Thread Lifting in Korea: Complete Guide (PDO/COG) Prices & Results 2025

21 min readBy Seoul Skin Guide Team
Thread Lifting in Korea: Complete Guide (PDO/COG) Prices & Results 2025
#thread lift#pdo threads#cog threads#face lifting#non-surgical lift

Thread Lifting in Korea: Complete Guide (PDO/COG) Prices & Results 2025

When sagging skin, jowls, and loss of facial definition start affecting your appearance, but you're not ready for surgical facelift, thread lifting offers a compelling middle ground. This minimally invasive procedure uses dissolvable PDO (polydioxanone) or COG threads to lift and rejuvenate facial tissues, delivering immediate visible results with minimal downtime.

Korea has become a global leader in thread lift technology, with advanced thread types, refined techniques, and experienced practitioners making Seoul a top destination for this procedure. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about thread lifting in Korea, from understanding different thread types to pricing, expected results, and choosing the right clinic.

Minimally invasive face lifting treatment

What is Thread Lifting?

Thread lifting (실리프팅) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses medical-grade dissolvable threads inserted under the skin to physically lift sagging tissue and stimulate collagen production. Unlike surgical facelifts that require incisions, anesthesia, and extended recovery, thread lifts can be performed in under an hour with local anesthesia and minimal downtime.

How Thread Lifting Works

Dual Mechanism of Action:

  1. Immediate Mechanical Lift:

    • Threads with barbs or cogs physically grab tissue
    • Pull sagging skin upward and backward
    • Anchor to stable facial structures
    • Instant visible lifting effect
  2. Long-Term Collagen Stimulation:

    • PDO material triggers foreign body response
    • Fibroblasts produce new collagen around threads
    • Tissue thickening and firming over 3-6 months
    • Continued improvement even as threads dissolve

Thread Material: PDO (Polydioxanone)

Why PDO is Safe:

  • Biocompatible: Used in surgery for decades (sutures)
  • FDA-approved: Recognized as safe for medical use
  • Absorbable: Naturally dissolves via hydrolysis
  • No residue: Breaks down into water and CO₂
  • Non-allergenic: No allergic reactions reported

Absorption Timeline:

  • Begins dissolving: 3-4 months
  • Fully absorbed: 6-12 months
  • Collagen persists: 12-24 months

Types of Threads: Understanding Your Options

Korean clinics offer various thread types, each designed for different lifting needs:

1. PDO COG Threads (코그실)

Most Popular for Lifting

Structure:

  • Bidirectional barbs (cogs) along the thread
  • Barbs create anchoring points in tissue
  • Stronger grip than smooth threads
  • Multidirectional holding power

Best For:

  • Moderate to significant sagging
  • Jawline definition
  • Cheek lifting
  • Nasolabial fold reduction
  • Neck tightening

Characteristics:

  • Lifting Power: Strong (★★★★★)
  • Duration: 12-18 months
  • Discomfort: Moderate
  • Price: ₩300,000-800,000 ($230-615) for face

2. PDO Screw/Tornado Threads (스크류실)

Volumizing Effect

Structure:

  • Thread twisted into spiral shape
  • Intertwined threads create volume
  • Gentle lifting and volumizing

Best For:

  • Volume loss in cheeks or temples
  • Facial contouring
  • Skin quality improvement
  • Moderate lifting

Characteristics:

  • Lifting Power: Moderate (★★★☆☆)
  • Volumizing Effect: Strong (★★★★★)
  • Duration: 8-12 months
  • Price: ₩200,000-600,000 ($155-460)

3. PDO Mono Threads (모노실)

Skin Tightening and Rejuvenation

Structure:

  • Single smooth thread
  • No barbs or cogs
  • Fine gauge

Best For:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Skin texture improvement
  • Mild skin tightening
  • Collagen stimulation
  • Preventative treatment (20s-30s)

Characteristics:

  • Lifting Power: Minimal (★★☆☆☆)
  • Collagen Stimulation: Strong (★★★★☆)
  • Duration: 6-9 months
  • Price: ₩70,000-150,000 ($54-115) for "Mint Lift"

