If you are comparing a deep plane facelift in South Korea, the lowest quote should not make the decision for you. A realistic Seoul planning range is often about $8,000–$18,000, but the final amount depends on whether your plan includes a neck lift, fat grafting, eyelid surgery, anaesthesia, overnight monitoring and extended aftercare. Before travelling, verify that the surgeon is a Korean plastic-surgery specialist, the facility is registered to treat international patients, and the written plan explains who will operate, where you will recover and how complications will be managed.

Quick Summary:
- Estimated self-pay range: approximately $8,000–$18,000 for many current Seoul plans; complex revisions or combined face-and-neck surgery may cost more.
- Who may be suitable: generally healthy adults with meaningful midface descent, jowls, deeper folds or neck laxity and realistic expectations.
- Typical social recovery: allow about two to four weeks before major work or social commitments; swelling, numbness and scar maturation continue longer.
- Credentials to verify: Korean plastic-surgery specialist status, Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons membership, international-patient registration and, where relevant, KAHF accreditation.
- Main appeal: a concentrated facial-aesthetic ecosystem in Seoul, multilingual coordination and access to surgeons who regularly perform facial rejuvenation.
- Important caution: “deep plane” is sometimes used as a marketing label. Ask the surgeon to explain the actual dissection, ligament release, neck work and why that plan suits your anatomy.
- Travel planning: stay near the operating facility, bring an adult companion and do not schedule a long-haul flight until the surgeon confirms it is appropriate.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift in South Korea?
A deep plane facelift is a facial-rejuvenation operation that works beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, usually shortened to SMAS. The surgeon releases selected retaining ligaments and repositions the cheek, lower-face and sometimes neck tissues as a connected unit. The aim is to restore descended tissue rather than relying mainly on pulling the skin.
This approach can improve jowls, loss of cheek support, deep nasolabial folds and jawline definition. It does not stop ageing, replace lost bone structure or guarantee a specific number of years. A well-chosen SMAS facelift, extended SMAS lift or other technique may be equally appropriate for some faces, so the technique should follow your anatomy rather than a trend. Recent systematic reviews found high satisfaction after both deep-plane and SMAS approaches, while also showing that the evidence is heterogeneous and does not prove one method is universally superior.
| Approach | Tissue handled | Often considered for | Key question to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep plane facelift | Skin and deeper facial layer are mobilised together after selected ligament release. | Midface descent, jowls and lower-face ageing requiring broader mobilisation. | Which ligaments will be released, and how will facial-nerve branches be protected? |
| SMAS facelift | The SMAS may be tightened, folded, cut or repositioned separately from the skin. | Lower-face and neck laxity where tailored vector control is useful. | Which SMAS method will be used and what ageing features will it correct? |
| Mini facelift | More limited dissection, often concentrated around the lower face. | Earlier or milder jowling with relatively good neck and skin quality. | What will remain untreated, and how likely is early under-correction? |
| Neck lift | Platysma, fat and deeper neck structures may be addressed. | Neck bands, submental fullness and poor jaw-neck definition. | Is neck correction included in the facelift quote or billed separately? |
Practical tip: ask the surgeon to mark your face during consultation and explain which ageing signs come from skin laxity, ligament descent, fat-volume change, muscle banding or bone support. That discussion is more valuable than choosing a procedure name from social media.
Why International Patients Consider South Korea for a Deep Plane Facelift?
Patients consider South Korea because Seoul has a dense concentration of facial-aesthetic practices, specialist clinics and multilingual patient services. Many travellers are also comparing more comprehensive surgical options after fillers, threads or energy-based treatments no longer address tissue descent.
The national medical-tourism market expanded sharply in 2025. South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare reported 2.01 million international patients, up from 1.17 million in 2024 and 610,000 in 2023. Plastic surgery represented 11.2% of international-patient care in 2025, while Seoul received 87.2% of all international patients. These figures describe all registered international patients, not deep plane facelift patients specifically.
Official International-Patient Trend in South Korea
Source: Republic of Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2026 release reporting 2025 activity.
- Travellers from China, Japan and Taiwan benefit from comparatively short regional flights.
