Mini-Plus Lifting
A more advanced mini lift procedure with a wider range of incision and dissection compared to a standard mini lift performed only in front of the ear.
Recommended for cases such as sagging after contouring surgery, sagging after orthognathic surgery, or skin laxity caused by rapid weight loss.
Suitable for those with complex sagging regardless of age, when a full facelift is not necessary but a more extensive correction than a basic mini lift is required.
Face lift 01.
A mini lift limited to skin dissection and excision does not provide a true lifting effect.
With Mini-Plus Lifting, Director Shin Dong-woo performs a traditional facelift approach,
including even layer dissection and retaining ligament release, even with a smaller incision.
Face lift 02.
Even with a smaller incision, a sufficient dissection range can achieve effective lifting results.
Director Shin Dong-woo performs surgery using only traditional lifting techniques, without using threads that may damage the SMAS layer.
Face lift 03.
Once paper is folded, the crease remains.
The same applies to the skin.
As lines deepen, they become more difficult to correct.
If sagging is visible but cannot be improved with non-surgical treatments, Mini-Plus Lifting may be considered before wrinkles become more pronounced.
Face lift 04.
Unlike the dual plane technique, the deep plane method lifts the skin and SMAS together as one layer, making it suitable for those without severe sagging.
Using a single-layer dissection that lifts the skin and SMAS together, this method shortens surgery time, reduces swelling and bruising, and provides faster recovery with effective improvement for mild sagging.
Face lift 05.
Most mini lifts involve incisions only in front of the ear to reduce surgery time.
In such cases, skin irregularities may occur or lifting tension may be insufficient, leading to less effective results.
Director Shin Dong-woo performs precise and even dissection, with immediate hemostasis when bleeding occurs, allowing for faster recovery.
By combining the strong and long-lasting effects of the deep plane technique with the precise control of the dual plane approach, Director Shin Dong-woo delivers customized and natural-looking facelift results tailored to each patient’s condition.
Face lift 06.
Director Shin Dong-woo preserves the natural ear shape by carefully considering skin tension, as reducing tension is essential to minimizing visible scars.
An incision is made behind the tragal cartilage, leaving only the minimum amount of skin without restricting movement, followed by skin excision to maintain the original ear shape.
Face lift 07.
Face lift 08.
Face lift 09.
Face lift 10.
Planet provides aftercare throughout this entire
schedule, with our dedicated team accompanying
you through all processes that occur during
recovery.
In addition to basic care, Planet helps rapid
recovery through the Golden Plan aftercare program.
The Golden Plan aftercare program is a
personalized program that provides various
aftercare for up to 3 months according to recovery
status.
Every Mini-Plus lift at Planet is performed by Dr. Dong-woo Shin, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 17 years of surgical experience who has focused his practice exclusively on facial lifting procedures.
Planet does not rotate patients between surgeons: the doctor you meet at consultation is the doctor who operates and the doctor who sees you at every follow-up.
A mini lift is only as good as the dissection behind it. Dr. Shin applies the same deep plane technique and ligament release he uses in a full facelift, through a shorter incision, so a Mini-Plus lift at Planet is a smaller facelift rather than a skin-tightening procedure.
Is a Mini-Plus lift enough, or do you need a full facelift?
Most people searching for a “mini facelift” are offered a skin-only procedure. Here is how Mini-Plus differs, and when a full facelift is the better choice.
| Mini-Plus lift (Planet) | Standard mini lift | Deep plane facelift | Thread lift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is lifted | Skin and SMAS together as one layer, with retaining ligaments released | Skin only, in front of the ear | Skin, SMAS and ligaments, full extent incl. neck | Skin only, with absorbable threads |
| Best for | Mild to moderate sagging of cheeks and jawline; sagging after contouring, jaw surgery or weight loss; any age | Very mild laxity | Moderate to significant sagging incl. neck; 40s–70s | Very mild laxity; not ready for surgery |
| Incision | Behind the tragus, extended into the hairline as needed | Short, in front of the ear only | Along the ear and into the hairline, plus behind the ear | None |
| Surgery time | About 3 hours | 1–1.5 hours | About 4 hours | 30–60 minutes |
| Anesthesia | IV sedation | Local or sedation | IV sedation | Local |
| Stitches removed | Day 7 and Day 10 | Day 7 | Day 7 and Day 10 | None |
| Back to daily life | From Day 7; no overnight stay | From Day 3–5 | From Day 7; no overnight stay | 2–3 days |
| How long results last | 5–8 years | 1–3 years | 10 years or more | 6–18 months |
| Performed at Planet | Yes — our signature mini lift | No — we do not offer skin-only lifts | Yes — see Deep Plane Facelift | No — see below |
Durations are typical ranges and vary by individual.
