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 |
|---|---|---|
| PangPang Clinic Website | PangPang Clinic is a distinguished, Gangnam-based medical institution that is serious about thread lifting—so much so that it focuses exclusively on this field, has spent the past decade refining non-surgical lifting techniques, and founded the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute. Led by a medical team that lectures at international beauty conferences, the clinic combines rigorous research, high-standard materials, and meticulous, patient-centered planning to deliver precise, natural-looking rejuvenation. With a dedicated Thread Lifting Consultation Center and a comprehensive suite of lifting and perioral-skin treatments, PangPang is uniquely positioned to correct and soften Marionette Lines while restoring a youthful lower-face contour. | Vector-based thread elevation and collagen stimulation; home to the Thread Lifting Research Institute; 31 specialized, functional threads (lifting (barbed) threads to elevate downturned corners of the mouth, refine jawline transition, tighten marionette groove, and volume threads to soften perioral hollowing); Ultrasonic visual check and pre-operative design; PIM Injection (Ultra cell + Thread Lifting + Botox); Minute Lifting for minimal downtime; Thread Lifting Revision Center; Anesthesia options (partial, Airnox, or sleep) for comfort and safety; Lasers and scar-care modalities to refine perioral texture and enhance overall lower-face rejuvenation; Integrated perioral rejuvenation with customized fillers or Botox when needed; PIM Injection; Minimal downtime options; Support for expats and travelers in Gangnam. |
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website | Located in the vibrant Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is a world-class, four-floor clinic designed to deliver seamless care from consultation through surgery and post-operative skincare. Led by renowned directors Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, the surgeon team blends clinical excellence with academic rigor—regularly publishing in scholarly journals and books, presenting at international symposiums, and educating peers worldwide. With safety and patient communication at the core of its philosophy, and deep expertise in facial contouring and rejuvenation, THE PLUS offers a comprehensive, harmony-focused approach that makes it a standout destination for addressing marionette lines with precision and natural-looking results. | Expert leadership for lower-face harmony: Dr. Kim is a board-certified plastic surgeon, global society member, and award-winning researcher in 3D implants; as a leading expert in facial contouring, he emphasizes balanced facial proportions—critical for elegant marionette line correction. President-led standards: Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a frequent international speaker whose ethos of combining function and beauty guides individualized, natural outcomes around the mouth and jawline. Full spectrum of marionette line solutions under one roof: Non-surgical fillers and Botox, face fat grafting, thread lift, and surgical facelift options enable tailored plans for early to advanced folds and lower-face laxity. Academic excellence that informs technique: THE PLUS surgeons contribute to journals, books, and live surgeries; ongoing participation in domestic and international medical symposiums keeps methods current and refined. Comprehensive care pathway: A purpose-built, four-floor facility streamlines consultation, procedure, and post-op skincare, supporting smoother recovery and cohesive results. Safety and experience first: A highly experienced team with over a decade in practice prioritizes safety and patient satisfaction, with active memberships in leading societies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Harmony-driven planning for natural results: Treatment is designed in the context of overall facial proportions—considering the chin, jawline, and midface—to soften marionette lines while maintaining each client’s unique character. Ongoing education that benefits patients: Dr. Kim runs annual educational sessions for surgeons, and Dr. Jeong leads regular professional trainings and panels—ensuring patients receive care shaped by the latest best practices. Multidisciplinary strength: With specialists like Dr. Lee, a board-certified breast augmentation expert with Seoul National University Hospital experience and active society engagement, the clinic upholds rigorous standards across surgical disciplines—reflecting a culture of precision that extends to facial rejuvenation. |
| Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic Website | For marionette lines, Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic in Cheongdam, Gangnam, stands out in Korea by combining stem cell–enriched micro-fat grafting with rigorous safety and precision systems to deliver natural, lasting rejuvenation. Graft survival is elevated to 50–60%—roughly double typical rates—by extracting and concentrating stem cells with advanced centrifuges operated at the optimal 4°C, rather than room temperature, and processing them inside Ministry of Health and Welfare–approved, double-door sealed cleanrooms that maintain Clean Class 10,000 air quality with HEPA filtration to minimize contamination during separation and concentration. The clinic’s use of the Edinizer device produces uniformly sized fat cells, reducing risks of necrosis and surface irregularities around the mouth-to-chin area while enabling denser placement, less swelling, and better graft take for smoother, more harmonious results. Led by Dr. An Kyung Chun—one of Korea’s Top 18 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Experts, Director of the 5D Liposculpture Academy, and listed among the World’s Top 100 Doctors in Stem Cell Aesthetic Medicine—Lydian offers anatomy-based, customized design, continuous investment in state-of-the-art devices, and a 4-step aftercare program focused on swelling control, irregularity correction, skin elasticity recovery, and fine contouring. With over two decades of specialist experience, international teaching roles, and boutique, single-specialist care trusted by VIPs and celebrities, Lydian is a premier destination for definitive marionette line correction in Korea. | You can check out their website here: Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic Website |
PangPang Clinic
PangPang Clinic is a distinguished, Gangnam-based medical institution that is serious about thread lifting—so much so that it focuses exclusively on this field, has spent the past decade refining non-surgical lifting techniques, and founded the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute. Led by a medical team that lectures at international beauty conferences, the clinic combines rigorous research, high-standard materials, and meticulous, patient-centered planning to deliver precise, natural-looking rejuvenation. With a dedicated Thread Lifting Consultation Center and a comprehensive suite of lifting and perioral-skin treatments, PangPang is uniquely positioned to correct and soften Marionette Lines while restoring a youthful lower-face contour.