4. Silhouette Soft / Silhouette InstaLift

Premium Bidirectional Threads

Structure:

  • Absorbable suture with bidirectional cones
  • 360-degree hold
  • FDA-approved
  • Longer lasting than traditional PDO

Best For:

  • Significant sagging
  • Long-lasting results
  • Mid-face lifting
  • Dramatic transformation

Characteristics:

  • Lifting Power: Very Strong (★★★★★)
  • Duration: 18-24 months
  • Price: ₩800,000-1,500,000 ($615-1,155)

Comparison Table

Thread TypeBarbs/CogsLifting PowerDurationBest AgePrice Range (USD)
COG ThreadsYesStrong12-18 mo40s-60s$230-$615
Screw ThreadsNoModerate8-12 mo30s-50s$155-$460
Mono ThreadsNoMinimal6-9 mo20s-40s$54-$115
Silhouette SoftYes (cones)Very Strong18-24 mo50s-70s$615-$1,155

What Can Thread Lifting Treat?

Thread lifts are versatile and can address multiple aging concerns:

Facial Areas

Mid-Face Sagging

  • Drooping cheeks
  • Loss of apple of cheek
  • Flattened mid-face
  • Hollow under-eyes

Jawline & Jowls

  • Jowl formation
  • Loss of jawline definition
  • "Bulldog" appearance
  • Marionette lines

Nasolabial Folds

  • Deep smile lines
  • Nose-to-mouth creases
  • Accordion lines when smiling

Neck & Submental Area

  • Neck bands (platysma)
  • Turkey neck
  • Horizontal neck lines
  • Double chin support (with liposuction)

Brow & Forehead

  • Brow ptosis (drooping)
  • Forehead heaviness
  • Hooded eyes from brow descent

Body Areas

Arms

  • Bat wing fat
  • Sagging upper arms
  • Skin laxity

Abdomen

  • Loose skin after weight loss
  • Post-pregnancy belly
  • Mild skin sagging

Thighs

  • Inner thigh laxity
  • Cellulite appearance (with screw threads)

The Thread Lift Procedure: Step-by-Step

Pre-Treatment Consultation

During Your Consultation:

  1. Facial Analysis:

    • Doctor assesses degree of sagging
    • Identifies optimal thread placement
    • Determines number and type of threads needed
    • Shows before/after photos of similar cases
  2. Treatment Planning:

    • Customized thread plan
    • Discussion of realistic expectations
    • Review of medical history
    • Cost breakdown
  3. Pre-Treatment Instructions:

    • Avoid blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) for 7 days
    • Stop smoking 2 weeks before (impairs healing)
    • Avoid alcohol 48 hours before
    • Come with clean face, no makeup

Typical Thread Requirements by Area:

  • Lower face + jawline: 6-12 threads per side
  • Mid-face: 4-8 threads per side
  • Neck: 6-10 threads total
  • Brow lift: 2-4 threads per side
  • Full face: 20-40 threads total

Treatment Day Procedure

Duration: 45-90 minutes depending on areas treated

Step 1: Preparation (15-20 minutes)

  • Thorough cleansing
  • Marking entry and exit points
  • Photography
  • Application of topical anesthetic cream

Step 2: Local Anesthesia (5-10 minutes)

  • Injection of local anesthetic (lidocaine)
  • Numbing injection sites and thread pathways
  • Wait for full numbing effect

Step 3: Thread Insertion (30-45 minutes)

Insertion Technique:

  • Doctor inserts thin cannula (blunt needle) through tiny entry point
  • Thread follows pre-planned pathway under skin
  • For COG threads: Barbs engage tissue as thread is pulled
  • Doctor adjusts tension to achieve desired lift
  • Thread is anchored and trimmed
  • Process repeated for each thread

What You'll Feel:

  • Pressure and pulling sensations
  • Mild discomfort despite numbing (3-5/10)
  • Awareness of thread movement under skin
  • Tolerable for most patients

Step 4: Final Adjustments (5-10 minutes)

  • Doctor checks symmetry
  • Adjusts thread tension if needed
  • Gentle massage to settle threads
  • Ice packs applied

Step 5: Post-Treatment Care (5 minutes)

