A few months ago, I finally went ahead with a full face lift (SMAS rhytidectomy) at Very Good Plastic Surgery with Dr. Kim Jung-hue. Since I relied so much on other people’s reviews before making my decision, I thought I’d share my own experience.
My main concern wasn’t wrinkles—it was the sagging around my jawline and lower face. I felt like I always looked tired, even on days when I felt perfectly fine. I wasn’t looking for a dramatic transformation, just something that looked natural.
The consultation was one of the reasons I decided to move forward. Dr. Kim Jung-hue explained what the surgery could realistically improve and didn’t make it sound like it would solve every aging concern. I appreciated that because I wanted honest information more than reassurance.
The surgery itself wasn’t something I remember much because of the anesthesia. The first few days afterward were definitely the toughest part. My face felt tight, there was noticeable swelling, and seeing myself in the mirror honestly made me wonder if I’d made the right decision. If you’re thinking about this surgery, I’d say prepare yourself mentally for that stage because it’s temporary but not easy.
Over the next few weeks, things slowly improved. The swelling didn’t disappear overnight, but every week I noticed small changes. My jawline became more defined, my cheeks looked lifted, and my face started looking like me again—just a fresher version.
One thing I really liked was that the follow-up appointments never felt rushed. Whenever I had questions about healing or something that worried me, I was able to ask, and that gave me a lot of peace of mind during recovery.
If I had one complaint, it would be that I underestimated how much patience recovery requires. I thought I’d feel “back to normal” much sooner than I actually did. Looking back, that was my own expectation rather than anything the clinic promised.
Now that enough time has passed, I’m genuinely happy with the outcome. Friends have commented that I look refreshed or well-rested, but nobody has guessed I had a face lift. That was exactly the kind of result I was hoping for.
Overall, my experience with Dr. Kim Jung-hue at Very Good Plastic Surgery was positive. The surgery wasn’t an easy shortcut, and recovery had its ups and downs, but the natural-looking result made the journey worthwhile for me. If you’re considering a full face lift, my biggest advice is to do plenty of research, ask every question you have during the consultation, and give yourself enough time to heal before deciding how you feel about the results.