Thread Lift in Korea: Non-Surgical Face Lifting Guide 2025

For those seeking facial lifting without going under the knife, thread lifting has emerged as one of Korea's most popular non-surgical alternatives to traditional facelifts. Using dissolvable medical-grade sutures inserted beneath the skin, this minimally invasive procedure promises immediate lifting effects, collagen stimulation, and facial rejuvenation with minimal downtime.

Korea has become a global leader in thread lift techniques, offering advanced thread types, experienced practitioners, and competitive pricing that attracts both local and international patients. According to recent data from Korean dermatology clinics, 69% of patients see immediate lifting effects right after treatment—a remarkably high satisfaction rate for a non-surgical procedure.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about thread lifting in Korea, including how the procedure works, different thread types (PDO, PLLA, PCL), realistic pricing, what results to expect, potential side effects, and critical factors to consider before committing to treatment.

What is Thread Lifting?

Thread lifting (실리프팅) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses temporary sutures (threads) inserted under the skin to produce a subtle but visible lift in sagging facial tissue. These threads serve two purposes: immediate mechanical lifting and gradual collagen stimulation as the body responds to the foreign material.

How It Works

Immediate Mechanism:

1. Medical-grade threads are inserted through small needle entry points
2. Threads have tiny barbs, cones, or cogs that grip tissue
3. Practitioner pulls threads to lift sagging skin
4. Threads are anchored to stable tissue structures
5. Immediate lifting effect visible

Long-Term Mechanism:

1. Body recognizes threads as foreign material
2. Inflammatory healing response triggered
3. Collagen production increases around threads
4. Tissue remodeling and tightening occurs
5. Threads gradually dissolve (absorbed by body)
6. New collagen structure remains

Types of Threads by Material

PDO (Polydioxanone):

• Most common thread material
• Fully absorbable suture
• Dissolves in 6-8 months
• Stimulates collagen for 3-4 months
• Duration: 3-8 months depending on type
• Best for: Budget-friendly, first-time patients

PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid):

• Longer-lasting material
• Known for strong collagen stimulation
• Starts dissolving after 6 months
• Effects last 1-2 years
• Duration: 12-24 months
• Best for: Those seeking longer results

PCL (Polycaprolactone):

• Longest-lasting dissolvable thread
• Very slow absorption rate
• Starts dissolving after 12 months
• Effects last 2-3 years
• Duration: 24-36 months
• Best for: Maximum longevity, willing to invest more

Types of Threads by Shape

Mono Threads (Smooth):

• No barbs or cogs
• Purely for collagen stimulation
• Minimal lifting effect
• Used for skin tightening and texture improvement
• Less invasive, lower risk

Cog/Barbed Threads:

• Have directional barbs or cogs
• Provide mechanical lifting
• Grip tissue for repositioning
• More dramatic immediate results
• Higher skill required

Screw/Spring Threads:

• Twisted or coiled design
• Add volume while lifting
• Used for hollow areas
• Combines lifting + volumizing

Expected Results and Timeline

Patient Satisfaction Data

According to data from Korean clinics with 7,352 thread lift patients:

• 69% saw immediate effects after treatment: Visible lifting right away
• 24% noticed results within one week: As initial swelling subsides
• 7% saw results within one month: Gradual collagen effects

This high immediate satisfaction rate is one of thread lifting's main appeals.

Results Timeline

Immediate (Day 0-7):

• Visible lifting effect from mechanical thread action
• Some swelling may mask full results initially
• Face appears more contoured and lifted
• Improvement in sagging jowls, cheeks, or brows

Weeks 2-4:

• Swelling completely resolves
• True lifting results become apparent
• Minor adjustments as threads settle
• Skin adapts to new position

Months 2-6:

• Peak collagen production period
• Progressive improvement in skin quality
• Enhanced firmness and elasticity
• Optimal aesthetic results

Months 6-12+ (depending on thread type):

