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Facial Lifting & Anti-Aging
What facial lifting and anti-aging treatment in Busan involves, and how Dr. Kim Ki-tae at TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic chooses between the available routes.
Facial Lifting and Anti-Aging Treatments in Busan, Korea
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Ki-tae, MD — Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic Surgery, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons; Director and founder, TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Facial lifting and anti-aging treatment in Busan is not a single operation. At TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic in Haeundae-gu it is a category with two separate jobs inside it: repositioning or supporting tissue that has descended, and improving the condition of the skin covering it. Which job matters more, and in what order, is decided for one face at a time rather than by picking a headline procedure first.
What Is Facial Lifting and Anti-Aging Treatment?
Facial lifting and anti-aging treatment at TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic is a planned selection from lifting, contouring and skin-quality options, chosen for an individual face, rather than one universal procedure applied to everyone.
The clinic's approach covers both lifting and contouring on one side and skin-quality improvement on the other, and it does not treat those as interchangeable.
The listed options run from thread lifting and energy-based tightening through to customized programs such as Trinity Volume Contouring.
The clinic also describes combining plastic surgery with laser and energy-based treatment where the two can work together on the same problem.
Non-surgical treatments in this category are generally outpatient procedures, while thread lifting and surgical procedures require additional preparation and follow-up.
Treatment time is procedure-dependent and is not presented as one fixed duration for the whole lifting category.
The reasons international patients ask about this category are consistent: age-related skin laxity, heaviness in the lower face, a jawline that has lost its definition, wrinkles, reduced facial volume and declining skin elasticity. The clinic describes itself as particularly relevant to patients who want a customized combination of structural contouring, volume correction and skin tightening rather than a single fix. The realistic goals it states for the category are improved facial firmness, better definition of the facial contours, a reduced appearance of sagging, improved skin elasticity, collagen remodeling, and improvement in selected wrinkles and skin-quality concerns.
The clinic's stated approach is to assess skin condition and the underlying tissue structure together, because the two determine what any single treatment can realistically achieve. That is also the reason this page is written as a specialty page rather than a product page: the choice between routes is the substance of the consultation.
TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic describes itself as a complex aesthetic surgery space, in which surgery is connected to non-surgical treatment and to advanced lasers, and stem cell and anti-ageing care are practised alongside them rather than kept apart.
Who Performs Facial Lifting and Anti-Aging Treatment at TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic
**Dr. Kim Ki-tae
**Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Kim Ki-tae holds the Board-Certified Specialist designation in Plastic Surgery issued by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. He graduated from Inje University College of Medicine and trained as a Clinical Fellow in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Pusan National University from March 2003 to February 2004. He founded TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic in 2005 and has practised there ever since.
His documented record in this specific category is energy-based and laser work rather than general cosmetic surgery. Dr. Kim Ki-tae was recognised by Candela, the manufacturer of Profound, as a global key doctor, and filmed a training video for Profound users worldwide. He chairs the Academic Committee of the Laser Plastic Surgery Research Group at the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, sits on that society's Academic Committee, serves on the Legislation Committee of the Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons, and is General Affairs Director of the Busan Medical Association. He is a full member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, an international member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a full member of the International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
The clinic hosted the Sciton Innovations Workshop live seminar at its own premises on 26 August, attended by around 50 practitioners including a delegation from Taiwan, with Dr. Patrick Bitter, the developer of BBL HERO, as special guest. The clinic also documents a Trinity Rejuvenation Treatment for the aging face, combining SVF, fat grafting and fractional laser, presented by Dr. Kim Ki-tae.
The clinic states that he is known as a doctor who teaches doctors, that he lectures at domestic and international academic societies, and that he conducts live procedure training. It also states that he holds education and seminars for medical staff from countries around the world. A further documented appearance is the 266th Buil Women's University session at the Busan Ilbo hall on 24 September 2024, where he lectured under the title "Understanding Beauty: Talking About Aesthetic Plastic Surgery".
TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic is a single-doctor clinic, so the surgeon who assesses you is the surgeon who treats you. On his own account of how that assessment should work, Dr. Kim Ki-tae has stated: "In aesthetic medicine, the process of diagnosis is very important." You can read his full profile on the doctor page.