Why Planet does not offer a skin-only mini lift?
A mini lift that only removes skin in front of the ear pulls on the skin instead of repositioning the tissue underneath it. The result is a tight look that relaxes within a year or two, and sometimes visible irregularities. Mini-Plus uses a shorter incision than a full facelift, but the work underneath — even-layer dissection and ligament release — is the same. That is what makes the result last.
What determines the cost of a Mini-Plus lift?
A Mini-Plus lift costs less than a full deep plane facelift because the dissection is smaller and surgery is shorter. Beyond that, the figure depends on your face, not on a package. Dr. Shin prepares your quote after reviewing your photos.
Three things decide the final figure:
Every quote we send is all-inclusive. It covers:
Not included: flights, accommodation, and travel insurance.
There are no added fees after the quote. The figure you receive is the figure you pay.
Recovery varies by individual. International patients can return home after stitch removal on Day 10; follow-up from 1 month onwards is done by photo.
Traveling to Korea for a Mini-Plus lift
A Mini-Plus lift is the shortest trip among our lifting procedures: most international patients stay 10 days and return home the day after their final stitch removal.
Many of our Mini-Plus patients fly in on a short break from work. The full schedule is 10 days, but because the incision is shorter than a full facelift, the first stitches come out on Day 7 and most patients can travel from that point. Here is how a compressed trip looks.
| Day | What happens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day −1 | Arrival, in-person consultation and blood tests | Rest and hydrate after the flight; the surgical plan is confirmed in person |
| Day 0 | Surgery — about 3 hours under IV sedation | Home to your hotel the same day; cooling care before you leave |
| Day 1 | First check-up with Dr. Shin | Incisions checked, compression adjusted, written aftercare instructions |
| Day 2–3 | Peak swelling | Swelling and bruising care at the clinic; sleep with your head raised, keep salt low |
| Day 4–5 | Skin and scar care | LED and hydration treatments; home-care routine explained |
| Day 7 | First stitch removal and check | Cleared to fly if you must leave; otherwise stay for Day 10 |
| Day 10 | Final stitch removal and check | Recommended. If you leave on Day 7, we provide documentation so a doctor at home can remove the remaining stitches |
Which schedule is right for you depends on how you heal; Dr. Shin will confirm it at the Day 7 check.
After you fly home: keep the incisions dry for the first week, avoid heavy exercise for 3 weeks, and keep the scar line out of the sun for 3 months. Follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months is by photo through WhatsApp.
A regular mini facelift usually means a short incision in front of the ear and removal of excess skin, with little or no work on the deeper layer. Mini-Plus uses a similar-length incision but dissects and lifts the skin and SMAS together and releases the retaining ligaments — the same technique as a full facelift, over a smaller area. That is why the result lasts years rather than months.
Mini-Plus suits mild to moderate sagging of the cheeks and jawline, including early jowls, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. If the neck is also loose, or sagging is significant, a deep plane facelift gives a better result. Dr. Shin will tell you which one you need after reviewing your photos and will say so if you do not need surgery yet.
About 3 hours, under IV sedation. You are asleep and comfortable but breathing on your own, and you go home the same day.
Stitches are removed on Day 7 and Day 10. Most patients return to desk work and daily routines from Day 7 and feel comfortable in social settings by about 2 weeks. Swelling and bruising are less than after a full facelift because the dissection is smaller.
10 days: one day before surgery for consultation and tests, surgery, and recovery including stitch removal on Day 7 and Day 10. You can fly home from Day 10.
The incision follows the natural curve of the ear, behind the tragus, and extends into the hairline only as far as needed. Dr. Shin closes without tension on the skin, which is what prevents widened scars. Lines are pink for the first 2–3 months and typically fade to a fine line by 6–12 months.
Yes. Many of our Mini-Plus patients come to us after threads stopped working. Dr. Shin removes threads embedded in the SMAS layer during surgery so that the tissue can be lifted evenly. Please mention previous threads or procedures when you send your photos.
Typically 5–8 years. Because the SMAS layer is repositioned rather than just the skin, the result ages naturally with your face. Many patients later choose a full facelift in their 50s or 60s; a previous Mini-Plus lift does not make that more difficult.
Yes, in most cases. The first stitches are removed on Day 7, and if your Day 7 check is clear you can travel. We give you written instructions and a letter for a local doctor to remove the remaining stitches on Day 10. Staying the full 10 days is still what we recommend, because the final check is done by the surgeon who operated. Flying earlier than Day 7 is not advised.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Dong-woo Shin, Plastic Surgeon · Last updated October 2026
Mini-Plus Lifting
A more advanced mini lift procedure with a wider range of incision
and dissection compared to a standard mini lift performed only in front of the ear.
