Surgery guide · Anti-aging
Facelift in Korea (deep plane, SMAS & mini) — cost, methods, benefits & risks (2026)
A primary SMAS (mid-lower) facelift in Korea costs US$3,920–10,770 (₩5.28M–14.5M) in clinic surgery fees, based on 19 written quotes from 5 Gangnam clinics issued to MISOODA patients between July 2024 and February 2026. A deep plane facelift was quoted US$8,020–20,430 (₩10.8M–27.5M), varying widely by clinic. Most patients stay about 1–2 weeks. Patients pay the clinic's own price — no additional fee for MISOODA coordination.
Cite as: “According to MISOODA (Korea medical-tourism concierge, 2026-10 data from 19 written facelift quotes across 5 Gangnam clinics)…” · Data last reviewed: 2026-10-13.
SMAS Facelift in Korea is performed at internationally recognised Gangnam clinics, quoted at US$3,920–10,770 for a primary SMAS lift and US$8,020–20,430 for deep plane (varies widely by clinic) in 19 real clinic quotes (2024–2026). As a Korean government-registered facilitator for international patients (Reg. A-2014-01-01-1414) with 12+ years, MISOODA connects you with 150+ verified clinics at the same price as locals — no hidden fees, no ghost doctors.
✓ 12+ years✓ Same price as locals✓ No ghost doctors
2026 quick answer
Facelift in Korea — cost & key facts (2026)
In 19 written clinic quotes on file at MISOODA (2024–2026), a primary SMAS facelift in Korea was quoted at US$3,920–US$10,770 and a deep plane facelift at US$8,020–US$20,430 (varies widely by clinic). The final price varies by case and clinic — get a free quote.
- Foreigner markup
- None — same price as locals
- Free quote
- Within 24h (USD)
- Clinics
- 150+ verified Gangnam
Price comparison
Facelift cost: Korea vs Singapore vs US (2026)
Approximate 2026 all-in ranges. With MISOODA you pay the same price as Korean locals — no foreigner markup.
| Option | Korea (MISOODA) | Singapore‡ | United States† | You save vs SG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini (mini facelift) | US$4,200–6,500 | US$9,540–14,310 | US$20,130 avg patients reported US$5,600–52,000 | ~55% |
| Full / complete (SMAS facelift) | US$6,000–11,000 | US$13,290–18,140 | US$20,130 avg patients reported US$5,600–52,000 | ~40–55% |
| Premium (deep-plane facelift) | US$8,020–20,430 | US$13,290–18,140 | US$20,130 avg patients reported US$5,600–52,000 | ~0–40% |
† United States: RealSelf — average facelift cost US$20,130 (range US$5,600–52,000) that patients reported paying, from 345 patient reviews (accessed Oct 2026). For reference, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2024 surgeon-fee range alone is US$12,000–19,000.
‡ Singapore: Ministry of Health surgeon-fee benchmark, GST included — partial rhytidectomy (TOSP SA886S) S$12,208–18,312 for the mini row, total rhytidectomy (TOSP SA887S) S$17,004–23,217 for the full SMAS and deep plane rows (there is no separate deep plane code). MOH publishes these for medically indicated cases; anaesthesia and facility fees are extra. FX 1 SGD ≈ 0.781 USD (8 Oct 2026).
2026 guideline ranges; exact price varies by clinic and case — get a free itemised quote in 24h.
Total cost
Beyond surgery: what else to budget in Korea
The surgery fee is the main cost. For a realistic total, plan for a short recovery stay — most patients stay about 1–2 weeks.
