If a Partial or Full Facelift Felt Like Too Much, Take Notice!

Actual partial facelift patient at 디엠성형외과

Aging is said to begin gradually after the growth period ends. Although many people look into lifting procedures to address signs of aging, it may be difficult to decide on a facelift because of the various types available and concerns about scarring. Everyone wants to maintain a youthful appearance and avoid looking older, which is why interest in anti-aging continues to rise. Among people in their middle age and older, interest in laser lifting procedures, thread lifting, and incisional lifting is also increasing.

Sagging and wrinkles progress from the forehead down to the neck, and signs of aging can appear in many areas, including the forehead, eye area, nasolabial folds, cheeks, around the mouth, jawline, and neck. Since the areas of concern and severity vary from person to person due to differences in reduced skin elasticity, it is very important to find a lifting method that suits your individual condition.

In particular, wrinkles around the mouth, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines are among the most common areas of concern. As representative signs of aging that appear along with sagging in the lower face, they can create an unkind-looking impression. They can also become noticeably prominent in younger people as well as those in their 50s and 60s, making them look older than their actual age and leading to more visits for improvement of an aged appearance.

A facelift is one medical method for improving these concerns. Before surgery, the most important factors affecting the extent of improvement and satisfaction after surgery are accurately identifying 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 elasticity in the face, while a partial facelift or mini facelift can be used to address 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 those who felt that the incisions required for a full facelift were too burdensome.

What Is a SMAS Partial Facelift?

As mentioned above, a SMAS partial facelift is a lifting procedure recommended for people who feel that the incisions required for a full facelift are too burdensome and who are concerned about fine lines.

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 to behind the ear, a partial facelift uses a 5–7 mm incision from inside the hairline to the front of the ear. This reduces concerns about visible scarring, while also dissecting part of the zygomatic and masseteric retaining ligaments together with the SMAS layer.

Because the incision area is smaller than that of a full procedure, it may be difficult to improve a large area. However, the procedure can address the fundamental 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. Yoo Won-min of 디엠성형외과, who has extensive clinical experience, this surgical method is associated with a longer-lasting period and greater effects, resulting in many positive reviews and high satisfaction.

What Is the SMAS Layer?

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

For patients in their 30s to early 40s, when sagging beneath the chin is not severe and changes in facial shape due to reduced elasticity are not substantial, we recommend improving the front cheek area and nasolabial folds through a partial facelift.

Simply lifting the skin may not provide adequate improvement and may make it difficult to achieve a satisfactory result.

Because the underlying problem of facial sagging can be addressed by tightening the SMAS layer, 디엠성형외과 identifies each individual's facial structure through consultation with an experienced specialist and performs a customized procedure.

Why Patients Report High Satisfaction with Facelift Procedures at 디엠성형외과

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, they can interfere with tissue movement and prevent the sagging tissue from being lifted.

At 디엠성형외과, the expertise of plastic surgeon Dr. Yoo Won-min, who has more than 20 years of clinical experience, is incorporated into the procedure. Part of the zygomatic and masseteric retaining ligaments is dissected to provide a stronger lifting effect and high patient satisfaction.

Before & After of a Partial Facelift at 디엠성형외과

[Actual partial facelift patient at 디엠성형외과]

The patient had been concerned about nasolabial folds and reduced skin elasticity and chose a partial facelift at 디엠성형외과.

By comparing the preoperative photo with the photo taken immediately after the stitches were removed, you can see in the photos how the wrinkles in the areas of concern became less pronounced and the face appeared more youthful.

※Please note that the degree of swelling and recovery may vary from person to person.※

What Is the Recovery Process for a SMAS Partial Facelift?

Because the incision extends 5–7 cm from inside the hairline to the front of the ear, scarring is almost unnoticeable during the recovery process. This lifting procedure has a high satisfaction rate due to its relatively short recovery period.

What Is the Surgical Method for a SMAS Partial Facelift?

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

The SMAS layer is tightly pulled and secured together with the skin, after which the excess skin is removed and the incision is meticulously sutured to complete the procedure.

A SMAS partial facelift is recommended for people who:

• Are concerned about wrinkles around the eyes and a drooping eye appearance
• Have not seen results from lifting procedures
• Are concerned about nasolabial folds
• Want semi-permanent effects
• Feel that the incisions required for a full facelift are too burdensome
• Want to return to their daily routine quickly after surgery

Director of the Anti-Aging Center at 디엠성형외과

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 individual's degree of sagging and skin condition. This is why reviews of lifting procedures at 디엠성형외과 are positive.

Actual partial facelift patient at 디엠성형외과

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