aging and restoring youthful facial contours. While the term “facelift” broadly refers to procedures that lift and tighten sagging skin, there are various techniques that target different areas of the face. Among them, the midface lift and the full face lift are two of the most commonly performed options for facial rejuvenation.

At AB Plastic Surgery Korea, board-certified surgeons perform each type of lift with precision and customization, ensuring results that look natural and balanced rather than over-corrected. Whether you’re concerned about sagging around the cheeks or seeking overall facial tightening, understanding the distinction between these two procedures is key to achieving your ideal outcome.

 

 

 

Understanding Facelift Surgery: Midface vs Full Face Lift

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is designed to correct sagging skin and loss of elasticity caused by aging, gravity, and decreased collagen production. Over time, the mid and lower parts of the face tend to droop, resulting in deeper nasolabial folds, jowls, and an overall tired appearance. Facelift procedures address these issues by repositioning the deeper muscle and tissue layers to restore a firmer and more youthful contour.

While both midface lift and full face lift surgeries share the same goal—to rejuvenate and harmonize the facial appearance—they differ in scope and depth of correction.

• The midface lift focuses on the central area of the face, particularly the cheeks and under-eye region.

• The full face lift, on the other hand, provides comprehensive lifting from the cheeks to the jawline and neck, addressing multiple layers of sagging skin and deeper structural laxity.

By understanding these distinctions, patients can make an informed choice that aligns with their degree of aging, skin condition, and personal aesthetic goals. At AB Plastic Surgery Korea, every facelift procedure is planned through detailed facial analysis to deliver natural-looking rejuvenation tailored to individual anatomy.

 

 

 

Midface Lift: Focused Rejuvenation for the Central Face

A midface lift is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the central portion of the face — primarily the cheeks, under-eye area, and nasolabial folds. As people age, the fat pads in the midface gradually descend, leading to hollow cheeks, deep smile lines, and a fatigued appearance. The midface lift restores youthful fullness and natural contour by repositioning these soft tissues back to their original location.

At AB Plastic Surgery Korea, this procedure is often performed using an endoscopic lifting technique, which allows for smaller incisions and minimal scarring. Through hidden incisions made along the hairline or inside the mouth, the surgeon carefully lifts the underlying SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer — a fibromuscular structure responsible for facial tone — and secures it to a higher, more youthful position.

 

 

Ideal Candidates for Midface Lift

A midface lift is suitable for individuals who:

• Show sagging limited to the cheek and under-eye area

• Have prominent nasolabial folds but maintain good skin elasticity in the lower face and neck

• Are in their late 30s to early 50s and desire a more refreshed appearance without a full surgical lift

Because it targets the mid-region specifically, the recovery time is generally shorter than that of a full face lift. Most patients can return to daily activities within 7 to 10 days, with swelling continuing to subside over several weeks.

By focusing on the central facial area, the midface lift provides a natural rejuvenation effect — restoring volume, smoothness, and facial harmony without changing one’s inherent expressions.

 

 

 

Full Face Lift: Comprehensive Anti-Aging Solution

A full face lift is a more extensive surgical procedure that addresses sagging and volume loss throughout the entire face, from the midface and jawline down to the neck. It is designed for individuals experiencing advanced signs of aging such as deep wrinkles, jowls, drooping skin along the lower face, and neck laxity.

Unlike limited or partial lifts, a full face lift repositions not only the skin but also the SMAS and platysma layers—the deeper supporting structures of the face. By tightening these layers and removing excess skin, the surgeon restores firmness, improves definition along the jawline, and smooths out neck bands for a more youthful and refined contour.

At AB Plastic Surgery Korea, surgeons employ high-SMAS or deep-plane lifting techniques to achieve lasting and natural outcomes. These methods ensure that tension is applied beneath the skin, preventing an over-pulled appearance and minimizing visible scarring. Depending on the patient’s facial anatomy and aging pattern, the procedure may be combined with fat grafting, eyelid surgery, or neck contouring to enhance overall facial balance.

 

 

Ideal Candidates for a Full Face Lift

This comprehensive lifting procedure is best suited for individuals who:

• Exhibit sagging in multiple areas including the cheeks, jawline, and neck

• Have moderate to severe skin laxity or deep-set wrinkles

• Seek long-term rejuvenation and dramatic yet natural results

Although recovery may take longer—typically 10 to 14 days for initial healing and several weeks for residual swelling—the results of a full face lift are more transformative and enduring, often lasting 10 years or more.

