Thread Lift in Korea 2025: Complete Guide to PDO, PLLA & PCL Thread Prices, Types & Results
Want a facelift without surgery? Thread lifting has revolutionized non-surgical facial rejuvenation, offering immediate lifting with minimal downtime. Korea leads the world in thread lift innovation and technique—this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses dissolvable threads inserted under the skin to lift and tighten sagging facial tissue. Unlike a surgical facelift, thread lifts require no incisions, general anesthesia, or extended recovery time.
How Thread Lifts Work
- Thread Insertion: Specialized threads placed under the skin using fine needles
- Mechanical Lifting: Barbed threads (cogs) grip tissue and pull upward
- Tissue Anchoring: Threads hold lifted position
- Collagen Stimulation: Foreign body response triggers new collagen
- Gradual Absorption: Threads dissolve over time, collagen remains
Why Korea for Thread Lifts?
- Birthplace of innovation: Many thread technologies developed in Korea
- Highest volume: Korean doctors perform more thread lifts than anywhere
- Technical expertise: Refined techniques from years of experience
- Competitive pricing: 50-70% less than Western countries
- Natural results: Korean aesthetic favors subtle, natural lifting
Thread Lift Prices in Korea 2025
Exceptional value compared to global prices:
By Treatment Type
| Treatment | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Thread Lift | ₩300,000-500,000 | $230-385 |
| Mid-Face Lift | ₩500,000-800,000 | $385-615 |
| Full Face Lift | ₩800,000-1,500,000 | $615-1,150 |
| V-Line (Jawline) | ₩400,000-700,000 | $310-540 |
| Neck Lift | ₩500,000-900,000 | $385-690 |
Average price: ₩554,000 (~$425). Prices as of November 2025.
By Thread Type
| Thread Type | Per Thread (KRW) | Per Thread (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDO Mono | ₩15,000-30,000 | $12-23 | 6-12 months |
| PDO Cog | ₩50,000-100,000 | $40-75 | 12-18 months |
| PLLA | ₩80,000-150,000 | $60-115 | 18-24 months |
| PCL | ₩100,000-200,000 | $75-155 | 24-36 months |
Korea vs. World Prices
| Country | Thread Lift (Full Face) | Savings vs Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Korea | $500-1,000 | — |
| USA | $2,000-5,000 | 70-80% |
| UK | $1,500-3,500 | 60-70% |
| Australia | $2,000-4,000 | 65-75% |
Types of Threads: Complete Guide
By Material
1. PDO (Polydioxanone)
The most common and affordable option.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Absorbable surgical suture material |
| Duration | 6-12 months |
| Absorption | 6-8 months |
| Collagen Boost | Moderate |
| Price | Most affordable |
| Best For | First-timers, maintenance, mild laxity |
2. PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)
Enhanced collagen stimulation.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Same as Sculptra |
| Duration | 18-24 months |
| Absorption | 12-18 months |
| Collagen Boost | High |
| Price | Mid-range |
| Best For | Longer results, collagen building |
3. PCL (Polycaprolactone)
Longest-lasting option.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Slow-absorbing polymer |
| Duration | 24-36 months |
| Absorption | 24-30 months |
| Collagen Boost | Highest |
| Price | Premium |
| Best For | Maximum longevity, significant lifting |
By Shape & Function
Mono Threads (모노실)
- Design: Smooth, single threads
- Purpose: Skin tightening, texture improvement
- Lifting Power: Minimal
- Best For: Fine lines, neck, skin rejuvenation
- Quantity: 20-50+ threads typically used
Cog Threads (코그실)
- Design: Barbed/notched threads that grip tissue
- Purpose: Lifting and repositioning
- Lifting Power: Strong
- Patterns: Uni-directional, bi-directional, 360°
- Best For: Jowls, cheeks, jawline, nasolabial folds
- Quantity: 4-20 threads typically used
Screw/Spring Threads (회오리실)
- Design: Coiled like a spring
- Purpose: Volume restoration
- Lifting Power: Moderate
- Best For: Hollow areas, under-eye, nasolabial folds
- Quantity: 10-30 threads typically used
Popular Korean Thread Brands
| Brand | Type | Strength | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Lift | PDO/PLLA | Strong | Molding cogs |
| Ultra V | PDO | Medium | Popular, reliable |
| Omega | PDO | Medium | 360° barbs |
| Midas | PDO | Medium | Gold-standard cog |
| Blue Rose | PLLA | Strong | Long-lasting |
| Diamond | PDO/PCL | Strong | Premium lifting |
Thread Lift Treatment Areas
Face
1. Mid-Face / Cheeks
