Smile Lift: The Effects and Differences Compared with Mini Lifting, as Seen at a Songpa Plastic Surgery Clinic

Hello.

I’m Lee Seong-joon, director of Litting Plastic Surgery Seoul.

 In summer, many people especially say things like,

“i feel like my face is sagging”

“The nasolabial folds seem more pronounced”

As clothing gets lighter, outdoor activities increase, and there are naturally more opportunities to take photos,

the facial line can appear more prominent than usual, or you may look more tired and less elastic,

which often becomes a concern.

In particular, every time you look in the mirror,

“Has my cheek volume dropped a bit?”

“I think my nasolabial folds have gotten deeper..”

thoughts like these can lead to vague worries.

As such, in summer,

people tend to become more sensitive to changes in facial contours, which naturally leads to greater interest in lifting procedures.

Why is interest in mini lifting higher in summer?

Traditional facelifts often feel burdensome because of

things like the incision size, recovery period, and surgical cost.

So recently,

there has been growing interest in small-incision lifting procedures,

such as mini lifting and Smile Lift, which have smaller incision areas and faster recovery.

Mini lifting vs. Smile Lift: How are they different?

Both methods share the common point of lifting

the skin and the SMAS layer through a small incision,

thereby improving sagging areas.

However, there are differences in the surgical method and the areas of focus.

Mini lifting

involves a straight incision of about 2 to 3 cm in front of the ear or near the hairline,

and can help improve localized sagging, mainly in the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jawline.

The recovery period and scar burden are relatively small.

Smile Lift

uses a diagonal incision,

and focuses on decreased elasticity in the central face, such as the nasolabial folds, the cheeks below the cheekbones, and the eye area.

In particular, it may help create a natural-looking improvement

when the nasolabial folds are deepened, when the area below the cheekbones looks sunken, or when the face appears dull.

Because the areas that can be improved and the methods used are different,

it is important to have a thorough consultation with a specialist at a Songpa plastic surgery clinic, centering on your facial line, concerns about elasticity, and the areas you want improved.

Smile Lift may be suitable for people like this

✔️ When you are concerned about reduced elasticity in the central face, such as the nasolabial folds or the cheeks below the cheekbones ✔️ When you want a naturally brighter appearance ✔️ When you want a method with relatively little recovery burden or scarring ✔️ When you are looking for surgery that allows a comparatively quick return to daily life ✔️ When you want to experience lifting surgery for the first time

Can lifting surgery be done even in summer?

Many people ask about lifting surgery in summer.

Some also worry,

“Recovery will take longer in hot weather”

“Will swelling be worse?”

However, summer is actually

a season when metabolism becomes more active, so blood circulation may be smoother, and recovery may progress more quickly, according to some opinions.

Therefore, it is not uncommon to see

swelling or bruising subside relatively quickly after surgery.

Of course, like all surgeries,

postoperative care is the most important, regardless of the season.

It is advisable to choose an appropriate lifting method while fully considering your own skin condition and overall health condition.

If you have surgery in summer, it is especially important to follow the basic care guidelines carefully.

📌 Do not touch the surgical area (when wiping sweat, be sure to use clean gauze or a towel)
📌 Avoid washing your face or bathing before the stitches are removed
📌 For skin cleanliness, use wet gauze or sterile tissues; do not rub, and gently pat the area
📌 Avoid direct sunlight (UV exposure) (use a hat, parasol, etc.)
📌 Refrain from strenuous exercise or saunas (be careful during the first 1–2 weeks)
📌 Use ice packs for 2–3 days after surgery (helps reduce swelling and bruising)

If you follow these care guidelines well,

it can help your recovery proceed smoothly

after lifting surgery in summer.

How should you choose a lifting procedure?

Lifting surgery varies from person to person because

☑️ facial bone structure, ☑️ muscles and skin thickness, ☑️ and the areas with reduced elasticity all differ, so a thorough consultation and diagnosis at a Songpa plastic surgery clinic before surgery are important.

From choosing the surgical method to recovery care,

it is advisable to make every decision after充分 discussion with the medical team.

Especially on hot and humid days like summer,

people tend to scrutinize their facial line more sensitively than usual, and concerns about nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks, and even changes in facial impression often become more noticeable. But I want to first say that these changes and concerns are by no means yours alone, and are a natural part of everyday life that can happen to anyone.

Procedures such as Smile Lift

can be a practical solution to these everyday concerns.

When you feel that change is needed,

rather than rushing, it is also a good idea to consult thoroughly with the medical team at a Songpa plastic surgery clinic about the method that is right for you.

I hope you do not rush too much in front of the season of summer and your changing face.

I support everyone in finding natural and healthy changes at their own pace.

Thank you.

I hope you become more naturally youthful, more so today than yesterday, and more so tomorrow than today.

This was Lee Seong-joon, Director of Seoul Litting Plastic Surgery.

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

https://youtube.com/shorts/7ohgk60CNLs?si=cRdJolyQ2xqOH8S