Through a full face lift at AB Plastic Surgery Korea, patients can achieve a smoother, more defined, and naturally youthful appearance while maintaining facial harmony and authenticity.

 

 

 

Midface Lift vs Full Face Lift: Main Differences and Comparison

While both procedures aim to rejuvenate the face and restore youthful contours, the midface lift and full face lift differ significantly in scope, technique, recovery, and longevity. Understanding these distinctions helps patients choose the right procedure according to their aesthetic goals and degree of aging.

 

 

Treatment Area and Depth

• Midface Lift: Focuses on the central region of the face—mainly the cheeks and under-eye area. It elevates the descended fat pads and soft tissues to smooth out nasolabial folds.

• Full Face Lift: Covers the entire face and neck. It tightens deeper layers such as the SMAS and platysma, improving sagging around the jawline and neck in addition to the midface.

 

 

Surgical Technique

• Midface Lift: Often performed endoscopically with smaller incisions hidden near the hairline or inside the mouth, resulting in minimal scarring and quicker recovery.

• Full Face Lift: Requires more extensive incisions around the temples, ears, and sometimes under the chin. It involves a deeper dissection to reposition underlying tissues for comprehensive tightening.

 

 

Recovery Time

• Midface Lift: Generally faster recovery, with most patients returning to daily activities within 7–10 days.

• Full Face Lift: Slightly longer healing period of about 10–14 days for initial recovery, with gradual refinement over several weeks.

 

 

 

Longevity and Results

• Midface Lift: Provides subtle and natural improvement, typically lasting around 5–7 years.

• Full Face Lift: Offers more dramatic, long-lasting rejuvenation, maintaining results for 10 years or more.

 

 

Ideal Candidate

• Midface Lift: Best for patients in their 30s–50s who wish to correct early signs of aging in the midface.

• Full Face Lift: Suitable for patients in their 40s–60s with advanced sagging across multiple facial areas.

 

At AB Plastic Surgery Korea, the choice between the two procedures is made through a thorough facial analysis and one-on-one consultation with a board-certified surgeon. This ensures that each patient receives a personalized surgical plan balancing aesthetic improvement with natural expression.

 

 

 

Facelift Procedure and Recovery

At AB Plastic Surgery Korea, every facelift procedure is meticulously planned and executed with the goal of achieving natural, harmonious rejuvenation while prioritizing patient safety and comfort. The process involves several carefully monitored stages, from pre-surgical consultation to full recovery.

 

 

Consultation and Surgical Planning

The first step begins with a detailed facial analysis performed by a board-certified surgeon. During this stage, the surgeon evaluates facial symmetry, skin elasticity, and muscle condition to determine the most suitable lifting method—midface lift or full face lift. A personalized surgical design is then developed, ensuring that the incision lines follow natural contours and remain discreet.

 

 

Surgical Process

Depending on the procedure type, local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia may be used for patient comfort.

• In a midface lift, small incisions are typically made near the hairline or inside the mouth, allowing the surgeon to reposition the midfacial fat pads and underlying tissues with minimal scarring.

• In a full face lift, longer incisions are made around the ears and possibly under the chin, where the deeper SMAS and platysma layers are lifted and tightened to restore firmness to the entire face and neck.

The duration of surgery ranges from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity and whether additional procedures such as fat grafting or neck tightening are performed.

 

 

Postoperative Care and Recovery

After surgery, patients are closely monitored in a private recovery room equipped with AB Plastic Surgery Korea’s advanced real-time safety system.

• Initial Healing (Days 1–7): Mild swelling and bruising are common but begin to subside within the first week.

• Recovery Phase (Weeks 2–4): Stitches are typically removed within 7–10 days. Patients can gradually resume normal activities while following aftercare instructions.

• Long-Term Healing (1–3 Months): The facial contours continue to refine as tissues settle into their new positions, revealing smoother and more youthful definition.

 

 

Professional Aftercare Program

AB Plastic Surgery Korea offers a comprehensive postoperative management system, including swelling-reduction treatments, laser therapy, and follow-up checkups to ensure optimal healing and symmetry. All patients receive individualized aftercare guidance to maintain long-lasting, natural results.

