Deep Plane Facelift in Korea at 48 - My Research Journey from Singapore to Gangnam

After having zygoma reduction surgery in early 2024, I noticed significant sagging developing on my mid and lower face over the following months. As someone who has always been proactive about maintaining my appearance, I knew I needed to address this, but finding the right surgeon for a facelift felt overwhelming.

I spent nearly four months researching facelift options across multiple countries - Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and even returning to Singapore where I live. I joined online forums, read countless reviews on RealSelf and PurseForum, watched YouTube documentaries, and even connected with women who had undergone similar procedures. What I discovered was that Korean surgeons, particularly those specializing in deep plane techniques, consistently received the highest praise for natural-looking results.

The deep plane facelift technique was what ultimately drew me to Korea. Unlike traditional facelifts that only address the skin, the deep plane method lifts the underlying muscle and fat layers, creating more lasting and natural results. Korean surgeons have performed so many of these procedures that their precision is unmatched.

I chose Braun Plastic Surgery in Gangnam after extensive vetting. Their before/after galleries showed exactly the kind of subtle, refreshed look I wanted - not the "windswept" appearance that I had seen from some Western surgeons. During my online consultation via WhatsApp, the coordinator was incredibly thorough, requesting photos from multiple angles and providing a detailed assessment.

My surgery day arrived after a comprehensive in-person consultation the day before. The anesthesiologist explained every step of the sedation process, which immediately put me at ease. The procedure took approximately 5 hours. When I woke up, I was surprised by how little pain I felt - nothing like the horror stories I had read online.

The recovery experience in Seoul exceeded every expectation. For my two-week stay, I visited the clinic daily for wound checks, bandage changes, laser treatments to reduce swelling, and oxygen therapy. The level of aftercare was something I had never experienced with any medical procedure before. My Korean coordinator translated everything and even helped me order food delivery when I was too self-conscious to go outside.

Now, nearly six months post-op, I can confidently say this was the best decision I have ever made for myself. The sagging is completely gone, my jawline is defined again, and people tell me I look "rested" and "healthy" - never "plastic" or "done." The scars are hidden perfectly in my hairline and behind my ears.

To anyone considering a facelift in Korea: do your research thoroughly, choose a surgeon who specializes in deep plane techniques, and plan for at least two weeks of recovery in Seoul. The investment in time and money has paid dividends in my confidence and how I present myself to the world. Korea truly deserves its reputation as the plastic surgery capital of the world.