What is a thread lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure in which fine, dissolvable threads are placed under the skin to lift and support sagging tissue. At Dernia we use PDO (polydioxanone) threads, a material long used in dissolvable surgical sutures. Some threads have tiny barbs or cogs that grip the tissue so it can be repositioned. Others are smooth and mainly stimulate collagen.

A thread lift sits between energy-based lifting and surgery. It gives a more visible, immediate lift than devices, with a few days of recovery rather than weeks. It is one of the stronger options in our lifting treatment menu.

How a thread lift works

Mechanical lift: barbed threads are placed in the layer beneath the skin and drawn upward, lifting the cheeks and jowls.
Collagen stimulation: the body forms new collagen around each thread, which helps support the tissue.
Gradual absorption: PDO dissolves over several months, while the collagen it stimulated helps maintain the effect.

Who is a good candidate?

Adults, typically 35 to 55, with moderate sagging of the cheeks or jowls
Deepening nasolabial folds or marionette lines caused by descent of the mid-face
People who want more lift than devices give but are not ready for surgery

Threads are not ideal for very thin skin with little support, or for heavy, advanced sagging where surgery gives a better result. If the main problem is lost volume rather than descent, dermal filler may be more effective. Your doctor will be candid about this.

Areas and thread plans

Area	Typical goal	Notes
Jawline and jowls	Sharper jaw, less jowling	The most common single area
Mid-cheek	Lift the cheek, soften smile lines	Often combined with the jawline
Full lower face	Overall lift and contour	More threads, more swelling

Thread count depends on your anatomy and goal. See the thread lift price page for plans. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.

Your procedure at Dernia, step by step

Consultation in English with a licensed medical doctor, who assesses sagging, skin thickness and symmetry and plans vectors.
Marking of entry points and lift directions while you sit upright.
Local anesthetic at the entry points; you stay awake throughout.
Thread placement through a fine cannula or needle, then gentle repositioning and checking symmetry.
Review and a written aftercare sheet.

Downtime and aftercare

Expect swelling, bruising and a tight feeling for three to seven days. Small dimples or puckering near entry points are common early and usually settle within a couple of weeks. For about two weeks, avoid wide mouth opening, dental work, facial massage, saunas and strenuous exercise, and sleep on your back. Energy-based lifting on the same area is usually postponed for several weeks. Read normal side effects and when to contact us; contact us promptly about increasing pain, heat or a thread end poking through.

Results: what to expect and when

The lift is visible straight away but can look slightly overcorrected at first. It settles over two to four weeks as swelling fades and the tissue relaxes into place, while collagen builds for a few months. Results commonly last about 12–18 months, varying with age and skin quality. See the thread lift results timeline.

Thread lift vs other lifting treatments

Ultrasound lifting such as Ulthera Prime has no recovery but gives a subtler, gradual lift. Threads give a stronger, immediate change with a few days of swelling. Many plans combine both, with the device first. Read thread lift vs Ulthera Prime.

Planning a thread lift around a trip to Seoul

Schedule it early in your stay, ideally at least five to seven days before you fly, so swelling can settle and your doctor can check you at a follow-up. Avoid planning photos or events in the first week. Our guide to planning treatments around your itinerary helps. Book a consultation first so your doctor can confirm you are a good candidate.

Safety: who should avoid or delay it

Like any procedure, threads carry risks: asymmetry, persistent dimpling, a thread that can be felt or works its way out, infection and, rarely, nerve irritation. Careful planning, sterile technique and following aftercare reduce these, and most issues can be corrected if they occur.

A thread lift is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active skin infection, or with uncontrolled medical conditions. Tell your doctor about bleeding disorders, blood thinners, autoimmune disease, a history of keloids, and recent filler or threads. At Dernia, thread lifts are performed by licensed medical doctors.

Does a thread lift hurt?

Local anesthetic numbs the entry points, so most people feel pressure and tugging rather than sharp pain. The face can feel sore and tight for several days afterward.

How long does swelling last after a thread lift?

Most swelling and bruising settles within three to seven days. Mild tightness or small dimples can take up to two weeks to resolve fully.

When can I fly after a thread lift?

Flying is usually possible after a few days, but we suggest allowing five to seven days before departure so your doctor can review you and swelling can settle.

Do the threads stay in my face forever?

No. PDO threads dissolve gradually over several months. The collagen they stimulate helps the result last about 12–18 months for many people.

Can I combine threads with Ulthera or filler?

Yes, often. Energy devices are usually done first or several weeks later, and filler can restore volume that threads cannot. Your doctor will plan the order.

Related treatments

Ulthera Prime — no-downtime ultrasound lifting
Thermage FLX — RF skin tightening
Dermal filler — restores volume threads cannot add

Price, results and reviews

Thread lift price in Seoul — per-area plans
Thread lift results timeline — what to expect
Thread lift review: is it worth it? — our medical team's view

Concerns it treats

Jowls — lift the lower face
Sagging skin — compare all options

Areas and guides

Cheek treatments — lift and volume options
Who should avoid or delay lifting treatments — safety first

Dernia Clinic Myeongdong

Thread Lift in Myeongdong, Seoul