Facial Lifting and Anti-Aging Treatment Options and Types Available
The clinic's lifting and anti-aging portfolio includes XERF, NP Profound, thread lifting and skin-tightening treatments, along with high-end devices including ONDA, Fascella, DoubleTite and HALO. The table below sets out what the clinic states about each route. It is a map of the category, not a ranking.
| Option | What the clinic states | Where it sits in the category |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity Volume Contouring | A customized program that is important to the clinic's anti-aging positioning; the clinic documents a Trinity Rejuvenation Treatment combining SVF, fat grafting and fractional laser for the aging face | Combined program rather than a single modality |
| Thread Lifting | More mechanical repositioning and support, and generally more downtime than energy-based treatment | Mechanical route |
| NP Profound | Listed in the clinic's lifting and anti-aging technology portfolio | Needle-delivered energy route |
| XERF | Non-surgical collagen remodeling with less invasive treatment than a mechanical lift | Contact energy route |
| Skin Tightening | The umbrella under which the clinic groups ONDA, Fascella, DoubleTite and HALO | Device selection route |
| ONDA | Uses microwave energy to stimulate collagen production and remodeling; the clinic describes both immediate and progressive effects | Device within skin tightening |
| Fascella | Delivers RF and low-frequency energy to the fascial layer, described by the clinic as targeting lax tissue contraction and lifting | Device within skin tightening |
| DoubleTite | Uses 13 needles of different heights to deliver RF throughout the dermal layers and can simultaneously deliver a skin-booster solution | Device within skin tightening |
| HALO | Uses 2940-nm and 1470-nm wavelengths to treat different skin depths, positioned by the clinic as anti-aging treatment for pores, pigmentation, wrinkles, elasticity and skin tone, and not as a substitute for surgical lifting | Device within skin tightening |
| EMFACE | Listed by the clinic among the services in this specialty | Single-device route |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Facial Lifting and Anti-Aging Treatment?
You may be a candidate if
You are an adult with mild-to-moderate facial laxity.
Your skin elasticity has reduced.
You have early jowling or loss of facial definition.
You have age-related volume changes.
Your concern is wrinkles or a general decline in skin quality.
You want a customized combination of structural contouring, volume correction and skin tightening rather than one procedure.
Your goals can be matched to a technique after the location and degree of laxity, tissue condition and the downtime you can accept have been assessed.
Treatment may be unsuitable or need to be postponed if
You have an active skin infection or inflammation at the treatment site.
You have an uncontrolled medical condition.
You have significant healing problems.
You are pregnant and the treatment under consideration is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Your expectations cannot reasonably be achieved by the treatment being considered.
Suitability in this category is decided per technique, not once for the whole specialty. A direct consultation is needed before a technique is selected.
What to Expect: Procedure, Recovery, and Results Timeline
The consultation is where the treatment is chosen. The clinic assesses facial contour, skin condition, degree of laxity, tissue characteristics and the result and recovery period you want, then selects the lifting method or combination that fits. This is an individualized process rather than a fixed menu.
The clinic has not published an anaesthesia or pain-control protocol for this procedure, so none is described here; it is confirmed with the medical team before treatment.
Before treatment, disclose previous facial procedures, medications, allergies, medical conditions, any history of abnormal scarring and any previous injectable or laser treatment. Treatment is not carried out over an active infection. Follow any medication or blood-thinning instructions the physician gives you. Surgical procedures may add fasting and medication instructions depending on the anesthesia used.
Recovery varies considerably across the category, and the clinic describes some of its non-surgical treatments as having relatively low downtime. Aftercare also depends on the modality: protect treated skin from strong sunlight, follow the cleansing and moisturizing instructions you are given, avoid unnecessary heat or vigorous handling of the area immediately after treatment, and attend the scheduled follow-ups.
| Stage | What the clinic and its FAQ material state |
|---|---|
| Immediately after | Temporary swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, tightness or mild discomfort can occur |
| First days | Initial change may be visible within days for some treatments in this category |
| Following weeks | The effect builds; energy-based tightening involves progressive collagen remodeling, so improvement may continue rather than appearing all at once |
| One to three months | The final result typically develops over this period |
| Longevity | Generally several months up to around a year or two, depending on the technique |
| Trip length | International patients are generally advised to plan a few days to about a week in Korea, with the exact schedule confirmed at consultation |
Visit requirements follow the same pattern. Non-surgical treatments in this category are generally outpatient procedures. Thread lifting and surgical procedures require additional preparation and follow-up. Follow-up requirements likewise depend on what was done, and surgical treatments generally require more monitoring than non-surgical anti-aging treatments.
The clinic has not published a price or a price range for this procedure, so none is stated here, and cost is confirmed at consultation.
Combining Facial Lifting and Anti-Aging Treatment with Other Treatments
The clinic states that surgical expertise may be combined with laser and energy-based treatment where appropriate, and that combinations should be customized to the patient's anatomy, goals and recovery needs. Within this specialty the routes the clinic lists are:
Trinity Volume Contouring, which is itself a combination of fat reduction, fat grafting and thread placement.
Thread Lifting, for patients whose main issue is soft-tissue laxity and lifting direction.
NP Profound, where energy is delivered into deeper skin layers by fine needles.
Skin Tightening, where the choice is between the clinic's ONDA, Fascella, DoubleTite and HALO devices.
