What Is the Key to Half-Face Lift Lifting That Also Restores Volume at Gangnam Station Plastic Surgery Clinic Smile Lift?

Hello.

I’m Lee Seong-jun, Director of Reading Plastic Surgery Seoul Branch.

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One day, when you suddenly stand in front of the mirror or take a photo,

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Does my face look sunken compared to before..?

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I feel like my smiling expression isn’t coming out as nicely...

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I think everyone has probably had thoughts like these at least once.

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I thought I was not at the age where I needed to worry about this yet,

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but my overall facial impression seems different, so I start to feel concerned, and when skin care or makeup can’t cover it anymore,

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a lifting procedure naturally comes to mind.

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At times like that, procedures such as Ulthera or thread lifting may also be tried,

but when the facial line doesn’t seem to change as much as expected, concern can deepen.

“Traditional surgery still feels like too much, but procedures alone don’t seem sufficient...”

In moments like this, many people think of the term 'facelift'.

However, facelift surgery is also divided by scope, with areas categorized into 'half facelift', 'facelift', and 'face + neck lift',

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so there is no need to immediately think of an extensive surgery right away.

At Reading Seoul Branch near Gangnam Station, for those who want more improvement than a procedure but still feel that a traditional facelift is too burdensome, we introduce a half-face lift that can improve not only skin laxity but also volume, called the 'Smile Lift.'

The Smile Lift is a half-facelift procedure that lifts not only the skin but also the sagging subcutaneous fat layer, and may help restore a more three-dimensional and lively face.

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In general, the lifting surgeries we commonly know

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are performed by pulling up the skin layer or the SMAS (fibrous layer).

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However, what changes with aging is not just sagging skin.

The loss of three-dimensionality, cheek sagging, and deeper nasolabial folds caused by the gradual downward movement or hollowing of the subcutaneous fat in the midface

are difficult to improve with simple pulling or procedures alone.

The Smile Lift lifts this subcutaneous fat layer as well, refilling the sunken skin layer with the fat layer again, which may help restore a three-dimensional youthful face.

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In other words, rather than simply pulling and tightening, it is a surgery that aims for a natural, volumized face by lifting the sunken areas upward.

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“Isn’t it enough to just pull up the sagging skin?” “Why is volume important?”

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If you still feel that you look older even after lifting, the cause may not be a lack of elasticity, but rather the lost 'volume.'

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That is because when three-dimensionality disappears, the entire face can look tired and lack vitality.

That is why the Smile Lift is an approach that anatomically aims to improve this volume loss through lifting.

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It may seem similar to the effect of fat grafting, but the difference is that it is actually a surgery that restores your own sagging tissue to its original position, adding natural volume and three-dimensionality.

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How is the Smile Lift performed?

1. After designing the incision sites inside the hairline and in front of the ear, the incisions are made.
2. Some of the retaining ligaments supporting the SMAS layer (fibrous layer) are dissected.

3. The sagging SMAS layer (fibrous layer) is pulled upward and fixed, and the stretched tissues are removed before securing the skin and muscle layers.
4. Some of the stretched skin and subcutaneous fat are removed.
5. The incision is closed using a double-suturing method.

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Which areas can be improved with the Smile Lift?

The Smile Lift can help make the overall impression of the midface softer and more lively, not just one specific area.

✔️ Hollow upper cheeks ✔️ Sagging cheeks ✔️ Nasolabial folds ✔️ Lines around the mouth ✔️ Double chin

Of course, all surgical results vary from person to person.

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When the Smile Lift may be considered

📌 For those who want to improve to a more lively image
📌 For those who want the lifting effect to last a long time
📌 For those who were not satisfied with other lifting procedures
📌 For those whose skin and fat layer are sagging together
📌 For those who want to restore natural volume and firmness at the same time
📌 For those looking for a surgery with a faster recovery than a facelift

Especially if you are thinking, “I want to return to the lively, three-dimensional face I used to have,” this may be a surgery worth considering.

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What is recovery like after the Smile Lift?

One of the reasons many people hesitate about a facelift or surgery involving incisions is recovery.

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However, because the Smile Lift is performed with a minimally invasive approach by dissecting only the key areas,

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the burden related to bruising, swelling, and scars can be relatively reduced compared to a traditional facelift.

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The average recovery period allows for daily life after about 2 to 3 weeks, but this may vary depending on the individual’s skin condition, constitution, and the extent of the surgery.

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In the early stage, slight tightness, sensory changes, or temporary swelling may occur, and these are generally considered normal recovery responses. If discomfort persists or feels severe, it is advisable to have it checked through a consultation.

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Points to consider before surgery

Before deciding on surgery, you must fully confirm your skin condition, facial structure, and expectations about the surgery through a consultation.

📍 Which area is the biggest concern?
📍 What is the current state of skin elasticity?
📍 Are you realistically prepared for the recovery period?

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After considering these factors, it is important to determine the lifting method that is appropriate for you through consultation with a specialist.

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There is no fixed standard for a "face that is like you."

Because the pace of aging and the location of wrinkles differ from person to person. Some people comfortably accept natural aging,

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while others feel disappointed because their reflection in the mirror does not match how youthful they feel inside.

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If your expression has recently started to feel less natural than before, that may be a sign that the facial structure is gradually changing over time.

It does not have to be the Smile Lift. Simply taking the time to calmly consult with a specialist about a method that matches your facial condition and goals

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can also become a time to understand yourself better.

May you become more naturally youthful than yesterday, and tomorrow more than today.

This was Director Lee Seong-jun of Seoul Reading Plastic Surgery.

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This article is content intended to provide general information about the Smile Lift surgery. Whether to actually undergo surgery should be decided based on the individual’s health condition and purpose, and it should be determined through consultation with a medical professional. If you would like more details, please check the more detailed information at the YouTube link below.

https://youtu.be/Di0dx2MFBHA?si=BtE1SZs3VoMtLx_5

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