PDO threads are the most widely used threads in Korean thread lifting. This guide focuses on the material itself: what it does in the skin, its benefits, the risks to weigh and how long results realistically last.
PDO (polydioxanone) threads are dissolvable medical threads placed under the skin to lift sagging tissue and stimulate collagen. The body absorbs the threads gradually over roughly six months, while the lift and firmness they create commonly last about 12–18 months. Benefits include a visible lift without incisions and a short procedure under local anesthetic. Risks include bruising, dimpling, asymmetry, visible threads and infection. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, a PDO 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 are PDO threads?
PDO stands for polydioxanone, a synthetic, biodegradable polymer. It has been used for decades in surgery as dissolvable sutures, so its behavior in the body is well understood. In aesthetic medicine, PDO is shaped into fine threads that are placed under the skin with needles or cannulas. Over time, the body breaks the material down by hydrolysis into water and carbon dioxide, so nothing permanent is left behind.
PDO is the most common thread material in Korean clinics. Other dissolvable materials, such as PLLA or PCL, are also used in some threads and tend to dissolve more slowly. At Dernia, thread lifts use PDO threads; your doctor will explain exactly which design is recommended for your face. See our thread lift treatment page.
How do PDO threads lift and firm the skin?
PDO threads act through two mechanisms:
- Immediate support. Barbed or cog PDO threads anchor in the soft tissue. When the doctor positions them along a lifting vector, they hold sagging tissue in a higher position.
- Collagen response. The body reacts to the thread as it dissolves by forming new collagen and fibrous tissue around it. This adds firmness that continues after the thread itself has gone.
Smooth mono threads give mainly the collagen effect and are often placed in a mesh pattern to improve firmness and texture. Barbed threads give the lift. Many treatment plans use both. The number, length and direction of threads are chosen for your anatomy, which is why the doctor's planning matters as much as the material itself.
Benefits of PDO thread lifting
- Visible lift without incisions. Threads are inserted through tiny entry points.
- Local anesthetic only. No general anesthesia or hospital stay.
- Short procedure. Usually about 30–60 minutes.
- Dissolvable. PDO absorbs naturally, so there is no permanent foreign material.
- Collagen bonus. Firmness can improve over the months after treatment.
- Targeted. Specific areas such as jowls, mid-cheeks or the jawline can be treated individually.
How long do PDO thread lift results last?
Longevity is one of the most common questions, and it is important to understand that the threads and the result do not last the same length of time.
| Stage | Approximate timing | What is happening |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate lift | Day 0 to week 4 | Barbs hold tissue; lift settles as swelling resolves |
| Collagen build | Months 1–6 | New collagen forms around the threads |
| Thread absorption | Roughly 6 months | PDO is gradually broken down |
| Lasting result | About 12–18 months | Collagen support remains, then gradually fades |
Results tend to last longer in people with thicker skin, moderate sagging and a stable weight, and shorter in those with heavy tissue, very thin skin, significant sun damage or rapid weight change. Smoking and frequent facial massage may also shorten results. Many people repeat treatment every 12–18 months or combine threads with device lifting for maintenance. See how long lifting results last.
Risks of PDO thread lifting
PDO thread lifting is minimally invasive, but it is still a procedure with real risks. Understanding them helps you decide and choose a clinic.
- Common: swelling, bruising, tenderness and a tight or pulling feeling for one to three weeks.
- Dimpling or puckering: small depressions at entry points or along threads, often resolving within days to weeks; sometimes needing adjustment.
- Asymmetry: one side may look more lifted while swelling settles; persistent asymmetry may need correction.
- Visible or palpable threads: more likely in thin skin; a thread end may poke through and need trimming or removal.
- Infection: uncommon, but can occur at entry points or along a thread, requiring antibiotics and sometimes removal.
- Rare: nerve irritation, salivary gland injury, prolonged pain or thread migration.
These risks are lower when a licensed doctor plans placement carefully, uses sterile technique and chooses thread types suited to your anatomy. Read side effects and when to contact us.
Usually a good fit
- Adults with mild to moderate sagging
- Reasonable skin thickness and some soft-tissue support
- People wanting more lift than devices alone provide
- Visitors with at least a week in Seoul after treatment
Talk to the doctor first
- Severe sagging or a lot of excess skin
- Very thin skin, low facial fat or recent large weight loss
- Blood thinners, bleeding disorders or keloid tendency
- Pregnancy, autoimmune disease or skin infection
What happens during a PDO thread lift
- Consultation in English. The doctor assesses your sagging, skin thickness and goals, explains the thread types and confirms the price by area.
- Marking. Vectors and entry points are marked while you sit upright.
- Local anesthetic. Numbing cream and local anesthetic are applied.
- Insertion and lifting. Threads are inserted, tissue is lifted and ends are trimmed.
- Review and aftercare. The doctor checks symmetry and gives written aftercare and an emergency contact.
Recovery after PDO threads
- First 3–7 days: swelling, bruising and tightness are normal; cold compresses in the first 48 hours help.
- First 1–2 weeks: avoid opening your mouth very wide, chewing tough food, facial massage and dental work, and sleep on your back.
- First 2–4 weeks: skip saunas, jjimjilbang, intense exercise and heat-based facial treatments unless the doctor approves.
- Watch for: increasing redness, heat, pus or worsening pain, which can signal infection and need prompt review.
PDO threads vs other lifting options
PDO threads are one tool among several. Device lifting with ultrasound or radiofrequency, such as Ulthera Prime or Thermage FLX, has little downtime and builds results gradually, while threads give a more immediate mechanical lift with more recovery. Collagen stimulators add volume and firmness rather than lift. Many plans combine approaches over time. See thread lift vs Ulthera Prime for a side-by-side comparison.
How much does a PDO thread lift cost in Seoul (2026)?
Because the number of threads depends on your anatomy, Dernia prices thread lifts by area rather than per thread.
| 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 — see VAT refund on cosmetic procedures. Full details on the thread lift price page.
Planning a PDO thread lift around your Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Send photos and your dates through our consultation form.
- Treat early. Avoid your arrival day and allow at least five to seven days before your flight.
- Keep the first days light. Plan relaxed sightseeing while swelling settles.
- Getting here. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Flying home? Avoid wide yawning and pressing your face against a travel pillow on the flight. Our aftercare guide covers the first two weeks in detail.
Frequently asked questions
What does PDO stand for?
Polydioxanone, a dissolvable material long used in surgical sutures. The body breaks it down naturally over time.
How long do PDO threads last in the skin?
The threads themselves are absorbed over roughly six months, but the collagen they stimulate means results commonly last about 12–18 months.
Are PDO threads safe?
PDO is a well-studied material. The main risks come from the procedure, such as bruising, dimpling, asymmetry or infection, which is why an experienced doctor matters.
Can PDO threads be removed?
Sometimes, particularly soon after placement if a thread is visible or causing a problem. They also dissolve on their own over time.
How much is a PDO thread lift in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, it starts from ₩690,000 per area, ₩1,190,000 for two areas and ₩1,690,000 for the full lower face, excluding 10% VAT.
Can PDO threads replace a facelift?
No. Threads suit mild to moderate sagging. For heavy sagging or excess skin, a surgical facelift may be more appropriate; Dernia does not offer surgery.
Considering PDO threads in Seoul?
Send us photos and your travel dates. A doctor assesses your skin and sagging in person and explains in English whether PDO threads are right for 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.