• PDO: Effects begin diminishing after 6 months
• PLLA: Maintained through 12-24 months
• PCL: Sustained for 24-36 months
• Gradual return to baseline as threads fully dissolve

Realistic Expectations

What thread lifts CAN achieve:

• Mild to moderate lifting of sagging tissue
• Improved jawline definition
• Subtle brow lift
• Reduced jowls and marionette lines
• Enhanced facial contours
• Skin tightening and quality improvement

What thread lifts CANNOT achieve:

• Dramatic facelift-level transformation
• Reversal of severe sagging
• Volume restoration (needs fillers)
• Permanent results
• Complete elimination of deep wrinkles

Best results: 20-40% improvement in sagging, most noticeable in mild to moderate cases.

Thread Lift Prices in Korea (2025)

Based on current market data from Seoul clinics:

Overall Pricing Structure

Average prices:

• Overall average: ₩554,062 (~$426)
• Budget range: ₩16,500-₩35,000 ($13-$27) per thread
• Premium range: ₩1,500,000-₩2,700,000 ($1,154-$2,077) for full procedures

Per-thread pricing (common metric):

• Lowest: ₩4,290 ($3.30)
• Average: ₩69,000 ($53)
• Highest: ₩437,500 ($336)

Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD.

Pricing by Treatment Area

Price Variables

Thread material:

• PDO: Least expensive
• PLLA: Mid-range (+30-50% vs PDO)
• PCL: Most expensive (+50-100% vs PDO)

Thread type:

• Mono (smooth): Less expensive
• Cog/barbed: Mid-range
• Specialized (screw, multi-directional): Premium

Geographic location:

• Gangnam/Apgujeong: Premium pricing (₩800,000-₩2,000,000 / $615-$1,538)
• Other Seoul areas: Standard (₩500,000-₩1,200,000 / $385-$923)
• Regional cities: Budget (₩300,000-₩800,000 / $231-$615)

Practitioner type:

• Plastic surgeons: Highest rates
• Experienced dermatologists: Mid-high rates
• General practitioners: Lower rates (not recommended)

Warning About Low Prices

Red flag pricing: Extremely low prices (under ₩30,000 / $23 per thread) may indicate:

• Inexperienced practitioners
• Low-quality threads
• Inadequate thread count for results
• Rushed procedures

Cost vs. value: Thread lifting requires significant skill. Choose based on practitioner expertise, not just price.

The Thread Lift Procedure

Consultation (20-30 minutes)

• Facial assessment and sagging evaluation
• Discussion of realistic expectations
• Thread type and count recommendation
• Review of medical history
• Before photos from multiple angles

Pre-Treatment (15-20 minutes)

1. Facial marking: Practitioner maps thread placement
2. Cleansing: Thorough cleaning of treatment area
3. Anesthesia: Local anesthetic injections at entry and exit points
4. Wait time: 10-15 minutes for numbing to take effect

Treatment Process (30-90 minutes)

Thread insertion:

1. Small needle or cannula creates entry point
2. Thread is guided along predetermined path
3. For barbed threads: Tension applied to lift tissue
4. Thread anchored to stable tissue or exit point
5. Entry point secured
6. Process repeated for each thread

Sensation during treatment:

• Pressure and pulling feeling
• Some discomfort despite numbing (3-5/10)
• Tugging sensation as threads are positioned
• Generally tolerable

Post-Treatment (10 minutes)

• Ice packs applied to reduce swelling
• Final positioning check
• Post-care instructions provided
• Can leave clinic immediately

Duration Factors

• Simple procedures (4-6 threads): 30-45 minutes
• Moderate procedures (8-12 threads): 60 minutes
• Extensive procedures (15-20 threads): 90+ minutes

Post-Treatment Care and Downtime

Immediate After-Effects

Normal reactions:

• Swelling: Moderate, especially around thread entry points
• Bruising: Common, varies by individual
• Asymmetry: Temporary as swelling is uneven
• Tightness: Pulling or taut feeling
• Dimpling: Skin indentations where threads anchor (usually temporary)
• Visible thread ends: May be slightly palpable or visible

