Korean facelift techniques are known for delivering natural, refined, and long-lasting anti-aging results. Among the most commonly requested procedures are the lower facelift and the full facelift—each designed to lift different areas of the face. While both procedures rejuvenate sagging skin, the right choice depends on your aging pattern, skin laxity, and overall facial structure.

Here’s how top Korean surgeons differentiate between the two, and how to know which option fits your goals.

What Is a Lower Facelift?

A lower facelift focuses on tightening and lifting the jawline, lower cheeks, and jowls. It’s ideal for patients experiencing early to moderate aging in the lower third of the face.

What It Targets

• Sagging along the jawline
• Early jowl formation
• Softening of the lower cheek
• Marionette lines and drooping corners of the mouth

Why Korean Surgeons Recommend It

• Minimal incisions
• Faster recovery
• Natural, subtle enhancement
• Excellent for patients in their late 30s to 50s

The lower facelift is especially popular among patients who want to refine their jawline without dramatic changes to the midface.

What Is a Full Facelift?

A full facelift is a more comprehensive procedure that lifts the midface, lower face, and jawline, and often includes correction of neck laxity. Korean surgeons typically perform SMAS or deep-plane lifting techniques to reposition deeper facial tissues—not just the skin.

What It Targets

• Deep jowls
• Significant cheek sagging
• Nasolabial folds
• Loose or thickened neck skin
• Loss of midface volume

Why Korean Surgeons Recommend It

• Most dramatic and long-lasting results
• Restores overall facial structure
• Can reverse 10–15 years of aging
• Creates a more youthful, refreshed profile

Patients with advanced aging benefit the most from the full facelift.

Key Differences According to Korean Surgeons

1. Treatment Area

• Lower Facelift: Lower third—jawline, jowls, mouth corners
• Full Facelift: Midface + lower face + neck for total rejuvenation

Korean surgeons emphasize that the full facelift addresses the “foundation of aging,” while the lower facelift corrects localized sagging.

2. Intensity of Lift

• Lower Facelift: Moderate lift of SMAS layer in the lower face
• Full Facelift: Deep lift, often including ligament release and repositioning of deeper tissues

This is why full facelifts produce more dramatic and longer-lasting results.

3. Ideal Age Group

• Lower Facelift: Late 30s – early 50s with mild to moderate sagging
• Full Facelift: 50s – 70s with more pronounced volume descent and laxity

Korean surgeons tailor the choice based on collagen loss, skin elasticity, and severity of jowling.

4. Downtime

• Lower Facelift: 1–2 weeks
• Full Facelift: 2–4 weeks

Because the full facelift involves more extensive repositioning, recovery takes longer.

5. Longevity

• Lower Facelift: 5–8 years (depending on age and skin quality)
• Full Facelift: 10–15 years or more

Korean surgeons note that longevity depends on lifestyle, genetics, and the surgical method used.

6. Combination Treatments

Lower Facelift Often Paired With:

• Thread lifting
• Jawline contouring
• Chin liposuction
• Skin tightening devices

Full Facelift Often Paired With:

• Neck lift
• Fat grafting
• SMAS/Deep-plane lifting
• Upper/lower eyelid surgery

Korean clinics commonly customize treatment packages for balanced, natural results.

When to Choose a Lower Facelift

You may be a perfect candidate if you want:

• A sharper jawline
• Removal of early jowls
• A subtle, natural refresh
• Minimal downtime
• Improvement focused on the lower face

It’s ideal for those who want to age gracefully without dramatic change.

When to Choose a Full Facelift

A full facelift is better if you want:

• Major rejuvenation
• Lifting of cheeks + jawline + neck
• Long-lasting results
• Correction of deep sagging
• A more youthful, overall transformation

If your midface and neck have noticeable laxity, Korean surgeons generally recommend the full facelift for the best outcome.

Korean Surgeon Insight: The “Harmony Rule”

Korean surgeons emphasize facial balance, not just lifting.
This means:

• The lower face should match the midface
• The jawline should blend seamlessly with the neck
• Volume should be restored where aging caused deflation

Because of this approach, full facelifts often include fat grafting or neck refinement to avoid a “tight but hollow” look.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose a Lower Facelift if your main concern is early jowling or jawline softening.
• Choose a Full Facelift if you want global rejuvenation and long-lasting results.

Korean facelift techniques prioritize subtlety, youthfulness, and natural movement—making either option a strong choice depending on your age and goals.