Medical Tourism Blog
Korea Flat Cheeks Solutions: Deep Plane Face Lift & Cheekbone Implant Procedures Explained
Table of contents
- Understanding "Flat Cheeks": The Roots of Mid-Facial Volume Loss
- Deep Plane Facelift: Comprehensive Surgical Restoration
- Cheekbone Implants (Malarplasty): Targeted Volume Enhancement
- Deep Plane Facelift vs. Cheekbone Implants: Comparing Options
- Non-Surgical Alternatives for Mid-Facial Volume
- Best Clinics in Korea for Flat Cheeks
- Medical Tourism in South Korea: A Hub for Facial Procedures
- Patient Experiences and Outcomes
- Conclusions
- References
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Mid-facial volume loss—often called "flat cheeks"—is a common cosmetic concern. It can result from aging, genetics, weight changes, or environmental impacts, and tends to make the face look gaunt or tired. This article explores two key surgical interventions: the Deep Plane Facelift, which offers holistic facial rejuvenation by repositioning tissues beneath the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) and delivers lasting, natural-looking results, and Cheekbone Implants (Malarplasty), which permanently enhance cheek projection and facial harmony. The growth of medical tourism in South Korea for these procedures is also highlighted, showing the country’s competitive prices, advanced care, and streamlined patient support. Patient testimonials point to high satisfaction rates with both Deep Plane Facelift and Cheekbone Implants, emphasizing improvements in facial harmony and self-confidence.
Understanding "Flat Cheeks": The Roots of Mid-Facial Volume Loss
Definition and Causes
"Flat cheeks" refer to a lack of mid-face projection and contour, primarily involving the zygomatic arch and overlying soft tissues. Some people are born with flat cheeks due to genetics or underdeveloped bone structure, while others experience sagging or drooping from age-related tissue descent. Aging causes facial fat pads to shift and bone structures to remodel, leading to a hollow or sunken appearance. Breakdown of collagen and elastin further reduces skin resilience, while muscle weakening can worsen sagging. Lifestyle factors like sun exposure, weight loss (such as “Ozempic face”), and smoking also contribute. The surgical response depends on the dominant cause—Deep Plane Facelift for sagging and Cheekbone Implants for structural augmentation. Proper assessment is key to selecting a suitable approach.
The "Inverted Triangle of Youth"
Younger faces typically have fullness at the cheeks and a narrower lower face, forming the "triangle of youth." As cheeks lose volume and sag, the face takes on a more bottom-heavy or “inverted triangle” shape, signaling age and fatigue. The Deep Plane Facelift and Cheekbone Implants target this shift by restoring cheek prominence and upper-face definition, helping recapture the proportions associated with youth.
Deep Plane Facelift: Comprehensive Surgical Restoration
Procedure Overview
Developed by Sam Hamra in 1990, the Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced technique that operates below the SMAS. By releasing tight ligaments and lifting skin, fat, and muscle as one unit, this procedure corrects sagging across the mid-face, lower face, and neck. Benefits include a more natural result—without the "pulled" look of some older facelifts—addressing deep folds, jowls, and sagging cheeks.
The Surgical Technique
After anesthesia, discrete incisions are made within the hairline and around the ears. Surgeons use precise dissection to access the deep plane, releasing ligaments and lifting tissues for maximal effect. In cases of jowling, excess buccal fat may be reduced. The flap is then sutured into a youthful position and closed with fine stitches. The entire surgery can take up to 5 hours due to its complexity.
Benefits and Longevity
The deep plane approach treats the root cause of facial aging, leading to natural, integrated results and an improvement in overall facial balance. Because the deeper tissues bear most of the tension, scarring is minimal and results last up to 10-15 years.
Risks and Recovery Timeline
Complications are rare but can include scarring, nerve injury (usually temporary), hematoma, or skin loss (especially in smokers). Initial recovery involves swelling, stiffness, and bruising, peaking in the first week, with most patients presentable at three weeks and final results maturing over 6-12 months. Following pre- and post-op instructions, such as minimizing salt, avoiding tobacco, and gentle wound care, can optimize healing.
Cheekbone Implants (Malarplasty): Targeted Volume Enhancement
Procedure Overview
Cheekbone Implants, known as Malarplasty, are a permanent solution for enhancing cheek prominence, correcting asymmetry, and balancing facial contours. The procedure can be reversed if desired.