- Patients from the United States and Canada may compare Seoul with higher private surgical fees at home.
- Patients from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia increasingly use Korean aesthetic services.
- English-speaking coordinators can simplify scheduling, although an independent interpreter may still be useful for informed consent.
- The concentration of clinics makes second opinions easier to arrange before committing.
- Some facilities offer structured de-swelling care, dressing reviews and local accommodation support.
Important limitation: current official statistics do not publish a verified age-and-gender profile specifically for international deep plane facelift patients. Clinics may share their own internal demographics, but those figures should not be presented as national evidence.
Patient Demographics and Travel Patterns for Aesthetic Care in South Korea
The most reliable current demographic picture is based on nationality and medical specialty rather than age or gender. In 2025, China and Japan together represented 60.6% of international patients, Taiwan represented 9.2%, and the United States represented 8.6%. Thailand ranked fifth, with Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia also showing substantial growth.
For American patients, dermatology accounted for 44.3% of care and plastic surgery for 9.3%. Across all international patients, plastic surgery accounted for 233,000 patients, or 11.2%. This supports a strong international aesthetic market, but it does not tell you how many underwent facelifts or which facelift technique was used.
2025 Origin-Share Histogram for International Patients
This is an all-specialty distribution, not a facelift-only breakdown. Percentages are derived from official 2025 international-patient reporting.
Common motivations
More durable correction than repeated fillers, improved jawline definition, correction after weight loss, or a wish to address several facial zones together.
Emotional considerations
Your decision should come from stable personal goals, not pressure from a partner, workplace, social media, clinic salesperson or limited-time discount.
Travel realities
A facelift is major surgery. You need enough time in Korea for review, suture care, unexpected swelling and changes to your return-flight plan.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift in South Korea?
A suitable candidate usually has visible tissue descent that cannot be corrected adequately with skincare or non-surgical tightening. Your age alone does not determine suitability; skin quality, facial anatomy, previous procedures, health, expectations and healing risks matter more.
Your surgeon should review smoking or nicotine use, high blood pressure, diabetes, bleeding disorders, previous facial surgery, facial nerve problems, scarring history, blood-thinning medicines, supplements, hormone therapy and major weight changes. Do not stop prescribed medicines without instructions from the doctor who manages them.
You may be a reasonable candidate when
- You have moderate or advanced jowls, cheek descent or neck laxity.
- Your weight is stable and your overall health supports elective surgery.
- You understand that scars fade but do not disappear.
- You can remain in Korea for postoperative review.
- You accept that symmetry improves, but perfect symmetry is unrealistic.
Surgery may need postponement or another plan when
- You use nicotine and cannot follow a surgeon-led cessation plan.
- Diabetes or blood pressure is poorly controlled.
- You have an active infection or unstable medical condition.
- You expect surgery to solve relationship, career or self-worth concerns.
- You cannot arrange safe recovery support after discharge.
Decision checkpoint: ask whether a smaller operation, a different vector, neck-only correction, volume restoration or no surgery would better match your concern. A trustworthy surgeon should be willing to recommend less surgery when appropriate.
How a Deep Plane Facelift Is Planned and Performed in South Korea?
Planning starts with medical screening, facial examination and a discussion about the zones that bother you. The surgeon should evaluate your cheeks, jowls, jawline, neck, platysma bands, fat distribution, eyelids, brow position, hairline, scars, facial asymmetry and previous filler placement.
During surgery, incisions are commonly positioned around the hairline and ear, with the exact design adapted to your anatomy and hairstyle. The surgeon enters the planned tissue plane, releases selected retaining ligaments, repositions the deeper tissue and removes only the skin that can be closed without excessive tension. Neck correction may require additional work under the chin or around the platysma.
- Remote review: photographs, history, previous operative notes and treatment goals are assessed.
- In-person consultation: the surgeon confirms anatomy, checks skin and nerve function and revises the plan.
- Preoperative testing: tests vary by age, health, anaesthesia plan and facility protocol.
- Anaesthesia and surgery: general anaesthesia or another medically appropriate plan is used in a licensed surgical setting.
