A thread lift sits between device lifting and surgery. Here is how Korean thread lifts work, what results look like, what recovery involves and how to plan one safely around a trip to Seoul.
A Korean thread lift places dissolvable threads, usually PDO (polydioxanone), under the skin through small needle entry points. Barbed or cog threads grip and reposition sagging tissue for a visible lift, while the threads also stimulate collagen as they dissolve. It is done under local anesthetic, takes about 30–60 minutes, and most people have 3–7 days of swelling or bruising. Results commonly last 12–18 months. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, a thread lift starts from ₩690,000 per area (KRW, excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses medical-grade threads placed under the skin to lift and support sagging tissue. In Korea, the most common threads are made of PDO (polydioxanone), a material used for decades in dissolvable surgical sutures. The threads are inserted through fine needles or blunt cannulas, so there are no long incisions and no general anesthesia.
Thread lifting became especially popular in Korea because it offers a more immediate, visible lift than energy-based devices, with far less recovery than surgery. It is often used for early jowls, a softening jawline, sagging mid-cheeks and deepening nasolabial folds. See our thread lift treatment page.
How does a Korean thread lift work?
Thread lifts work in two ways at once:
1. Mechanical lift
Lifting threads have small barbs or cogs along their length. Once placed under the skin, the doctor gently pulls the tissue upward and the barbs hold it in the new position. This gives a visible lift on the day, which settles over the following weeks as swelling resolves.
2. Collagen stimulation
As the body slowly dissolves the threads over several months, it forms new collagen around them. This adds firmness and support that can last beyond the threads themselves. Finer smooth or twisted threads, sometimes called mono threads, are used mainly for this effect, improving skin firmness and texture rather than lifting.
| Thread type | Main purpose | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Barbed or cog threads | Lift and reposition tissue | Jowls, jawline, mid-cheek |
| Smooth or mono threads | Collagen and skin firmness | Fine lines, crepey skin, mild laxity |
| Twisted or screw threads | Support and volume effect | Hollows, folds, under-chin support |
Who is a good candidate for a thread lift?
Usually a good fit
- Mild to moderate sagging along the jawline or mid-cheek
- Early jowls or deepening nasolabial folds
- People who want more visible lift than devices give
- Those not ready for, or wanting to avoid, surgery
Talk to the doctor first
- Heavy sagging or a lot of excess skin (a surgical opinion may suit better)
- Very thin skin with little fat, where threads may be visible
- Bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication
- Pregnancy, autoimmune disease or active skin infection
Dernia does not offer surgical facelifts. If the degree of sagging is beyond what threads can achieve, the doctor will tell you honestly. See jowl treatments and sagging skin.
What happens on thread lift day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor assesses where and how much you sag, explains which threads and how many, and confirms the area plan and price.
- Marking and photos. The lift vectors and entry points are drawn on your face while you sit upright.
- Anesthesia. Topical numbing cream is applied, followed by local anesthetic at the entry points and along the thread paths.
- Thread placement. Each thread is inserted with a fine needle or cannula, then the tissue is lifted and the thread trimmed at the skin. You feel pressure and tugging rather than sharp pain.
- Check and aftercare. The doctor checks symmetry and smooths any small puckers, then gives you written aftercare in English.
Thread lift results timeline
| When | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Visible lift, often slightly overcorrected; swelling and tightness |
| Days 1–7 | Swelling, bruising and tenderness peak then ease; small puckers may settle |
| Weeks 2–4 | Tissue settles into a more natural lifted position |
| Months 2–6 | Collagen builds around threads, adding firmness |
| Months 12–18 | Gradual return toward baseline as threads dissolve |
Results vary with skin thickness, the degree of sagging, the threads used and lifestyle. See thread lift results and how long lifting results last.
Thread lift recovery and aftercare
Recovery is longer than for device lifting, so it needs more planning.
- First 3–7 days: swelling, bruising and a tight feeling are normal. Most people look presentable with makeup after about a week.
- First 1–2 weeks: avoid wide mouth opening, chewing tough food, facial massage, dental treatment and sleeping on your side or face-down.
- First 2–4 weeks: skip saunas, jjimjilbang, intense exercise and heat-based facial treatments unless approved.
- Normal sensations: mild pulling, clicking or tenderness when moving the face, which fade as tissue settles.
Flying home? Plan at least five to seven days in Seoul after a thread lift, so the doctor can check you before you fly. Flying itself is generally fine once early swelling settles. Read our aftercare guide.
Is a thread lift safe? Risks and side effects
- Common: swelling, bruising, tenderness and temporary tightness.
- Less common: dimpling or puckering of the skin, asymmetry, or a thread end that can be felt or seen; many settle, and some need adjustment or removal.
- Uncommon: infection at an entry point or along a thread, needing antibiotics and occasionally thread removal.
- Rare: nerve irritation, salivary gland injury or prolonged pain.
Choose a doctor experienced in thread lifting, ask exactly which threads and how many will be used, and make sure sterile technique is followed. Read who should avoid lifting treatments.
How much does a thread lift cost in Seoul (2026)?
| Plan | Typical areas | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| One area | Jowls, mid-cheek or nasolabial folds | ₩690,000 |
| Two areas | Mid-cheek and jawline, for example | ₩1,190,000 |
| Full lower face | Cheeks, jowls and jawline on both sides | ₩1,690,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026. Full details on the thread lift price page.
Not sure whether threads or a device suit you better? Compare them in thread lift vs Ulthera Prime.
Thread lift vs device lifting: how they compare
Many visitors weigh a thread lift against ultrasound or radiofrequency lifting. They work in different ways and suit different situations.
- Speed of result: threads give a visible lift on the day; devices build gradually over two to six months.
- Downtime: threads usually mean 3–7 days of swelling or bruising; most device lifting has none to minimal downtime.
- Degree of lift: threads can reposition tissue more directly in moderate sagging; devices are best for mild laxity and skin quality.
- Combination: some people combine both, often with device lifting first and threads at a later visit, or on separate days during a longer stay.
Your doctor will suggest the option, or combination, that matches your sagging, skin thickness and the time you have in Seoul.
Planning a thread lift around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Send photos and dates through our consultation form.
- Treat early in your stay. Avoid your arrival day, and avoid the last week of your trip.
- Plan quiet days. Schedule lighter sightseeing for the first few days after treatment.
- Getting here. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Frequently asked questions
How long does a thread lift last?
Results commonly last about 12–18 months, depending on the threads used, your skin and the degree of sagging.
Does a thread lift hurt?
Local anesthetic makes the procedure manageable. Most people feel pressure and tugging, and tenderness for a few days afterward.
How long is the recovery?
Most people have swelling or bruising for 3–7 days and look presentable after about a week. Some tightness can last two to three weeks.
Thread lift or Ulthera: which is better?
Threads give a more immediate mechanical lift with more downtime. Ulthera works through ultrasound with no downtime and gradual results. The best choice depends on your sagging and schedule.
How much is a thread lift in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, a thread lift starts from ₩690,000 per area, ₩1,190,000 for two areas and ₩1,690,000 for the full lower face, excluding 10% VAT.
When can I fly after a thread lift?
Plan to stay at least five to seven days so the doctor can review you. Flying is generally fine once early swelling settles.
Considering a thread lift in Seoul?
Send us photos and your travel dates. A doctor assesses your sagging in person and explains in English whether threads, a lifting device or both suit you.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.