Mini Facelift in Seoul, Korea
A mini facelift uses a shorter incision than a full facelift to lift early jowls and the jawline. It suits moderate sagging and patients who want a shorter recovery.
- Procedure time
- About 2 hours
- Anesthesia
- IV sedation
- Time in Seoul
- 7–10 days in Seoul
- Recovery
- Stitches out on day 7

Who is Mini Facelift for?
- Your jawline has started to sag, often in your 40s–50s
- A full facelift feels like more than you need
How Mini Facelift works
The incision is mainly in front of the ear. The SMAS is tightened over a limited area to lift the lower face and jawline.
Because the dissection is smaller, swelling and recovery are shorter. It treats the midface and neck less than a full deep plane facelift.
Our approach to Mini Facelift
Short incision
Mainly in front of the ear.
Lower-face focus
Targets jowls and the jawline.
Shorter recovery
Less dissection than a full facelift.
Mini Facelift: step by step
- AssessmentWe confirm sagging is mainly in the lower face.
- IncisionA short incision is made in front of the ear.
- SMAS tighteningThe SMAS is lifted and fixed.
- ClosureStitches are removed around day 7.
Risks and side effects of Mini Facelift
- Swelling and bruisingPeaks in the first 3 days and mostly settles within 2–3 weeks.
- Nerve irritationTemporary weakness or numbness can occur; permanent facial nerve injury is rare.
- ScarringIncisions are hidden around the ear and hairline and usually fade to fine lines.
All medical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will review your medical history, explain the risks that apply to you and discuss alternatives before you decide.
Mini Facelift recovery timeline
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Surgery and rest in a private recovery room; most patients return to their hotel the same day. Cold compresses start straight away. |
| Days 2–3 | Swelling and bruising usually peak. Keep your head elevated, walk gently and avoid alcohol, saunas and exercise. |
| Days 5–7 | Check-up at the clinic; stitches, splints or tapes are removed where used. Most patients are cleared to fly after this visit. |
| Week 2 | Most visible swelling has eased and many people return to desk work and light make-up. |
| Months 1–3 | Residual swelling keeps settling and the shape refines. Strenuous exercise is usually resumed after 4 weeks. |
| Months 6–12 | The final result is generally assessed at this stage. We follow up online after you return home. |
Aftercare tips
- Keep your head elevated and avoid strong facial expressions for the first week.
- Avoid saunas, massage and facial treatments for about 4 weeks after surgery or threads.
- Do not smoke for at least 4 weeks around facelift surgery.
- Wear the compression garment if one is provided.
- Use sunscreen daily on treated skin.
Planning your trip to Seoul for Mini Facelift
For surgery we generally recommend about 10–14 days in Seoul, so stitches can be removed and swelling checked before your flight.
Cellis Lab Clinic occupies its own seven-story building at 244 Hyoryeong-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul — next to Gangnam and about an 8-minute walk from Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, Exit 5). Incheon International Airport is roughly 70–90 minutes away by airport limousine bus or taxi.
Before you book flights, send your photos and questions on WhatsApp. We will reply in English with an initial assessment, a provisional plan and a quote range, then confirm the plan at your in-person consultation.
What affects the cost of Mini Facelift in Korea?
- Surgical, thread or energy-based method
- Full face, lower face or neck
- Number of threads or shots
- Combination with fat grafting or stem cell treatment
Prices are quoted individually after consultation and include the items listed in your written quote.
Mini Facelift FAQ
Mini facelift or full facelift?
Mini facelifts suit early lower-face sagging; a full facelift is better for moderate to severe sagging and the neck.
How long does a mini facelift last?
Typically several years, usually less than a full deep plane facelift.
Can I combine a mini facelift with fat grafting?
Yes, adding volume is common.
Where can I get Mini Facelift in Seoul, Korea?
Cellis Lab Clinic in Seocho-gu, Seoul — next to Gangnam — performs Mini Facelift. The clinic is an 8-minute walk from Nambu Bus Terminal Station (Line 3, Exit 5).
How much does Mini Facelift cost in Korea?
The cost of Mini Facelift depends on the technique, materials and extent of treatment. We provide a written quote after an online consultation with photos or an in-person examination.
How long should I stay in Korea for Mini Facelift?
For surgery we generally recommend about 10–14 days in Seoul, so stitches can be removed and swelling checked before your flight. Your exact schedule is confirmed at consultation.
Can I have a consultation in English before travelling?
Yes. Send photos and your questions on WhatsApp in English. We reply with an initial opinion, a suggested plan and the dates you would need in Seoul.
About your surgeon
Dr. Yang Dong-Jun is a Korean board-certified plastic surgeon with 26 years of surgical experience and the developer of the SOFIT, SOFTXIL and VXIL techniques. He performs the consultation and the operation himself.
Related facelift & lifting procedures
- FaceliftDeep plane lift of the SMAS and ligaments
- Endoscopic Forehead LiftEndoscopic forehead and brow lift
- Neck LiftTightening neck bands and loose skin
- SMAS LiftSurgical tightening of the SMAS layer
- Thread LiftIncision-free lift with dissolving threads
- MINT Thread LiftStrong-hold PDO threads for cheeks and jawline
- Silhouette SoftCone threads for lift and subtle volume
- Absorbable Thread LiftPDO, PLLA and PCL threads compared
- Cog Thread LiftBarbed threads for cheeks, folds and jawline
- Double Chin & Nasolabial Thread LiftThreads under the chin and around smile lines
- HIFU LiftingFocused ultrasound to the SMAS layer
- RF LiftingRadiofrequency tightening for laxity and texture