- Immediate monitoring: staff watch for bleeding, airway concerns, blood-pressure changes and early haematoma.
- Follow-up: dressings, drains, sutures, bruising, sensation and wound edges are reviewed according to the surgeon’s schedule.
| Planning question | Why it matters? | Acceptable evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Who performs every critical part? | Protects against undisclosed delegation or “ghost surgery.” | Named operating surgeon in consent, contract and operative plan. |
| What exactly is included? | “Facelift” may or may not include neck correction, fat grafting or eyelids. | Itemised written quotation with procedure codes or precise descriptions. |
| Where will surgery occur? | Emergency capability and staffing differ between facilities. | Facility name, registration status, anaesthesia team and transfer pathway. |
| How are complications handled? | Early haematoma or airway problems may require urgent intervention. | Written emergency number, after-hours protocol and financial policy. |
Deep Plane Facelift Cost in South Korea and Price Comparison
A practical 2026 planning range for a deep plane facelift in South Korea is approximately $8,000–$18,000. This is not a guaranteed price and should not replace an individual quote. Revision surgery, advanced neck work, eyelid surgery, brow lifting, fat grafting, longer operating time, hospital-level care and private nursing can increase the total.
Deep-plane-specific national price data are not published by the Korean government. Current public Seoul pricing varies substantially, so compare identical scopes of treatment. A quote that says “full facelift” may be cheaper because it excludes the neck, anaesthesia, facility charges or postoperative care.
| Country | Current planning benchmark | What the number may exclude? | Comparison caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | About $8,000–$18,000 for many current Seoul plans. | Neck lift, fat grafting, eyelids, revision work, accommodation and extended nursing. | Confirm whether the quote is procedure-only or packaged. |
| United States | ASPS reports an $11,395 average facelift surgeon fee; current deep-plane totals can be much higher. | The ASPS figure excludes anaesthesia, facility and related expenses. | Do not compare a surgeon-fee average with an all-inclusive Korean quote. |
| Australia | Published private-provider ranges vary widely, often above South Korean planning estimates. | Hospital, anaesthesia, private nursing and combined procedures. | Convert currencies only on the date you budget and verify inclusions. |
| United Kingdom and Canada | No consistent national deep-plane total is publicly standardised. | Facility, anaesthesia, overnight stay and aftercare commonly vary. | Request comparable itemised quotes rather than relying on a headline price. |
Typical Deep Plane Facelift Cost Components in South Korea
| Cost component | Usually included? | What to verify? |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon fee | Yes | Named surgeon, assistant roles and revision complexity. |
| Anaesthesia | Often, but not always | Anaesthesiologist fee, operating time and monitoring. |
| Operating facility | Often | Day surgery versus overnight stay and emergency transfer access. |
| Laboratory and medical testing | Variable | Whether extra specialist clearance is charged separately. |
| Medicines and dressings | Variable | Prescriptions, compression garment and wound supplies. |
| Aftercare | Variable | Number of reviews, de-swelling sessions and after-hours access. |
| Travel and accommodation | Usually separate | Flexible flights, companion costs and extra nights. |
| Complication or revision care | Often limited | Medical costs, facility charges, travel and time limits in the revision policy. |
Hidden-cost warning: budget for a companion, flexible flights, extra hotel nights, local transport, meals, translation, wound supplies and treatment at home if a complication appears after you leave Korea. Do not assume a cosmetic-surgery tax refund is available in 2026; confirm the current tax position in writing before payment.
How to Choose a Hospital or Clinic for a Deep Plane Facelift in South Korea?
Choose a facility by verifying its legal status, patient-safety systems and ability to manage emergencies. South Korea has required medical institutions that attract international patients to register under the national system. Registered institutions serving foreign patients are also required to carry medical-malpractice liability insurance.
