2026-06-04
Minimal Incision Lifting vs. Mini Lifting: Differences and the Effects of 4-Layer SMAS Lifting
If you are considering lifting surgery to improve sagging skin and nasolabial folds caused by aging, it is important to clearly understand the difference between minimal incision lifting and mini lifting. At 345 Plastic Surgery, we help achieve firm improvement by pulling not only the skin surface but also the SMAS (fascia) layer in 4 layers tailored to individual aging stages. Discover our customized solutions that reduce the burden of scarring and increase elasticity.
Decreased Skin Elasticity and Aging Concerns: Which Lifting is Right for You?
The natural aging process that comes with time decreases skin elasticity and creates deep nasolabial folds and sagging cheeks. In the early stages, lifestyle improvements or light procedures can manage this, but if your skin has begun to sag noticeably, lifting surgery can be an alternative to expect fundamental improvement.
Recently, as more people desire clear changes while reducing the burden of scarring and recovery time, minimal incision lifting, which involves only a minimal incision along the ear line, is gaining attention.
Customized Lifting by Age and Condition: Mini vs. Minimal Incision
The appropriate method for lifting surgery varies depending on the patient's age, degree of skin sagging, and depth of wrinkles. At 345 Plastic Surgery, we propose step-by-step solutions through precise diagnosis.
- Mini Lifting: Recommended for those in their 20s and 30s when loss of elasticity begins, it lightly improves localized sagging.
- Minimal Incision Lifting: Suitable for those in their late 30s to 40s when wrinkles deepen and full-scale skin sagging is observed, it helps achieve more extensive improvement.
The Principle of '4-Layer SMAS Lifting' Beyond Simple Pulling
The key to determining lifting satisfaction lies not just in pulling the outer surface of the skin, but in how precisely the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer deep within the skin is handled.
The 345 SMAS Minimal Incision Lifting simultaneously pulls and fixes the following 4 elements:
- Skin layer improvement
- SMAS (fascia) layer lifting
- Retaining ligaments repositioning
- Temporal fascia reinforcement
Through this 4-layer lifting method, a three-dimensional facial line is completed, and you can expect the effect of elasticity being maintained relatively stably over time.
'Hidden Incision' and Safety System to Lower the Burden of Scarring
One of the biggest reasons for hesitating about surgery is scarring. While a typical facelift may require a long incision from the hairline to behind the ear, our clinic's minimal incision method uses a 'hidden incision' along the inner creases of the ear, significantly lowering concerns about visible scars.
In addition, we operate the following systems for patient trust and safety:
- Always-on CCTV: The entire surgical process is managed transparently.
- Doctor Call System: After surgery, the operating surgeon directly contacts the patient to check their progress and assist with meticulous aftercare.
- 19 Years of Expertise: Key Doctor Dr. Han Kyu-nam, who has over 3,000 lifting cases, provides 1:1 dedicated care.
Personalized 1:1 Diagnosis for Successful Lifting
Because skin thickness, aging speed, and fat volume vary from person to person, a standardized surgery may result in lower satisfaction. At our clinic, we understand the anatomical structure of the face through precise diagnosis and set the optimized pulling strength and angle for each individual to achieve natural results.
If you are worried about a sagging facial line that has lost elasticity, we hope you find the perfect lifting solution for you through a thorough consultation with our medical team, who possess abundant clinical experience.