Smile Line Lifting targets the deep creases that appear from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth—commonly called smile lines or nasolabial folds. In Korea, the most effective approach focuses on lifting the midface, tightening deeper layers, and restoring natural cheek volume rather than simply filling the surface.

This creates a smoother, brighter, and more youthful expression without an overfilled look.

What Are Smile Lines?

Smile lines deepen when:

• The cheek fat pads slide downward with age
• The SMAS (deep support layer) weakens
• Midface volume deflates
• Skin loses elasticity
• Repetitive smiling folds the same crease
• Jowls pull the lower face downward

Because the cause is structural, lifting is the most effective correction.

What Is Smile Line Lifting?

Smile Line Lifting repositions the deeper tissues that create the heavy crease. It improves:

• Deep smile folds
• Midface sagging
• Volume loss in the under-cheek region
• Droopy or heavy midface
• Tired or aged expression
• Lower-face heaviness

Unlike fillers, lifting corrects the root cause.

How Smile Line Lifting Works

1. Midface Elevation

Lifts the cheek fat pads to remove downward pressure on the smile line.

2. Deep-Layer (SMAS) Tightening

Tightens the supportive muscle layer responsible for sagging.

3. Cheek Contour Repositioning

Restores youthful fullness and natural cheek projection.

4. Optional Micro-Fat Grafting

Adds soft, natural volume beneath the lifted tissues when needed.

5. Skin Redraping

Skin naturally smooths over the lifted structure without tension or puffiness.

The result is a smoother, softer fold that blends seamlessly with the midface.

Smile Line Lifting Treatment Options

1. Midface Lift

Best for moderate to deep smile lines caused by midface descent.

2. SMAS Facelift

Comprehensive lift for both midface and lower face.

3. Thread Lifting (PDO/PLLA/PCL)

A subtle lift for mild to moderate smile lines.

4. Elasticum (Elastic Band Lift)

Stronger, minimally invasive lift for heavier midface sagging.

5. Fat Grafting (Micro-Fat / Stem-Cell Enriched)

Softens the fold and enhances cheek support.

6. Fillers (Supportive Layering Only)

Used sparingly for superficial refinement—not as primary treatment.

Most patients benefit from a combination of lifting + light volume for the most natural result.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Smile Line Lifting is ideal for individuals with:

• Deep or early smile folds
• Drooping midface
• Flattened or sunken cheeks
• Heaviness around the mouth
• Minimal improvement from fillers alone
• Desire for natural, long-lasting results

Suitable for ages late 20s to 60s depending on anatomy and severity.

Expected Results

Smile Line Lifting creates:

• Softer, smoother smile lines
• Lifted midface with natural fullness
• Younger, refreshed facial expression
• Improved cheek contour
• More balanced and symmetrical features
• Natural results without “filler puffiness”

The improvement looks structural—not artificial.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery depends on treatment type:

Surgical Lifting

• Days 1–3: Swelling, tightness
• 1 week: Stitch removal
• 2–3 weeks: Fold softens noticeably
• 1–2 months: Final, refined results

Thread Lift

• 0–2 days: Mild swelling
• 1–3 weeks: Lift becomes defined

Fat Grafting

• 1 week: Initial swelling
• 1–3 months: Natural integration and smoothing

Smile Line Lifting vs. Filler

Filler

• Works only for mild lines
• May look bulky or unnatural if overdone
• Does not fix structural sagging

Lifting

• Corrects the cause
• Reduces heaviness naturally
• Provides long-lasting improvement without puffiness

Lifting is usually the foundation; filler is optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fillers enough to treat smile lines?
Only for minor cases. Deep folds require lifting.

Will lifting make me look unnatural?
No—proper midface elevation restores natural cheek height and softens folds.

How long does Smile Line Lifting last?
Surgical lifting lasts years; thread lifting lasts 12–24 months.

Can this be combined with other procedures?
Yes—midface lift + micro-fat grafting is one of the most effective combinations.