KAHF, the Korean Accreditation Program for Hospitals Serving Foreign Patients, is an additional quality signal that evaluates areas such as international-patient services, patient rights, infection control and dispute prevention. KAHF can support your assessment, but it is not the only indicator of safety, and not every reputable facial-surgery clinic holds it.
| Verification item | What to request? | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| International-patient registration | Registration details and legal facility name. | A broker refuses to identify the operating facility. |
| Malpractice liability insurance | Written confirmation of coverage and complaint process. | Staff say complications are always the patient’s responsibility. |
| Anaesthesia safety | Named anaesthesia professional and continuous monitoring plan. | No clear answer about who manages anaesthesia. |
| Emergency capability | Haematoma protocol, airway equipment and hospital-transfer route. | No 24-hour number during the first postoperative days. |
| Infection control | Sterilisation, theatre access and wound-care process. | Consultation, procedure and recovery areas appear poorly separated. |
| Interpreter support | Medical interpretation for consent and discharge, not sales only. | The surgeon rarely speaks directly with you. |
Best practice: keep copies of your signed consent, itemised invoice, operative summary, implant or product information if applicable, medicines, test results and emergency contacts. Ask for English-language copies before leaving South Korea.
How to Verify a Deep Plane Facelift Surgeon in South Korea?
Verify that your surgeon is a trained plastic-surgery specialist rather than relying on the words “cosmetic surgeon.” The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons provides an English member-search function. Membership alone does not prove deep plane expertise, so you must also review focused training, case volume, outcomes and complication management.
Ask how many deep plane or extended SMAS facelifts the surgeon personally performs each year, how often a neck lift is added, who closes the incisions and how the surgeon approaches facial-nerve anatomy. Before-and-after photographs should include consistent lighting, angles, time points and patients with anatomy similar to yours.
Credential checks
- Plastic-surgery specialist status
- KSPRS member-search result
- Current facility affiliation
- No unexplained name differences
Experience checks
- Annual facelift case volume
- Revision-facelift experience
- Deep plane and neck anatomy training
- Complication and reoperation process
Communication checks
- Surgeon-led consultation
- Clear alternatives and limitations
- No pressure to add procedures
- Written revision and aftercare policy
Red flag: a coordinator promises a celebrity result, says the technique is risk-free, discourages a second opinion or will not confirm the operating surgeon before you pay a large non-refundable deposit.
Deep Plane Facelift Risks, Complications and Emergency Signs
A deep plane facelift is major surgery with real risks. Expected effects include swelling, bruising, tightness, numbness, temporary asymmetry and visible scars. Complications can include haematoma, infection, skin-healing problems, hair loss near incisions, unfavourable scarring, prolonged numbness, contour irregularity, facial-nerve weakness, anaesthesia reactions and blood clots.
A 2025 systematic review of facelift-related facial-nerve injury estimated a pooled nerve-injury rate below 1%, but study definitions and follow-up varied. Another recent comparison of deep-plane and SMAS facelifts found high satisfaction in both groups while reporting different overall complication estimates. These findings should support informed consent, not marketing claims.
| Risk | How it may appear? | Risk-reduction discussion | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haematoma | Rapid one-sided swelling, severe pressure, pain or bruising. | Blood-pressure control, medicine review and early monitoring. | Treat as urgent; contact the surgical team immediately. |
| Infection | Increasing redness, warmth, discharge, fever or worsening pain. | Sterile technique, wound instructions and timely review. | Prompt medical assessment; do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics. |
| Nerve injury | New weakness, uneven smile, difficulty closing an eye or altered sensation. | Specialist anatomy training and careful dissection. | Urgent surgeon review, especially when eye closure is affected. |
| Skin compromise | Dusky colour, blistering, wound separation or dark tissue. | Nicotine avoidance, tension-free closure and vascular assessment. | Same-day review; delayed care can worsen tissue loss. |
| Blood clot | Calf swelling, chest pain, faintness or shortness of breath. | Individual clot-risk assessment, mobilisation and travel planning. | Seek emergency medical care immediately. |
Emergency warning signs: sudden facial swelling, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, a rapidly worsening wound, high fever, new inability to close an eye or new facial weakness require urgent medical assessment.
Deep Plane Facelift Recovery Timeline and Travel Plan in South Korea
Plan for a recovery measured in weeks, not days. Many patients need two to four weeks before returning to normal social or work activity. Bruising may remain visible for at least two weeks, while swelling, numbness and tightness can continue for months. Final refinement may take six to nine months.