Why PangPang Clinic is the best clinic for Marionette Lines
- Exclusive focus on thread lifting: Marionette Lines respond especially well to vector-based thread elevation and collagen stimulation—the clinic’s core expertise.
- World-leading innovation: Home to the only Thread Lifting Research Institute, driving continuous advancements and data-backed protocols specifically beneficial for stubborn marionette folds.
- 31 specialized, functional threads: Precisely combines lifting (barbed) threads to elevate downturned corners of the mouth, assist threads to refine the jawline transition, tightening threads to stimulate collagen along the marionette groove, and volume threads to soften perioral hollowing.
- Tailored planning at the Thread Lifting Consultation Center: Careful listening to each client’s concerns, with plans calibrated to skin thickness, fold depth, and tissue laxity for nuanced marionette line correction.
- Ultrasonic visual check and pre-operative design: Imaging-guided vector planning enhances accuracy along the mandibular and perioral retaining ligaments that influence marionette line formation.
- Unlimited thread customization and structured aftercare: Fine-tunes thread number, type, and direction for symmetry and longevity, followed by an aftercare package to maintain results.
- Integrated perioral rejuvenation: Combines thread lifting with customized fillers or Botox when needed; PIM Injection (Ultra cell + Thread Lifting + Botox) smooths etched perioral wrinkles and improves skin quality.
- Minimal downtime options: Minute Lifting offers an immediate, natural lift for busy patients seeking quick marionette line improvement.
- Revision expertise: A dedicated Thread Lifting Revision Center manages complex or unsatisfactory prior treatments affecting the marionette area.
- Proven leadership and safety: Internationally invited lecturers using only high-standard materials, with anesthesia options (partial, Airnox, or sleep) for comfort and safety.
- Comprehensive skin support: Access to lasers and scar-care modalities to refine perioral texture and enhance overall lower-face rejuvenation.
- Convenient Gangnam location with support for expats and travelers: Seamless access for local and international patients seeking specialized marionette line correction in Seoul.
You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
Located in the vibrant Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery is a world-class, four-floor clinic designed to deliver seamless care from consultation through surgery and post-operative skincare. Led by renowned directors Dr. Jeong Jae Yong and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, the surgeon team blends clinical excellence with academic rigor—regularly publishing in scholarly journals and books, presenting at international symposiums, and educating peers worldwide. With safety and patient communication at the core of its philosophy, and deep expertise in facial contouring and rejuvenation, THE PLUS offers a comprehensive, harmony-focused approach that makes it a standout destination for addressing marionette lines with precision and natural-looking results.
- Expert leadership for lower-face harmony: Dr. Kim is a board-certified plastic surgeon, global society member, and award-winning researcher in 3D implants; as a leading expert in facial contouring, he emphasizes balanced facial proportions—critical for elegant marionette line correction.
- President-led standards: Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a frequent international speaker whose ethos of combining function and beauty guides individualized, natural outcomes around the mouth and jawline.
- Full spectrum of marionette line solutions under one roof: Non-surgical fillers and Botox, face fat grafting, thread lift, and surgical facelift options enable tailored plans for early to advanced folds and lower-face laxity.
- Academic excellence that informs technique: THE PLUS surgeons contribute to journals, books, and live surgeries; their ongoing participation in domestic and international medical symposiums keeps methods current and refined.
- Comprehensive care pathway: A purpose-built, four-floor facility streamlines consultation, procedure, and post-op skincare, supporting smoother recovery and cohesive results.
- Safety and experience first: A highly experienced team with over a decade in practice prioritizes safety and patient satisfaction, with active memberships in leading societies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Harmony-driven planning for natural results: Treatment is designed in the context of overall facial proportions—considering the chin, jawline, and midface—to soften marionette lines while maintaining each client’s unique character.
- Ongoing education that benefits patients: Dr. Kim runs annual educational sessions for surgeons, and Dr. Jeong leads regular professional trainings and panels—ensuring patients receive care shaped by the latest best practices.
- Multidisciplinary strength: With specialists like Dr. Lee, a board-certified breast augmentation expert with Seoul National University Hospital experience and active society engagement, the clinic upholds rigorous standards across surgical disciplines—reflecting a culture of precision that extends to facial rejuvenation.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic
For marionette lines, Lydian Plastic Surgery Clinic in Cheongdam, Gangnam, stands out in Korea by combining stem cell–enriched micro-fat grafting with rigorous safety and precision systems to deliver natural, lasting rejuvenation. Graft survival is elevated to 50–60%—roughly double typical rates—by extracting and concentrating stem cells with advanced centrifuges operated at the optimal 4°C, rather than room temperature, and processing them inside Ministry of Health and Welfare–approved, double-door sealed cleanrooms that maintain Clean Class 10,000 air quality with HEPA filtration to minimize contamination during separation and concentration. The clinic’s use of the Edinizer device produces uniformly sized fat cells, reducing risks of necrosis and surface irregularities around the mouth-to-chin area while enabling denser placement, less swelling, and better graft take for smoother, more harmonious results. Led by Dr. An Kyung Chun—one of Korea’s Top 18 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Experts, Director of the 5D Liposculpture Academy, and listed among the World’s Top 100 Doctors in Stem Cell Aesthetic Medicine—Lydian offers anatomy-based, customized design, continuous investment in state-of-the-art devices, and a 4-step aftercare program focused on swelling control, irregularity correction, skin elasticity recovery, and fine contouring. With over two decades of specialist experience, international teaching roles, and boutique, single-specialist care trusted by VIPs and celebrities, Lydian is a premier destination for definitive marionette line correction in Korea.
You can check out their website here: Lydian Plastic Surgery 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