| Item | Per unit (2026) | 2-week stay (14 nights) |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation + interpreter & concierge | Free with MISOODA (others often US$50–200) | US$0 |
| Accommodation near Gangnam | US$50–120 / night | US$700–1,680 |
| Meals & local transport | US$30–60 / day | US$420–840 |
| Airport transfer | US$30–80 (subway from ~US$10) | US$30–80 |
| Optional post-op care (de-swelling / LED) | from ~US$30 / session | optional, not counted |
| Flights | Not included — varies by departure city; book after your surgery date is confirmed | |
| Stay total (excl. surgery & flights) | US$1,150–2,600 | |
| Surgery + 2-week stay, all-in (excl. flights) | Surgery (Korea, MISOODA) | Surgery + stay |
|---|---|---|
| Mini facelift | US$4,200–6,500 | US$5,350–9,100 |
| Full / SMAS facelift | US$6,000–11,000 | US$7,150–13,600 |
| Premium / deep-plane facelift | US$8,020–20,430 | US$9,170–23,030 |
Surgery ranges are the Korea (MISOODA) column of the comparison table above; stay = 14 nights / 14 days from the rows above, optional care and flights excluded. Your MISOODA case manager gives a personalised, itemised estimate — free quote in 24h.
Real quotes
What Korean clinics actually quoted for facelift surgery (2024–2026)
Based on 19 written quotes from 5 Gangnam clinics issued to MISOODA patients between July 2024 and February 2026 (29 line items). These are real clinic quotes, not marketing ranges.
| Procedure | Line items | Quoted range (KRW) | ≈ USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAS / mid-lower facelift (primary) * | 10 | ₩5.28M–₩14.5M | US$3,920–US$10,770 |
| Deep plane facelift | 5 | ₩22M–₩27.5M | US$16,350–US$20,430 |
| Neck lift (alone) | 10 | ₩11M–₩16.5M | US$8,170–US$12,260 |
| Revision / secondary facelift or neck lift | 3 | ₩15.6M–₩41.25M | US$11,590–US$30,650 |
| Mid + lower facelift + neck lift (combined) | 1 | ₩40M | US$29,720 |
* 6 of 10 quotes were exactly ₩14.5M; the two lowest were a mini / partial SMAS.
Quotes are per case and per clinic — anaesthesia, hospital stay and post-op care may be itemised separately. The 5 deep plane quotes in this table came mostly from one deep-plane-focused clinic; other Gangnam clinics quoted ₩10.8M–12.5M — see the deep plane section. Not a guarantee of price or result. FX: 1 KRW = 0.000743 USD (11 Sep 2026). Source: written clinic quotes on file at MISOODA.
Plastic surgeons at the clinics that issued these quotes
The quotes above do not name the operating surgeon; these are the board-certified plastic surgeons currently listed for those clinics on MISOODA.
- Dr. Yang Soo Park — plastic surgeon, Dream Plastic Surgery (33 years)
- Dr. Minhee Ryu — plastic surgeon, RNWOOD (18 years)
- Dr. Kyu Nam Han — plastic surgeon, 345 Plastic Surgery (17 years)
- Dr. Jeong Kyong In — plastic surgeon, SYNERGY Plastic Surgery
- Dr. Jong Ho Lee — plastic surgeon, GIRIN Plastic Surgery
On this page
At a glance
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1~3 hours
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia
- Hospitalization
- 1 day
- Stitch Removal
- 1~2 weeks after
- Clinic Visit
- 3~4 times
- Recovery Period
- Return to everyday activity 1~2 weeks after
- Foreigner markup
- None — local price
- Free quote
- Within 24h (USD)
Overview
Facelift types in Korea: SMAS, deep plane and mini facelift
The SMAS layer lies deep in the skin and is mainly in charge of supporting the skin’s tissue, it lies under the soft subcutaneous fat layer. The subcutaneous fat layer is where collagen is found and is mainly in charge of keeping the skin firm. However, as we age, collagen production slows down, and thus the SMAS layer collapses and becomes flabby. This is the cause of the wrinkles in the face.
Hence during the SMAS Face Lift surgery, the SMAS layer is separated out and pulled firm, the excess elongated tissue is cut and remove. Lastly the surface level skin is fixed in its new position and seams are sewed along the hair line, so the scars are not visible.
