As time goes on, two of the most distinct changes we see in our facial features are loss of firmness and volume.
Anti-aging
As skin and fat lose elasticity, and the structures supporting facial bones and muscles shift, the natural contour of the face begins to break down, leading to an aged appearance. The core of anti-aging surgery is not simply about pulling the skin taut. Rather, the key is to restore facial balance by repositioning sagging tissue, replenishing lost volume, and precisely refining unwanted volume.
The secret to a successful facelift lies in the SMAS layer beneath the skin. Because the SMAS layer is connected to the platysma muscle in the neck, correcting both structures in harmony is essential to naturally improve sagging in both the face and neck.
Ultimately, natural anti-aging depends on how precisely the SMAS layer is managed in the face and the platysma in the neck. LAB29 meticulously analyzes each individual's facial structure and degree of aging, with the goal of restoring a natural, vibrant facial balance—avoiding that over-tightened look.
It’s not about turning back time, but about rediscovering your most harmonious and beautiful balance. That is LAB29’s philosophy of anti-aging.
Our Services
Face Lift
A facelift is designed to target sagging below the cheekbones and improve the jawline with a minimized incision. It is ideal for individuals with mild skin laxity, offering a relatively natural refinement of facial contours.
The procedure can be performed either by thoroughly dissecting and folding/fixing the SMAS layer, or by looping specialized threads to pull and secure the sagging tissue.
When skin sagging is minimal and the primary concern is a shift in facial contours, this approach can deliver an effective lifting result with a significantly smaller incision.
- Surgery Time : 60 – 120 minutes
- Visits : 2 – 3 times
- Sedation Method : IV sedation + Local Anesthesia
- Stitch Removal : 7 – 10 days
Face+Neck Lift
This procedure maximizes the effects of a facelift by thoroughly dissecting beneath the SMAS layer - an area that is difficult to address with a mid-facelift alone - using a dual-plane or deep-plane technique to release and lift the SMAS layer. Additionally, by dissecting beneath the platysma muscle in the neck area, it effectively improves sagging necklines as well.
- Surgery Time : 180 – 300 minutes
- Visits : 2 – 3 times
- Sedation Method : IV sedation + Local Anesthesia
- Stitch Removal : 7 – 10 days
Platysmaplasty
Platysmaplasty is a procedure designed to redefine the jawline and neckline by gathering and securing sagging muscles beneath the chin. This procedure directly addresses submental sagging and thick double chins that cannot be corrected by liposuction alone, as well as the cervicomental angle and platysmal bands that are difficult to resolve solely through a neck lift accompanying a facelift. The ultimate goal is to create a smooth, well-defined contour from the face down to the neck.
- Surgery Time : 30 – 60 minutes
- Visits : 2 – 3 times
- Sedation Method : IV sedation + Local Anesthesia
- Stitch Removal : 7 – 10 days
Facial Liposuction
Fat accumulated around the nasolabial folds or under the chin is notoriously difficult to resolve through diet and exercise alone. Facial liposuction selectively removes this unwanted fat, softening a heavy, dull impression and creating a more defined, three-dimensional facial contour.
In particular, a double chin is often accompanied by sagging skin and muscles in addition to fat, meaning liposuction alone may not achieve the desired results. In such cases, combining a submental muscle plication or a facelift allows for the reduction of unwanted fat while structurally lifting the sagging tissues.
Addressing both facial fat and skin laxity together helps create a more natural, well-defined jawline and neckline, and ensures that the improved contours are maintained more stably over time.
- Surgery Time : 20 – 30 minutes
- Visits : 2 – 3 times
- Sedation Method : IV sedation + Local Anesthesia
- Stitch Removal : 5 – 7 days
Fat Graft
Facial fat grafting is performed not only for aesthetic purposes - simply adding volume - but also as an anti-aging procedure to restore hollowed areas caused by aging, creating a more vibrant and youthful appearance.
It is primarily performed on areas that lack volume or appear sunken, such as the forehead, temples, malar area (cheeks), mid-cheeks, nasolabial folds, and chin. The fat used for grafting is typically harvested from the thighs, though abdominal fat may also be used depending on the individual's body type and the required volume of fat.
- Surgery Time : 20 – 30 minutes
- Visits : 2 – 3 times
- Sedation Method : IV sedation + Local Anesthesia
- Stitch Removal : 5 – 7 days
Forehead Lift
The purpose of a brow lift (forehead lift) goes beyond simply pulling the forehead upward. It is a procedure designed to reposition the eyebrows to the most natural and harmonious placement for facial proportions, while improving sagging and heaviness in the upper eyelids to create an environment where the double eyelid line and overall eye shape can reveal their beauty more clearly.