Downtime Expectations

Social downtime: 5-7 days

• Days 1-3: Significant swelling, visible bruising
• Days 4-7: Improving but still noticeable
• Week 2: Most swelling resolved
• Week 3+: Back to normal appearance

Functional limitations: 1-2 weeks

• Work: Most return after 3-5 days
• Makeup: Can apply after 24-48 hours
• Normal activities: Resume after 1 week
• Exercise: Wait 2 weeks

Critical Post-Treatment Instructions

First 24-48 Hours:

✅ DO:

• Sleep elevated (2-3 pillows) on back
• Apply ice packs regularly
• Take prescribed pain relievers
• Keep head upright as much as possible
• Expect and accept swelling

❌ AVOID:

• Sleeping on your side or stomach (CRITICAL)
• Opening mouth too wide
• Excessive facial expressions
• Massaging or touching treated areas
• Hot showers or baths

First 2 Weeks:

✅ DO:

• Continue sleeping on back
• Gentle facial care
• Soft foods initially
• Follow all practitioner instructions

❌ AVOID:

• Dental work or teeth cleaning
• Face-down positions (yoga, massages)
• Vigorous chewing (hard foods)
• Saunas, hot yoga, steam rooms
• Strenuous exercise
• Facial massage or aggressive skincare
• Any pressure on treated areas

First Month:

❌ AVOID:

• Facial treatments (facials, peels, lasers)
• Dental procedures if possible
• Excessive facial movements
• Sleeping positions that create pressure

Why These Restrictions Matter

Threads need time to integrate with tissue. Pressure, movement, or manipulation can:

• Cause threads to shift or migrate
• Create dimpling or asymmetry
• Reduce lifting effectiveness
• Lead to thread extrusion (poking through skin)

Side Effects and Complications

Common (Temporary)

• Swelling: Expected, resolves in 1-2 weeks
• Bruising: Common, fades in 7-14 days
• Pain/discomfort: Managed with OTC pain relievers
• Tightness: Pulling sensation, diminishes over weeks
• Temporary dimpling: Usually resolves as swelling goes down
• Asymmetry: From uneven swelling, typically corrects

Uncommon but Important

⚠️ Thread visibility/palpability: Threads can be felt or seen under skin

• More common in thin-skinned areas
• May improve over time or require removal

⚠️ Dimpling (permanent): Skin indentations that don't resolve

• From threads pulling too tightly
• More common with aggressive lifting
• May require thread removal

⚠️ Thread migration: Threads move from original position

• Can cause asymmetry
• May need repositioning or removal

⚠️ Thread extrusion: Thread pokes through skin

• Requires removal of exposed portion
• Can happen weeks to months post-treatment

⚠️ Infection: Rare but serious

• Signs: increasing pain, warmth, pus
• Requires immediate medical attention
• May necessitate thread removal

Rare but Serious

⚠️ Nerve damage: Temporary or permanent numbness, weakness ⚠️ Facial asymmetry: Permanent if threads settle unevenly ⚠️ Scarring: From infection or poor healing ⚠️ Allergic reaction: To thread material or anesthetic

The "Technique Matters" Reality

Critical insight: Thread lift complications are almost always due to:

• Inexperienced practitioners
• Incorrect thread placement
• Too much tension on threads
• Wrong thread type for the concern
• Patient not following post-care

Operator skill is paramount. This is not a procedure to choose based on price alone.

Who Should Avoid Thread Lifts?

Absolute contraindications: ❌ Pregnancy or breastfeeding ❌ Active facial infections ❌ Blood clotting disorders ❌ Autoimmune diseases (relative—consult doctor) ❌ Keloid scarring tendency ❌ Unrealistic expectations

Relative contraindications: ⚠️ Very thin facial skin (higher visibility risk) ⚠️ Severe skin sagging (better suited to surgery) ⚠️ Recent facial surgery (wait 6-12 months) ⚠️ Upcoming dental work (wait 4-6 weeks after threads) ⚠️ Very active lifestyle (may struggle with restrictions)

Age considerations:

• Too young (under 30): Usually don't need threads yet
• Ideal age: 35-60 with mild to moderate sagging
• Too old (70+): Severe sagging better addressed surgically

Thread Lift vs. Other Treatments

Thread Lift vs. Surgical Facelift

Thread Lift vs. HIFU (Shurink, Ulthera)

Combination approach: Many patients do both—threads for mechanical lifting, HIFU for skin tightening.

