Thread Lift in Korea: Complete Guide to PDO Threads, Prices & Results 2025
Want a lifted, more youthful face without surgery? Thread Lift (실리프팅) has become one of Korea's most popular non-surgical lifting treatments. Using dissolvable medical threads, this procedure lifts sagging skin while stimulating collagen production for long-lasting results.
What is Thread Lift?
Thread Lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses medical-grade dissolvable threads inserted under the skin to lift and tighten sagging tissue. The threads physically lift the skin while stimulating your body's natural collagen production.
How It Works:
- Threads are inserted under the skin using fine needles
- Barbed or cogged threads grip tissue and lift
- Immediate lifting effect visible
- Threads dissolve over months
- Collagen production continues even after threads dissolve
Also Known As:
- PDO Thread Lift
- 실리프팅 (Sil-lifting)
- V-Line Lift
- Non-surgical facelift
Types of Threads
By Material
| Thread Type | Duration | Best For | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDO | 6-12 months | Most popular, proven safety | $ |
| PLLA | 18+ months | Superior collagen stimulation | $$ |
| PCL | 2-3 years | Maximum longevity | $$$ |
PDO (Polydioxanone)
The most commonly used thread material:
- First material used for thread lifting
- Strong lifting power
- Minimal tissue reaction
- Excellent safety profile
- Promotes collagen synthesis as it dissolves
PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)
- Superior collagen induction
- Longer lasting results
- Mid-range pricing
- Good for moderate sagging
PCL (Polycaprolactone)
- Longest duration (2-3 years)
- Premium pricing
- Best for significant lifting needs
- Latest technology
By Thread Design
Mono Threads:
- Smooth, single threads
- 3-4 months duration
- Best for skin rejuvenation
- Lower cost
Spring Threads:
- Coiled design
- 6-8 months duration
- Good for elasticity
- Moderate lifting
Cog Threads:
- Barbed design that grips tissue
- 12+ months duration
- Strong lifting effect
- Most popular for face lifting
Thread Lift Prices in Korea (2025)
| Category | Korean Won (₩) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | ₩550,000 | ~$425 |
| Budget Clinics | ₩200,000-400,000 | $155-310 |
| Premium Clinics | ₩800,000-1,500,000 | $615-1,150 |
Prices as of December 2025. Costs vary by thread type, quantity, and clinic.
Price Factors
What Affects Cost:
- Thread material: PCL > PLLA > PDO
- Number of threads: More threads = higher cost
- Thread type: Cog threads cost more than mono
- Treatment area: Full face vs. partial
- Doctor expertise: Experienced doctors charge more
- Clinic location: Gangnam/Apgujeong premiums
Typical Thread Quantities
| Area | Threads Needed | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jawline only | 10-20 threads | $300-500 |
| Mid-face | 20-40 threads | $500-800 |
| Full face | 40-60 threads | $800-1,500 |
Expected Results
Immediate Effects
- Visible lifting within hours
- Improved facial contours
- Tighter skin appearance
Progressive Results
- Week 1-2: Swelling subsides, results settle
- Week 2-4: Collagen stimulation begins
- Month 2-3: Skin quality improves
- Month 6-12: Continued collagen benefits
Duration of Results
- PDO threads: 6-12 months
- PLLA threads: 18+ months
- PCL threads: 2-3 years
Results extend beyond thread dissolution due to collagen remodeling
Treatment Areas
Face:
- Cheeks and mid-face
- Jawline and jowls
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Brow lift
- Neck
Body:
- Arms
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Buttocks
The Procedure
Before Treatment
- Consultation and facial analysis
- Medical history review
- Treatment plan discussion
- Photos taken
During Treatment
- Area cleansed and marked
- Local anesthesia applied
- Threads inserted via fine needles
- Threads positioned and adjusted
- Entry points closed
Duration: 30-60 minutes depending on area
After Treatment
- Mild swelling and bruising (1-2 weeks)
- Slight pulling sensation (normal)
- Pain medication if needed
- Results visible immediately
Recovery and Aftercare
First 24-48 Hours:
- Avoid touching face
- Sleep on back, elevated
- No strenuous activity
- Ice packs for swelling
First 1-2 Weeks:
- No facial massages
- Avoid extreme expressions
- Skip saunas and hot baths
- Gentle skincare only
First Month:
- No dental work
- Avoid sleeping on side
- Gentle exercise only
Potential Side Effects
Common (Temporary):
- Swelling (1-2 weeks)
- Bruising (1-2 weeks)
- Pulling/tightness sensation
- Minor pain
- Dimpling (usually resolves)
Rare:
- Infection
- Thread visibility
- Asymmetry
- Thread migration
- Prolonged numbness
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates:
- Ages 30-60 with mild to moderate sagging
- Good skin elasticity
- Realistic expectations
- Not ready for surgical facelift
- Wanting immediate results
Not Recommended For:
- Severe skin laxity (surgery better)
- Active skin infections
- Bleeding disorders
- Autoimmune conditions
- Unrealistic expectations
Thread Lift vs. Other Lifting Treatments
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Duration | Downtime | Cost (Korea) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thread Lift | Minimal | 6-24 months | 1-2 weeks | $400-1,500 |
| Ulthera | Non-invasive | 6-18 months | None | $400-1,500 |
| Thermage | Non-invasive | 6-12 months | None | $400-2,300 |
| Surgical Facelift | Surgical | 5-10 years | 2-4 weeks | $3,000-10,000 |
Choosing the Right Clinic
What to Look For:
- Board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist
- Experience with thread lifting
- Uses quality, certified threads
- Before/after photos available
- Clear pricing structure
Red Flags:
- Prices too good to be true
- Unknown thread brands
- Pressure to decide immediately
- No consultation before treatment
FAQ
Q: How painful is thread lift? A: With local anesthesia, most patients describe mild discomfort, not significant pain. Post-procedure soreness is manageable with medication.
Q: How many threads do I need? A: Typically 10-30 threads per area. Your doctor will recommend based on your goals and facial structure.
Q: Can I combine thread lift with other treatments? A: Yes, thread lifts pair well with Botox, fillers, and skin boosters. Timing should be discussed with your doctor.
Q: What if I don't like the results? A: Threads dissolve naturally over time. If positioned incorrectly, adjustments or removal may be possible.
Q: How soon can I see results? A: Immediate lifting is visible, though final results appear after swelling subsides (1-2 weeks).
Q: How long until I can return to normal activities? A: Most people return to work in 2-3 days, with full recovery in 1-2 weeks.
Conclusion
Thread Lift offers a compelling middle ground between non-invasive treatments and surgical facelifts. With immediate lifting effects, collagen-stimulating benefits, and results lasting 6-24 months, it's a popular choice for those seeking noticeable but temporary rejuvenation.
Korea's expertise in thread lifting, competitive pricing, and variety of thread options make it an excellent destination for this treatment.
Ready for a lifted, more youthful look? Consult with a qualified Korean practitioner to determine if thread lift is right for you.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about thread lift procedures. It is not intended as medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
Last Updated: December 2025