After a facelift, the most distressing thing about indentations is not the extra money spent, but not knowing whether it can be fixed, and whether new problems will arise after the repair. The psychological threshold of this “second trust” is much higher than the first. In fact, indentation revision in Korea is already a highly mature sub‑specialty – mild cases are treated with fillers, severe cases require surgical release, and the key lies in accurately assessing the depth and adhesion of the depression. How to choose the revision method, how long recovery takes, and what results can be achieved – all these expectations you care most about are addressed below. See the full picture first, then make a decision you won’t regret.
Facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) involves undermining the facial skin and SMAS layer, removing excess skin, and resuspending the soft tissue to achieve facial rejuvenation. This procedure significantly improves mid‑face and lower‑face laxity, nasolabial folds, and jawline definition.
However, post‑operative facial indentations are one of the most anxiety‑provoking sequelae, commonly seen in the temples, cheeks, and sub‑zygomatic areas, presenting as localised soft tissue loss or contour step‑offs. Southeast Asia’s humid, hot climate and strong UV radiation can exacerbate inflammation and pigmentation during the recovery period, increasing the risk of indentations. Broadly, “sequelae” include unsatisfactory results (indentations), complications (infection, nerve injury), and functional impacts (stiff expressions).
Surgeon‑related: Inexperienced doctors, excessive skin resection, or improper SMAS fixation are the main causes. Over‑traction leads to loss of local support, creating a “step‑like” depression.
Equipment‑related: Regular Korean clinics use KFDA‑certified instruments and absorbable sutures, but some unregulated clinics in Southeast Asia may have poor sterilisation or substandard materials, increasing infection and poor healing rates.
Patient‑related: Darker skin types are more prone to post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation; preoperative use of anticoagulants like aspirin, postoperative sun exposure, or premature massage can worsen indentations or delay recovery.
Mild: Temporary indentations within 1‑3 months post‑op due to oedema or uneven swelling, most of which flatten out as swelling subsides. Cold compresses and observation are advised.
Moderate: Obvious localised indentations persisting 3‑6 months post‑op, often accompanied by scar adhesion or fat displacement. Correction requires injectable fillers (hyaluronic acid / autologous fat).
Severe: Extensive indentations combined with fascial misalignment, skin adhesions, or impaired facial movement – this is a medical emergency requiring prompt surgical release. Delay can lead to irreversible tissue atrophy.
Non‑surgical revision:
Injectable fillers (hyaluronic acid / autologous fat): first choice for mild to moderate indentations. HA lasts 6‑18 months, autologous fat is permanent after survival; recovery about 1‑2 weeks.
Energy‑based tightening (Thermage / Ultherapy): stimulates deep collagen neogenesis, improves mild unevenness and texture; requires multiple sessions; recovery 3‑7 days.
Scar softening (fractional laser / silicone sheets): most effective when initiated within 3 months post‑op for depressed scars.
Surgical revision:
Secondary facelift release: for severe adhesions and fascial displacement, with layer‑by‑layer release and refixation; recovery about 2‑3 months.
Structural fat grafting: suitable for large volume deficits; fat is harvested from the abdomen or thighs, purified, and meticulously injected; recovery 1‑2 months.
Scar excision + local flap: for severe depressed scars; recovery about 3‑6 months.
The following prices are based on 2026 market research data from dermatology and plastic surgery clinics in Gangnam, Seoul, and are for reference only. Actual costs vary by institution, surgeon’s experience, and complexity of the indentation.
| Revision Method | Reference Price in Korea (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid filler (1ml) | ₩800,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Autologous fat transfer (full face) | ₩2,500,000 – 5,000,000 |
| Secondary facelift revision surgery | ₩9,000,000 – 18,000,000 |
| Energy‑based tightening (single session) | ₩1,200,000 – 2,500,000 |
Mild indentations: Choose a local certified dermatology clinic or aesthetic centre, prioritising those accredited by Singapore MOH, Thailand FDA, or Philippines FDA, for filler or energy‑based revisions.
Moderate indentations: It is advisable to go to a specialised plastic surgery hospital in Gangnam, Seoul, performed by a plastic surgeon skilled in facial anatomy and fat grafting. Experienced surgeons can precisely address the SMAS layer and volume deficits.
Severe indentations: You must choose a tertiary general hospital in Korea with a plastic surgery department or a specialist centre with secondary revision qualifications. Preoperative ultrasound or MRI is needed to assess subcutaneous adhesions and nerve distribution, and to formulate a layered revision plan.
Q1: How long after a facelift can revision be performed?
It is recommended to wait at least 3‑6 months, until the soft tissue has fully stabilised and scars have softened, before evaluating the timing for revision.
Q2: Can indentations be completely restored to the pre‑operative state?
Most mild indentations can be flattened; moderate to severe cases can be significantly improved with standard treatment, but complete restoration to the original state is difficult.
Q3: Is it necessary to go to Korea for revision?
Mild to moderate cases can be handled by local certified institutions; for severe or complex cases, Korea has clear technical advantages in fascial repair and fat grafting.
Q4: Can revision costs be covered by insurance?
These are generally considered cosmetic revision self‑pay items, unless the revision is due to functional impairment caused by a medical accident – insurance coverage is not typically available.
Q5: How long after a secondary revision can another surgery be performed?
A general interval of 6‑12 months is recommended; the doctor will assess tissue blood supply and healing before deciding.