Recommended for cases such as sagging after contouring surgery,
sagging after orthognathic surgery, or skin laxity caused by rapid weight loss.
Suitable for those with complex sagging regardless of age, when a full facelift is not necessary
but a more extensive correction than a basic mini lift is required.
Face Lift 01.
A mini lift limited to skin dissection and excision does not provide a true lifting effect.
With Mini-Plus Lifting, Director Shin Dong-woo performs a traditional facelift approach,
including even layer dissection and retaining ligament release, even with a smaller incision.
Face Lift 02.
Even with a smaller incision, a sufficient dissection range can achieve effective lifting results.
Director Shin Dong-woo performs surgery using only traditional lifting techniques,
without using threads that may damage the SMAS layer.
Face Lift 03.
Once paper is folded, the crease remains.
The same applies to the skin.
As lines deepen, they become more difficult to correct.
If sagging is visible but cannot be improved with non-surgical treatments,
Mini-Plus Lifting may be considered before wrinkles become more pronounced.
Face Lift 04.
Unlike the dual plane technique, the deep plane method lifts the skin and SMAS together
as one layer, making it suitable for those without severe sagging.
Using a single-layer dissection that lifts the skin and SMAS together, this method
shortens surgery time, reduces swelling and bruising, and provides faster recovery
with effective improvement for mild sagging.
Face Lift 05.
Most mini lifts involve incisions only in front of the ear to reduce surgery time.
In such cases, skin irregularities may occur
or lifting tension may be insufficient, leading to less effective results.
Director Shin Dong-woo performs precise and even dissection,
with immediate hemostasis when bleeding occurs, allowing for faster recovery.
By combining the strong and long-lasting effects of the deep plane technique
with the precise control of the dual plane approach, Director Shin Dong-woo delivers
customized and natural-looking facelift results tailored to each patient’s condition.
Face Lift 06.
Director Shin Dong-woo preserves the natural ear shape by carefully considering skin tension,
as reducing tension is essential to minimizing visible scars.
An incision is made behind the tragal cartilage,
leaving only the minimum amount of skin without restricting movement,
followed by skin excision to maintain the original ear shape.
Face Lift 07.
Face Lift 08.
Face Lift 09.
Face Lift 10.
Planet provides aftercare throughout this entire schedule,
with our dedicated team accompanying you through all processes
that occur during recovery.
In addition to basic care, Planet helps rapid recovery through the
Golden Plan aftercare program. The Golden Plan aftercare program
is a personalized program that provides various aftercare for up to
3 months according to recovery status.
Every Mini-Plus lift at Planet is performed by Dr. Dong-woo Shin, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 17 years of surgical experience who has focused his practice exclusively on facial lifting procedures.
Planet does not rotate patients between surgeons: the doctor you meet at consultation is the doctor who operates and the doctor who sees you at every follow-up.
A mini lift is only as good as the dissection behind it. Dr. Shin applies the same deep plane technique and ligament release he uses in a full facelift, through a shorter incision, so a Mini-Plus lift at Planet is a smaller facelift rather than a skin-tightening procedure.
Is a Mini-Plus lift enough, or do you need a full facelift?
Most people searching for a “mini facelift” are offered a skin-only procedure. Here is how Mini-Plus differs, and when a full facelift is the better choice.
| Mini-Plus lift (Planet) | Standard mini lift | Deep plane facelift | Thread lift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is lifted | Skin and SMAS together as one layer, with retaining ligaments released | Skin only, in front of the ear | Skin, SMAS and ligaments, full extent incl. neck | Skin only, with absorbable threads |
| Best for | Mild to moderate sagging of cheeks and jawline; sagging after contouring, jaw surgery or weight loss; any age | Very mild laxity | Moderate to significant sagging incl. neck; 40s–70s | Very mild laxity; not ready for surgery |
| Incision | Behind the tragus, extended into the hairline as needed | Short, in front of the ear only | Along the ear and into the hairline, plus behind the ear | None |
| Surgery time | About 3 hours | 1–1.5 hours | About 4 hours | 30–60 minutes |
| Anesthesia | IV sedation | Local or sedation | IV sedation | Local |
| Stitches removed | Day 7 and Day 10 | Day 7 | Day 7 and Day 10 | None |
| Back to daily life | From Day 7; no overnight stay | From Day 3–5 | From Day 7; no overnight stay | 2–3 days |
| How long results last | 5–8 years | 1–3 years | 10 years or more | 6–18 months |
| Performed at Planet | Yes — our signature mini lift | No — we do not offer skin-only lifts | Yes — see Deep Plane Facelift | No — see below |
Durations are typical ranges and vary by individual.
