Thread Lift in Korea: Complete Guide to PDO, PLLA, PCL Types & Prices 2025
Looking for a non-surgical way to lift sagging skin and redefine your facial contours? Thread lifting has become one of Korea's most popular anti-aging treatments, offering impressive lifting results without the downtime of traditional surgery. Here's your complete guide to getting a thread lift in Seoul.
What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses medical-grade threads to lift and tighten sagging skin. The threads are inserted under the skin using fine needles, then pulled to lift the tissue and create a more youthful appearance.
Unlike surgical facelifts, thread lifts:
- Require no incisions or general anesthesia
- Have minimal downtime (2-3 days)
- Provide immediate visible results
- Stimulate natural collagen production
How Thread Lifts Work
The procedure works through two mechanisms:
1. Mechanical Lifting The threads have tiny barbs (cogs) that grip the tissue and physically pull it upward, creating an immediate lifting effect.
2. Collagen Stimulation As the threads dissolve over time, they trigger the body's healing response, producing new collagen around the thread pathway for long-lasting skin tightening.
Types of Thread Materials
The type of thread material significantly affects results, longevity, and price:
PDO (Polydioxanone) Threads
- Duration: 6-12 months absorption
- Best for: Beginners, subtle lifting
- Price: Most affordable option
- Collagen boost: Moderate
- Used in: Sutures for over 30 years
PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) Threads
- Duration: 18-24 months
- Best for: Volume loss + lifting
- Price: Mid-range
- Collagen boost: Excellent
- Same material as: Sculptra
PCL (Polycaprolactone) Threads
- Duration: 2-3 years
- Best for: Long-lasting results
- Price: Premium
- Collagen boost: Superior
- Flexibility: Most flexible material
Thread Lift Prices in Korea (2025)
Korean clinics offer competitive pricing for thread lift procedures:
| Thread Type | Price Range (KRW) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| PDO (Basic) | ₩200,000-500,000 | $155-385 |
| PDO (Full Face) | ₩800,000-1,500,000 | $615-1,150 |
| PLLA Threads | ₩1,000,000-2,000,000 | $770-1,540 |
| PCL Threads | ₩1,500,000-2,700,000 | $1,155-2,075 |
Prices as of January 2025. Costs vary based on thread count and treatment area.
Factors Affecting Price
- Number of threads used (10-50+ depending on area)
- Thread material (PDO < PLLA < PCL)
- Treatment area (jawline vs. full face)
- Clinic location and reputation
- Doctor's experience level
Treatment Areas
Thread lifts can target multiple facial areas:
Most Popular:
- Jawline and jowls
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Cheeks and midface
- Eyebrows
- Neck
Emerging Areas:
- Under-eye area
- Nose (non-surgical rhinoplasty)
- Forehead
Expected Results
Immediate Results (Day 1)
- Visible lifting and contouring
- Sharper jawline definition
- Reduced sagging
Short-term (1-2 weeks)
- Swelling subsides
- Natural-looking lift settles
- Initial tightness relaxes
Long-term (3-6 months)
- Collagen production peaks
- Skin quality improves
- Results continue to enhance
Duration of Results
| Thread Type | Results Duration |
|---|---|
| PDO | 12-18 months |
| PLLA | 18-24 months |
| PCL | 24-36 months |
The Thread Lift Procedure
Before Your Appointment
- Avoid blood-thinning medications for 1 week
- No alcohol 48 hours before
- Inform doctor of any medical conditions
During Procedure (30-60 minutes)
Step 1: Consultation & Marking Doctor examines your face and marks the insertion and exit points.
Step 2: Anesthesia Local anesthetic is applied to ensure comfort.
Step 3: Thread Insertion Fine needles are used to insert threads under the skin at strategic points.
Step 4: Lifting Threads are pulled to achieve desired lift, then excess is trimmed.
Step 5: Final Adjustments Doctor massages and adjusts for symmetry.
Recovery Timeline
| Day | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Swelling, bruising, tightness |
| Day 4-7 | Swelling decreases, some discomfort |
| Week 2 | Most swelling gone, results visible |
| Week 4 | Final results settling |
Side Effects and Risks
Common (Temporary)
- Bruising and swelling
- Tightness and pulling sensation
- Mild pain at insertion points
- Temporary asymmetry
Uncommon
- Thread visibility under skin
- Dimpling (puckering of skin)
- Thread migration
- Infection (rare)
How to Minimize Risks
- Choose experienced, board-certified doctors
- Use genuine, FDA/KFDA-approved threads
- Follow all aftercare instructions
- Avoid low-cost clinics using non-certified threads
Effectiveness Statistics (Korean Patient Data)
Based on 7,352 Korean patients:
- 69% saw effects immediately after swelling subsided
- 24% noticed results at 1 week
- 7% experienced results within 1 month
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates:
- Ages 30-55 with mild to moderate sagging
- Good skin elasticity
- Realistic expectations
- Non-smokers
- No active skin infections
May not be suitable for:
- Severe skin laxity (may need surgery)
- Very thin skin
- Active acne or skin conditions
- Blood clotting disorders
Aftercare Tips
First 24 hours:
- Sleep on your back, head elevated
- Apply cold compress for swelling
- Take prescribed pain medication
First week:
- Avoid extreme facial movements
- No makeup for 24 hours
- Gentle cleansing only
First month:
- No facial massages
- Avoid high-impact exercise
- Skip saunas and hot baths
- Be gentle when washing face
FAQ
Q: How painful is a thread lift? A: With local anesthesia, most patients feel only mild pressure. Post-procedure discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Q: Can I combine thread lift with other treatments? A: Yes, many patients combine thread lifts with Botox, fillers, or skin boosters for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Q: How long until I see final results? A: Immediate lifting is visible, but final results with collagen development appear at 2-3 months.
Q: Will people notice I had work done? A: When done well, thread lifts look natural. Most people notice you look "refreshed" rather than "worked on."
Q: Can threads break? A: Modern threads are very durable. They dissolve naturally over time rather than breaking.
Conclusion
Thread lifts in Korea offer an excellent middle ground between non-invasive treatments and surgical facelifts. With competitive pricing, advanced techniques, and experienced practitioners, Seoul has become a global destination for this popular anti-aging treatment.
Ready to lift and rejuvenate? Consult with a qualified Seoul dermatologist to determine the best thread type and treatment plan for your goals.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about thread lift procedures. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
Last Updated: January 2025