Thread Lift vs. Inmode (RF)

Finding the Right Practitioner in Seoul

Essential Qualifications

✅ Board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist ✅ Extensive thread lift experience (100+ procedures minimum) ✅ Before/after portfolio with realistic results ✅ Clear explanation of risks and limitations ✅ Proper consultation with realistic expectation-setting ✅ Emergency protocol for complications

Red Flags

❌ Prices dramatically below market rate ❌ Guarantees perfect, permanent results ❌ Rushes consultation or pressures immediate booking ❌ Cannot clearly explain thread type being used ❌ No discussion of potential complications ❌ Unwilling to show credentials or portfolio ❌ Practices in non-medical facility

Critical Questions to Ask

1. "What type of threads will you use and why?" (Should explain material and design choice)
2. "How many threads do you recommend and where exactly?"
3. "How many thread lift procedures do you perform per month?"
4. "Can I see before/after photos of patients with similar concerns?"
5. "What happens if threads migrate, extrude, or I'm not satisfied?"
6. "What is your complication rate and how do you handle them?"
7. "What brand of threads do you use?" (Research the brand independently)

Clinic Selection by Area

Gangnam/Apgujeong:

• Highest concentration of experienced surgeons
• Latest thread technology
• English support available
• Premium pricing ($800-$1,538)
• Best for: International patients wanting top expertise

Other Seoul Districts:

• Good quality at moderate pricing ($500-$900)
• Mix of plastic surgeons and dermatologists
• Variable English support
• Best for: Budget-conscious with Korean language ability

Important: Don't choose based on location alone. Practitioner skill trumps convenience.

Combining Thread Lifts with Other Treatments

Safe Combinations (with proper timing)

✅ Fillers (4-6 weeks apart):

• Threads for lifting
• Fillers for volume
• Complementary effects

✅ Botox (2-4 weeks apart):

• Threads for structure
• Botox for wrinkles
• Different mechanisms

✅ Skin boosters (2-3 weeks after threads):

• Threads for lifting
• Boosters for skin quality

✅ HIFU/RF treatments (4-6 weeks apart):

• Can enhance overall tightening
• Don't do too close together

Treatments to Avoid Combining

❌ Multiple lifting procedures simultaneously (thread + HIFU same day) ❌ Facial treatments within 4 weeks (facials, peels, lasers) ❌ Dental work within 4-6 weeks

Real Patient Experiences

What Patients Love

✔ "Saw immediate lifting effect—very satisfying" ✔ "Much less invasive than I expected" ✔ "Back to work in 4 days with makeup" ✔ "Jawline looks so much sharper" ✔ "Results natural—people couldn't tell I had anything done"

Common Complaints

✘ "More swelling and bruising than anticipated" ✘ "Sleeping on back for weeks was difficult" ✘ "Some threads were visible under my skin" ✘ "Results didn't last as long as promised" ✘ "One thread migrated and needed removal" ✘ "Expensive for temporary results"

Managing Expectations

Best outcomes for:

• Mild to moderate sagging
• Realistic expectations (subtle improvement, not transformation)
• Excellent post-care compliance
• Choosing highly experienced practitioners
• Ages 35-55 with good skin quality

Disappointing outcomes for:

• Severe sagging (need surgery instead)
• Expecting permanent results
• Inability to follow post-care restrictions
• Choosing based on lowest price
• Very thin skin or minimal fat

FAQ

Q: Does thread lifting hurt? A: During procedure: 3-5/10 with local anesthetic. After: 4-6/10 discomfort for a few days, manageable with pain relievers.