  • Instructions provided
  • Prescription for antibiotics (sometimes)
  • Pain relievers if needed
  • Follow-up appointment scheduled

Immediately After Treatment

What to Expect:

  • Appearance: Visible lifting immediately, moderate swelling
  • Sensation: Tightness, tenderness, pulling feeling
  • Bruising: Possible, varies by individual
  • Entry points: Tiny marks, may have small dots of blood
  • Asymmetry: Possible from swelling (resolves in days)

Can Resume:

  • Walking and light activities immediately
  • Normal eating (soft foods first 24 hours)
  • Sleeping (elevated position)

Must Avoid:

  • Touching or massaging face (2 weeks)
  • Strenuous exercise (1 week)
  • Dental work (2 weeks)
  • Facial treatments (4 weeks)
  • Sleeping on side (2 weeks - back sleeping only)

Korean aesthetic procedure

Recovery Timeline & Results

Day 1-3: Initial Recovery

Swelling: Moderate to significant (peak day 2-3)

  • Face appears puffy
  • Lifted areas look tight
  • Asymmetry common from uneven swelling
  • Ice packs help reduce swelling

Bruising: Variable (50% of patients)

  • Yellow/purple discoloration
  • Worse in thinner skin areas
  • Arnica supplements help

Discomfort: Mild to moderate

  • Tightness and pulling
  • Tender to touch
  • Pain relievers usually sufficient
  • Worse when opening mouth wide or chewing

Activity: Rest and gentle movement

  • Work from home if possible
  • Avoid bending over
  • Sleep elevated (2-3 pillows)
  • Liquid or soft diet

Day 4-7: Visible Improvement

Swelling: Reducing significantly

  • 50-70% resolved
  • Can see lifting effect emerging
  • Face looking more natural

Bruising: Fading

  • Can cover with makeup if needed
  • Concealer works well

Discomfort: Minimal

  • Tightness remains but not painful
  • Can eat normally (still avoid hard, chewy foods)

Activity: Return to most normal activities

  • Can return to work (with makeup)
  • Light exercise okay (walking)
  • Still avoid face massage

Week 2-4: Settling Period

Appearance: Natural-looking lift visible

  • Swelling 90% resolved
  • True results becoming apparent
  • Skin adjusting to new position

Sensation: Occasional awareness of threads

  • May feel subtle pulling when smiling or moving face
  • Normal and temporary
  • Threads settling into position

Activity: Resume most activities

  • Can sleep on side (after week 2)
  • Resume exercise (avoid contact sports)
  • Gentle facial treatments okay (after week 4)

Month 2-3: Collagen Production Peaks

Results Improving: Continuing enhancement

  • Skin appears firmer
  • Texture improving
  • Collagen production active
  • Results actually better than immediate post-procedure

Thread Awareness: Minimal to none

  • Threads fully integrated
  • No sensation of foreign object
  • Natural facial movement restored

Month 3-6: Thread Dissolving Begins

Threads Breaking Down: Gradual absorption

  • Begin dissolving around month 3-4
  • No visible or felt change
  • Collagen structure supports lift
  • Results maintained

Month 6-18: Long-Term Results

Duration of Results:

  • COG threads: 12-18 months total
  • Mono threads: 6-9 months total
  • Silhouette Soft: 18-24 months

Factors Affecting Longevity:

  • Initial degree of sagging (less sagging = longer results)
  • Number of threads used (more threads = longer lasting)
  • Individual aging rate
  • Lifestyle (smoking, sun exposure, weight changes shorten results)
  • Skincare routine and maintenance treatments

Thread Lift Prices in Korea (2025)

Korean clinics offer thread lifting at highly competitive prices compared to Western countries:

Average Pricing by Thread Type

PDO COG Threads (Full Face):

  • Korean Won: ₩300,000 - ₩800,000
  • USD: $230 - $615
  • Threads Used: 10-20 threads typically

PDO Mono Threads (Mint Lift):

  • Korean Won: ₩70,000 - ₩150,000
  • USD: $54 - $115
  • Threads Used: 20-50 fine threads

Screw/Tornado Threads:

