicated Revision Center for unsatisfactory prior lifts and a decade of focused practice in Gangnam, PangPang Clinic stands as the trusted leader for natural, long-lasting correction of marionette lines. - You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website | - For marionette lines, the Thread Lifting Consultation Center crafts truly tailored plans that may combine lifting and assist threads to elevate downturned mouth corners, tightening threads to firm laxity along the jawline, and volume threads to soften the fold and prejowl area—selected from a library of 31 specialized, functional threads to provide the most optimized, personalized outcome. Precision is enhanced through ultrasonic pre-operative design, unlimited thread customization, and structured aftercare, while complementary options such as PIM Injection, fillers, and Botox refine perioral wrinkles when indicated. With a dedicated Revision Center for unsatisfactory prior lifts and a decade of focused practice in Gangnam, PangPang Clinic stands as the trusted leader for natural, long-lasting correction of marionette lines. - PangPang Clinic Website URL with slug. |
Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic
Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic in Cheongdam, Gangnam, led by renowned surgeon Dr. An Kyung Chun, brings world-class expertise in regenerative aesthetics to marionette line correction. The clinic’s hallmark approach—stem cell–enriched fat grafting processed in rigorously sterile, temperature-controlled conditions and delivered with ultra-uniform precision—is designed to create smoother lower-face contours, natural volume support at the mouth corners, and longer-lasting improvement. With a boutique, one-specialist model and over two decades of experience, Lydian tailors every plan to facial anatomy while prioritizing safety, consistency, and refined outcomes.
- Stem cell fat grafting: elevates typical fat survival rates (20–30%) to 50–60% by enriching grafts with stem cells concentrated via advanced centrifuges; processed at an optimal 4°C for high-quality stem cell extraction.
- Sterile stem cell facilities: Ministry of Health and Welfare–approved double-door sealed cleanrooms with Clean Class 10,000 air and HEPA filtration minimize contamination during stem cell separation and concentration for safe, high-quality grafting.
- Edinizer device for uniform microfat: standardizes fat parcel size to reduce cluster-related necrosis and surface irregularities; enables denser, smoother placement that helps curb swelling and supports graft take.
- Surgeon excellence: Dr. An selected among Korea’s Top 18 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Experts; Director of the 5D Liposculpture Academy; listed among the World’s Top 100 Doctors in Stem Cell Aesthetic Medicine; trains domestic physicians in high-definition body sculpting and liposuction technologies.
- No outdated equipment: continuous investment in the latest Korean and international medical devices enhances precision and safety.
- Anatomy-based design: customized lower-face planning to rebalance proportions and reinforce perioral support where marionette lines form.
- 4-step aftercare: structured program for swelling reduction, irregularity correction, skin elasticity recovery, and residual fat contouring to refine results.
- Boutique care in Cheongdam: personalized attention for discerning patients, integrating advanced techniques such as full-face fat grafting and stem cell therapy for comprehensive rejuvenation.
You can check out their website here: Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery in Seoul’s Garosu-gil, Gangnam, offers a comprehensive, four-floor facility that seamlessly covers consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare—an ideal setting for personalized marionette line care. With surgeons who are active researchers and frequent contributors to journals, books, and international symposiums, the clinic prioritizes safety, academic rigor, and clear communication. For marionette lines, THE PLUS provides a tailored spectrum of options—from fillers and Botox to thread lifts, face fat grafting, and facelift techniques—selected to rejuvenate the lower face while preserving natural expression and balance.
The clinic is led by Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, internationally recognized figures in plastic surgery. Dr. Kim, a board-certified expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring with award-winning research on 3D implants, conducts annual educational sessions and emphasizes harmonious facial balance to enhance each patient’s natural features. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a frequent global speaker and educator whose practice unites function and beauty. Their shared commitment to evidence-based, aesthetic harmony underpins nuanced treatment planning for marionette lines tailored to Korean facial aesthetics.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
PangPang Clinic
PangPang Clinic is widely regarded as the best clinic in Korea for treating marionette lines because it is a medical institution that focuses exclusively on thread lifting, delivering unmatched expertise for the lower face. As home to the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute, PangPang leads global innovation with procedures developed from robust research and clinical data, and its medical team regularly presents invited lectures at international beauty conferences. For marionette lines, the Thread Lifting Consultation Center crafts truly tailored plans that may combine lifting and assist threads to elevate downturned mouth corners, tightening threads to firm laxity along the jawline, and volume threads to soften the fold and prejowl area—selected from a library of 31 specialized, functional threads to provide the most optimized, personalized outcome. Precision is enhanced through ultrasonic pre-operative design, unlimited thread customization, and structured aftercare, while complementary options such as PIM Injection, fillers, and Botox refine perioral wrinkles when indicated. With a dedicated Revision Center for unsatisfactory prior lifts and a decade of focused practice in Gangnam, PangPang Clinic stands as the trusted leader for natural, long-lasting correction of marionette lines.