The Surgical Technique
Cheek augmentation uses custom-selected solid implants (silicone or other materials) inserted through hidden incisions inside the mouth. Implants may be placed directly on the cheekbones (malar), under them for mid-face volume (submalar), or combined. Surgery lasts 30-60 minutes under local anesthesia with sedation.
Candidacy
Candidates include those with genetically flat cheeks or whose aging has reduced cheek definition. Younger individuals with weak bone structure and older patients with volume loss may both benefit.
Risks and Recovery
Risks mirror most surgical procedures: anesthesia complications, asymmetry, bleeding or infection, implant movement, numbness, or rare scarring. Swelling and discomfort typically subside in about two weeks. Chewing and brushing should be gentle, and patients should avoid sleeping on their face for 6-8 weeks.
Deep Plane Facelift vs. Cheekbone Implants: Comparing Options
- Deep Plane Facelift addresses general sagging, deep folds, and jowling, repositioning tissues for a more youthful lower and mid-face. It’s ideal for patients seeking comprehensive correction and recontouring.
- Cheekbone Implants specifically build out the cheeks’ projection and symmetry, suitable for individuals needing focused volume rather than an overall lift.
- Recovery from facelift is longer but results last a decade or more; cheek implant recovery is shorter with permanent augmentation. The two procedures can be performed together for optimal results, depending on the patient’s individual anatomy and goals.
Non-Surgical Alternatives for Mid-Facial Volume
Dermal Fillers
Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers provide a quick, nonsurgical way to boost cheek volume, lift contours, and improve symmetry. Results last months to a couple of years. South Korean clinics offer HA fillers starting at around $170 per 1 mL.
Facial Fat Transfer
Fat grafting uses purified fat from another body area, injected to restore cheek volume. It can last years, but some fat may eventually be absorbed, requiring touch-ups. The typical cost in South Korea ranges from $1,500 to $4,500.
Other Options
Minimally invasive skin tightening (RF, HIFU, threads) and biostimulatory injections (like Sculptra) offer subtle improvements but don’t address severe volume loss.
Best Clinics in Korea for Flat Cheeks
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for flat cheeks:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery | THE PLUS Plastic Surgery in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul, spans four purpose-designed floors to deliver seamless care from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare. Renowned for rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial contouring, the clinic’s expertise naturally extends to addressing flat cheeks with options such as facial implants, cheekbone surgery, full-face contouring, and face fat grafting to restore volume and harmony. The surgeons are active medical researchers who publish in scholarly journals and present at domestic and international symposiums, reflecting a commitment to evidence-based, up-to-date techniques. Safety, personalized communication, and patient satisfaction are the foundations of their care. Led by director surgeons Dr. Kim Taek Kyun and Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, the team is recognized in Korea and internationally. Dr. Kim is a board-certified plastic surgeon, a member of global plastic surgery societies, and an award-winning researcher in 3D implants; a leading expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, he teaches annually and emphasizes balanced, natural enhancement. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, frequently lectures worldwide and brings a philosophy that unites function and beauty, with notable expertise in primary and revision rhinoplasty. Complementing them, Dr. Lee is a board-certified breast augmentation specialist with experience at top hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital, and active roles in major plastic surgery societies. With more than a decade of professional experience and ongoing academic engagement, including participation in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, THE PLUS offers a sophisticated, patient-centered approach for clients seeking correction of flat cheeks. You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website | Four-floor facility delivering seamless care from consultation to post-operative skincare; renowned for rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial contouring; addresses flat cheeks with facial implants, cheekbone surgery, full-face contouring, and face fat grafting; research-active surgeons publishing in journals and presenting at symposiums; emphasis on safety, personalized communication, and patient satisfaction. |
| Made Young Plastic Surgery | For patients seeking the most natural, long-lasting correction of flat cheeks in Korea, Made Young Plastic Surgery stands out as the best choice thanks to a rigorously anatomical approach and unmatched safety and aftercare systems. After thoroughly analyzing each patient’s unique causes of midface flattening and sagging, Made Young precisely dissects beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues, then lifts the skin, fat, and SMAS together for comprehensive tightening; by securing the lifted tissues vertically—opposite the direction of descent—the clinic restores youthful cheek projection without unnatural cheekbone accentuation and delivers durable, natural results. As a premium Gangnam clinic specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures, Made Young provides direct surgeon consultations from a verified medical team averaging 15+ years of experience, supported by full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cross-check emergency system, and full CCTV coverage for transparency. A separate, dedicated aftercare center ensures complete, systematic recovery, while the clinic’s excellence is recognized by the 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, selection as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society. You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website | Natural, long-lasting correction of flat cheeks with anatomically guided dissection beneath the SMAS; vertical lifting of skin, fat, and SMAS for comprehensive tightening; avoidance of unnatural cheekbone accentuation; direct surgeon consultations; extensive safety and aftercare systems including CCTV; numerous awards and certifications. |