Your surgeon’s instructions take priority because recovery varies with the extent of dissection, neck work, drains, skin quality, medical history and complications. Do not book non-refundable flights close to surgery, and do not fly simply because a fixed package says your stay is complete.
| Timeframe | Biological or clinical process | Patient sensation | Activity level | Action required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 24 hours | Early bleeding and swelling risk is highest. | Pressure, tightness, drowsiness and discomfort. | Assisted walking only. | Stay with a responsible adult and follow monitoring instructions. |
| Days 2–3 | Inflammatory swelling and bruising commonly increase. | Numbness, tightness and uneven swelling. | Short indoor walks. | Attend dressing or drain review and report rapid changes. |
| Days 4–7 | Bruising begins changing colour; wounds remain vulnerable. | Itching, stiffness and reduced sensation. | Gentle walking; no heavy lifting. | Continue local follow-up and protect incisions. |
| Days 7–14 | Sutures or staples may be removed according to the plan. | Residual bruising, tightness and numbness. | Light daily activity. | Obtain fit-to-fly advice based on your individual progress. |
| Weeks 2–4 | Major bruising often fades; swelling remains. | Face may feel firm, unfamiliar or slightly asymmetric. | Gradual return to work and social activity. | Follow restrictions for exercise, sauna, massage and hair care. |
| Months 2–3 | Scar remodelling and nerve-sensation recovery continue. | Intermittent tightness or altered sensation. | Most normal activities after clearance. | Send standardised photographs and attend local review if needed. |
| Months 6–9 | Swelling settles further and scars mature. | Face feels more natural. | Normal. | Final-outcome assessment and revision discussion only if appropriate. |
Suggested Medical-Travel Timeline
- Four to eight weeks before travel: complete remote consultations, verify credentials, organise medical records and discuss nicotine, medicines and supplements.
- Two to three days before surgery: arrive in Seoul, recover from travel and attend the in-person examination.
- First postoperative week: stay close to the clinic with an adult companion and avoid tourism plans.
- Second postoperative week: complete wound and suture reviews; fly only after individual medical clearance.
- After returning home: keep a local clinician informed and maintain scheduled virtual follow-up with the Korean surgeon.
Deep Plane Facelift Alternatives and Commonly Combined Procedures in South Korea
A deep plane facelift is not the only route to facial rejuvenation. Your surgeon may recommend a SMAS facelift, mini facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, facial fat grafting or non-surgical treatment depending on the problem you want corrected.
Combining procedures can create more balanced results, but it also increases operating time, swelling, cost and recovery demands. Do not add eyelid, brow or fat-transfer procedures merely because a package discount is available.
| Option | Best suited to | What it does not replace? | Decision question |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMAS facelift | Lower-face and neck ageing requiring tailored tissue control. | Major volume loss or eyelid ageing. | Why is this technique better for my anatomy than deep plane? |
| Mini facelift | Mild early jowling with limited neck laxity. | Advanced midface descent or significant neck bands. | Will a limited lift under-correct my main concern? |
| Neck lift | Platysma bands, neck laxity and submental contour issues. | Cheek descent and deep facial folds. | Does my jawline problem come from face, neck or both? |
| Fat grafting | Selected volume-deficient areas. | Loose skin or descended tissue. | How will overfilling and asymmetry be avoided? |
| Energy-based tightening | Mild laxity or patients not ready for surgery. | Advanced jowls, ligament descent or excess skin. | What improvement is realistic for my degree of ageing? |
Questions to Ask Before Booking a Deep Plane Facelift in South Korea
Your consultation should produce clear, written answers about the operation, the people involved and the financial agreement. Use the following checklist before paying a deposit.
- Are you a Korean plastic-surgery specialist, and where can I verify your status?
- How many deep plane facelifts do you personally perform each year?
- Which retaining ligaments will you release in my case?
- Is a neck lift included, and what neck structures will be treated?
- Who administers anaesthesia and who remains present throughout surgery?
- Who performs each critical step, and can any portion be delegated?
