AB Signature
SMAS Lifting

Sagging Skin? Jowls?
Loss of Jawline Definition?

Not Just a Facelift.A Personalized Lifting Plan Designed for Your Face.

WHAT IS A FACELIFT?

UNDERSTANDING FACELIFT SURGERY

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to improve visible signs of facial aging,
particularly sagging in the cheeks, jowls, and jawline.

Facial anatomy: skin, subcutaneous layer, facial muscles and SMAS, retaining ligaments and spaces, periosteum and deep fascia
Unlike nonsurgical lifting treatments, facelift surgery may involve repositioning deeper
facial tissues, including the SMAS layer, as well as removing excess skin when appropriate.
The surgical technique and extent of correction are determined according to each
patient's facial anatomy, degree of sagging, and individual needs.

WHO IS A FACELIFT FOR?

IS A FACELIFT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Are You Experiencing These Signs of Facial Sagging?

01.

Sagging Jowls

Noticeable sagging along the lower cheeks and jawline.

02.

Loss of Facial Definition

A less defined facial contour associated with tissue laxity.

03.

Lower Face and Neck Sagging

Loose skin and tissue around the lower face or neck.

04.

Persistent Facial Sagging

Patients whose concerns may not be adequately addressed by nonsurgical treatments alone.

The most appropriate treatment depends on your facial anatomy,
medical condition, and surgical goals. A consultation is necessary to
determine whether facelift surgery is suitable for you.

Which Facelift Approach Is Right for You?

The surgical range is determined based on the degree of sagging and
individual facial structure, from a Mini Facelift to a Full SMAS Facelift.

Graph of facelift steps: Step 1 Mini Face Lifting, Step 2 Semi Face Lifting, Step 3 Full Face Lifting, by incision range and skin sagging range

FIND YOUR LIFTING PLAN

How Is Your Facelift Plan Determined?

At AB, each lifting plan is designed after
evaluating your individual facial anatomy and aging pattern.

01.

Degree & Area of Sagging

We evaluate where sagging occurs and how extensively it affects the face.

02.

Skin & SMAS Condition

Skin elasticity, thickness, and the condition of the SMAS layer are considered when planning the surgical approach.

03.

Extent of Lifting

The appropriate extent of surgery is determined based on your individual needs, from Mini to Semi Full or Full SMAS Facelift.

04.

Lifting Direction & Incision Design

The direction of lifting and incision design are planned according to your facial structure and pattern of sagging.

Your Own AB Lifting Plan, Customized for Your Face.

AB Looks Beyond the SkinConsidering Both the Skin and the SMAS Layer

AB considers the characteristics of both the skin and SMAS layer when determining the surgical approach.
Depending on the patient's anatomy, a Deep Plane or Dual Plane Facelift may be considered.

DEEP PLANE
Deep plane facelift: skin and SMAS layer lifted together

Skin and SMAS layer
lifted together

DUAL PLANE
Dual plane facelift: skin and SMAS layers separately dissected and lifted

Skin and SMAS layers
separately dissected and lifted

Does Everyone Need the Same Facelift?NO! At AB, Every Facelift Is Designed Differently.

There is no single facelift approach for everyone.
AB evaluates the degree of aging, muscle condition, fat distribution, skin elasticity,
and individual needs to determine the appropriate extent of lifting.

Stage 3 Full Face Lifting before and afterBEFOREAFTER

Stage 3Full Face Lifting

Degree of Aging
★★★★★
Muscle and Skin Sagging
★★★★★
Loss of Elasticity
★★★★★
Extent of Sagging Region
★★★★★
  • Maximal SMAS Dissection
  • Simultaneous Lifting of Severely Sagging Skin and Tissue
  • Overall Face and Neck Wrinkle Reduction, Skin Tightening, and Elasticity Improvement
Stage 2 Semi Face Lifting before and afterBEFOREAFTER

Stage 2Semi Face Lifting

Degree of Aging
★★★★☆
Muscle and Skin Sagging
★★★★☆
Loss of Elasticity
★★★☆☆
Extent of Sagging Region
★★★☆☆
  • Sufficient SMAS Dissection
  • Lifting of Sagging Skin and Tissue in the Mid and Lower Face
  • Wrinkle Reduction, Skin Tightening, and Elasticity Improvement of the Face (excluding the neck)
Stage 1 Mini Face Lifting before and afterBEFOREAFTER