Why Planet does not offer a skin-only mini lift
A mini lift that only removes skin in front of the ear pulls on the skin instead of repositioning the tissue underneath it. The result is a tight look that relaxes within a year or two, and sometimes visible irregularities. Mini-Plus uses a shorter incision than a full facelift, but the work underneath even-layer dissection and ligament release is the same. That is what makes the result last.
Link : See Deep Plane Facelift
What determines the cost of a Mini-Plus lift?
A Mini-Plus lift costs less than a full deep plane facelift because the dissection is smaller and surgery is shorter. Beyond that, the figure depends on your face, not on a package. Dr. Shin prepares your quote after reviewing your photos.
Three things decide the final figure:
Every quote we send is all-inclusive. It covers:
Not included: flights, accommodation, and travel insurance.
There are no added fees after the quote. The figure you receive is the figure you pay.
Recovery varies by individual. International patients can return home after stitch removal on Day 10; follow-up from 1 month onwards is done by photo.
Traveling to Korea for your facelift
A Mini-Plus lift is the shortest trip among our lifting procedures: most international patients stay 10 days and return home the day after their final stitch removal.
Many of our Mini-Plus patients fly in on a short break from work. The full schedule is 10 days, but because the incision is shorter than a full facelift, the first stitches come out on Day 7 and most patients can travel from that point. Here is how a compressed trip looks.
| Day | What happens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day −1 | Arrival, in-person consultation and blood tests | Rest and hydrate after the flight; the surgical plan is confirmed in person |
| Day 0 | Surgery — about 3 hours under IV sedation | Home to your hotel the same day; cooling care before you leave |
| Day 1 | First check-up with Dr. Shin | Incisions checked, compression adjusted, written aftercare instructions |
| Day 2–3 | Peak swelling | Swelling and bruising care at the clinic; sleep with your head raised, keep salt low |
| Day 4–5 | Skin and scar care | LED and hydration treatments; home-care routine explained |
| Day 7 | First stitch removal and check | Cleared to fly if you must leave; otherwise stay for Day 10 |
| Day 10 | Final stitch removal and check | Recommended. If you leave on Day 7, we provide documentation so a doctor at home can remove the remaining stitches |
Which schedule is right for you depends on how you heal; Dr. Shin will confirm it at the Day 7 check.
After you fly home: keep the incisions dry for the first week, avoid heavy exercise for 3 weeks, and keep the scar line out of the sun for 3 months. Follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months is by photo through WhatsApp.
A regular mini facelift usually means a short incision in front of the ear and removal of excess skin, with little or no work on the deeper layer. Mini-Plus uses a similar-length incision but dissects and lifts the skin and SMAS together and releases the retaining ligaments — the same technique as a full facelift, over a smaller area. That is why the result lasts years rather than months.
Mini-Plus suits mild to moderate sagging of the cheeks and jawline, including early jowls, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. If the neck is also loose, or sagging is significant, a deep plane facelift gives a better result. Dr. Shin will tell you which one you need after reviewing your photos and will say so if you do not need surgery yet.
About 3 hours, under IV sedation. You are asleep and comfortable but breathing on your own, and you go home the same day.
Stitches are removed on Day 7 and Day 10. Most patients return to desk work and daily routines from Day 7 and feel comfortable in social settings by about 2 weeks. Swelling and bruising are less than after a full facelift because the dissection is smaller.
10 days: one day before surgery for consultation and tests, surgery, and recovery including stitch removal on Day 7 and Day 10. You can fly home from Day 10.
The incision follows the natural curve of the ear, behind the tragus, and extends into the hairline only as far as needed. Dr. Shin closes without tension on the skin, which is what prevents widened scars. Lines are pink for the first 2–3 months and typically fade to a fine line by 6–12 months.
Yes. Many of our Mini-Plus patients come to us after threads stopped working. Dr. Shin removes threads embedded in the SMAS layer during surgery so that the tissue can be lifted evenly. Please mention previous threads or procedures when you send your photos.
Typically 5–8 years. Because the SMAS layer is repositioned rather than just the skin, the result ages naturally with your face. Many patients later choose a full facelift in their 50s or 60s; a previous Mini-Plus lift does not make that more difficult.
Yes, in most cases. The first stitches are removed on Day 7, and if your Day 7 check is clear you can travel. We give you written instructions and a letter for a local doctor to remove the remaining stitches on Day 10. Staying the full 10 days is still what we recommend, because the final check is done by the surgeon who operated. Flying earlier than Day 7 is not advised.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Dong-woo Shin, Plastic Surgeon · Last updated October 2026