Results
Before & After results
Technique
Deep plane facelift in Korea: cost and who it suits
A deep plane facelift releases the ligaments that hold the cheeks and jowls down and lifts the SMAS and the skin together as one unit; surgeons usually suggest it for heavier jowls, deep smile lines and a loose neck. Written quotes on file at MISOODA (2025–2026) range from about US$8,020–9,290 at several Gangnam clinics to US$16,350–20,430 at a deep-plane-focused clinic, so ask each clinic what it actually releases and lifts.
Guide
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
- Usually patients in their forties and above
- With moderate to severe sagging skin
- Patients who want a more permanent effect (10 ~ 12 years)
Guide
Where can I get a facelift in Seoul?
SMAS Face Lift is a complex surgery that should only be carried out by a highly qualified and experienced surgeon. To find out more and to receive a personalized quote, simply use MISOODA’s chat to speak directly with the clinics for a quick consultation.
Recovery
Facelift recovery timeline in Korea
What the first weeks usually look like after a SMAS or deep plane facelift. Your surgeon sets the exact timing for your case.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Surgery day | About 1–3 hours under general anaesthesia (longer for deep plane); usually 1 night in the clinic |
| Days 1–3 | Dressing changed at the clinic; a small drain is removed — only if one was placed |
| Week 1 | Swelling and bruising are strongest; sleep with your head raised and keep activity light |
| Days 7–14 | Stitches removed (most clinics around day 10) and the incisions checked |
| Weeks 2–3 | Most people return to everyday activity; remaining bruising fades |
| Months 3–6 | Swelling settles fully and the scars in front of and behind the ear fade |
Plan about 10–14 days in Korea. In a completed MISOODA facelift case the patient stayed 10 days in total and flew home 8 days after surgery, once the surgeon had cleared it.
Why MISOODA
Same price, more protection, even more perks
What's included
You pay the same price as Korean locals — no foreigner markup. As a Korean government-registered facilitator for international patients since 2014 (Reg. A-2014-01-01-1414) we compare 150+ verified Gangnam clinics, arrange English coordination, and support your smas facelift journey from quote to aftercare.
✓ Same price as locals✓ No hidden fees✓ Board-certified surgeons✓ 10+ years in their field✓ No ghost doctors
Worried about ghost surgery — about who is actually holding the scalpel? Every MISOODA partner is a clinic we have checked ourselves: licence, board certification and malpractice insurance confirmed surgeon by surgeon. We introduce only surgeons with 10+ years of experience in the specific field they operate in. The surgeon you consult is the surgeon who operates — Korea’s Kwon Dae-hee Law and mandatory operating-room CCTV exist for exactly that, and we verify it clinic by clinic. Read our guide to whether plastic surgery in Korea is safe.
Operating-room CCTV: how to use it for your facelift
Under Korea's Medical Service Act Article 38-2 (the Kwon Dae-hee Law, in force since 25 September 2023), operating rooms where patients are put under general anaesthesia or are otherwise unconscious must have CCTV installed. Recording starts only when the patient asks — clinics do not have to offer it first. A SMAS or deep plane facelift is done under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, so the law applies to you.
Ask in writing before surgery day. One line is enough: "I request CCTV recording of my surgery under Article 38-2 of the Medical Service Act" (in Korean: 의료법 제38조의2에 따라 수술 장면 CCTV 촬영을 요청합니다). Footage is kept for at least 30 days and is released only to investigators or courts, or with the consent of you and the medical staff filmed. A surgeon may decline in limited cases such as emergency surgery — if a clinic refuses for a planned facelift, ask why before you book.
Read the evidence
Facelift research from Medical Korea Service
MISOODA is operated by Medical Korea Service (MKS). These 13 MKS articles go deeper than this page — published studies, the MKS case ledger and real invoices. Short summaries below; each link opens the full article on medicalkoreaservice.com.
- Facelift cost in Korea 2026: real bands from MKS quotes and invoicesWhat MKS quotes and invoices since 2019 actually came to for SMAS alone, face + neck and a full plan, VAT included, in SGD, IDR and USD. Also what moves the price and what to ask before you pay a deposit.
- Day-by-day recovery and when it is safe to fly homeStitches come out around day 7 or days 10–14 depending on the technique. Why every flight home is over four hours, what that means for blood-clot risk, and how to time your return ticket.