- Lifts sagging cheeks
- Restores youthful contour
- Threads: 4-10 cog threads per side
2. Jowls / Lower Face
- Tightens jawline
- Reduces jowl appearance
- Threads: 4-8 cog threads per side
3. Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines)
- Softens deep lines
- Often combined with filler
- Threads: 2-6 threads per side
4. Marionette Lines
- Lifts mouth corners
- Reduces "sad" appearance
- Threads: 2-4 threads per side
5. Brow Lift
- Opens eye area
- Lifts drooping brows
- Threads: 2-4 threads per side
6. Jawline / V-Line
- Creates defined jawline
- Slims lower face
- Threads: 6-12 threads total
Neck
7. Neck Lift
- Tightens neck bands
- Reduces "turkey neck"
- Threads: 10-20+ threads
Body (Less Common)
- Arms
- Abdomen
- Knees
- Buttocks
The Thread Lift Experience
Before Treatment
- Avoid blood thinners for 1 week
- No alcohol 48 hours before
- Come with clean skin
- Discuss medications and health history
During the Procedure
Step 1: Consultation & Marking (15 min)
- Assessment of facial structure
- Treatment plan discussion
- Entry/exit points marked
Step 2: Anesthesia (15-20 min)
- Local anesthesia injected
- Numbing cream may be used
- Area completely numbed
Step 3: Thread Insertion (30-60 min)
- Small entry points created
- Threads inserted via cannula or needle
- Positioning and adjusting
- Excess thread trimmed
Step 4: Assessment (10 min)
- Symmetry check
- Immediate results visible
- Aftercare instructions
Total time: 60-90 minutes
Pain Level
| Phase | Pain Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesia | 3-5/10 | Injection discomfort |
| Thread Insertion | 1-3/10 | Pressure, tugging sensation |
| Post-Procedure | 3-5/10 | Tenderness, tightness |
After Treatment
Immediately:
- Visible lifting effect
- Swelling and tenderness
- Possible bruising
- Tightness sensation
Day 1-7:
- Peak swelling days 2-3
- Bruising develops then fades
- Tenderness when touching
- Puckering possible (temporary)
Week 2-4:
- Swelling resolves
- Results settling
- Threads integrating
Month 1-3:
- Collagen building
- Continued improvement
- Final results visible
Results Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Visible lift (with swelling) |
| Week 1 | Swelling peak, then subsiding |
| Week 2-3 | True results emerging |
| Month 1 | Settled results |
| Month 2-3 | Collagen effect visible |
| Month 6-12 | PDO at peak, then gradual decrease |
| Month 12-24 | PLLA/PCL still effective |
| Month 24-36 | PCL continues working |
Duration by Thread Type
| Thread | Lifting Effect | Total Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| PDO Mono | 6-9 months | 9-12 months |
| PDO Cog | 9-12 months | 12-18 months |
| PLLA | 12-18 months | 18-24 months |
| PCL | 18-24 months | 24-36 months |
Who Should Get a Thread Lift?
Ideal Candidates
- Ages 30-60
- Mild to moderate skin laxity
- Early jowling
- Sagging cheeks
- Desire non-surgical option
- Realistic expectations
- Good skin quality
Best Results For
- Mild sagging: Excellent improvement
- Moderate sagging: Good improvement
- Severe sagging: Limited results (surgery may be better)
Not Recommended For
- Severe skin laxity (surgical lift needed)
- Very thin skin
- Active skin infections
- Autoimmune conditions
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Unrealistic expectations
Thread Lift vs. Other Lifting Treatments
| Factor | Thread Lift | HIFU (Shurink) | RF (Thermage) | Surgical Facelift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Non-invasive | Non-invasive | Surgical |
| Immediate Lift | Yes | Subtle | No | Yes |
| Downtime | 3-7 days | None | None | 2-4 weeks |
| Duration | 1-3 years | 6-12 months | 6-12 months | 5-10 years |
| Best For | Repositioning tissue | Tightening | Tightening | Significant sagging |
| Price (Korea) | $500-1,000 | $300-600 | $500-800 | $5,000-15,000 |
When to Choose Thread Lift
- You want immediate visible lifting
- Non-surgical is important to you
- You have mild-moderate laxity
- You want longer-lasting than energy devices
- You're not ready for surgery
Potential Side Effects & Risks
Common (Temporary)
- Swelling (1-2 weeks)
- Bruising (1-2 weeks)
- Tenderness (2-4 weeks)
- Tightness sensation
- Dimpling/puckering (usually resolves)
Uncommon
- Asymmetry
- Thread visibility/palpability
- Infection (rare with proper care)
- Thread migration
- Prolonged discomfort
Serious (Rare)
- Nerve damage
- Skin irregularities
- Thread extrusion
- Granuloma formation