While many people think of a forehead lift as a surgery meant to correct forehead wrinkles or sagging caused by aging, it is actually crucial to consider the size of the eyes and forehead, the position and shape of the eyebrows, the condition of the upper eyelids, and overall facial proportions when deciding on the procedure.
Therefore, a forehead lift is performed not only as an anti-aging surgery for those in middle age and beyond, but also for younger individuals to improve a stuffy or heavy-looking eye contour and create a more harmonious spatial relationship between the eyebrows and eyes, refining the overall impression of the face. It refines both facial proportions and eye expression together.
- Surgery Time : 60 – 90 minutes
- Visits : 2 – 3 times
- Sedation Method : IV sedation + Local Anesthesia
- Stitch Removal : 7 – 10 days
FAQ
Q1. What is the difference between the Face Lift and the Face + Neck Lift?
The Face Lift (mid-face mini lift) uses a shorter incision to refine sagging below the cheekbones and the jawline, and suits patients with mild skin laxity. The Face + Neck Lift dissects beneath the SMAS layer to correct sagging of both the face and neck, for more extensive laxity that includes the neckline. We decide after assessing the degree and extent of sagging.
Q2. What is a deep-plane (dual-plane) facelift?
Rather than simply pulling the skin, it releases tissue beneath the SMAS layer and lifts sagging structures as a unit. At LAB29 we use a dual-plane or deep-plane technique to release and lift the SMAS, aiming for natural facial contours without an over-tightened look.
Q3. Can sagging in the neck and neck bands be improved as well?
Yes. The SMAS layer of the face is connected to the platysma muscle of the neck, so during a Face + Neck Lift the area beneath the platysma is also released to improve the neckline. When the cervicomental angle has blunted or platysmal bands are prominent, platysmaplasty is added to correct them directly.
Q4. Can a double chin be removed with liposuction alone?
If fat is the main cause, facial liposuction can improve it, but a double chin often involves sagging skin and muscle as well, so liposuction alone may be limited. In such cases, platysmaplasty or a facelift is combined to reduce fat while structurally lifting the sagging tissue.
Q5. Where is facial fat grafting performed, and where is the fat taken from?
It is mainly performed on areas that lack volume or look sunken, such as the forehead, temples, front cheeks, mid-cheeks, nasolabial folds and chin. The fat is usually harvested from the thighs, and abdominal fat may be used depending on body type and the amount needed.
Q6. Is a forehead lift only for older patients?
No. A forehead lift repositions the eyebrows to suit facial proportions and relieves heaviness of the upper eyelids, so it is also performed for younger patients to refresh heavy or tired-looking eyes. We decide after considering the size of the eyes and forehead, brow position and overall facial proportions.
Q7. Can several procedures be combined?
Yes. Anti-aging aims to restore balance by repositioning sagging tissue, replacing lost volume and refining unwanted volume, so lifts, liposuction, platysmaplasty and fat grafting are often planned together according to each patient's needs.
Q8. How long do anti-aging procedures take, and what anesthesia is used?
Item descriptionAll procedures use IV sedation with local anesthesia. The Face Lift takes 1–2 hours, the Face + Neck Lift 3–5 hours, the forehead lift 60–90 minutes, platysmaplasty 30–60 minutes, and facial liposuction and fat grafting about 20–30 minutes each. Stitches are removed after 7–10 days for lifts and platysmaplasty, and after 5–7 days for liposuction and fat grafting.
Q9. What is the recovery like after a facelift, and where are the scars?
Major swelling and bruising usually subside considerably within 1–2 weeks, and most patients resume daily activities after stitch removal. Incisions are placed in inconspicuous areas such as in front of and behind the ear and within the hairline, and scars fade gradually over time. Recovery and scarring vary with the extent of surgery and skin condition.
Q10. How much do anti-aging procedures cost, and how do I book?
The cost depends on the procedures and any combinations, so we provide an exact quote after your consultation. You can book a consultation via WhatsApp (+82 10-5941-0290), phone, or email (contact@lab29ps.com). LAB29 Plastic Surgery is located on the 5th floor, 385 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, right in front of Gangnam Station Exit 7 (Line 2), and is open Monday–Friday 10:00–19:00 and Saturday 10:00–17:00 (KST).