A PDO thread lift sits between non-invasive lifting devices and surgery. This guide explains how thread lifts are priced in Seoul, what you get for each price level, and the recovery and risks to plan for on a trip to Korea.
In Korea, PDO thread lifts are usually priced by area, because the number and type of threads depend on your anatomy. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, a thread lift costs ₩690,000 for one area (such as jowls, mid-cheek or nasolabial folds), ₩1,190,000 for two areas and ₩1,690,000 for a full lower-face lift (KRW, excluding 10% VAT). Expect 3–7 days of swelling or bruising, and results that commonly last 12–18 months. A licensed doctor confirms whether threads suit your degree of sagging before quoting.
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What is a PDO thread lift?
A thread lift uses fine, dissolvable threads made of PDO (polydioxanone), a material long used in medical sutures. The doctor inserts them under the skin through small entry points with a cannula or needle. Barbed or cog threads grip the tissue to reposition sagging areas, while finer threads mainly support firmness. As the threads dissolve over the following months, they stimulate collagen around them, which helps the result last beyond the thread itself.
A thread lift is not a surgical facelift. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not offer surgical facelifts; if your sagging is advanced, a surgical opinion may be more appropriate. Learn more on our thread lift treatment page.
How much does a thread lift cost in Korea (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 and are confirmed at consultation. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026; see VAT refund changes in 2026. Full details are on the thread lift price page.
Why are thread lifts priced by area, not per thread?
Many clinics around the world quote thread lifts per thread, which can make prices hard to compare: one person may need a few threads, another many more, and thread types differ. At Dernia, thread lifts are priced by area. The doctor decides the number and type of threads needed to achieve a safe, natural result in that area, and the price stays the same. This removes any incentive to add threads unnecessarily and lets you budget in advance.
What affects the cost of a thread lift?
- Number of areas. Treating the jowls alone costs less than lifting the full lower face.
- Degree of sagging. More laxity may need more or stronger threads, which the doctor builds into the area plan.
- Thread type. Barbed lifting threads and fine supporting threads serve different purposes.
- Combination treatments. Some people combine threads with energy-based lifting or filler, which adds to the overall budget.
- VAT. Korean clinic prices are often quoted before 10% VAT.
Thread lift vs Ulthera and other lifting devices
Thread lifts give a more immediate, mechanical lift than devices, but they involve more downtime and more procedural risk. Devices such as Ulthera Prime or Thermage FLX work through heat, with little downtime, and results build gradually.
| Point | PDO thread lift | Ulthera Prime |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Threads reposition tissue and stimulate collagen | Focused ultrasound heats deep layers |
| Visible lift | Immediate, settles over weeks | Gradual, peaks at 2–3 months |
| Downtime | 3–7 days of swelling or bruising | Minimal |
| Dernia starting price | ₩690,000 (one area) | ₩390,000 (100 lines) |
For a full comparison, see thread lift vs Ulthera Prime and Korean lifting treatments explained.
Who is a good candidate for a thread lift?
Usually a good fit
- Mild to moderate sagging in the cheeks or jowls
- A softening jawline
- People who want more lift than devices but not surgery
- Visitors who can allow about a week for recovery
Talk to the doctor first
- Heavy sagging or excess skin, where surgery may be more effective
- Very thin skin, which may show threads
- Blood-thinning medication or bleeding disorders
- Pregnancy, active infection or autoimmune conditions
See also options for jowls.
What happens on treatment day
- English consultation. A licensed doctor assesses your sagging, explains whether threads suit you and agrees the area plan and price.
- Marking and anesthesia. Thread paths are marked, and local anesthetic is given at the entry points.
- Thread placement. The doctor inserts threads under the skin and adjusts tension for a balanced lift. The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on areas.
- Aftercare. You receive written aftercare in English and instructions on how to care for entry points.
Thread lift results timeline
| When | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Visible lift, often slightly overcorrected; swelling begins |
| Week 1 | Swelling and bruising settle; tightness eases |
| Weeks 2–4 | Lift settles into a more natural position |
| Months 2–6 | Collagen builds around the dissolving threads, supporting firmness |
| Months 12–18 | Gradual return toward baseline; time to discuss maintenance |
These ranges are typical, not guaranteed. Results depend on skin quality, the degree of sagging, age and lifestyle. Many people extend their results by combining threads with a device treatment or skin booster later, once the threads have settled. Your doctor can suggest whether that makes sense for you and how to time it around future trips to Seoul.
How to compare thread lift quotes
When comparing quotes in Korea, ask whether the price is per thread or per area, which thread types are included, who performs the procedure and what follow-up is included. A licensed doctor should place the threads, and you should know who to contact after you leave. A lower price is not better value if it covers fewer threads than you need or no aftercare. It is also worth asking how any minor adjustment would be handled if you have already flown home.
Recovery, risks and side effects
Swelling, bruising and tenderness are common for 3–7 days. Some people notice tightness, mild dimpling or a pulling sensation when opening the mouth wide, which usually settles within a few weeks as tissues adjust.
Less common risks include visible or palpable threads, asymmetry, prolonged dimpling and thread extrusion, where a thread end works its way toward the skin surface. Rare but important risks include infection and nerve irritation. Most minor issues can be adjusted, which is one reason to stay in Seoul for a check after treatment. Read side effects and when to contact us.
- Avoid wide mouth opening, hard chewing and facial massage for about two weeks.
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly raised for the first week.
- Skip saunas, jjimjilbang, alcohol and intense exercise for at least a week.
Flying home? We recommend at least five to seven days between a thread lift and a long-haul flight, so swelling can settle and the doctor can check the result. Our aftercare guide explains what to do on the plane.
Planning a thread lift around your Seoul trip
- Allow a week. Treat early in your stay so you have time for recovery and a follow-up.
- Avoid your arrival day. Rest first; jet lag and swelling do not mix well.
- Book ahead. Send your travel dates and photos through our consultation form so the doctor can give an initial view.
- Getting here. Dernia is in Myeongdong, near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
See the thread lift results timeline for what to expect over the following months.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a thread lift in Korea?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, a PDO thread lift costs ₩690,000 for one area, ₩1,190,000 for two areas and ₩1,690,000 for the full lower face, excluding VAT.
How long does a thread lift last?
Results commonly last about 12–18 months. The threads dissolve, but the collagen they stimulate helps maintain the effect.
What is the downtime for a thread lift?
Expect 3–7 days of swelling or bruising and some tightness for a couple of weeks. Most people avoid important events during the first week.
Is a thread lift the same as a facelift?
No. A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure. Dernia does not offer surgical facelifts, which suit more advanced sagging.
Can I fly after a thread lift?
We recommend waiting at least five to seven days before a long-haul flight, so swelling settles and the doctor can check your result.
Why is the price per area and not per thread?
Pricing by area lets the doctor use the number and type of threads you actually need without changing your price.
Considering a thread lift in Seoul?
Share your travel dates and concerns. A doctor will assess your sagging in person, explain whether threads or another lifting option suits you, and confirm the price before treatment.
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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.