Korea has become a global leader in combining surgical facelifts with energy-based skin tightening. One of the most effective combinations is the SMAS facelift + RF lifting (Thermage or Oligio) — a pairing that lifts the deeper facial layers while tightening and refining the surface skin for smoother, longer-lasting results.

For patients who want maximum rejuvenation without resorting to frequent maintenance procedures, this combination offers the best of both worlds.

What Is a SMAS Lift?

The SMAS lift targets the deeper structural layer of the face — the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System). Instead of pulling just the skin, surgeons reposition this deeper supportive tissue to restore facial structure.

What the SMAS Lift Improves:

• Jowls
• Midface sagging
• Jawline blurring
• Deep nasolabial folds
• Drooping cheeks

Because the SMAS layer is repositioned, results are natural, long-lasting, and stable.

What Is RF Lifting (Thermage/Oligio)?

RF lifting uses radiofrequency energy to heat the dermis and stimulate collagen remodeling.

Common Devices in Korea:

• Thermage FLX — gold standard for deep collagen tightening
• Oligio — Korean-developed, cost-effective RF tightening with similar mechanisms

What RF Tightening Improves:

• Skin laxity
• Fine lines
• Enlarged pores
• Texture roughness
• Mild jawline sagging
• Crepey skin

RF does not lift deep tissues — it improves surface firmness.

Why Korea Combines SMAS Lift + RF Lifting

Most aging issues occur at two levels:

1. Deep facial drooping → fixed with a SMAS lift
2. Surface laxity and collagen thinning → improved with RF tightening

By combining the two, Korean surgeons address all layers of facial aging.

⭐ Benefits of Combining SMAS Lift + Thermage/Oligio

1. Enhanced, Multi-Layer Rejuvenation

• SMAS = deeper lift
• RF = skin tightening + texture improvement

The face looks firmer, smoother, and younger overall.

2. Longer-Lasting Surgical Results

RF strengthens collagen and slows skin laxity, helping SMAS lift results remain stable.

Patients often experience 5–10 additional years of longevity with maintenance RF.

3. Natural Results Without Over-Tightening

Because RF firms the skin, surgeons don’t need to pull the skin tightly during the facelift.

This prevents:

• Distorted smile
• Pulled corners of the mouth
• Unnatural tightness

4. Ideal for Thinner or Aging Skin

Older patients often have thin, crepey skin that cannot hold sutures well.
RF tightening helps rebuild dermal thickness after a facelift.

5. Strong Improvement in Lower Face & Neck

RF devices like Thermage deliver heat into deeper dermal layers, improving:

• Mild neck creases
• Surface laxity under the chin
• Skin texture after a neck lift

When Are Thermage/Oligio Performed?

Korean clinics typically perform RF after the facelift — never during surgery — because RF energy works best once swelling has decreased.

Typical Timeline:

• 4–12 weeks after SMAS lift → First RF session
• Every 12–18 months → Maintenance Thermage/Oligio

This timing allows collagen remodeling to complement the surgical lift.

Who Is a Good Candidate for the Combination?

Ideal for:

• Patients with deep sagging + surface skin laxity
• Those wanting longer-lasting facelift results
• Individuals with crepey or thinning skin
• Patients in their 40s–70s with moderate to severe aging
• Weight-loss patients with loose, wrinkled skin

Not necessary for:

• Very young patients
• Those with only early sagging (RF alone may be enough)

SMAS Lift + RF Lifting vs Deep Plane Facelift

SMAS + RF

• Targets deeper structures + surface
• Good for moderate sagging
• Less invasive than deep-plane lifting

Deep Plane Facelift

• Greatest lift for midface and deep folds
• May reduce the need for RF initially
• Best for advanced aging

Many Korean surgeons recommend deep plane + RF maintenance for the strongest long-term results.

Results You Can Expect

After combining SMAS and RF lifting, patients notice:

• Sharper jawline
• Reduced jowls
• Firmer midface
• Smoother, tighter skin
• Refined pore size
• More youthful contour
• Longer-lasting rejuvenation

The combination produces a lift + glow effect: structural support from surgery and radiant skin from RF.

Aftercare in Korea

Korean clinics typically offer:

• LED healing therapy
• Lymphatic drainage
• High-frequency skin tightening boosters
• Collagen ampoule treatments

These enhance collagen remodeling and shorten downtime.

Final Thoughts

A SMAS facelift corrects the deeper structural aging, while Thermage or Oligio refines the surface. Together, they create one of the most effective anti-aging combinations available in Korea — a lifted, firm, smooth, and naturally youthful face with long-lasting results.