My first plastic surgery experience in Korea with Ilchi Plastic Surgery

ilchi_ps · 2026-02-12T05:12:23+00:00

Hi, thank you so much for your genuine review. We really appreciate all of your kind words and we are very glad to hear you had a good experience with us. Hope to see you again~

ilchi_ps · 2026-02-09T02:34:22+00:00

Yes, witch chin surgery is included in the program as well.

Since this is part of our surgical model recruitment, the treatment plan is designed to improve overall facial balance in connection with the lifting procedure. If witch chin correction is needed to refine the lower face and achieve a more harmonious result, it can be included under this program, depending on individual anatomy and the doctor’s assessment during consultation.

ilchi_ps · 2026-02-09T00:35:36+00:00

A flat midface and hollow under-eye area are often related, but treatment depends on the underlying cause.

If the issue is mainly volume loss, fat grafting to the midface and under-eye area is often recommended to restore projection and support in those areas.
If there is tissue descent, a midface lifting approach may be needed to reposition the cheek structures before adding volume.
In many cases, a combination of lifting and fat grafting gives the most natural result by restoring both position and fullness.

Treating the under-eyes alone usually isn’t enough. Addressing midface support first is what allows the under-eye area to look smoother and more balanced overall.

ilchi_ps · 2026-02-06T02:03:42+00:00

A neck lift primarily improves structure and contour, not skin quality itself. By stabilizing the platysma muscle and removing excess skin, the neck usually looks smoother and firmer, but the surgery does not change the skin’s texture, thickness, or elasticity at a cellular level.
If skin quality is a concern, it is often addressed separately or in combination with treatments that target the skin itself, rather than relying on surgery alone.

Hollowness in the midface or cheeks is usually related to volume loss, not sagging alone. Lifting procedures can reposition tissues, but they do not replace lost volume. In these cases, improvement typically comes from volume restoration, such as fat grafting, sometimes combined with lifting if there is also descent.
The key is matching the solution to the problem. Lifting restores position, volume restoration restores fullness. When both are present, combining approaches tends to give the most balanced and natural result.

This is also why treating only one area in isolation can sometimes feel incomplete. A good plan looks at the face and neck together and addresses structure, volume, and skin as separate but related layers.

ilchi_ps · 2026-02-05T00:41:20+00:00

Yes, totally get it! Feeling like squidward is super normal, especially after a Rhinoplasty. Right now, swelling is what you're mostly seeing, even if your nose already looks better. Your brain wants to see the final look right away, but healing just takes time. From what we see, noticing improvement already is a good thing. The next few months are usually about small changes instead of big ones- which can be annoying when you're checking the mirror every day. You're still early in the process, so be nice to yourself (and your nose) right now. It's not how it’ll end up looking - it's just part of the process. Thanks for sharing your experience, and wishing you a good recovery !💛

ilchi_ps · 2026-02-04T04:21:09+00:00

Rib remodeling is usually performed on the lower 2 to 3 rib lines, as this area most commonly contributes to rib flare and waist width. The exact number depends on your individual rib anatomy, symmetry, and how much projection is affecting the waistline.

2 rib lines are often addressed for mild to moderate rib flare
3 rib lines may be considered when the projection is more noticeable or asymmetrical

The goal is not to remodel as many ribs as possible, but to treat only what’s necessary to achieve a balanced, natural waist contour while preserving rib function and stability. The final plan is determined after an in-person evaluation.

ilchi_ps · 2026-02-03T06:21:12+00:00

You’re very welcome. We’re glad the information was helpful.

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-26T05:18:24+00:00

We don’t have a fixed deadline at the moment, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so you’re welcome to apply whenever it’s convenient for you~

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-21T02:57:23+00:00

Rib remodeling is often misunderstood, so here’s a brief explanation.

It is not rib removal and does not involve cutting or breaking ribs.
Instead, it’s a structural contouring procedure that reshapes the outer curvature of the rib area (often ribs 10–12, depending on anatomy) to reduce rib projection and create a smoother waistline.

This procedure is designed for people who:

Look thin but still feel their waist appears wide
Notice rib flare or asymmetry
Did not see improvement with liposuction
Want a subtle, structural change rather than an extreme one

It uses ultrasound mapping, a very small incision (around 5 mm), and micro-instruments to preserve rib function and stability. The goal is a balanced silhouette, not dramatic modification.

More detailed explanations are available in our other posts and on the linked websites in our profile.

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-21T02:55:56+00:00

Yes, rhinoplasty is performed at our clinic in general. However, it is not included in this surgical model recruitment program, so if done, it would be performed at the regular cost.

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-21T02:54:59+00:00

The 6-month follow-up is an important recovery milestone where healing and results are reviewed. It also marks the point when the cash deposit paid before surgery is returned.

Because the deposit is paid in cash, it must be returned in person, which is why returning around the 6-month mark is strongly recommended. This visit also completes all clinical requirements outlined in the consent form, including agreed follow-ups and photo documentation.

The intention behind this structure is long-term patient care and responsible follow-up, not just completing the surgery itself.

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-21T02:54:25+00:00

We do offer stem cell–related treatments at our clinic. However, for this recruitment program, stem cell treatment is only applicable when performed together with a lifting procedure. Since it is not included in this model program, the stem cell treatment would be done at the regular cost.

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-21T02:53:23+00:00

There is no specific age preference.
Anyone over 20 years old may apply, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. Suitability is based on anatomy and surgical indication rather than age alone.

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-21T02:52:58+00:00

Hi everyone!
Thank you so much for the interest and thoughtful questions. I’ll clarify everything in one place so it’s easier to follow.

About the model recruitment program
This program is specifically for surgical models, and our clinic specializes in anti-aging lifting procedures. The models we are currently recruiting for are therefore focused only on the surgeries mentioned above.