| Mind Plastic Surgery Website | Mind Plastic Surgery, located at Sinnonhyeon Station in Seoul, is a comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive clinic offering advanced procedures across nose surgery, facial contouring, eyes, breast, anti-aging, and skin treatments. With an experienced medical team that prioritizes personalized care in a safe, comfortable environment, the clinic is well equipped to design balanced, natural-looking enhancements that align with each patient’s aesthetic goals. | - Midface volumization for flat cheeks: [Full Face Fat Grafting](/blog/full-face-fat-grafting-in-korea) restores cheek projection using your own fat for natural contour and texture. - Precise non-surgical options: Filler and Face Contouring Injections allow targeted cheek augmentation with fine-tuned symmetry and minimal downtime. - Harmony of bone and soft tissue: Cheekbone Reduction, Chin Surgery, Weak Chin Correction, and V-line Surgery enable structural balancing so cheek volume complements the underlying framework. - Lift and support for lasting contour: Thread Lifting, Glowing Lifting, Shrink Lifting, and LDM Teardrop Lifting can enhance cheek definition by improving skin support; Face Lifting and Mini Face Lifting address midface laxity when flatness is linked to sagging. - Tailored treatment planning: A clinic-wide emphasis on customization—seen across offerings like Customized Rhinoplasty—translates into individualized cheek strategies that fit your unique facial proportions. - Safety-first, comfortable care: Autologous fat transfer and medical-grade injectables are delivered within a trusted setting focused on patient safety and comfort. - Proven finesse with complex cases: Experience in Eye Revision Surgery and Revision Rhinoplasty reflects meticulous technique and problem-solving skills that benefit nuanced cheek contouring plans. - Seamless, comprehensive care: Brightening, freckle and pigmentation solutions, and scar and pore treatments help the skin over enhanced cheeks look clear and radiant, completing the result. - Convenient access for consultations and follow-ups: Located at Sinnonhyeon Station, making multi-step cheek enhancement and maintenance straightforward. You can find more about this clinic here: Mind Plastic Surgery Website |
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul, spans four purpose-designed floors to deliver seamless care from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare. Renowned for rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial contouring, the clinic’s expertise naturally extends to addressing flat cheeks with options such as facial implants, cheekbone surgery, full-face contouring, and face fat grafting to restore volume and harmony. The surgeons are active medical researchers who publish in scholarly journals and present at domestic and international symposiums, reflecting a commitment to evidence-based, up-to-date techniques. Safety, personalized communication, and patient satisfaction are the foundations of their care.
Led by director surgeons Dr. Kim Taek Kyun and Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, the team is recognized in Korea and internationally. Dr. Kim is a board-certified plastic surgeon, a member of global plastic surgery societies, and an award-winning researcher in 3D implants; a leading expert in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, he teaches annually and emphasizes balanced, natural enhancement. Dr. Jeong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, frequently lectures worldwide and brings a philosophy that unites function and beauty, with notable expertise in primary and revision rhinoplasty. Complementing them, Dr. Lee is a board-certified breast augmentation specialist with experience at top hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital, and active roles in major plastic surgery societies. With more than a decade of professional experience and ongoing academic engagement, including participation in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, THE PLUS offers a sophisticated, patient-centered approach for clients seeking correction of flat cheeks.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Made Young Plastic Surgery
For patients seeking the most natural, long-lasting correction of flat cheeks in Korea, Made Young Plastic Surgery stands out as the best choice thanks to a rigorously anatomical approach and unmatched safety and aftercare systems. After thoroughly analyzing each patient’s unique causes of midface flattening and sagging, Made Young precisely dissects beneath the SMAS layer to release stretched supporting tissues, then lifts the skin, fat, and SMAS together for comprehensive tightening; by securing the lifted tissues vertically—opposite the direction of descent—the clinic restores youthful cheek projection without unnatural cheekbone accentuation and delivers durable, natural results. As a premium Gangnam clinic specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures, Made Young provides direct surgeon consultations from a verified medical team averaging 15+ years of experience, supported by full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cross-check emergency system, and full CCTV coverage for transparency. A separate, dedicated aftercare center ensures complete, systematic recovery, while the clinic’s excellence is recognized by the 2022 Korea No.1 Award, 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, selection as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society.