Q: How long do results last? A: PDO: 3-8 months. PLLA: 12-24 months. PCL: 24-36 months. Individual variation based on thread type, thread count, and personal factors.

Q: Can threads be removed if I don't like the results? A: Yes, threads can be removed, though it requires another procedure. PDO threads dissolve naturally within 6-8 months regardless.

Q: Will I look pulled or unnatural? A: With skilled practitioners: no. Results should be subtle and natural. Overdone thread lifts look tight or create visible dimpling.

Q: Can I get thread lifts multiple times? A: Yes, but wait until previous threads have fully dissolved. Multiple overlapping procedures can cause tissue damage.

Q: How is thread lifting different from a facelift? A: Thread lifts provide subtle, temporary lifting with minimal invasiveness. Facelifts provide dramatic, long-lasting results but require surgery and significant recovery.

Q: What's the biggest risk? A: Thread migration, extrusion, or visible/palpable threads under skin. Choosing experienced practitioners dramatically reduces these risks.

Q: Can I exercise after thread lifting? A: Wait 2 weeks minimum. Facial movement and increased blood flow can shift threads before they integrate with tissue.

Conclusion

Thread lifting offers a middle ground between non-invasive treatments like HIFU and surgical facelifts, providing immediate mechanical lifting with moderate longevity and minimal downtime. With 69% of patients seeing immediate results and costs ranging from $385-$1,154 in Korea, it's an accessible option for those with mild to moderate facial sagging.

Key takeaways:

• Immediate results: 69% see effects right away (high satisfaction)
• Multiple thread types: PDO (6-8 months), PLLA (12-24 months), PCL (24-36 months)
• Moderate cost: $385-$1,154 depending on thread count and type
• Some downtime: 5-7 days social downtime, 2 weeks restrictions
• Temporary: All threads eventually dissolve
• Skill-dependent: Results heavily depend on practitioner expertise

Best suited for:

• Ages 35-60 with mild to moderate sagging
• Those seeking improvement without surgery
• People who can follow strict post-care
• Realistic expectations (subtle lift, not transformation)
• Willingness to repeat for maintained results

Critical success factors:

• Choose experienced, board-certified practitioners (paramount)
• Follow ALL post-treatment restrictions (sleeping position crucial)
• Understand results are temporary
• Budget for maintenance or accept gradual return to baseline
• Don't choose based on lowest price

Korea's expertise in thread lifting, combined with competitive pricing and advanced thread technology, makes it an attractive destination for this procedure. However, the importance of practitioner skill cannot be overstated—thread lifting complications are almost always technique-related.

Ready to explore thread lifting? Consult multiple board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists in Seoul, review extensive portfolios, ask detailed questions about technique and experience, and ensure you fully understand both the potential benefits and risks before proceeding.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about thread lift procedures. It is not medical advice. Individual results vary dramatically based on facial anatomy, skin quality, thread type, thread count, practitioner skill, and post-care compliance.

Thread lifting carries significant risks including thread migration, extrusion, visibility/palpability, dimpling, asymmetry, infection, nerve damage, and unsatisfactory results. Complications requiring thread removal are not uncommon. Choosing inexperienced practitioners dramatically increases complication risk.

Critical warning: Thread lifting is highly technique-dependent. The practitioner's skill and experience matter more than thread brand or cost. Never choose based on lowest price alone. Always verify practitioner credentials, experience level (minimum 100+ procedures), and review extensive before/after portfolios.

Results are temporary. All dissolvable threads eventually absorb completely. Maintenance treatments are required for sustained results.

Always consult with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist before undergoing thread lifting. Discuss your complete medical history, realistic expectations, all potential risks and benefits, alternative treatments, and long-term maintenance requirements.

If you experience severe pain, signs of infection (fever, pus, increasing redness), thread extrusion, or concerning symptoms after thread lifting, seek immediate medical attention.

Last Updated: November 11, 2025 Reading Time: 15 minutes