Minimizing Risks
- Choose experienced practitioners
- Follow aftercare strictly
- Avoid manipulation of treated areas
- Report any concerns immediately
Post-Treatment Care
First Week
Do:
- Sleep on your back, elevated
- Apply cold compresses gently
- Take prescribed medications
- Eat soft foods
- Keep head elevated
Don't:
- Don't touch, rub, or massage face
- No extreme facial expressions
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- No swimming, sauna, hot baths
- Don't sleep on your side/stomach
Week 2-4
Do:
- Gentle skincare routine
- Gradual return to normal activities
- Sun protection
Don't:
- No facial massages for 1-2 months
- Avoid dental procedures for 2 weeks
- No aggressive skincare treatments
Long-term
- Maintain healthy lifestyle
- Use quality skincare
- Consider maintenance treatments
- Sun protection always
Top Seoul Clinics for Thread Lifts
1. VS Line Clinic (VS라인)
- Location: Gangnam
- Specialty: V-line thread lifting
- Price Range: ₩400,000-1,000,000
- Why Choose: V-line specialists, experienced team
2. Toxnfill Clinics (톡스앤필)
- Location: Multiple Seoul branches
- Specialty: Various thread types
- Price Range: ₩300,000-800,000
- Why Choose: Competitive pricing, consistency
3. Feeline Clinic (필라인클리닉)
- Location: Sinchon
- Specialty: Lifting procedures
- Price Range: ₩400,000-900,000
- Why Choose: Transparent pricing
4. Oracle Dermatology (오라클피부과)
- Location: Throughout Seoul
- Specialty: Comprehensive aesthetics
- Price Range: ₩500,000-1,200,000
- Why Choose: English support available
5. Onlif Clinic
- Location: Seoul
- Specialty: Thread lift focused
- Price Range: ₩400,000-1,000,000
- Why Choose: Detailed consultations
Maximizing Your Thread Lift Results
Combination Treatments
| Combo | Benefit | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Thread + HIFU | Mechanical + thermal lifting | Same day or 2-4 weeks apart |
| Thread + Filler | Lift + volume restoration | Same session |
| Thread + Botox | Lift + wrinkle prevention | Same session |
| Thread + Skin Booster | Lift + skin quality | 2 weeks apart |
Maintenance Protocol
- PDO threads: Touch-up every 12-18 months
- PLLA/PCL threads: Touch-up every 18-24 months
- Combination approach: Alternate with energy devices
FAQ
Q: How many threads do I need? A: Varies by area and concern. Mid-face: 8-20 threads. Jawline: 6-12 threads. Your doctor will recommend based on assessment.
Q: Does a thread lift hurt? A: With local anesthesia, the procedure is tolerable (1-3/10 during insertion). Post-procedure tenderness lasts 1-2 weeks.
Q: How long do results last? A: PDO: 12-18 months. PLLA: 18-24 months. PCL: 24-36 months. Collagen benefits may extend beyond thread absorption.
Q: Can threads be removed? A: Generally no—they're designed to dissolve. In rare cases of complications, some threads can be retrieved.
Q: When can I return to normal activities? A: Most daily activities: 2-3 days. Exercise: 1-2 weeks. Facial treatments: 4-8 weeks.
Q: Will I look unnatural? A: With experienced injectors, results should be natural. "Pulled" appearance usually resolves as swelling subsides.
Q: Can I combine with other treatments? A: Yes! Thread lifts pair well with fillers, Botox, HIFU, and skin boosters for comprehensive rejuvenation.
Q: How does thread lift compare to surgical facelift? A: Thread lift is less invasive with shorter downtime but less dramatic and shorter-lasting than surgery. It's ideal for mild-moderate laxity.
Conclusion
Thread lifting offers a compelling middle ground between non-invasive treatments and surgical facelifts—delivering visible, immediate lifting with minimal downtime. Korea's expertise in thread lift techniques, combined with prices 60-80% lower than Western countries, makes Seoul the premier destination for this procedure.
Whether you're addressing early sagging with PDO threads or seeking longer-lasting results with PLLA or PCL, Korean clinics offer the full spectrum of options backed by years of high-volume experience.
Ready for a non-surgical lift? Book a consultation at a Seoul clinic and discover why thread lifting has become one of Korea's most popular anti-aging procedures.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about thread lift procedures. It is not intended as medical advice. Results vary by individual, and all medical procedures carry some risk. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
Last Updated: November 2025 Reading Time: 14 minutes