Thread Lifting in Korea

Thread lifting is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts fine absorbable threads under the skin to mechanically lift and support sagging tissue. The threads are made from materials that the body gradually breaks down, most commonly PDO (polydioxanone) and sometimes PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid). As they dissolve over months they also stimulate the surrounding tissue to produce new collagen.

Threads come in different forms for different jobs. Mono threads are smooth and used to improve skin texture and provide a subtle tightening; cog threads have barbs or bidirectional hooks that grip and reposition tissue for a stronger lift; and mint threads are a barbed PLLA type used for repositioning the mid and lower face. The treating physician chooses the thread type, count and insertion vectors based on the degree of sagging and the area being treated.

A typical thread-lift procedure takes 30–60 minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic. After entry points are marked, threads are introduced through a fine cannula or needle and anchored to create the lift; any excess thread is trimmed. A repositioning effect is usually visible immediately, and skin firming continues as new collagen forms around the threads over the following months.

Expect some swelling, tightness or mild bruising for several days, and occasional dimpling at insertion points that settles as tissue relaxes. Most people resume light activity within a day or two. The clinic advises aftercare such as sleeping face-up, avoiding wide mouth movements and skipping facial massage or strenuous exercise for the recommended period.

Absorbable thread lifting with barbed sutures for facial rejuvenation has been described in the clinical literature, including outcomes for PDO thread lifting of the lower face (Suh DH et al., Dermatologic Surgery, 2015).

Polydioxanone threads have also been reviewed for their collagen-stimulating effect alongside their mechanical lift (Kang et al., Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019; doi:10.1111/jocd.12894). Suitability, thread type and technique are determined individually by a physician at consultation.

We match you with a KHIDI-registered clinic and handle the parts that are hard from abroad: free consultation in your language, treatment planning, interpretation on the day, and airport-to-clinic logistics.

There is no cost to use the platform and no markup on clinic rates. You decide after a free consultation — we make the introduction and coordinate the visit through our WhatsApp channel.