Mini, Endoscopic, and Classical Facelift: What's the Difference? — A Guide to Incisions, Anesthesia, and Recovery
As skin laxity progresses, there comes a point where injections and device-based lifting alone reach their limits. That's when facelift surgery becomes worth considering. A facelift lifts and repositions both the sagging skin and the underlying muscle and fascia layer (SMAS) to improve wrinkles. At Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery (Apgujeong, Seoul), we perform three types of facelift, differentiated by incision extent and anesthesia method.
1. Mini-Face Lift
This is a facelift performed under local anesthesia. The dissection area is not extensive, but it still lifts both the skin and the underlying muscle and fascia layer. Surgery time is short and swelling tends to subside relatively quickly, though recovery speed varies by individual. In cases where skin can appear relatively loose after jaw or cheekbone reduction surgery, a mini-lift is sometimes performed at the same time.
2. Endoscopic Face Lift
This method uses two roughly 3cm incisions on either side of the scalp to lift the wrinkles beside the eyes and the lower face using an endoscope. Because the incisions are hidden within the scalp, no marks are left near the ears, though the technique has a limitation: it does not reach neck wrinkles.
3. Classical Face Lift
This is an extensive facelift performed under general anesthesia, considered when the goal is to improve wrinkles across the whole face, including the neck. However, it may not be suitable for those who are older, have high blood pressure, or have skin that bruises easily, so a prior consultation and health screening are needed. Some scarring may remain in front of the ears, though it often heals to a degree that can be largely concealed with makeup; the extent of scarring varies by individual.
Which Method Should You Choose?
The right method depends on the extent of your wrinkles (around the eyes, midface, or neck), your age, and your overall health. If a surgical approach feels like too big a step, you could start by discussing non-surgical alternatives such as RF lifting. At Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery, our director, with 25 years of clinical experience, personally handles everything from consultation through surgery.
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Consultation Information
Kim Jongseo Plastic Surgery (Apgujeong, Seoul) · 2F Apgujeong Building, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · 02-3416-0070 (after hours 070-4027-0070) · Book a consultation
This article is provided for informational purposes only. Surgical results, recovery time, and scarring may vary by individual. All surgeries carry potential side effects such as bleeding or infection, so please consult thoroughly with a specialist beforehand.