Thread Lift in Korea: Complete Guide to Prices, Types & Results 2025

If you've been searching for a non-surgical alternative to a facelift that delivers immediate results without the downtime, thread lifting has likely caught your attention. Korea has become the global epicenter for this innovative procedure, with Seoul's dermatology clinics performing thousands of thread lift treatments daily using advanced techniques and premium materials.

Thread lifting offers an appealing middle ground: more dramatic than fillers, less invasive than surgery. But with prices varying wildly (from $230 to over $1,000), different thread types, and varying results, understanding what you're getting into is crucial before booking your appointment.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting a thread lift in Korea in 2025—from the science behind PDO threads to realistic expectations about results and longevity.

What is Thread Lifting?

Thread lifting (실리프팅) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that lifts and tightens sagging skin using medical-grade dissolvable threads. These threads are inserted under the skin using fine needles or cannulas, creating immediate mechanical lift while simultaneously stimulating collagen production for long-term skin rejuvenation.

Think of it as creating an invisible scaffolding under your skin that:

• Physically lifts sagging tissue
• Anchors skin in a more youthful position
• Triggers your body's healing response
• Promotes new collagen formation around the threads
• Gradually dissolves while leaving improved structure behind

How Thread Lifts Work

The Dual-Action Effect:

1. Immediate Mechanical Lift When threads are inserted and positioned, they physically pull sagging skin upward and backward, creating instant visible lifting. The threads have tiny barbs, cones, or cogs that grip tissue and hold it in the desired position.

2. Delayed Bio-stimulation Effect Over the following weeks and months, your body recognizes the threads as a foreign object and initiates a healing response. This creates:

• Increased collagen production around each thread
• Formation of new connective tissue
• Improved skin thickness and elasticity
• Enhanced structural support even after threads dissolve

The threads themselves are made from PDO (polydioxanone), a biocompatible material that's been used in medical sutures for decades. They completely dissolve within 6-12 months, but the collagen framework they've stimulated remains.

Types of Thread Lifts Available in Korea

Korean clinics offer several thread types, each designed for specific concerns and areas:

PDO Mono Threads (모노실)

What they are:

• Single smooth threads without barbs
• Thinnest and most delicate type
• Used in high density (20-60+ threads)

Best for:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin texture improvement
• Subtle tightening
• Collagen stimulation
• Neck and décolletage

Results last: 3-4 months

Price range: ₩50,000-₩200,000 ($40-$155) for 10-20 threads

PDO Cog/Barbed Threads (코그실)

What they are:

• Threads with tiny barbs or cogs along the length
• Create stronger grip on tissue
• Fewer threads needed (4-12 per side typically)

Best for:

• Moderate sagging
• Jawline definition
• Cheek lifting
• Nasolabial fold reduction
• Mid-face rejuvenation

Results last: 6-12 months

Price range: ₩300,000-₩800,000 ($230-$615) for full face

PDO Screw/Spring Threads (스프링실)

What they are:

• One or two threads twisted into a spiral/spring shape
• Provide volume addition along with lift
• Medium-strength lifting

Best for:

• Volume loss areas
• Cheek augmentation
• Under-eye hollows
• Temples
• Jawline contouring

Results last: 6-8 months

Price range: ₩400,000-₩900,000 ($310-$690) for treatment area

Silhouette Soft / InMode Threads (프리미엄 실)

What they are:

• Premium branded threads
• Bi-directional cones for maximum grip
• Longer lasting than standard PDO

Best for:

• Significant sagging
• Maximum lift results
• Longer-lasting outcomes
• Premium treatment option

Results last: 12-18 months

Price range: ₩1,000,000-₩2,000,000 ($770-$1,540) for full face

Thread Lift Prices in Korea 2025

Thread lift pricing in Korea varies dramatically based on thread type, quantity, treatment area, and clinic location.