XERF and EMFACE, the clinic's two single-device non-invasive routes.
Safety, Precision, and Clinic Standards
TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic is a Registered Medical Institution for Attracting Foreign Patients, certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare under the Medical Overseas Expansion and Foreign Patients Attraction Act. TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic publishes neither case volumes nor complication rates for this procedure, and this page claims neither. The clinic reports approximately 240 surgical procedures and approximately 3,600 non-surgical treatments a year; these are clinic-wide totals across everything it offers, not figures for this procedure. The clinic has not published an approved-claims list for this procedure and this market, so this page states no efficacy or outcome claim beyond what the clinic itself documents.
Risk depends strongly on which treatment is selected. Energy-based treatments can cause temporary redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness or sensitivity. More significant thermal injury or pigmentation change is possible but uncommon when the treatment is appropriately performed. Across the category as a whole, the risks that should be discussed include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, nerve-related changes, skin injury and an unsatisfactory result.
The clinic's stated method for reducing risk is personalized treatment planning that takes account of skin condition, tissue structure, aesthetic goals and recovery needs. Independent guidance takes the same line on the decision itself: the NHS advises anyone considering a cosmetic procedure to check the practitioner's qualifications and experience before booking (NHS), and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons maintains public procedure information that is useful to read before a consultation (ASPS).
Dr. Kim Ki-tae's own published position on device treatments is a caution about assuming they are interchangeable: "Even if a treatment is safe and simple, patients differ in skin condition, fat layer thickness, age and how far ageing has progressed — so to get a satisfying result you should have a full consultation with an experienced plastic surgery specialist before being treated."
The Bottom Line
Facial lifting and anti-aging at TAE is a category, not one procedure, and the consultation exists to choose between routes.
The mechanical route is thread lifting; the energy routes are NP Profound, XERF, EMFACE and the devices grouped under skin tightening.
Trinity Volume Contouring is the clinic's combined program for faces where fat, volume and laxity are all in play.
Dr. Kim Ki-tae performs every case, and his documented record in this category is concentrated in laser and energy-based work.
Recovery, results timing and longevity all depend on the technique chosen, so they are settled at consultation rather than in advance.
FAQ
Who is a good candidate for facial lifting and anti-aging treatment?
Adults with visible facial aging, skin laxity, loss of volume or other age-related concerns may be candidates. The treatment is then selected according to skin condition, tissue structure, aesthetic goals and how much recovery time is acceptable. Because the category spans surgical and non-surgical routes, candidacy is assessed per technique.
How long should I plan to be in Korea?
International patients are generally advised to allow a few days to about a week, which covers initial healing and a follow-up check. The exact recommendation depends on which treatment is chosen and on the individual case. Flying home is timed against swelling, healing and the doctor's assessment rather than a fixed rule.
What does recovery actually look like?
It differs sharply between surgical lifting and energy-based treatment. Swelling, bruising, tenderness and a temporary feeling of tightness may occur, and they settle gradually. Mild swelling, tenderness or bruising of the face usually resolves within several days to about two weeks.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
An initial change may be visible within days, with the effect building over the weeks that follow. The final result typically develops over one to three months. Longevity generally runs from several months up to around a year or two, depending on the technique used.
What side effects are common?
Temporary swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, tightness or mild discomfort can occur. These are short-term effects rather than complications. Anything that persists or worsens should be reviewed by the clinic.
Can lifting be combined with laser or surgical treatment?
Yes. The clinic states that surgical expertise may be combined with laser and energy-based treatment when appropriate. What gets combined, and in what sequence, is customized to your anatomy, goals and recovery needs rather than sold as a fixed package.
Will someone speak English during my consultation?
Yes. The clinic has an English-speaking team, and online consultation is available before you travel. You may be asked for clear facial photographs, your medical history, current medications, records of previous procedures and a statement of your treatment goals.
What if I notice a problem after I get home?
Patients can send photographs of the concern for the clinic to review remotely before the clinic advises on next steps. This is the clinic's stated route for patients who have already flown home. It is not a substitute for in-person assessment where one is needed.
Book a Consultation at TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic
If you are considering facial lifting or anti-aging treatment in Busan, the useful first step is an assessment that decides between routes rather than a booking for a named procedure. English-speaking assistance is available for both online and in-person consultations, and consultations are arranged through the clinic's contact page. TAE Plastic Surgery Clinic is at 4th Floor, Gunam Building, 27 Gunam-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea, and opens Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00, closed Sundays and public holidays. Dr. Kim Ki-tae, whose profile is here, sees every patient personally.
Disclaimer
This page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute individualized medical advice. Candidacy, technique, anaesthesia and outcome can only be determined in an in-person consultation with a qualified doctor. Individual results vary.
References
NHS — Cosmetic procedures
American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Cosmetic procedures