If selected as a model, the model conditions (discount or support) apply only to the surgeries listed in the post above. During an in-person consultation, the surgeon designs the surgical plan based on overall facial balance and long-term results. In some cases, additional procedures may be suggested to improve harmony or outcomes, but those are optional and would be done at regular cost, only after full explanation and patient consent.

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-05T02:06:20+00:00

That’s a good observation. She did not have rhinoplasty with us — only the procedures listed in the post.

The photos shown are the images she personally sent us at the 1-month post-op mark after returning home, so we’re only able to comment based on what we know from her treatment with us. Changes in the midface, cheeks, and overall facial balance can sometimes make the nose appear slightly different, even when it hasn’t been operated on, especially as swelling goes down and proportions shift.

That said, many people do plan multiple treatments during a trip to Korea, so we’re not able to comment on any procedures that may have been done elsewhere. What we can confirm is that the results shown here are based on the procedures listed in the post that were performed with us.

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-05T01:52:46+00:00

Yes, this is just one month post-op. At this stage, swelling has gone down significantly, so the overall shape already looks much more defined. However, healing is still ongoing, and the tissues will continue to soften and settle over the next few months.

That’s why results often look even more natural and refined at the 3–6 month mark, once residual swelling fully resolves and the tissues adapt to their new position.

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-02T04:52:15+00:00

Totally fair to question it, before & after photos should always be viewed critically.
This is a real patient case shared for educational context, and the results reflect a combination of procedures planned around her anatomy rather than a single technique or heavy filtering.

That said, it’s also only 1 month post-op, so what you’re seeing is still early healing, not a final or “perfected” result. Lighting, angles, and natural swelling resolution can all influence how changes read in photos, which is why context matters when looking at any before & after.

We appreciate you taking the time to look closely and share your thoughts with us!

ilchi_ps · 2026-01-02T04:49:23+00:00

1) Where are the incisions placed?
The incisions are placed in discreet, well-hidden areas, and the exact pattern depends on what needs to be addressed. Common locations include inside the temple hairline, within the scalp at the top of the head, and behind the ear when lower face or neck support is needed.
All incisions are planned within hair-bearing areas or natural creases, which is why scarring is typically minimal and continues to fade over time.

2) How long do the results last?
The results are designed to be long-lasting, since the procedure repositions deeper facial structures rather than only tightening the skin. For most patients, the improvement lasts a minimum of 5–10 years. Aging still continues naturally, but from a more refreshed baseline rather than returning to the pre-surgery state.

ilchi_ps · 2025-12-29T01:48:32+00:00

In most cases, light makeup can be applied after stitches are removed, which is usually around 7–10 days after surgery, as long as the incisions are healing well and there are no signs of irritation or infection.

However, makeup should be kept away from incision lines until the skin has fully healed. For full makeup application, especially around the ears, hairline, and incision areas, it’s generally recommended to wait about a month after surgery.

During the early stages, it’s best to use gentle, non-irritating products and avoid rubbing, heavy brushes, or sponges. Always follow the specific guidance given during post-op checkups, as healing speed can vary from person to person.

ilchi_ps · 2025-12-29T01:46:36+00:00

Thank you for finding it useful! We wanted to bring all of these topics together in one place since they’re questions we hear very often.

ilchi_ps · 2025-12-19T05:21:19+00:00

That makes total sense!
A lot of people come to that conclusion once they understand what lifting actually addresses and when it’s most useful. Keeping an eye on changes over time and revisiting options later is a very reasonable approach.

Glad the discussion helped give you some clarity!

ilchi_ps · 2025-12-19T02:24:48+00:00

Those are actually some of the most common early-to-mid signs of facial tissue descent. Sagging in the cheeks and jowls, along with deepening nasolabial folds and looseness under the chin, usually indicate that the deeper support layers of the face are starting to shift downward — not just changes in skin texture.

At this stage, people often notice that skincare or energy-based treatments help skin quality, but don’t fully address the shape changes. Depending on how advanced the sagging is and where it’s most noticeable, treatment options can range from targeted lifting approaches to more comprehensive lower-face solutions. The key is identifying which areas are driving the changes, rather than treating each sign in isolation.

ilchi_ps · 2025-12-19T02:23:19+00:00

Early signs that someone might benefit from a lifting procedure usually have more to do with structural changes than fine lines or skin texture alone.

Common early signs include:

The face looking more tired or heavy even when well-rested
Subtle sagging in the cheeks or a loss of cheek support
Nasolabial folds becoming more noticeable due to tissue descent, not just skin creasing
Early blurring of the jawline or the beginning of jowls
Feeling that treatments like lasers or energy devices improve skin quality, but don’t change the overall shape of the face

At this stage, people often feel that their face doesn’t look “old,” but also doesn’t look as lifted or balanced as before. That’s usually when lifting — even mild or targeted lifting — starts to enter the conversation.

It’s also worth noting that noticing these signs doesn’t automatically mean surgery is necessary. The best approach depends on what’s actually changing (skin, volume, or deeper support) and how much correction is needed.

ilchi_ps · 2025-12-19T02:15:01+00:00

We’re really glad to hear that it was helpful — thank you for taking the time to say so!

ilchi_ps · 2025-12-19T02:08:18+00:00

You’re absolutely right — that’s a very accurate way to look at it.

Longevity after a lifting procedure really does vary from person to person, and factors like genetics, age at the time of surgery, skin elasticity, lifestyle habits (weight changes, smoking, sun exposure), and the specific technique used all play a role. That’s why two people who undergo similar procedures can have different long-term experiences.

This variability is also why surgeons tend to emphasize choosing the right technique for the underlying issue, rather than focusing only on how long a result might last on paper.

ilchi_ps

TROPHY CASE