A Deep-Plane Facelift in Seoul — What a Realistic 12-Day Trip Looks Like
The question we hear most often from international patients planning facial rejuvenation in Korea is: "How many days do I actually need in Seoul?" For a deep-plane facelift, the realistic answer is 10 to 12 nights. Here is how each day of your trip unfolds.
Before You Fly (14 Days Prior)
Complete your preliminary photo review or 1:1 Zoom consultation with Dr. Kim so you know whether a deep-plane facelift, forehead lift, or eyelid combination is planned. Pause smoking, aspirin, fish oil, high-dose vitamin E, and herbal supplements two weeks before surgery.
Day 1 — Arrival in Seoul (Sinsa / Gangnam)
Land at Incheon International Airport and check into your hotel near Sinsa Station (our clinic is a 1-minute walk from Sinsa Station Exit 4 on Subway Line 3). Rest and hydrate—we never operate on the day you land after a long-haul flight.
Day 2 — In-Person Consultation & Pre-Op Lab Work
Dr. Kim examines your facial layers sitting up and lying down, measures brow and eyelid balance, and finalizes the surgical design. Pre-op blood work, ECG, and standardized clinical photography are completed in clinic.
Day 3 — Surgery Day
A deep-plane SMAS facelift takes approximately 3 to 4 hours under monitored sedation. After resting in our private recovery suite, you return to your hotel the same evening with a supportive compression garment.
Days 4–6 — Swelling Peak & Dressing Checks
Swelling peaks around 48 to 72 hours post-op. Sleep with your head elevated at 30 degrees and take gentle walks around the neighborhood. You visit Dr. Kim on Day 4 or 5 for dressing inspection and gentle wound care.
Day 10 — Primary Stitch Removal
Pre-auricular stitches are removed, swelling has subsided by well over half, and most patients feel comfortable exploring cafes and shops around Sinsa and Garosu-gil with a light scarf or hat.
Days 11–12 — Final Surgeon Clearance & Flight Home
Dr. Kim performs a final check, provides your English flight certificate and scar-care kit, and clears you for your long-haul flight home.
Book Your 1:1 Consultation with Dr. Seungsoo Kim
Whether you are flying in from overseas or living in Korea, Dr. Seungsoo Kim personally oversees every step from initial consultation to surgery and recovery:
- 📅 Book a 1:1 Zoom Video Consultation or Seoul Clinic Visit (English Booking Hub) →
- ✨ View Deep-Plane Facelift Guide & 1-Year Follow-Up Cases →
- 👁️ View Upper Eyelid, Sub-Brow & Forehead Lift Guide →
- 💬 Chat Directly on WhatsApp (+82 10-3705-3423) →
📍 AVA Plastic Surgery · 4F Insung Building, 603 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (1-min walk from Sinsa Station Exit 4) · TEL +82 2-545-1882
※ Surgical Notice: Post-operative complications such as bleeding, infection, swelling, scarring, asymmetry, or sensory changes may occur, and results and recovery vary by individual.