- What are your rates of haematoma, temporary nerve weakness and return to theatre?
- What happens if I develop a complication after clinic hours?
- How long should I stay in South Korea before flying home?
- What is included in the price, and what can trigger additional charges?
- What does the revision policy cover, and who pays travel and facility costs?
- Can I receive my operative report and follow-up plan in English?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a deep plane facelift cost in South Korea?
A practical planning range is about $8,000–$18,000, but deep-plane-specific national pricing is not published. Your total depends on surgeon experience, neck work, revision complexity, anaesthesia, facility charges, combined procedures and aftercare. Request an itemised written quote before booking.
Is a deep plane facelift safer in South Korea?
No country or technique makes facelift surgery automatically safe. Safety depends on your health, the surgeon’s training, the facility, anaesthesia standards, communication, monitoring and emergency response. Verify the surgeon and clinic independently instead of relying on destination reputation.
How long should I stay in Seoul after a deep plane facelift?
Many international patients plan roughly 10–14 days, but the correct stay is individual. You may need longer after extensive neck work, revision surgery, delayed healing or a complication. Book flexible travel and fly only after your surgeon confirms that recovery is progressing appropriately.
How painful is deep plane facelift recovery?
Patients often describe pressure, tightness, swelling, numbness and discomfort rather than severe pain. Pain that suddenly worsens, especially with rapid one-sided swelling, requires urgent review because it may indicate bleeding or another complication.
When can I return to work after a deep plane facelift?
Many people need two to four weeks before returning to work or major social activity. Camera-facing work may require longer because swelling and asymmetry can remain visible. Your job demands, healing pattern and the extent of surgery affect timing.
Will a deep plane facelift look natural?
It can produce a natural-looking result when the surgeon restores tissue in an appropriate direction and avoids excessive tension or volume. Technique alone does not guarantee natural results. Surgeon judgement, anatomy, incision design and realistic goals remain essential.
How long do deep plane facelift results last?
A facelift can create durable improvement, but your face continues to age. Longevity varies with anatomy, skin quality, weight changes, sun exposure, smoking and surgical plan. Be cautious with guaranteed timelines or claims that one technique is permanent.
Is a neck lift included with a deep plane facelift in South Korea?
Not always. Some surgeons include limited neck mobilisation, while others price a formal neck lift separately. Ask whether the quote addresses platysma bands, submental fat, deeper neck structures and the jaw-neck angle.
Can I travel alone for facelift surgery in South Korea?
Travelling alone is not advisable for major facial surgery. You need a responsible adult after anaesthesia and during early recovery. A paid caregiver may help, but confirm hours, clinical training, emergency responsibilities and communication with the surgeon.
How can I verify a Korean facelift surgeon?
Check the surgeon in the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons member directory and confirm the facility affiliation. Then verify focused facelift experience, annual case volume, complication protocols and consistent before-and-after documentation.
What happens if I have a complication after returning home?
Contact the Korean surgical team and seek local medical assessment when needed. Before travel, agree on who coordinates care, which records will be shared and who pays for treatment. Keep your operative report, medication list and emergency contacts accessible.
Is deep plane facelift better than SMAS facelift?
Neither technique is best for everyone. Recent reviews show high satisfaction with both approaches, but the evidence is varied and technique labels cover different operations. The better choice is the procedure your qualified surgeon can justify for your anatomy and goals.
Compare Deep Plane Facelift Options in South Korea
PlacidWay can help you compare providers, understand possible cost inclusions, organise questions for consultations and request information from clinics. A coordinator cannot replace independent medical advice, credential verification or an in-person surgical assessment.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making medical decisions.
References
- 2025 International Patient Statistics – Republic of Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Registration, Liability Insurance and KAHF Overview – New Medical Korea
- Act on International Patients and Healthcare Expansion – Korea Legislation Research Institute
- Plastic Surgeon Member Search – Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- Medical Dispute Counselling and Mediation – Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency
- Deep Plane Versus SMAS Facelift Systematic Review – PubMed
- Facelift Surgery and Nerve Injury Systematic Review – PubMed
- Facelift Recovery and Risks – NHS
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