SMAS lifting in Gangnam, Seoul
Non-surgical lifting aimed at the SMAS — the deep support layer tightened in a surgical facelift — to lift cheeks, define the jawline and firm the neck without incisions.
What is SMAS lifting?
SMAS lifting targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), the fibromuscular layer beneath the skin and fat that supports facial shape. Non-surgically, focused ultrasound devices such as Ultherapy heat and contract this layer and stimulate collagen, lifting sagging cheeks, jawline and neck without incisions. Visible lift develops over 4–6 weeks and is most pronounced at 2–3 months.
Non-surgical SMAS lifting typically lasts 12–24 months depending on the technique. Surgical SMAS or deep-plane facelifts reposition tissue more dramatically with a longer recovery; MIN Clinic focuses on the non-surgical options and will advise honestly if surgery would suit you better.
- Treatment time
- About 30–90 min
- Downtime
- None – mild tenderness
- Results visible
- 4–6 wks, peak 2–3 mo
- Lasts
- About 12–24 months
- Main technology
- Micro-focused ultrasound
- Target layer
- SMAS (~4.5 mm)
- Performed by
- Dr. Min Young-Soo & team
- Location
- Cheongdam, Gangnam
Where SMAS lifting works
Depth and line count are planned around your facial anatomy.
Cheeks
Lifts descended mid-face tissue.
Jawline & jowls
Redefines the lower-face contour.
Neck & under-chin
Firms laxity below the jaw.
Brows
Gently raises heavy brows.
A good fit if you…
- have mild to moderate sagging
- want a structural lift without surgery
- need zero downtime
- want a long-lasting, natural result
Consider alternatives if you…
- have severe laxity or heavy skin excess (surgery may suit better)
- have very thin faces with little fat — volume may need fillers
- are pregnant or have open wounds or active acne in the area
- have implants or devices in the treatment zone
Before & after lifting
Drag the handle to compare. Photographed at MIN Clinic with the patient’s consent.
Before
After
- Treatment
- Non-surgical lifting
- Concern
- Cheek and jawline sagging
- Downtime
- None
- Clinic
- MIN Clinic, Cheongdam-dong
Individual results vary. Photos are shown with patient consent and are not a guarantee of outcome. A doctor consultation is required before treatment.
View more before & afterWays to treat the SMAS
Your doctor evaluates sagging at the SMAS level and recommends the right method.
RF support
RF devices tighten the dermis above for a combined effect.
Surgical SMAS facelift
Repositions deep tissue for more dramatic correction, with longer recovery.
How your visit works
Most international guests complete the visit in one half-day, timed around their flight.
Message us
Send photos and your goals on WhatsApp. We reply in English with options and an estimated price.
Skin analysis
An AI 3D skin analysis and a one-to-one consultation with your physician.
Treatment
SMAS lifting is performed by your MIN Clinic physician, with numbing or comfort care where needed.
Aftercare
English aftercare notes, follow-up on WhatsApp and tax-free benefits with a foreign passport.
Mild redness, tightness or tenderness.
Tenderness along the jaw fades.
Collagen remodelling becomes visible.
Most pronounced lift; lasts 12–24 months.
How much does SMAS lifting cost in Seoul?
Non-surgical SMAS lifting with ultrasound or RF in Seoul typically ranges from ₩1,000,000 to ₩3,000,000. Surgical SMAS facelifts are far more expensive, typically ₩7,000,000–₩18,000,000 or more. MIN Clinic confirms your exact price at consultation.
SMAS lifting
VAT 10% added for non-exempt patients · prices may vary with promotions · tax-free benefits with a foreign passport. Your exact price is confirmed at consultation.
See current offers
Seasonal offers and combination prices are listed on our event page and confirmed in writing at consultation.
SMAS lifting options compared
Energy-based SMAS lifting trades some intensity for no downtime.
| Treatment | Method | Downtime | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-surgical SMAS lifting | Focused ultrasound | None | 12–24 months |
| Ultherapy | Imaging-guided ultrasound | None | 12–18 months |
| Thread lift | Barbed threads | 1–2 days | 12–18 months |
| Surgical facelift | Surgery | Weeks | Several years |
Dr. Min Young-Soo
Chief Director, MIN Clinic Cheongdam · 20+ years in aesthetic medicine
- Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University
- Top Restylane Injector, Galderma (2012)
- Top Radiesse Injector, Merz (2011)
SMAS lifting questions we hear most
Can’t find your answer? Message our English-speaking team on WhatsApp.
What does SMAS stand for?
Superficial musculoaponeurotic system — the fibromuscular layer beneath the skin and fat that holds the face up. It is the layer surgeons tighten in a facelift.
Can you lift the SMAS without surgery?
Yes. Micro-focused ultrasound such as Ultherapy delivers energy to the SMAS depth to contract tissue and stimulate collagen, without incisions.
How long does non-surgical SMAS lifting last?
Typically 12–24 months depending on the technique and your skin. Annual maintenance helps sustain the lift.
Does it hurt?
You will feel deep heat in pulses, mostly over bony areas. Numbing cream is applied and energy is adjusted to your comfort.
Should I choose surgery instead?
If you have significant skin excess, a surgical facelift gives a stronger result. For mild to moderate sagging, non-surgical SMAS lifting offers a natural lift with no downtime.
Often explored with SMAS lifting
Plan your SMAS lifting in Cheongdam
4F Daedong Tower, 326 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Sat from 10:00 · English & Korean
Results vary by individual. A doctor consultation is required before any treatment.