  • Korean Won: ₩200,000 - ₩600,000
  • USD: $155 - $460
  • Threads Used: 8-16 threads

Silhouette Soft (Premium):

  • Korean Won: ₩800,000 - ₩1,500,000
  • USD: $615 - $1,155
  • Threads Used: 4-8 threads

Pricing by Treatment Area

AreaThreads NeededKorean WonUSD
Lower Face (Jawline + Jowls)8-12₩300,000-600,000$230-460
Mid-Face (Cheeks)6-10₩250,000-500,000$190-385
Neck6-10₩300,000-500,000$230-385
Brow Lift4-6₩150,000-300,000$115-230
Full Face20-40₩700,000-1,500,000$540-1,155
Face + Neck30-50₩1,000,000-2,000,000$770-1,540

Price Factors

What Affects Thread Lift Pricing?:

  1. Thread Type & Brand:

    • Generic PDO: Lowest cost
    • Premium brands (Silhouette, V-Lift): 50-100% higher
    • FDA/CE approved vs. Korean-only approved
  2. Number of Threads:

    • More threads = higher cost
    • Charged per thread or per area
    • Full face requires more threads
  3. Clinic Location:

    • Gangnam/Apgujeong: Premium pricing (+30-50%)
    • Myeongdong: Moderate pricing
    • Other Seoul districts: Budget-friendly (-20-30%)
  4. Practitioner Experience:

    • Celebrity plastic surgeon: Premium
    • Board-certified dermatologist: Standard
    • Supervised by doctor: Lower cost
  5. Additional Services:

    • Anesthesia included usually
    • Antibiotics may be extra
    • Follow-up visits typically included

Average Total Investment:

  • Average patient: ₩554,062 ($426)
  • Range: ₩300,000 - ₩1,500,000 ($230 - $1,155)
  • Most common: ₩400,000 - ₩800,000 ($310 - $615)

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

Price Comparison: Korea vs. Other Countries

LocationThread Lift (Full Face)Savings in Korea
Seoul, Korea$540 - $1,155
Los Angeles, USA$2,500 - $5,00070-80%
London, UK£1,800 - £3,500 ($2,260 - $4,400)65-75%
SingaporeSGD $3,000 - $6,000 ($2,220 - $4,440)65-75%
Dubai, UAEAED 8,000 - 15,000 ($2,180 - $4,085)65-75%
Sydney, AustraliaAUD $3,500 - $6,500 ($2,320 - $4,310)65-75%

Side Effects, Risks & Complications

Common Side Effects (Most Patients)

Swelling (100% of patients)

  • Duration: 3-7 days (peak 48 hours)
  • Severity: Moderate
  • Management: Ice packs, sleeping elevated, arnica

Bruising (50-70% of patients)

  • Duration: 5-14 days
  • Severity: Mild to moderate
  • Management: Arnica, vitamin K cream, concealer

Tenderness (90% of patients)

  • Duration: 7-14 days
  • Severity: Mild
  • Management: Pain relievers, gentle handling

Thread Awareness (70% of patients)

  • Duration: 2-8 weeks
  • Sensation: Pulling, tightness when moving face
  • Normal: Settles as threads integrate

Temporary Asymmetry (30% of patients)

  • Cause: Uneven swelling
  • Duration: 3-10 days
  • Resolves: As swelling subsides

Uncommon Side Effects (5-15% of Patients)

⚠️ Dimpling or Puckering

  • Cause: Thread pulled too tight or superficial placement
  • Visibility: Small skin indentations
  • Resolution: Usually smooths out in 2-4 weeks
  • Treatment: Massage (if recommended by doctor) or wait

⚠️ Thread Visibility/Palpability

  • Cause: Thin skin or superficial placement
  • Visibility: Can see or feel thread outline
  • Resolution: May improve as threads dissolve
  • Treatment: Usually observation, rarely removal

⚠️ Migration

  • Cause: Threads not properly anchored
  • Effect: Loss of lifting effect, asymmetry
  • Timeline: Days to weeks after procedure
  • Treatment: May require adjustment or re-threading