You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
Mind Plastic Surgery
Mind Plastic Surgery, located at Sinnonhyeon Station in Seoul, is a comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive clinic offering advanced procedures across nose surgery, facial contouring, eyes, breast, anti-aging, and skin treatments. With an experienced medical team that prioritizes personalized care in a safe, comfortable environment, the clinic is well equipped to design balanced, natural-looking enhancements that align with each patient’s aesthetic goals.
- Expert midface volumization for flat cheeks: Full Face Fat Grafting restores cheek projection using your own fat for natural contour and texture.
- Precise non-surgical options: Filler and Face Contouring Injections allow targeted cheek augmentation with fine-tuned symmetry and minimal downtime.
- Harmony of bone and soft tissue: Cheekbone Reduction, Chin Surgery, Weak Chin Correction, and V-line Surgery enable structural balancing so cheek volume complements the underlying framework.
- Lift and support for lasting contour: Thread Lifting, Glowing Lifting, Shrink Lifting, and LDM Teardrop Lifting can enhance cheek definition by improving skin support; Face Lifting and Mini Face Lifting address midface laxity when flatness is linked to sagging.
- Tailored treatment planning: A clinic-wide emphasis on customization—seen across offerings like Customized Rhinoplasty—translates into individualized cheek strategies that fit your unique facial proportions.
- Safety-first, comfortable care: Autologous fat transfer and medical-grade injectables are delivered within a trusted setting focused on patient safety and comfort.
- Proven finesse with complex cases: Experience in Eye Revision Surgery and Revision Rhinoplasty reflects meticulous technique and problem-solving skills that benefit nuanced cheek contouring plans.
- Seamless, comprehensive care: Brightening, freckle and pigmentation solutions, and scar and pore treatments help the skin over enhanced cheeks look clear and radiant, completing the result.
- Convenient access for consultations and follow-ups: Located at Sinnonhyeon Station, making multi-step cheek enhancement and maintenance straightforward.
Find more about this clinic here: Mind Plastic Surgery Website
Medical Tourism in South Korea: A Hub for Facial Procedures
Why Patients Choose South Korea
Korea’s leadership in innovation, specialized surgeons, and adoption of the newest technologies (like 3D planning and minimally invasive incisions) make it a top choice. Costs are 40%–75% less than in Western nations, and comprehensive medical tourism packages include translations, transportation, and aftercare.
The Medical Tourism Experience
Agencies help patients with online consultations, clinic selection, quoting and package building (including surgery, hotel, and local transfers), visa support, and personal translators. Patients enjoy a streamlined process from arrival through recovery, with leisure activities built in.
Cost Comparisons
| Procedure | South Korea | USA | Turkey | Australia | Thailand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Plane Facelift | $8,000-$13,000 | $18,000-$100,000 | $1,635-$13,900 | $9,570-$30,750 | $4,435-$20,552 |
| Cheekbone Reduction | $5,000-$12,000 | - | - | - | - |
| Rhinoplasty | $2,500-$10,000 | ~$12,000 | - | - | - |
| Facial Fat Grafting | $1,500-$4,500 | - | - | - | - |
South Korea’s value-to-quality ratio is a big draw, especially with bundled services that simplify the experience for international patients.
Patient Experiences and Outcomes
Deep Plane Facelift
Patients consistently report natural-looking rejuvenation, refreshed facial contours, and significant improvement in mid-face and neck sagging. Results often endure for a decade or longer, and many describe the life-changing impact on self-confidence.
Cheekbone Implants
Those who choose cheek implants or fat grafting note restored cheek fullness, improved facial harmony, and a healthier appearance. Many find the changes boost confidence and reduce their reliance on makeup.
Conclusions
Flat cheeks can arise from genetics, aging, or lifestyle factors, and their correction is best determined by the underlying cause. Deep Plane Facelift and Cheekbone Implants each offer unique advantages: one delivers comprehensive, long-term rejuvenation, while the other targets specific volume deficits with permanence. South Korea stands out as a leading destination, combining affordability, expertise, and patient-centered care. Both procedures reliably restore facial balance and confidence, as attested by patient results.
References
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