Average Pricing by Thread Type

Per Thread Pricing:

• Budget range: ₩4,290 - ₩20,000 ($3 - $15) per thread
• Mid-range: ₩20,000 - ₩60,000 ($15 - $45) per thread
• Premium: ₩60,000 - ₩437,500 ($45 - $335) per thread

Average per thread: ₩69,000 ($53)

Full Treatment Pricing

Mono Thread Packages:

• 20-40 threads: ₩150,000 - ₩300,000 ($115 - $230)
• 50-100 threads: ₩300,000 - ₩600,000 ($230 - $460)

Cog Thread Treatments:

• Face (both sides): ₩300,000 - ₩800,000 ($230 - $615)
• Face + neck: ₩600,000 - ₩1,200,000 ($460 - $920)

Premium Thread Treatments:

• Full face lift: ₩1,000,000 - ₩1,500,000 ($770 - $1,150)
• Face + neck + jawline: ₩1,500,000 - ₩2,500,000 ($1,150 - $1,920)

Seoul Regional Pricing (2025 Survey)

Based on a survey of 11 dermatology clinics in Seoul:

• Average price: ₩831,700 ($640)
• Lowest price: ₩250,000 ($192)
• Highest price: ₩1,500,000 ($1,150)

Overall Market Range

National average: ₩554,062 ($425) Lowest found: ₩16,500 ($13) - promotional first-timer offer Highest found: ₩1,500,000 ($1,150) - premium full-face treatment

What Affects Thread Lift Pricing?

Number of threads: More threads = higher cost. Mono threads require 50-100+, while cog threads need only 8-16 for full face.

Thread quality:

• Generic PDO: Most affordable
• Branded threads (Mint, Silhouette): 2-3x more expensive
• European/US imported: Premium pricing

Treatment area:

• Single area (jawline): ₩200,000-400,000
• Full face: ₩500,000-1,000,000
• Face + neck: ₩800,000-1,500,000

Clinic location:

• Gangnam/Apgujeong: 30-50% higher
• Myeongdong: Mid-range
• Outer Seoul districts: Most affordable

Doctor experience: Experienced specialists charge premium rates for their expertise and technique.

Prices as of November 2025. Consult clinics for exact current pricing.

Expected Results and Timeline

Immediate Results (Day 1)

What you'll see:

• Visible lifting effect right away
• More defined jawline
• Elevated cheeks
• Reduced sagging
• Improved facial contours

What to expect:

• Some swelling and asymmetry
• Slight bruising possible
• Skin dimpling at insertion points
• Feeling of tightness

Effectiveness data:

• 69% of patients see results immediately after treatment
• 24% notice effects within one week
• 7% see results within one month

Optimal Results (2-4 Weeks)

The "sweet spot" for thread lift results:

• Initial swelling subsides
• Threads settle into position
• Collagen production begins
• Natural-looking lift emerges
• True outcome becomes apparent

Most patients report this is when they look and feel their best—the mechanical lift is still strong, but the artificial "just done" appearance has softened into a natural rejuvenation.

Long-Term Results (3-12 Months)

As threads dissolve:

• Mechanical lift gradually relaxes (starting at 3-6 months)
• Collagen stimulation continues
• Some lift maintained by new tissue
• Skin quality improvement persists
• Face doesn't return to pre-treatment state

Longevity by thread type:

• Mono threads: 3-4 months lifting effect
• Cog/barbed threads: 6-12 months
• Spring threads: 6-8 months
• Premium threads: 12-18 months

Important note: While the lifting effect diminishes over time, the collagen stimulation benefits continue for 12-18 months. Many patients find their skin quality remains improved even after the lift fades.

The Treatment Process

Consultation (15-20 minutes)

What happens:

• Face analysis and skin assessment
• Discussion of concerns and goals
• Thread type and quantity recommendation
• Price quote provided
• Before photos taken

Questions to ask:

• How many threads do you recommend?
• What type of threads will you use?
• What results can I realistically expect?
• How long will results last?
• What are the risks for my face shape?