⚠️ Prolonged Swelling

  • Duration: Beyond 2 weeks
  • Cause: Individual healing response
  • Management: Anti-inflammatory medication, patience

Rare Complications (<5% of Patients)

Infection

  • Signs: Fever, redness, pus, worsening pain
  • Timing: Usually within first week
  • Treatment: Antibiotics, possible thread removal
  • Prevention: Follow aftercare, don't touch face

Nerve Damage

  • Symptoms: Numbness, weakness, facial asymmetry
  • Cause: Thread compressing or damaging nerve
  • Usually temporary: Resolves in weeks to months
  • Rarely permanent: Requires expert intervention

Thread Extrusion

  • What happens: Thread pokes through skin
  • Cause: Superficial placement or rejection
  • Treatment: Trim protruding thread, remove if needed

Allergic Reaction

  • Extremely rare: PDO is biocompatible
  • Possible causes: Anesthetic or antibiotics
  • Symptoms: Rash, severe swelling, breathing difficulty

Scarring

  • Very rare: Entry points heal without scars
  • Risk factors: Picking at wounds, infection, keloid tendency

Minimizing Risks

Choose Experienced Practitioner:

  • Board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist
  • Extensive thread lift experience (100+ procedures)
  • Before/after portfolio
  • Understands facial anatomy (nerve, vessel locations)

Follow Pre-Care Instructions:

  • Stop blood thinners
  • No alcohol 48 hours before
  • Come with clean face

Follow Post-Care Religiously:

  • Sleep elevated
  • No face massage or manipulation
  • Keep entry points clean
  • Avoid strenuous activity
  • Attend follow-up appointments

Know Warning Signs:

  • Severe or increasing pain
  • Signs of infection
  • Persistent asymmetry beyond 2 weeks
  • Facial weakness or numbness
  • Thread extrusion

Aftercare Instructions

First 24 Hours (Critical)

DO:

  • ✅ Sleep on back with head elevated (2-3 pillows)
  • ✅ Apply ice packs (15 min every hour while awake)
  • ✅ Eat soft foods (avoid excessive chewing)
  • ✅ Take prescribed antibiotics if given
  • ✅ Keep entry points clean and dry
  • ✅ Gentle cleansing with mild face wash

DON'T:

  • ❌ Touch, massage, or manipulate face
  • ❌ Sleep on side or stomach (compresses threads)
  • ❌ Open mouth wide (yawning, dental work)
  • ❌ Exercise or strenuous activity
  • ❌ Bend over or put head below heart
  • ❌ Consume alcohol
  • ❌ Apply makeup (wait 24-48 hours)

First Week

DO:

  • ✅ Continue sleeping elevated for 3-7 days
  • ✅ Gentle skincare (no pulling or tugging)
  • ✅ Eat normally but avoid very hard/chewy foods
  • ✅ Walk and light activities fine
  • ✅ Use concealer for bruising after 48 hours

DON'T:

  • ❌ Facial massage or esthetic treatments
  • ❌ Dental procedures (wait 2 weeks)
  • ❌ Exercise (cardio, weightlifting, yoga)
  • ❌ Sauna, steam room, hot tubs
  • ❌ Swimming
  • ❌ Excessive facial expressions (minimize laughing, wide smiles)

First Month

DO:

  • ✅ Resume normal sleeping position after 2 weeks
  • ✅ Resume exercise after 1 week (start light)
  • ✅ Gentle facial treatments after 4 weeks
  • ✅ Attend follow-up appointment (1-2 weeks post)
  • ✅ Maintain good skincare routine

DON'T:

  • ❌ Face massage for 4 weeks
  • ❌ Aggressive facial treatments (lasers, peels, microneedling for 4-6 weeks)
  • ❌ Dental work for 2 weeks
  • ❌ Significant weight changes (affects results)

Long-Term Maintenance

Maximize Results:

  • Professional skincare (Botox, fillers complement threads)
  • Quality at-home routine (retinoids, sunscreen)
  • Healthy lifestyle (sleep, nutrition, hydration)
  • Weight stability
  • Avoid smoking (breaks down collagen)
  • Manage stress

When to Repeat:

  • Results last 6-18 months depending on thread type
  • Can repeat when lifting effect diminishes
  • Some patients do yearly "maintenance" threads
  • Combining with other treatments (Ultherapy, RF) extends results

Who is a Good Candidate?

