2026-09-03
How to Choose the Right Facial Lifting Method?
A patient from the US sought advice for severe facial sagging. After consulting multiple clinics with conflicting diagnoses, she faced a dilemma in choosing between fat removal, mini-lift, or full facelift.
A patient from the United States visited us for a lifting consultation. She was a woman in her late 40s with severe facial skin sagging, suggesting that an incisional facelift would be more appropriate than a thread lift. Her jowls were prominent, while her temples were sunken, making her facial contours uneven. Her chin was short, and the double chin area appeared fleshy and saggy.
Before visiting our clinic, the patient had consulted three or four other clinics in Korea. However, the consultations left her quite perplexed because the advice from each clinic was vastly different.
The first clinic told her that a full facelift was unnecessary at her age and that liposuction on the jowl area would suffice.
The second clinic suggested a mini-facelift.
The third clinic recommended a full facelift through complete incision.
It was truly difficult to decide, wasn't it? The patient was confused by such differing diagnoses and plans. I would also find it hard to make a decision.
Firstly, in my opinion, performing only liposuction, as suggested by the first clinic, is not advisable. At nearly 50 years old, if only liposuction is performed when facial skin elasticity is diminished, the face might appear even saggier. While I recommend liposuction, it should be accompanied by a lifting procedure, not performed alone.
Regarding lifting, there isn't one definitive answer. However, the principal method, as I always emphasize, is a full incisional facelift. Procedures with smaller incisions (such as a mini-facelift) have the advantage of being less invasive and having a faster recovery time, but their duration of effect is proportionally shorter. Therefore, the best option is naturally a full facelift, but if a full facelift is too burdensome, then a simpler procedure like a mini-facelift can be considered. Thus, the specific method should be decided after thorough examination and consultation. It’s not possible to say that only one of the two methods is correct.
Many patients, like this one, come to us after consulting several clinics. While it might seem like the surgical plan would be clearly defined, in reality, it often leads to more indecision. It is crucial to accurately understand the pros and cons of each procedure and to decide on a specific method after sufficient discussion.
Ultimately, after much deliberation, the patient decided on a mini-facelift.
Liposuction
Mini-facelift
Hybrid
Full facelift
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do diagnoses differ among clinics during a facial lifting consultation?
Yes, diagnoses and plans can vary among clinics. Opinions may differ based on the criteria for evaluating a patient's condition or the preferred treatment methods, which can confuse the patient.
Is it acceptable to only perform liposuction for facial sagging in the late 40s?
No, performing only liposuction is not recommended. If only liposuction is done when skin elasticity is reduced, as in the late 40s, the face might appear even saggier. Therefore, it is better to combine it with a lifting procedure.
What is the difference between a mini-facelift and a full incisional facelift?
A mini-facelift has the advantages of a smaller incision and faster recovery but a shorter duration of effect. In contrast, a full incisional facelift is the principal method, offering a longer duration of effect but involving a larger surgical scope.
What is the most effective facial lifting method?
The best method is a full incisional facelift. However, if a full facelift is too burdensome, procedures like a mini-facelift can also be considered. The specific method should be decided after thorough examination and consultation.
What is most important when choosing a facial lifting method?
It is crucial to accurately understand the pros and cons of each procedure and to decide on the most suitable specific method for your condition through thorough examination and consultation. You should carefully choose by synthesizing opinions from various clinics.