Treatment (30-60 minutes)

Step 1: Marking (5 minutes) Doctor draws lines on your face indicating:

• Thread placement paths
• Entry and exit points
• Direction of lift vectors

Step 2: Numbing (15-20 minutes)

• Topical anesthetic cream applied
• Local anesthetic injections at entry points
• Wait for full numbing effect

Step 3: Thread Insertion (20-30 minutes)

• Small needle creates entry point
• Thread inserted using needle or cannula
• Positioned along marked path
• Anchored and adjusted for desired lift
• Excess thread trimmed
• Process repeated for each thread

Step 4: Finishing

• Massage to shape and settle threads
• Ice pack to reduce swelling
• Final adjustments and photos
• Aftercare instructions

Pain Level

During treatment (with anesthesia):

• Numbing injections: 3-4/10 (brief sting)
• Thread insertion: 2-5/10 (pressure and tugging sensation)
• Some areas more sensitive (temples, jawline)

After treatment (first 24 hours):

• Moderate tightness and discomfort: 4-6/10
• Improves significantly after day 2-3
• Manageable with over-the-counter pain relief

Most patients describe it as uncomfortable but tolerable, not truly painful.

Recovery and Aftercare

Immediate Post-Treatment (Day 1)

What you'll experience:

• Moderate swelling (especially lower face)
• Visible thread bumps or dimpling
• Slight asymmetry
• Tightness and pulling sensation
• Possible bruising (20-30% of patients)
• Difficulty with facial expressions

What to do:

• Apply ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 off)
• Sleep with head elevated (2-3 pillows)
• Take pain relievers if needed
• Avoid touching or massaging face

Days 2-5: Peak Recovery

What you'll experience:

• Swelling peaks day 2-3, then improves
• Bruising (if present) most visible
• Discomfort when opening mouth wide
• Difficulty chewing tough foods
• Some visible irregularities

What to do:

• Continue icing regularly
• Eat soft foods (soup, smoothies, soft rice)
• Sleep elevated
• Gentle facial washing only
• No makeup for 24-48 hours

Week 1-2: Settling Phase

What you'll experience:

• Swelling 80-90% resolved
• Threads settling into final position
• Irregularities smoothing out
• Discomfort mostly gone
• Results looking more natural

What to do:

• Resume normal eating (still avoid extreme jaw movements)
• Can return to work (if no visible bruising)
• Light makeup okay
• Gentle skincare routine

Weeks 3-4: Final Results Emerge

What you'll experience:

• Swelling completely resolved
• True results visible
• Natural appearance achieved
• Full range of facial movement
• Optimal aesthetic outcome

Essential Aftercare Rules

First 24 hours:

• ❌ No sleeping on treatment side
• ❌ No makeup
• ❌ No facial massage or rubbing
• ❌ No vigorous activity
• ❌ No alcohol

First 1-2 weeks:

• ❌ No dental procedures
• ❌ No facial treatments (massage, facials, other procedures)
• ❌ No extreme facial expressions
• ❌ No sauna, steam room, or hot yoga
• ❌ No chewing gum or tough foods
• ❌ No sleeping face-down

First 1 month:

• ❌ No deep tissue facial massage
• ❌ No MRI (magnetic fields can affect threads)
• ❌ Be gentle with skincare routine
• ❌ Avoid extreme temperature exposure

Ongoing (until threads dissolve):

• ✓ Sleep on back when possible
• ✓ Be gentle when cleansing face
• ✓ Wear sunscreen daily
• ✓ Stay hydrated for optimal collagen production
• ✓ Follow healthy lifestyle (affects longevity)

Potential Side Effects and Complications

Common (Expected)

• Swelling: Moderate to significant for 3-7 days
• Bruising: 20-30% of patients, resolves in 1-2 weeks
• Dimpling: Small indentations at thread entry/exit points, temporary
• Asymmetry: Usually settles within 2 weeks
• Puckering: Skin bunching along thread path, improves as tissues relax

Occasional

• Visible/palpable threads: May feel or see threads under skin initially
• Discomfort: Tightness or pulling sensation lasting 1-2 weeks
• Limited facial movement: Temporary restriction, resolves within days
• Minor infection: Rare with proper aftercare (1-2% incidence)

Rare but Serious

• Thread extrusion: Thread works its way out through skin (requires removal)
• Migration: Threads shift from intended position
• Nerve damage: Temporary or (very rarely) permanent numbness or weakness
• Severe infection: Requires antibiotics and possibly thread removal
• Irregular contours: Permanent dimpling or asymmetry
• Allergic reaction: Very rare with PDO (biocompatible material)

Who Experiences More Complications?