Ideal Candidates

Age: 30s-60s (most common)

  • 30s: Preventative, mild sagging, Mono threads
  • 40s-50s: Moderate sagging, COG threads
  • 60s+: Significant sagging, may need surgical option or Silhouette Soft

Degree of Sagging: Mild to moderate

  • Early jowl formation
  • Loss of jawline definition
  • Mild to moderate cheek descent
  • Not severe skin excess (surgical facelift better)

Good Skin Quality: Some elasticity remaining

  • Not paper-thin fragile skin
  • Not severely sun-damaged
  • Adequate collagen to respond to threads

Realistic Expectations:

  • Understand this is not a facelift
  • Seeking subtle to moderate improvement
  • Willing to accept temporary results (not permanent)
  • Understand need for maintenance

Good General Health:

  • No active infections
  • No autoimmune conditions affecting healing
  • Not immunocompromised
  • No bleeding disorders

Not Ideal Candidates

Severe Sagging: Surgical facelift more appropriate ❌ Very Thin Skin: Higher risk of thread visibility ❌ Active Infection: Wait until resolved ❌ Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Wait until after ❌ Unrealistic Expectations: Expecting surgical facelift results ❌ Cannot Follow Aftercare: Compliance critical for safety and results

Thread Lift vs. Other Treatments

Thread Lift vs. Surgical Facelift

FeatureThread LiftSurgical Facelift
InvasivenessMinimally invasiveInvasive surgery
AnesthesiaLocalGeneral
IncisionsTiny entry pointsLong incisions
Downtime3-7 days2-4 weeks
Results Duration6-18 months5-10 years
Lifting PowerMild to moderateDramatic
RisksLowModerate to high
Cost (Korea)$540-1,155$5,000-15,000
Best ForMild-moderate saggingSevere sagging

Winner: Thread lift for earlier aging; facelift for advanced aging

Thread Lift vs. Ultherapy/Shurink (HIFU)

FeatureThread LiftHIFU (Ultherapy)
TechnologyPhysical threadsUltrasound energy
MechanismMechanical liftCollagen tightening
ResultsImmediate + gradualGradual only
Duration6-18 months12-18 months
Pain LevelModerate (3-5/10)High (6-8/10)
Downtime3-7 daysMinimal (1-2 days)
Best ForSagging tissueSkin laxity
Cost (Korea)$540-1,155$770-1,540

Winner: Threads for actual sagging; HIFU for tightening without sagging

Combining Thread Lift with Other Treatments

Synergistic Combinations:

Thread Lift + Botox

  • Timing: Same day or separate
  • Benefits: Lifting + wrinkle relaxation
  • Popular for: Comprehensive facial rejuvenation

Thread Lift + Fillers

  • Timing: Fillers after threads (2-4 weeks)
  • Benefits: Lift + volume restoration
  • Popular for: Hollow areas + sagging

Thread Lift + Ultherapy/RF

  • Timing: HIFU/RF first, threads 4-6 weeks later
  • Benefits: Deep tightening + mechanical lift
  • Popular for: Maximum non-surgical rejuvenation

Thread Lift + Laser Treatments

  • Timing: Lasers before or 4-6 weeks after threads
  • Benefits: Skin quality + lifting
  • Popular for: Complete facial refresh

Finding the Right Clinic & Doctor in Seoul

Essential Qualifications

Doctor Credentials:

  • Board-certified plastic surgeon OR dermatologist
  • Specialized training in thread techniques
  • Member of Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons
  • At least 2-3 years performing thread lifts
  • Portfolio of before/after photos

Clinic Standards:

  • Licensed medical facility
  • Clean, sterile environment
  • Emergency equipment available
  • English-speaking staff (for international patients)

Questions to Ask During Consultation

About Experience:

  1. How many thread lift procedures have you performed?
  2. Can I see before/after photos of patients similar to me?
  3. What thread brands do you use and why?
  4. What's your complication rate?

