I traveled from the US to South Korea to get a facelift at 34. It boosted my confidence.
Courtesy of Mathilde Turco.
- Mathilde Turco was unhappy with the appearance of her skin at 34.
- She considered cosmetic surgery and decided on a mini-facelift.
- The New Yorker flew to Seoul for the procedure, which, she said, gave her the desired result.
This interview is based on a conversation with Mathilde Turco, 34, a content creator and sales professional for an electrical contracting company from Brooklyn, New York. It has been edited for length and clarity.
Four years ago, when I entered my 30s, I began to notice sagging on my face and a general loss of elasticity, making me appear older than I was.
It really bothered me, especially when I was making videos as a content creator or having on-camera meetings in my sales job.
I'd pull my skin taut when I looked in the mirror, and it became a habit. As a perfectionist, I became a little obsessed and started thinking of ways to make my skin look younger.
The surgeons recommended a mini-facelift
Initially, I tried treatments such as resurfacing lasers and fillers, but I was still very aware of fine lines, especially around my mouth.
In the summer and fall of 2025, I consulted some cosmetic surgeons in New York about facelift surgery, and none of them said I was too young for it.
Instead, they recommended a mini-facelift, which is far less invasive than the deep-plane one I originally thought I needed, to also tighten my jawline. This would have involved a deeper scar.
Still, I was on a tight budget, so I widened my search abroad. I had online consultations with clinics in Tunisia, Colombia, and my native France before deciding on a place in the Gangnam district of Seoul.
Courtesy of Matilde Turco.
South Korea attracted my attention because its cosmetic surgery industry uses innovative, high-tech techniques. I liked the natural look of the results.
I told my fiancé about my plans, but didn't tell too many other friends or family. I thought they'd be scared or tell me to wait until I'm older, but it's a very personal decision.
I'm a grown woman who can make up my own mind. I didn't want to worry them for no reason.
My girlfriend and I flew to Seoul a week before the surgery on February 9, 2026, and stayed for a total of a month.
I needed painkillers
One surgeon performed the mini-facelift — including an endoscopic forehead lift — and another doctor did my breast implants at the same time. The operation lasted around seven hours.
I woke up with some discomfort, but it was manageable with painkillers. There was a minimal incision around the hairline, and it started healing pretty quickly.
Courtesy of Mathilde Turco.
I was very careful and only ventured outside when the medical team said it was OK. Once the swelling and bruising had receded, I was able to go sightseeing with my friend again.
Back in New York City, I've been taking things easy as I fully recover. My eyebrows are still high, but they're settling back into place as each day and week go by.
The surgeon told me it would probably take up to six months for all the sensations in your temple area to return.
It's boosted my confidence
I did this for myself, and it's obviously not about him, but my fiancé seems to have appreciated the results. He's pleased that I'm pleased.
I look at my reflection and am so glad I went ahead with the procedure. I don't see those smile lines as much. It's given me a lot more confidence.
Some people have said, "Oh, you don't look that much different," which is fine by me. I want it to look as natural and as subtle as possible.