When people notice that their facial skin is starting to sag, the first thing that comes to mind is often Thread Lifting. It sounds much less invasive than surgery, requires no long recovery period, and can maintain its effects for several years. However, not many people really understand this procedure in detail. Many people simply follow what the doctor recommends at the clinic, but when the results are not what they expected, they begin to ask, “Why is that?”
In this article, I will analyze in detail the key issues related to Thread Lifting: the selection of threads, expected results, cost considerations, who is suitable for this procedure and who is not, as well as the types of clinics in Seoul that deserve attention.
The principle of Thread Lifting: It’s more than just “pulling”
Many people think that thread lifting simply involves inserting threads into the skin to pull it upwards, and once the effect wears off, the threads degrade and that’s it. In reality, the mechanism of action behind thread lifting is much more complex.
- Immediate mechanical Lifting: The barbs or hooks on the online device grip the subcutaneous tissue and directly lift the loose areas upward.
- Later-stage Collagen proliferation: When mitochondria are perceived as foreign substances by the body, the body will produce Collagen in their vicinity. It is this newly formed layer of Collagen that plays a key role in maintaining the desired effects.
- Tissue remodeling: As the collagen fibers gradually degrade over a period of 3 to 18 months, the existing collagen network surrounding them continues to provide support for the skin’s structure.
Therefore, the statement that “the effects will disappear once the threads are removed” is not accurate. The duration of the effects depends on your skin condition, the type of threads used, the technique used during the procedure, and whether you follow up with other skincare routines afterward.
Comparison of three mainstream threads: PDO, PLLA, PCL
| Linear material | Degradation period | Intensity of collagen stimulation | The effects last for a long time. | Suitable for various scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDO (Polydioxanone) | 6 months | medium | 1 to 1.5 years | Mild to moderate sagging – first-time user |
| PLLA (Poly(lactic acid) left-handed) | 12 to 18 months | strong | 2–3 years | Moderate sagging; seeking long-lasting results |
| PCL (Polycaprolactone) | 18 to 24 months | Stronger and more lasting | 3–4 years | For moderate to severe sagging, seeking the longest-lasting results possible |
In simple terms: PDO is the entry-level option, with the lowest price and the shortest duration of effects; PCL is a long-lasting solution, offering the longest effect period but also the highest cost; PLLA falls in the middle, and its cost-effectiveness is recommended by many doctors.
In addition, “Titanium Lifting” (using medical-grade plastic threads) is also used in some high-end clinics in South Korea, with claims that it offers more effective results; however, relevant research and long-term data on its effectiveness are still relatively limited.
What problems can Thread Lifting solve? And what problems cannot it solve?
It’s better to be clear from the start, to avoid any misunderstandings or discrepancies in expectations.
Solvable issues:
- Mild to moderate sagging of the facial contours (downward movement of the Apple Zone, deepening of the Nasolabial Fold Correction, and relaxation of the cheeks)
- Mild relaxation of the neck area (neck wrinkles, blurred neck contours)
- Mild sagging around the eyes (in the area at the end of the eyebrows or outer canthus)
- Work in conjunction with other projects to improve the overall appearance and reduce signs of aging.
Insoluble problems:
- Severe sagging (after a certain degree, the effect of thread lifting is very limited, and surgery may be required for Lifting).
- Problems related to the texture of the skin itself (roughness, dullness, Pores – these issues need to be addressed through other treatments).
- Excessive fat accumulation (thread lifting does not reduce fat)
- Problems with the contours caused by the skeletal structure
If you already have severe skin laxity, it is advisable to consult a doctor about thread lifting rather than surgical options; in such cases, it is even more important to ask additional questions.
Cost trends for Thread Lifting in Seoul in 2026
| Mitochondrial type | Average price in Gangnam, Seoul (in Korean won) | Agree on the amount in RMB | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDO Lifting (30–50 threads for the entire face) | 500,000 – 900,000 | ¥2,700 – ¥4,900 | Entry-level products are available in most clinics. |
| PLLA Lifting (for the entire face) | 900,000 – 1,800,000 | ¥4,900 – ¥9,700 | A mid-range mainstream option |
| PCL Lifting (for the entire face) | 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 | ¥6,500 – ¥13,500 | Long-lasting effects, high-end clinics |
| Titanium Lifting (Titan Thread) | 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 | ¥8,100 – ¥16,200 | Some clinics offer these services exclusively and claim that their results are the most effective. |
| Neck thread lifting | 400,000 – 800,000 | ¥2,160 – ¥4,300 | Improvement of neck wrinkles and neck contour |
The above information reflects the current market trends for 2026 and does not include the cost of anesthesia (some clinics charge an additional 30,000 to 80,000 Korean won). Multiple treatments or combination packages (such as Thermage + thread lifting) are usually available at discounted rates, so feel free to inquire during your consultation.
