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.
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:
-
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
-
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 Type | Barbs/Cogs | Lifting Power | Duration | Best Age | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COG Threads | Yes | Strong | 12-18 mo | 40s-60s | $230-$615 |
| Screw Threads | No | Moderate | 8-12 mo | 30s-50s | $155-$460 |
| Mono Threads | No | Minimal | 6-9 mo | 20s-40s | $54-$115 |
| Silhouette Soft | Yes (cones) | Very Strong | 18-24 mo | 50s-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:
-
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
-
Treatment Planning:
- Customized thread plan
- Discussion of realistic expectations
- Review of medical history
- Cost breakdown
-
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)
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
| Area | Threads Needed | Korean Won | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Face (Jawline + Jowls) | 8-12 | ₩300,000-600,000 | $230-460 |
| Mid-Face (Cheeks) | 6-10 | ₩250,000-500,000 | $190-385 |
| Neck | 6-10 | ₩300,000-500,000 | $230-385 |
| Brow Lift | 4-6 | ₩150,000-300,000 | $115-230 |
| Full Face | 20-40 | ₩700,000-1,500,000 | $540-1,155 |
| Face + Neck | 30-50 | ₩1,000,000-2,000,000 | $770-1,540 |
Price Factors
What Affects Thread Lift Pricing?:
-
Thread Type & Brand:
- Generic PDO: Lowest cost
- Premium brands (Silhouette, V-Lift): 50-100% higher
- FDA/CE approved vs. Korean-only approved
-
Number of Threads:
- More threads = higher cost
- Charged per thread or per area
- Full face requires more threads
-
Clinic Location:
- Gangnam/Apgujeong: Premium pricing (+30-50%)
- Myeongdong: Moderate pricing
- Other Seoul districts: Budget-friendly (-20-30%)
-
Practitioner Experience:
- Celebrity plastic surgeon: Premium
- Board-certified dermatologist: Standard
- Supervised by doctor: Lower cost
-
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
| Location | Thread Lift (Full Face) | Savings in Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul, Korea | $540 - $1,155 | — |
| Los Angeles, USA | $2,500 - $5,000 | 70-80% |
| London, UK | £1,800 - £3,500 ($2,260 - $4,400) | 65-75% |
| Singapore | SGD $3,000 - $6,000 ($2,220 - $4,440) | 65-75% |
| Dubai, UAE | AED 8,000 - 15,000 ($2,180 - $4,085) | 65-75% |
| Sydney, Australia | AUD $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
| Feature | Thread Lift | Surgical Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Invasive surgery |
| Anesthesia | Local | General |
| Incisions | Tiny entry points | Long incisions |
| Downtime | 3-7 days | 2-4 weeks |
| Results Duration | 6-18 months | 5-10 years |
| Lifting Power | Mild to moderate | Dramatic |
| Risks | Low | Moderate to high |
| Cost (Korea) | $540-1,155 | $5,000-15,000 |
| Best For | Mild-moderate sagging | Severe sagging |
Winner: Thread lift for earlier aging; facelift for advanced aging
Thread Lift vs. Ultherapy/Shurink (HIFU)
| Feature | Thread Lift | HIFU (Ultherapy) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Physical threads | Ultrasound energy |
| Mechanism | Mechanical lift | Collagen tightening |
| Results | Immediate + gradual | Gradual only |
| Duration | 6-18 months | 12-18 months |
| Pain Level | Moderate (3-5/10) | High (6-8/10) |
| Downtime | 3-7 days | Minimal (1-2 days) |
| Best For | Sagging tissue | Skin 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:
- How many thread lift procedures have you performed?
- Can I see before/after photos of patients similar to me?
- What thread brands do you use and why?
- 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