About Treatment Plan: 5. Which thread type do you recommend for my concerns? 6. How many threads will I need? 7. What results can I realistically expect? 8. What are the risks specific to my face/age/skin?

About Procedure: 9. What type of anesthesia will be used? 10. How long is the procedure? 11. What will recovery be like? 12. When can I return to work?

About Costs: 13. What is the total cost? 14. What's included in the price? 15. Are there any additional fees? 16. What happens if I'm not satisfied with results?

Popular Areas in Seoul

Gangnam (강남):

  • Highest concentration of plastic surgery clinics
  • Experienced with thread lifts
  • English-friendly
  • Premium pricing but excellent quality
  • Subway: Line 2, Gangnam Station

Apgujeong (압구정):

  • Luxury aesthetic clinics
  • Celebrity clientele
  • Latest techniques
  • Subway: Line 3, Apgujeong or Apgujeong Rodeo Station

Myeongdong (명동):

  • Tourist-friendly
  • Moderate pricing
  • Easy access
  • Subway: Line 4, Myeongdong Station

Red Flags to Avoid

⚠️ Warning Signs:

  • Prices 50%+ below market average
  • Unclear about thread type/brand
  • No doctor consultation before booking
  • High-pressure sales tactics
  • Can't show credentials or before/after photos
  • No clear explanation of risks
  • "Guaranteed" or "permanent" results promised
  • Poor hygiene or unprofessional environment

Conclusion: Is Thread Lift Worth It?

Thread lifting has earned its place as one of Korea's most popular anti-aging treatments, offering a sweet spot between non-invasive treatments (lasers, RF) and surgical facelifts. For those with mild to moderate sagging who want visible improvement without surgery, threads deliver compelling results.

Key Takeaways:

  • ✅ Minimally invasive with immediate lifting effect
  • ✅ Multiple thread types: COG (strong lift), Screw (volume), Mono (tightening)
  • ✅ Treats sagging in face, neck, and body
  • ✅ Downtime: 3-7 days social, 1-2 weeks full recovery
  • ✅ Results: 6-18 months depending on thread type
  • ✅ Dual benefits: Mechanical lift + collagen stimulation
  • ✅ Affordable in Korea: $540-1,155 full face (70-80% cheaper than US/UK)
  • ✅ Safe when performed by experienced practitioners

Is Thread Lift Right for You?

Consider thread lifting if you:

  • Have mild to moderate facial sagging
  • Want noticeable improvement without surgery
  • Can accept temporary results (not permanent)
  • Are willing to follow strict aftercare (essential!)
  • Have realistic expectations (subtle to moderate lift)
  • Can afford maintenance treatments every 12-18 months
  • Are not ready for surgical facelift commitment

The treatment is especially appealing for international visitors to Korea due to significant cost savings (70-80% less than Western countries), access to experienced practitioners, and refined techniques developed over years of high procedure volumes.

Ready to lift and rejuvenate without surgery? Research board-certified plastic surgeons in Seoul's major districts, compare thread types and pricing, and book consultations with 2-3 clinics. With proper practitioner selection, realistic expectations, and diligent aftercare, thread lifting can deliver natural-looking rejuvenation that takes years off your appearance.


⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about thread lift procedures using PDO and other absorbable threads. It is not intended as medical advice. Thread lifting is a medical procedure that should only be performed by qualified, licensed plastic surgeons or dermatologists with specific training in thread techniques. Individual results vary significantly based on degree of sagging, skin quality, age, number and type of threads used, practitioner skill, and adherence to aftercare protocols. While generally safe when performed correctly, all procedures carry risks including infection, asymmetry, nerve damage, thread migration, extrusion, and unsatisfactory results. Complications can be serious and may require thread removal or corrective procedures. Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing thread lift. Discuss your complete medical history, current medications, realistic expectations, and all potential risks during consultation. Verify practitioner credentials and facility licensing. Follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions carefully. Price information is current as of November 2025 and subject to change. Results mentioned represent individual cases and should not be considered guaranteed outcomes. Thread lifts provide temporary results and are not a replacement for surgical facelift in cases of severe sagging.

Last Updated: November 7, 2025 Reading Time: 17 minutes