Higher risk factors:

• Very thin skin
• Minimal subcutaneous fat
• Previous facial surgery or fillers
• Smoking (affects healing)
• Poor wound healing history
• Unrealistic thread placement

Minimizing risks:

• Choose experienced practitioners
• Follow aftercare religiously
• Avoid touching/manipulating face
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Report concerns immediately

Who Should Try Thread Lifts?

Ideal Candidates

Best results for:

• Age 30-55: Sweet spot for thread lifts
• Mild to moderate sagging: Not severe jowls or deep folds
• Good skin elasticity: Skin still has some bounce-back
• Realistic expectations: Understand limitations vs. surgery
• First signs of aging: Preventative approach
• Cannot have surgery: Medical or personal reasons
• Want no-downtime procedure: Back to work in days, not weeks

Specific concerns that respond well:

• Sagging cheeks
• Early jowl formation
• Undefined jawline
• Nasolabial folds (mild-moderate)
• Marionette lines (mild)
• Drooping eyebrows
• Neck laxity (mild)
• Loss of mid-face volume

Who Should Skip Thread Lifts

Not recommended for:

• Severe sagging: Surgery will provide better results
• Very loose skin: Poor elasticity won't hold threads well
• Active acne or infections: Risk of complications
• Keloid tendency: Scarring risk at entry points
• Unrealistic expectations: Expecting facelift-level results
• Very thin skin: Higher complication visibility
• Recent facial fillers: Wait 2-4 weeks between procedures
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Postpone until afterward

Age Considerations

Under 30:

• Usually too early (insufficient sagging to lift)
• Better to focus on prevention and maintenance
• Exceptions: Genetic factors, significant weight loss

30-50:

• Ideal age range
• Maximum benefit-to-risk ratio
• Results look most natural
• Good skin healing response

50+:

• Still beneficial but results less dramatic
• May need more threads
• Consider combining with other treatments
• Surgery might provide better value for severe laxity

Thread Lift vs. Other Treatments

Thread Lift vs. Surgical Facelift

Thread Lift vs. Dermal Fillers

Best approach: Often combined for optimal results—threads for lifting, fillers for volume.

Thread Lift vs. Ultherapy/HIFU

Best Seoul Areas for Thread Lifting

Gangnam District

Why go here:

• Highest concentration of thread lift specialists
• Latest thread technologies available
• Most English-speaking staff
• Luxury clinic experience

Average price: ₩600,000 - ₩1,200,000 ($460 - $920)

Best for: Premium treatment, latest techniques

Apgujeong (Rodeo Street)

Why go here:

• Celebrity favorite clinics
• High-end aesthetic focus
• Experienced practitioners
• Beautiful clinic atmospheres

Average price: ₩500,000 - ₩1,000,000 ($385 - $770)

Best for: Quality and ambiance balance

Myeongdong

Why go here:

• Tourist-friendly location
• English support common
• Competitive pricing
• Convenient central location

Average price: ₩400,000 - ₩800,000 ($310 - $615)

Best for: International visitors, mid-range budget

Hongdae/Sinchon

Why go here:

• Budget-friendly options
• Younger clientele focus
• Good quality despite lower prices
• Less intimidating atmosphere

Average price: ₩300,000 - ₩600,000 ($230 - $460)

Best for: Budget-conscious patients, first-timers

Combining Thread Lifts with Other Treatments

Korean clinics excel at combination treatments for enhanced results:

Same Session Combinations

Dermal Fillers

• Threads provide lift
• Fillers restore volume
• Comprehensive rejuvenation
• Add: ₩300,000 - ₩800,000

Botox

• Threads lift sagging
• Botox softens wrinkles
• Complete facial refresh
• Add: ₩200,000 - ₩400,000

Skin Boosters (Rejuran, Skinboosters)

• Threads for structure
• Boosters for skin quality
• Enhanced collagen production
• Add: ₩300,000 - ₩500,000

Sequential Treatments (2-4 Weeks Apart)

Before Thread Lift:

• Laser toning or IPL for pigmentation
• Chemical peel for texture
• Sets optimal skin foundation

