The Morning I Looked in the Mirror and Screamed. The Downtime I Experienced After an Incision Lift

In August, I finally underwent the incision lift I had been dreaming of for years. Since this is my very first post on note, I wanted to record the experience in detail so that others considering this surgery can benefit from my honest account.

Before this, I had double jaw surgery and two-point facial contouring. Yet, even with those procedures, I found that if I slightly tucked my chin, a double chin would appear. When I smiled faintly, the flesh would gather along my marionette lines.

I came to realize that no matter how much I tried with non-surgical methods, excess skin can only be dealt with physically—by removing it. That was the decisive push that led me to choose an incision lift.

Choosing the Right Surgeon & Consultations
I consulted with 15 surgeons in Japan and 4 surgeons in Korea for incision lift surgery.

Ultimately, my criteria were:

Must be able to perform Extended Deep Plane Facelift with proper ligament release

For neck lift, must use the hammock method to anchor to the periosteum

No pixie ear deformity, no skin bunching at the suture site, no displaced tragus, and clean, precise suturing

I also considered annual surgical volume and the surgeon’s age as important factors.

I chose Dr. Ryu because, in terms of experience, case volume, surgical technique, and before/after photos, he stood far above any Japanese surgeon I had met. Even a highly respected senior surgeon in Japan told me, “He’s the best facelift surgeon in Asia.”

Key Points I Confirmed During Consultation
For me, whether or not the platysma muscle would be lifted using the hammock method was crucial. This method involves horizontally cutting the platysma, dividing it into two sections, allowing upward and lateral lifting, and potentially lifting sagging salivary glands. When I asked Dr. Ryu about this, he said, “You’ve studied well!” and praised my knowledge.

I also checked which ligaments he would release:

Zygomatic ligament

Masseteric ligament

Parotid ligament

Mandibular ligament

Because I had already had double jaw and facial contouring surgeries, my sagging wasn’t severe. Dr. Ryu said he would release the zygomatic ligament, masseteric ligament, and platysma ligament, but not the mandibular ligament, explaining that it wasn’t necessary as my chin area wasn’t sagging and the risk was higher due to nearby major vessels and facial nerves.

I also asked for buccal fat removal if needed.

For the incision line, I could choose in front of the sideburn or through the middle of it. Since I had longer-than-average sideburns and wanted to hide the scar, I chose the inside. In hindsight, with such a clean result, I might have gone for the front, because my sideburns were slightly shifted back, making my face appear a bit wider.

I confirmed that my eye shape and mouth corners wouldn’t be overstretched, my tragus would remain intact, and I wouldn’t get pixie ears—since any change in ear shape usually means the SMAS wasn’t adequately lifted and only skin was pulled.

Surgery Day
The surgery was expected to take 4–5 hours. At 9 AM, during the final meeting with Dr. Ryu, I simply asked him to lift firmly and remove all lower face fat below the nose.

After taking pre-op photos, signing consent forms, and changing into surgical attire, the incision lines were marked on my face.

At 10 AM, the anesthesiologist came in, and the nurses encouraged me as I drifted off to sleep. I must say—unlike some of my past surgeries in Korea, where iodine application and anesthesia prep felt rough—this clinic was meticulous and gentle throughout.

Immediate Post-Op Condition
I woke up at 4 PM, supported by the nurses as I walked to my bed. I felt more spaced-out than dizzy and had no nausea. After an hour’s rest, I was served pumpkin porridge. Surprisingly, I felt completely fine—energetic, even.

With only the face band feeling tight, I took a taxi back to my hotel, even stopping by a convenience store and porridge shop on the way. Honestly, this was the easiest recovery I’ve ever had after surgery.

Recovery Diary
Day 1 – Slept well without insomnia. Mild puffiness but no severe swelling. A little bruising around my left eye, no neck bruising at all. Went to the clinic for shampooing and swelling care—was amazed they even used a hairdryer. Amenities were Dior! Seeing my lifted face in the mirror for the first time made me gasp. This was my first-ever “downtime high.”

Day 2 – Slight spread of bruising near the eyes but swelling still minimal, almost worryingly so. Dr. Ryu said “Nice!” again. He had dissected up to the middle of my cheeks—showed me the surgery video. Zero swelling despite such extensive dissection felt miraculous.

Day 3 – Bruises turning yellow. Drain removal postponed as fluid was still collecting.

Day 4 – Drain removed and site stitched without anesthesia—painful! Started wearing makeup for the first time—already 150% satisfied with results.

Day 6 – Fluid accumulation detected—another drain placed. Learned that consistent compression, especially behind the ears, is essential to prevent this.

Day 10 – Day of departure but drain re-inserted again. Though it was a hassle, I was grateful for the uncompromising approach to achieving the best result.

Results & Impressions
Day 12 – Skin feels tightly adhered to the bone. Sideburn and mole positions have shifted noticeably upward. Scars are clean and healing beautifully.

Satisfaction – Personally over 100% satisfied. I honestly wish I had reduced my jawline further to match the lift. Estimated I look about 5 years younger. Friends and acquaintances are shocked by the transformation—some regret not choosing this clinic for their own lifts.

Pros & Cons
Pros

All sagging from double jaw surgery is gone; lift is firmer than pre-contouring face.

Scars barely visible even at 10 days post-op.

No deformities.

Dr. Ryu assured me lifts can be repeated even 2–3 times over a lifetime.

Kind, attentive staff who even wrote me a handwritten letter in Japanese and gifted me a beauty device.

Cons

Wish I had further reduced my jawline beforehand.

Neck area unchanged since incision lift doesn’t address under-chin directly.

Sideburn position slightly shifted back.

Advice for Others
Post-op, every Japanese surgeon I’ve met said, “I can’t believe this is only two weeks after surgery—your scars are incredibly clean.” My satisfaction is higher than with any surgery I’ve ever had.

From suturing to swelling management, everything was flawless. Meeting Dr. Ryu was truly a blessing, and I’m deeply grateful to him and the entire RNWOOD staff.