[Announcement] I Performed a Facelift for My Mother See Her Transformation Over a Year!
Hello, I’m Dr. Yongwoo Kim, board-certified plastic surgeon at Returning Plastic Surgery.
In December of last year, I performed a facelift for my mother. For many surgeons who specialize in lifting procedures, performing a facelift for one’s parent is a deeply personal and meaningful milestone. But even so, it’s something many of us hesitate to do due to the emotional pressure of operating on family (often referred to as "VIP syndrome") and concerns about achieving perfection.
Having already operated on several relatives — including my wife — I’ve realized that I personally don’t carry that burden. More importantly, my surgical skills and confidence in facelift procedures were at their peak, and I felt strongly that it was time to give back to my mother. Over the span of a month, I performed facelift surgery on both my mother and mother-in-law. Today, I’m sharing the 6-month journey and results of my mother’s procedure.
Convincing My Mother
In December 2023, I visited my mother with my wife and two sons. As always, we talked about work and hospital life, but this time I noticed the deep lines around her mouth.
She shared that her laugh lines and neck wrinkles had become a real concern compared to her peers. At that moment, I realized I had helped so many people regain their youth through facelift surgery — but I hadn’t yet helped my own mother.
Despite previously suggesting it many times, she had always declined due to fear. This time, I knew that if I couldn’t convince her now, I might never have the chance again. Fortunately, she was more open to the idea, and I could sense that her desire to fix her aging concerns was stronger than her fear.
She specifically wanted to address her sagging jowls and neck, which had worsened with age. While I also recommended forehead lift and platysma tightening, she declined all other procedures and only wanted the minimum — a facelift to improve her lower face and neck.
Before surgery – Highlighting marionette lines and neck wrinkles
Preparing for Surgery
The most important factor was timing. If we delayed, she would worry endlessly, so I rearranged my schedule to operate within the week.
Facelift surgery requires preoperative bloodwork to assess anesthesia readiness. Since she lives outside of Seoul, she had her tests done at a local clinic using a referral form we provided. Once cleared, we scheduled surgery for the same day she came to our clinic.
Photo of preoperative blood test referral form for out-of-town patients
Surgery Day
She was prepped and ready within just five days of agreeing to the procedure. On the day of surgery, we filmed a YouTube video together for the first time ever:
“The mother who once supported me through long nights and raised me into a plastic surgeon now has deep wrinkles at nearly 70. Today, as her son and surgeon, I’ll help her reclaim her youth.”
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| YouTube thumbnail or candid photo from surgery day |
We opted for general anesthesia for safety, though facelifts can often be done under sedation. My mother, with her weaker respiratory system and age, was better suited for general anesthesia.
Although she asked me to pull just a little, I tightened to the maximum — because patients with low skin elasticity will inevitably age again quickly. Facelifts are a battle against gravity, and gravity never rests.
Facelift Principle at Dr. Returning: “Dissect far and lift as much as possible — because gravity pulls 24/7.”
Recovery Process
The surgery lasted three hours and went smoothly. She stayed overnight and was discharged the next day. I took her home, removed the drains, and she returned to her hometown by day three.
Post-op day 2 or 3 photo (if permitted), possibly with bandages removed
She had some yellow bruising by the two-week stitch removal. My mother bruises and swells easily, so her bruising lasted longer than average.
2-week follow-up showing mild yellow bruising
3-Month Follow-Up
We video called almost daily to monitor swelling and healing. At the 3-month mark, she returned to the clinic and we filmed another YouTube update. My original goal was to bring her back to how she looked at my wedding 10 years ago — but she ended up looking even younger!
Comparison photo – Wedding photo (10 years ago) vs. 3-month post-op photo
Her satisfaction exceeded my expectations. Her happiness and boosted confidence reminded me just how life-changing facelift surgery can be.
Facelift is a surgery that makes life happier.
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| Before-and-after comparison (front and side views at 3 months) |
6-Month Result
In June 2024, I visited her and took the latest photos — makeup-free, unedited. Even without any follow-up treatments, her 6-month results were outstanding. Many patients benefit from maintenance procedures during recovery, but my mother had no additional treatments.
6-month scar close-up or behind-the-ear healing photo
A Surgeon’s Reflection
Performing this surgery for my mother was a turning point for me as a plastic surgeon. It helped me better understand the emotional side of recovery and the deep joy patients feel from regaining their confidence.
This reaffirmed my belief that facelift surgery is not just cosmetic — it can truly be a turning point in life.
At Returning, we treat every patient with the care and precision we would give to our own mothers.
Thank you!
#FaceliftJourney #MotherFacelift #AntiAgingSurgery #FaceliftBeforeAfter
#KoreanPlasticSurgery #SMASLift #NeckLift #DrReturning #EmotionalSurgery
#FaceliftReview
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