After Thread Lift:

• Ultherapy/HIFU for tightening enhancement
• More aggressive lasers once healed
• Builds on lifting results

Maintenance Schedule

Optimal combination protocol:

1. Month 0: Thread lift
2. Month 1: Skin booster treatment
3. Month 3: Botox touch-up
4. Month 6: Filler if needed
5. Month 12: Thread lift maintenance

FAQ

Q: Does thread lifting hurt? A: With proper anesthesia, the procedure is uncomfortable but not intensely painful. Expect a tugging, pressure sensation. Post-procedure discomfort is moderate for 2-3 days, manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

Q: How long do thread lift results last? A: Depends on thread type. Mono threads last 3-4 months, standard cog threads 6-12 months, and premium threads up to 18 months. The collagen stimulation effects continue beyond when threads dissolve.

Q: Can I get thread lifts multiple times? A: Yes! Thread lifts can be repeated. Many patients get annual or bi-annual treatments as maintenance. Wait at least 6-12 months between full treatments in the same area.

Q: Will my face look unnatural or "done"? A: When performed correctly, thread lifts provide subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation—not the dramatically pulled look of overdone surgery. Results should be noticeable to you but not obviously "done" to others.

Q: What if I don't like the results? A: Unlike fillers (which can be dissolved), threads cannot be easily removed once placed. This makes choosing an experienced practitioner crucial. Most issues resolve as swelling subsides and threads settle.

Q: Can threads break or snap? A: PDO threads are quite strong and rarely break during normal facial movement. However, they are dissolvable and will naturally fragment as they dissolve over months.

Q: When can I return to work? A: Most people can return to work after 3-5 days, once major swelling subsides. If your job doesn't involve client-facing work, potentially sooner. Plan for at least one week to be safe.

Q: Are thread lifts safe? A: Yes, when performed by qualified practitioners. PDO has been used in medical sutures for over 30 years with an excellent safety profile. Serious complications are rare (less than 1%).

Q: Do threads show up on X-rays or airport scanners? A: PDO threads are not visible on X-rays and won't trigger metal detectors. They're completely undetectable to imaging and security equipment.

Q: Can I combine thread lift with existing fillers? A: Yes, but inform your doctor about all previous treatments. Ideally, space fillers and threads 2-4 weeks apart. Threads can be placed around filler areas strategically.

Conclusion

Thread lifting in Korea offers an attractive option for those seeking facial rejuvenation without surgery—providing immediate, visible results with minimal downtime at prices significantly lower than Western countries.

With costs ranging from $230 to $1,150 depending on thread type and treatment extent, Korea's competitive pricing makes this treatment accessible to international medical tourists. Combined with Seoul's concentration of experienced practitioners and access to the latest thread technologies, it's no wonder the city has become a global destination for thread lift treatments.

Key takeaways:

• ✓ Immediate results that improve over 2-4 weeks
• ✓ Moderate downtime of 3-7 days (back to work/social activities)
• ✓ Natural-looking lift when done correctly
• ✓ Temporary but repeatable (6-18 month duration)
• ✓ Affordable in Korea (40-60% less than US/Europe)
• ✓ Best for mild-moderate aging in patients 30-55

Thread lifts work best as part of a comprehensive anti-aging strategy, often combined with other treatments. They won't replace a surgical facelift for severe sagging, but for the right candidate, they offer remarkable rejuvenation without going under the knife.

Ready to explore thread lifting in Korea? Schedule consultations at multiple clinics to compare techniques, thread types, and pricing. Most offer free consultations and can show before/after photos of previous international patients. Choose a practitioner with extensive experience and realistic expectations discussions—the results are only as good as the hands performing the procedure.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about thread lift procedures. It is not intended as medical advice. Thread lifting involves inserting foreign materials under the skin and carries risks including infection, migration, nerve damage, and unsatisfactory results. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. Discuss your complete medical history, medications, allergies, and aesthetic goals during consultation to determine if thread lifting is appropriate for you. Results vary by individual and depend heavily on practitioner skill and experience.

Last Updated: November 6, 2025 Reading Time: 15 minutes