Postoperative recovery: What do you need to prepare?
The recovery period after thread lifting is often underestimated. Several real-life examples can illustrate this:
- 1–3 days after the procedure: Red spots may appear at the injection sites, and the face may feel tight or slightly swollen. Some individuals may notice asymmetry (this is normal, as the threads are still in place).
- 1–2 weeks after the procedure: There may be a sensation of “indentations” or slight irregularities on the skin surface; these are caused by the inverted barbs of the threads and will resolve on their own.
- 1 month after the procedure: The results begin to take shape, and it is at this point that you can see the more genuine improvements.
- 6 months after the procedure: Collagen production reaches its peak, and the results are usually at their best.
Within 1 month after the procedure, it is important to avoid the following: vigorous massage of the face, intense physical exercise (excessive sweating can interfere with the healing process), deep ultrasonic treatments or radiofrequency procedures (these may disrupt the position of the fillers), and sleeping on your face.
Who is suitable for Thread Lifting? Who should be cautious?
Suitable for:
- Ages 30–50: Slight to moderate sagging, but the skin still retains some elasticity.
- I don’t want to undergo surgery, but I hope to see immediate Lifting results.
- If you already have a basic understanding of Thermage/HIFU and would like to further enhance your skills through Lifting,
Situations where caution is required:
- The skin is very thin; the traces of the needles may be clearly visible after insertion.
- Recently, a large amount of Filler injections were performed; however, when too much Filler is used, the effectiveness of thread lifting procedures is reduced.
- Those with autoimmune diseases or coagulation disorders
- Severe sagging (limited effectiveness, low cost-performance ratio)
What are the differences between it and Thermage/HIFU? Can they be used in combination?
The three projects target different mechanisms:
- Thermage: Radiofrequency energy is used to heat the dermis, thereby promoting collagen production and primarily improving skin texture and mild signs of sagging.
- HIFU: Focused ultrasound is applied to the SMAS fascia layer, resulting in significant Lifting effects; the results are more immediate than those achieved by Thermage.
- Thread Lifting: A physical Lifting method that provides immediate results and, when combined with collagen stimulation, achieves long-lasting improvements.
The logic behind this combined treatment approach is as follows: First, use the HIFU or Thermage to improve the texture of the skin, and then perform thread lifting 1–3 months later to enhance the results. These two treatments do not interfere with each other; however, it is essential to ensure that sufficient time passes for the tissues to stabilize. When considering multiple treatments on the same day, it is crucial to proceed with caution and have the doctor conduct a thorough assessment first.
Before going to Seoul for thread lifting, make sure to check the following points.
- Whether the doctor performs the procedure personally (thread implantation must not be performed by a nurse on behalf of the doctor)
- Are the brand and model of the filament clearly indicated? (Some clinics use inexpensive filaments without providing any clear information about them.)
- Depending on the specific number and the distribution plan adopted (“getting a thread embedding procedure” is an overly vague description)
- Is post-operative follow-up included in the cost?
- If the results are not satisfactory, are there any options for making corrections?
Thread Lifting is a procedure that requires a high level of technical expertise. Even with the same type of threads, the results can vary significantly depending on the doctor performing the procedure – the depth at which the threads are inserted, the way in which the barbs are positioned to engage with the tissue, and the overall design of the treatment plan all play a crucial role in the final outcome. Therefore, choosing the right doctor is far more important than selecting the clinic itself.
If you are looking for a reliable Thread Lifting clinic in Seoul, you can first check the background of the doctors and details of the services offered by each clinic on BeautsGO. Before making an appointment, it is advisable to consult online to confirm the treatment plan before proceeding 👇
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This article provides general information about plastic and cosmetic surgery and does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment plans, it is recommended to consult a licensed physician for a personal assessment.