Stage 1Mini Face Lifting

Degree of Aging
★★☆☆☆
Muscle and Skin Sagging
★☆☆☆☆
Loss of Elasticity
★☆☆☆☆
Extent of Sagging Region
★☆☆☆☆
  • Quick Recovery with Minimal Incision and Minimal Dissection
  • Fast and Easy Lifting Using Elastic Band Threads
  • Targeted Lifting of Key Sagging Areas
POINT 01

Personalized Surgical Planning

AB evaluates individual facial anatomy, the location and degree of sagging,
skin characteristics, and facial proportions when planning facelift surgery.

Before and after 3 months

The extent and technique of surgery are selected according to each patient's
clinical needs rather than applying the same approach to everyone.

Natural, not overdone.
POINT 02

Beyond the Skin

AB Looks Beyond the Skin

Effective facelift planning requires consideration of deeper facial support structures,
including the SMAS layer. AB considers these anatomical structures when determining the appropriate

surgical technique and tissue repositioning strategy.

For guaranteed and long-lasting resultsDetailed dissection technique

Facial area of dissection
01

Dissecting a wide area meticulously to achieve a strong lifting effect without side effects

Deep incision below the SMAS (fascia) layer
02

Avoiding nerves and blood vessels, precisely cutting the retaining ligaments in each area for long-lasting effects.

Meticulous dissection during surgery
03

With meticulous dissection techniques, achieve a smooth facial contour without any unevenness.

POINT 03

Not Every Area Should Be Lifted the Same WayDifferent areas of the face sag in different directions.

Full Face Lifting

Full Face Lifting

Midface Semi Face Lifting

Midface Semi Face Lifting

Lower Face Semi Face Lifting

Lower Face Semi Face Lifting

Mini Face Lifting

Mini Face Lifting

AB customizes the direction and tension of lifting for each facial area,
with the goal of creating a naturally lifted and balanced appearance.

Natural, not overdone.
POINT 04

Designed with Scars in Mind

Incision planning is customized according to individual characteristics, including sideburn position,
skin thickness, and ear shape. AB also utilizes an angled incision technique

designed to reduce the burden of visible scarring and preserve the hair roots.

Healing process of the incision: before, immediately after surgery, after 6 months

Real cases of healing processBy timeline

BEFORE & AFTER

See the DifferenceAB Facelift Before & After

Facelift before and after
Facelift before and after
Facelift before and after
Facelift before and after
Facelift before and after
Facelift before and after
Facelift before and after
Facelift before and after
Facelift before and after
Facelift before and after
Designed to improve sagging and facial definition while
maintaining natural facial harmony.
AB lifting specialists: Dr. Choi Jae-Ik, Dr. Bae In-Ho, Dr. Jeong Yeon-Woo, Dr. Song Cheon-Ho

AB LIFTING EXPERTISE

From the degree of sagging to the condition of the skin and SMAS layer,
AB creates an individualized lifting plan based on
each patient’s facial anatomy and needs.

Meet AB’s Lifting Specialists

Board certified plastic surgeons provide individualized surgical planning
based on each patient’s facial structure, degree of sagging,
and aesthetic goals.

Leading Techniques and Research AchievementsAcademic Exchange and External Collaborative Activities

The difference is in the details Lifting expertise.

  • 01. World’s Leading Technique Advancements in the Field of Lifting

    AB is at the forefront of face lifting and lifting procedures, leveraging numerous clinical experiences and research cases.

    AB medical team with international surgeons
  • 02. AB × IFAAS For International Medical Professionals

    Facelift Surgery Lecture & Live Surgery Demonstration

    Live facelift surgery demonstration
  • 03. AB Plastic Surgery has officially obtained government certification from the Korea Association of Healthcare Accreditation Foundation (KAHF) as a medical institution authorized to treat international patients.

    This nationally recognized certification is awarded only to medical institutions that meet strict and comprehensive evaluation standards designed to ensure the safety of international patients, the quality of medical services, and a trustworthy clinical care system.

    International accredited hospital certification mark
  • 04. Relentless Lifting Research

    Our lifting specialists continuously do research to accurately identify the various causes of sagging.