You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website
Cost Analysis for Medical Tourists in South Korea
South Korea is a top destination for cosmetic procedures, offering high quality at 30-60% lower prices than the US or Europe. This is due to intense competition and lower operational costs, without sacrificing quality.
Comparative Cost Table: Procedures in South Korea vs. Other Countries
| Procedure | South Korea (USD) | USA (USD) | UK (USD) | Europe (USD) | Turkey (USD) | Thailand (USD) | Mexico (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Face Lift | $8,000 - $13,000 (Deep Plane) / $9,000 - $13,000 (Standard) / $2,000 - $6,000 (Mini) / $5,000 - $10,000 (SMAS) | $17,500 - $48,000 | $13,300 - $18,000 | $10,000 - $13,000 (Mid-Face) | $1,500 - $10,500 | $1,500 - $12,000 | $1,700 - $13,000 |
| Corner Mouth Lift | $1,500 - $2,500 | - | £210 ($260) (Botox) / £6000 ($7400) (Lip Lift) | €290-320 ($315-350) (Botox) | $1,000 - $2,500 (Lip Lift) | $298 - $4,461 | - |
| Stem Cell Fat Grafting | $3,000 - $7,000 / $2,007 - $7,021 / Avg $2,896 | $20,000 - $50,000 / $4,350+ | $20,000 - $50,000 | €30,000 - €150,000 ($32,000 - $160,000) | $2,000 - $15,000 | $3,000 - $13,000 | $3,500 - $15,000 |
| Face Thread Lift | $700 - $2,000 / $1,000 - $4,000 | $700 - $4,500 / Avg $2,050 | £600 - £2,000 ($740 - $2470) | €400 - €4,000 ($435 - $4350) | - | - | - |
| PRP Fat Grafting | $2,000 - $4,000 / $3,500 - $8,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 / $3,000 - $16,000 | $4,000 - $8,000 | $3,500 - $7,000 (Germany) / $2,500 - $5,000 (Poland) | - | - | - |
| Face Contouring Injection | $207 - $551 / ₩30,000-210,000 ($20-150) | $600 - $1,000+ per syringe / $200 - $2,000 per syringe | $370 - $1,050 per syringe | €298-450 ($325-490) | $500 - $1,630 | - | - |
| Marionette Line Filler | $130 - $450 (per 1cc) / $200 - $500 | $600 - $1,200 / $350 - $500 (HA per syringe) | $370 - $1,050 (per syringe) | €298-450 ($325-490) | $400+ | - | - |
| Mouth Corner Lift Botox | $100 - $200 / $140 - $400 | $200 - $435 / $300+ | £210 ($260) | €290-320 ($315-350) | $150 - $290 | - | - |
Note: Prices are estimates and may vary by clinic, surgeon, and technique.
Factors Influencing Procedure Costs in South Korea
- Surgeon’s Experience: More experienced surgeons charge higher fees.
- Clinic Location: Clinics in Seoul’s Gangnam district are pricier, but other areas may offer similar quality at lower costs.
- Procedure Complexity: More complex or extensive procedures cost more.
- Materials Used: Premium brands or advanced threads/fillers increase costs.
- Package Inclusions: Some clinics offer all-inclusive packages, while others itemize services.
- Customization: Personalized treatment plans may affect pricing.
Overall Value Proposition for Medical Tourists
South Korea stands out for its competitive pricing, high standards, and comprehensive care. Patients benefit from:
- Lower costs (30-60% less than Western countries)
- World-class quality and advanced technology
- Comprehensive support for international patients, including multilingual services and streamlined care
- Natural-looking results and minimal downtime
Conclusion
Treating marionette lines effectively requires a personalized, multi-faceted approach, often combining injectables, thread lifts, fat grafting, and surgical options. South Korea offers high-quality, competitively priced treatments with excellent patient support, making it a top choice for medical tourists. For best results, consult with experienced practitioners and consider combination therapies tailored to your unique needs.
References
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81