 

Through a combination of precise surgical planning, safe anesthesia management, and dedicated aftercare, AB Plastic Surgery Korea provides patients with a confident and comfortable facelift experience—from the first consultation to complete recovery.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is a midface lift less invasive than a full face lift?

Yes. A midface lift is generally less invasive because it targets a smaller area of the face—the cheeks and under-eye region. The incisions are shorter and often made endoscopically, which allows for a quicker recovery and minimal scarring. A full face lift, on the other hand, involves a wider surgical field and deeper tissue adjustment to treat more advanced sagging.

 

 

Q2. How long do the results of a facelift last?

The longevity of results depends on the type of procedure and individual skin condition. On average, midface lift results last about 5 to 7 years, while full face lift results can last 10 years or longer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper skincare can further extend these results.

 

 

Q3. Will there be visible scars after a facelift?

At AB Plastic Surgery Korea, surgeons design incision lines that follow the natural contours around the ears, hairline, or inside the mouth. These locations help conceal scars effectively. With proper postoperative care and time, scars typically fade and become barely noticeable.

 

 

Q4. When can I return to work or daily activities after surgery?

Most midface lift patients can resume daily activities within 7 to 10 days, while those undergoing a full face lift usually return to social routines in about 2 weeks. Swelling and mild tightness may persist temporarily but gradually improve during the healing phase.

 

 

Q5. Are facelift results natural-looking?

Yes. The goal at AB Plastic Surgery Korea is to achieve natural, harmonious rejuvenation rather than an over-tightened appearance. By focusing on repositioning deeper tissues instead of pulling the skin excessively, the results preserve facial expression and individuality.

 

 

Q6. What should I consider before choosing between a midface and full face lift?

Patients should consider their degree of sagging, desired improvement area, and age-related changes. A consultation with a board-certified surgeon at AB Plastic Surgery Korea ensures a precise evaluation and personalized recommendation for the most suitable facelift technique.

 

 

 

Why Choose AB Plastic Surgery Korea for Your Facelift

Choosing the right clinic for a facelift is as important as selecting the right surgical method. At AB Plastic Surgery Korea, patients receive individualized treatment under the care of board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in facial lifting procedures. The clinic combines medical expertise with patient-centered service to ensure both safety and satisfaction from consultation to recovery.

 

 

Recognized Excellence in Medical Tourism

AB Plastic Surgery Korea has been officially designated by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea as an Outstanding Medical Tourism Institution.

This recognition reflects the clinic’s commitment to high-quality service, ethical medical standards, and its trusted reputation among international patients seeking cosmetic surgery in Korea. With multilingual staff and personalized assistance, AB Plastic Surgery Korea provides a seamless experience for patients traveling from abroad—from airport arrival to post-surgery care.

 

 

Specialized Expertise and Advanced Techniques

The clinic’s facial lifting procedures are performed by experienced surgeons who specialize in SMAS, endoscopic, and deep-plane techniques. Each surgical plan is customized according to facial anatomy, degree of sagging, and aesthetic goals, ensuring results that are both natural and long-lasting.

 

 

Comprehensive Safety and Anesthesia System

AB Plastic Surgery Korea operates a university-hospital-level safety protocol, including real-time patient monitoring and advanced anesthesia systems. Dedicated anesthesiologists are present throughout surgery to ensure stability and minimize risks.

 

 

Patient-Focused Aftercare and Support

Postoperative recovery is supported through structured aftercare programs such as swelling management treatments, laser therapy, and follow-up consultations. The clinic also offers remote consultation and aftercare guidance for international patients after they return home.

 

 

Trusted Destination for Natural Rejuvenation

AB Plastic Surgery Korea’s philosophy centers on achieving balance, harmony, and authenticity in every result. Rather than simply tightening the skin, surgeons focus on restoring natural volume and youthful definition while maintaining each patient’s unique facial character.

At AB Plastic Surgery Korea, every facelift—whether midface or full face—is performed with precision, safety, and artistry.

As a recognized leader in Korea’s medical tourism sector, the clinic continues to provide world-class care that reflects both technical excellence and genuine patient trust.

To learn more about facelift cost in Korea, you may request a consultation with our board-certified specialists.

You can also explore real patient stories and facelift before and after results to better understand the natural and harmonious outcomes achieved at AB Plastic Surgery Korea.