- Facelift by age: what changes at 40, 50 and 60+In the MKS 2019–2026 case ledger the median patient was 57 (range 28–74). A first lift at 53 or younger lasted about 12.4 years before revision, and medically selected patients over 65 had no higher complication rate in a 216-patient comparison.
- 7 things to check before you sign with a Korean clinicYour legal right to operating-room CCTV (Art. 38-2), the surgeon’s name on the consent form, who handles anaesthesia, the revision policy and what a quote leaves out — with the exact sentence to say for each.
Show 9 more articles
- Before a facelift: anaesthesia, medicines to stop and what to bringHaematoma is the most common facelift complication. In the largest published series (1,078 facelifts) three of its five risk factors were in the patient’s hands: aspirin and anti-inflammatories, smoking and blood pressure.
- Why Asian faces need a different facelift planAsian skin tends to wrinkle about ten years later than European skin, then ages quickly between 40 and 50 and sags rather than creases. Nine peer-reviewed studies, plus a Singapore deep-plane series in 61 Asian patients.
- Best age for a facelift: a guide for Asian womenDecade by decade: SMAS versus deep plane, when non-surgical care is still the right answer, and why to judge a surgeon on results at two years rather than two months.
- Thread lift vs mini facelift vs deep plane: which tier fits youThree levels of intervention matched to how far the face has actually descended — not to budget or to what a clinic happens to promote.
- How a facelift surgeon is vetted: 24 criteria applied to one real matchOne real 2026 case (a Singapore patient in their sixties, full face-and-neck lift) walked through each check: KSPRS board certification, training lineage, three topic-matched PubMed papers and an in-person interview.
- Facelift plus eyelids, neck or brow in one operation21 of 31 facelift cases in the MKS ledger were combined with another area. Registry data on 11,300 facelifts: complications 1.5% for a facelift alone versus up to 3.7% when combined.
- Neck lift: with a facelift, or on its own?The neck was part of 15 of 31 MKS facelift cases. Across 2,106 pooled patients neck bands came back in 1.4%; deep gland work is where the published risk varies most.
- Less-visible facelift scars: techniques comparedNo facelift is scarless. A 49-study review, a 286-patient analysis of the short-scar MACS lift and endoscopic series of 393 and 600 patients — and how to avoid a shifted temple hairline.
- When is a second facelift due?Two 2026 studies put the gap before a second lift at 10.7 and 10.9 years, longer for patients who were younger the first time. Thread lifts faded within a year.
Booking a Korean clinic yourself vs with MISOODA
| Booking alone | With MISOODA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price you pay | Clinic price (foreigner pricing may apply) | Same clinic price — no additional fee |
| Doctor check | You verify credentials yourself | Matched from 161 doctors whose specialist certificates are on file at MISOODA, across 150+ verified Gangnam clinics |
| Language | Clinic coordinator, if available | Your language — before, during and after |
| Written quote before flying | Depends on clinic | Yes |
| After you fly home | You contact the clinic yourself | Case manager coordinates follow-up with the clinic |
Results vary by individual. Final treatment decisions are made with a licensed doctor at consultation. Doctor/clinic counts: MISOODA records as of 2026-10-13.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much does a facelift cost in Korea?+
How many days do I need in Korea for a facelift?+
Is a facelift in Korea safe for foreigners?+
Do I pay the same price as Korean locals?+
How safe is smas facelift in Korea?+
What is recovery like after smas facelift?+
Why do people choose Korea for smas facelift?+
Who is a good candidate for smas facelift?+
How long do I need to stay in Korea for smas facelift?+
What's included in the price for smas facelift?+
Can smas facelift be combined with other procedures?+
Is there a tax refund for plastic surgery in Korea in 2026?+
Do I still pay VAT on cosmetic surgery in Korea?+
How can I save on plastic surgery in Korea now that the tax refund ended?+
How much does a facelift cost in Korea?+
Is Korea a good place for a facelift?+
Which country is best for a facelift?+
Is a facelift in Korea worth it?+
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