Key Insights
Institution Overview
Liff Plastic Surgery (리프성형외과), located in Apgujeong, Seoul, specializes primarily in anti-aging procedures like facelifts, forehead lifts, and middle-aged eye surgery.
Expert Leadership
Led by Representative Director Kim Ki-yeop (김기엽), a board-certified plastic surgeon with ~19 years of clinical experience, previously at the National Cancer Center.
Signature Methodology
Distinguishes itself with the "Earth" (Eol-seu) Facelift, a unique dual-plane technique aiming for natural, tension-free results.
Safety & Reputation
Emphasizes safety with resident anesthesiologists and maintains a high rating (9.5/10 on Gangnam Unni), focusing on managing patient expectations.
Representative Director: Kim Ki-yeop
Academic Background & Credentials
- Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Medicine.
- Completed Plastic Surgery residency and specialist training at Kyung Hee Medical Center.
- Served as an outpatient professor at Kyung Hee University College of Medicine.
Professional Career
- Approximately 19 years of experience in plastic surgery.
- Former Head of Plastic Surgery Department at the National Cancer Center.
- Former Director at Okims K Plastic Surgery.
- Active member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and various research groups.
Surgical Philosophy & Personal Branding
Dr. Kim actively engages patients through "Liff TV" YouTube, emphasizing "self-management" and maintaining peak physical condition for demanding surgeries. He likens his surgical approach to that of a high-performance athlete, prioritizing focus and dexterity through abstinence and sufficient rest. This narrative builds trust in his dedication to patient outcomes.
Institutional Profile: Liff Plastic Surgery
Overview & Location
Liff Plastic Surgery is a boutique medical institution situated in the prime Apgujeong medical district of Seoul, specifically in the Beneheim City building near Apgujeong Station. It positions itself as a "focused" medical center, prioritizing specific anti-aging domains rather than offering a generalized, all-encompassing menu of surgeries.
Core Philosophy: Well-aging & Naturalness
The overarching philosophy of Liff Plastic Surgery centers on "Well-aging" and "Naturalness." The clinic explicitly markets itself against the "factory-style" surgery model, emphasizing customized care where the representative director oversees the entire process from consultation to surgery and post-operative care, aiming to avoid the "operated on" look.
Medical Infrastructure & Safety
A critical differentiator is its emphasis on safety protocols. The clinic employs board-certified anesthesiologists who are resident on-site, a significant factor in the Korean plastic surgery market for surgical safety. The facility includes private recovery areas and advanced monitoring systems to ensure patient stability during and after procedures.
Clinical Specializations & Major Procedures
The "Earth" (Eol-seu) Facelift (Dual Plane Method)
The flagship procedure at Liff is the "Earth" Facelift. Dr. Kim advocates for a **Dual Plane** approach, dissecting and lifting the skin and the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) layer separately in different vectors. This method corrects deep nasolabial folds and jowls, aiming for natural results without a "pulled" or "joker" appearance, and is optimized for Asian facial structures.
Forehead & Brow Lifts (Endoscopic)
The clinic specializes in **Endoscopic Forehead Lifts** for patients with heavy brows, forehead wrinkles, or brow ptosis-induced hooded eyelids. The procedure utilizes endoscopes for minimal incisions (usually within the hairline) and may use fixation devices (like Endotine) to secure lifted tissue. "Custom Mini Lifts" and specific forehead reduction-lifts are also offered.
Middle-Aged Eye Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
A significant focus is on periorbital rejuvenation for middle-aged patients. This includes **Sub-brow Lifts (Infrabrow Excision)** to correct sagging eyelids while preserving the original double eyelid line, avoiding a "strong" or "fierce" look. **Lower Blepharoplasty** focuses on repositioning under-eye fat and removing excess skin to treat eye bags and dark circles.
Philtrum & Lip Surgery
Liff Plastic Surgery explicitly lists **Lip Lifting** and **Philtrum Reduction** among its services. These procedures address the elongation of the philtrum, a common sign of aging, by shortening this distance to restore a youthful ratio to the lower face. This is often combined with corner lip lifts to correct a drooping mouth.
Reputation & Patient Sentiment Analysis
Positive Feedback & Metrics
- High quantitative scores: 9.5/10 on Gangnam Unni (over 450 reviews) and 4.3/5 on Seongyesa.
- Patients frequently praise the "naturalness" of the results and Dr. Kim’s detailed consultations.
- Dr. Kim's refusal to recommend unnecessary procedures is often highlighted positively.
- The "Dual Plane" facelift is cited as effective for jawline definition without visible scarring or ear deformity.
Considerations & Mixed Sentiment
- Some negative feedback exists regarding specific aesthetic outcomes, such as a patient's dissatisfaction with a sub-brow lift leading to a "round" eye shape, emphasizing the subjective nature of aesthetic surgery.
- General industry warnings on plastic surgery forums about the prevalence of "broker" or incentivized reviews; prospective patients are advised to filter for "real" reviews.
- Dr. Kim openly discusses potential side effects and recovery processes (e.g., temporary facial widening resolving within 3 to 6 months), promoting realistic patient expectations.
Conclusion
Liff Plastic Surgery, under the leadership of Dr. Kim Ki-yeop, has established itself as a specialized institution for facial anti-aging. The clinic's reputation is built on Dr. Kim’s nearly two decades of experience and his specific technical approach to facelifts (the Dual Plane "Earth" method). While the clinic enjoys high ratings for safety and natural results, potential patients are advised to engage in thorough consultations regarding aesthetic goals, particularly for eye surgeries, and to be discerning regarding online reviews. The presence of an on-site anesthesiologist and the director's commitment to direct patient care are significant trust factors in the competitive Gangnam market.