Partial Facelift: Concerned About Drooping Eyes and Wrinkles Around the Eyes?

It is said that aging gradually begins after the growth period ends. Although you may look into lifting procedures for signs of aging, it may be difficult to decide on a facelift right away due to the various types of procedures and concerns about scarring. These days, interest in anti-aging continues to grow, as everyone wants to maintain a youthful appearance and does not want to look older than they are. Among people in their middle age and older, interest in laser lifting procedures, thread lifting, and incision-based lifting is also increasing.

Sagging and wrinkles progress from the forehead down to the neck, and signs of aging can appear across many areas, including the forehead, around the eyes, nasolabial folds, cheeks, around the mouth, jawline, and neck. Since the areas of concern and the degree of sagging caused by reduced skin elasticity vary from person to person, it is very important to find a lifting method that takes these factors into account.

A facelift is a medical procedure that can help improve these concerns. Before surgery, the most important factors affecting the results and satisfaction after surgery are accurately determining how much sagging you want to improve and which areas you want to address. A full facelift may be considered to improve an overall loss of facial elasticity, while a partial facelift or mini facelift may be used to improve specific areas.

Today, we would like to introduce the SMAS partial facelift, which may be of interest to those who are particularly concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, as well as those who find the incision required for a full facelift burdensome.

SMAS Partial Facelift: What Is It?

The SMAS partial facelift mentioned above is a lifting procedure recommended for people who find the incision required for a full facelift burdensome and are concerned about fine lines and wrinkles.

The difference between a full facelift, partial facelift, and mini facelift lies in the treatment area. Unlike a full facelift, which involves an incision from inside the hairline along the ear and to behind the ear, a partial facelift involves a 5–7 mm incision from inside the hairline to the front of the ear. This reduces concerns about visible scarring, while also allowing dissection of the SMAS layer and part of the zygomatic and masseter retaining ligaments.

Because the incision area is smaller than that of a full facelift, it may be difficult to improve a large area. However, the procedure can address the underlying cause of skin sagging and help prevent wrinkles, making it effective for people with fine lines rather than deep wrinkles. Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Won-min Yoo of DM Plastic Surgery, who has extensive clinical experience, this procedure offers high satisfaction, with improved duration and results.

What Is the SMAS Layer?

The SMAS layer is a thin fibromuscular layer located between the subcutaneous fat and muscle layers. It transfers muscle movement to the skin and is very closely attached to the skin, making it particularly vulnerable to gravity.

For patients in their 30s to early 40s, when sagging beneath the jaw is not severe and changes in facial shape due to reduced elasticity are not significant, a partial facelift may be recommended to improve the front cheek area and nasolabial folds.

Simply lifting the skin may not provide adequate improvement, and it may be difficult to achieve a satisfying result. Since tightening the SMAS layer addresses the underlying issue of facial sagging, DM Plastic Surgery identifies each patient’s facial structure through consultation with an experienced specialist and performs customized surgery.

Why Patients Report High Satisfaction with Facelift Procedures at DM Plastic Surgery

Retaining ligaments are strong fibrous tissues that extend from the deep fascia or periosteum to the dermis. If a facelift is performed without addressing the retaining ligaments, tissue movement may be restricted, making it difficult to lift sagging tissue.

At DM Plastic Surgery, the expertise of Dr. Won-min Yoo, a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of clinical experience, is incorporated into the procedure. Part of the zygomatic and masseter retaining ligaments is dissected to provide a stronger lifting effect and a high level of satisfaction.

Before & After: Partial Facelift at DM Plastic Surgery

[Actual partial facelift case at DM Plastic Surgery]

The patient was concerned about drooping eyes and chose a partial facelift at DM Plastic Surgery.

This photo was taken one month after the partial facelift at DM Plastic Surgery.

The wrinkles in the areas of concern appear less noticeable and tighter, and the photo shows an improved, more youthful-looking face.

※The degree of swelling and recovery may vary from person to person, so please take this into consideration.※

What Is the Recovery Process Like After a SMAS Partial Facelift?

Because the incision extends from inside the hairline to the front of the ear and measures 5–7 cm, scarring is barely visible during recovery, and the relatively short recovery period contributes to high satisfaction with this lifting procedure.

How Is a SMAS Partial Facelift Performed?

As mentioned above, an incision is made from inside the hairline to the front of the ear. The skin tissue is separated, and part of the zygomatic and masseter retaining ligaments is dissected.

The SMAS layer is firmly lifted and secured together with the skin, after which the excess skin is removed and the incision is carefully sutured to complete the procedure.

A SMAS partial facelift is recommended for people who:

• Are concerned about wrinkles around the eyes and drooping eyes
• Have not seen the desired results from lifting procedures
• Are concerned about nasolabial folds
• Want semi-permanent results
• Find the incision required for a full facelift burdensome
• Want to return to their daily routine quickly after surgery

Director of the Anti-Aging Center at DM Plastic Surgery

If you are currently considering a partial facelift, we recommend visiting our clinic and having a thorough one-on-one consultation with an experienced medical professional.

Choosing a clinic with an experienced specialist can lead to greater satisfaction through a customized plan that takes into account each person’s degree of sagging and skin condition. This is why reviews of lifting procedures at DM Plastic Surgery are favorable.

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