    AB surgeon presenting lifting research at APS 2024
  • 05. University Hospital and Medical Institution Collaboration System

    We have established a collaborative medical system with institutions like Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, providing an optimal healthcare system for patients.

    Collaboration certificates from partner university hospitals
AB SAFETY SYSTEM

Safety first : Building Trust
with ‘Zero’ Medical Accidents

Patient safety protocols from preoperative assessment to
anesthesia management and postoperative recovery.

  • Full-time board-certified anesthesiologists

    01.

    Full-time anesthesiologists

    The entire process of the surgery, including pre-, during, and post-surgical procedures, is managed in real-time with a full-time anesthesiologist.

  • CCTV camera installed in an operating room

    02.

    CCTV in all operating rooms

    CCTV cameras are installed in all operating rooms to support surgical transparency and patient safety.

  • Central monitoring systemReal anesthesia record

    03.

    Real-time monitoring during anesthesia

    An anesthesiology specialist monitors the patient in real-time during surgery and performs double and triple checks through a central monitoring system.

  • Preoperative screening items: anemia, blood sugar, heart, lung, liver and kidney function, infectious diseasesPreoperative screening report

    04.

    AB Standard Preoperative Screening

    Before surgery, we conduct standard preoperative screening to comprehensively assess your health and establish an appropriate plan for safe surgery and anesthesia.

Real Patients. Real Stories. Real Experiences.

Hear directly from AB patients about their facelift journeys, from consultation to recovery.

View More

INTERNATIONAL PATIENT SUPPORT

Your Facelift Journey in Korea, Supported by AB

From your initial consultation to postoperative follow up,
AB assists international patients with treatment planning and travel coordination.

  • Language Support

    Language Support

    Consultation and interpretation assistance in available languages.

  • Accommodation Assistance

    Accommodation Assistance

    Guidance on affiliated hotel options and available arrangements.

  • Airport Transportation

    Airport Transportation

    Transportation coordination for eligible surgical patients, subject to availability and applicable conditions.

  • Postoperative Care

    Postoperative Care

    Recovery guidance and scheduled follow up appointments before returning home.

Your Journey with AB

  1. Online Consultation
  2. In Person Consultation
  3. Surgery
  4. Recovery
  5. Follow Up

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

  • Q. Which type of Lifting is most effective by age group?

    For those in their 20s–30s, effective facial lifting procedures include high-frequency laser treatments, fillers, and Botox, which
    are recommended for early prevention and maintenance.

    For those in their 30s–40s, both non-surgical treatments (like thread lifting or semi-facelift) and surgical lifting methods are
    recommended depending on the degree of sagging.

    For those over 40, more surgical methods such as semi-facelift or full facelift are often advised, depending on the severity of
    skin laxity.

  • Q. How long should I stay in Korea after facelift surgery?

    For international patients, AB generally recommends planning a stay of approximately 14 days or longer after facelift surgery,
    depending on the surgical procedures involved.

    This allows time for postoperative examinations, wound care, and suture removal when appropriate. Your recommended stay
    will be confirmed according to your surgical plan and recovery needs.

  • Q. Can facelift surgery improve nasolabial folds?

    Facelift surgery may soften nasolabial folds by repositioning sagging facial tissues, particularly when the folds are associated
    with midface descent.

    However, deep folds caused by facial anatomy or volume loss may not be fully corrected through lifting alone.

    Additional procedures may be considered following a medical assessment.

  • Q. When will I see the final results of my facelift?

    You may notice improvements in facial contours as the initial swelling decreases. However, residual swelling, tightness, and
    changes in sensation can continue to improve over several months.

    Final results should be evaluated after sufficient healing, as recovery varies between patients.

Opening Hours
  • WeekdayAM 10:00 ~ PM 7:00
  • SaturdayAM 10:00 ~ PM 5:00
  • Evening HoursAM 10:00 ~ PM 09:00 (Fri)

*Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays

AB Plastic Surgery Korea

Medical Institution : AB Plastic Surgery 2~4F BLOCK 77 Building, 17, Seocho-daero 77-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea (Line No.2, Gangnam Station, Exit No.10)
Business Registration Number : 542-40-00868 TEL : 02-512-1288 FAX : 02-512-1298 E-mail:admin@abplasticsurgerykorea.com