Thread lift

Lift the cheeks and jawline without surgery

Dissolvable threads made of PDO, PCL or PLLA, with small barbs or cogs, are placed under the skin through tiny entry points under local anaesthetic to lift the cheeks and jawline. Swelling, tightness, small dimples or bruising usually settle within a week, though tightness when opening the mouth wide can last 1–2 weeks. Plan at least 3 days in Seoul so the clinic can check you before you fly.

Downtime
3–7 days
Minimum stay
3 days
Sessions
1
A side view of a face. Three thin barbed threads fan from a tiny point near the ear across the cheek towards the jawline, with arrows pointing up and back and a dashed line showing the lower contour before.
  1. Entry point. A tiny opening near the hairline, under local anaesthetic. No incision to stitch.
  2. Barbed threads. Dissolvable threads with small barbs sit under the skin and hold the tissue.
  3. The lift. Cheeks and jawline are drawn up and back. The threads dissolve over months while collagen forms around them.

Schematic. The change shown is modest, as it is in practice.

Estimated price range

KRW 500,000 – 2,000,000 · per face

≈ USD 372 – 1,486

Varies by clinic and your condition. The final price is confirmed after consultation.

Converted at a fixed rate as of 2026-09-11

Types and indicative prices

Many operations combine two or more of these. Prices are indicative ranges from Seoul clinics; the surgeon recommends a plan and the clinic quotes it after consultation.

  • Barbed PDO threads (such as Mint Lift)

    Dissolvable PDO threads with small barbs that lift the cheeks and jawline. Suits mild to moderate sagging and a first thread lift.

    Indicative price
    KRW 450,000 – 1,500,000 · per face≈ USD 334 – 1,115
    Downtime
    3–7 days

  • Longer-lasting PCL or PLLA threads

    Barbed threads made of PCL or PLLA, which dissolve more slowly than PDO and also stimulate collagen. Suits someone who wants the effect to last longer.

    Indicative price
    KRW 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 · per face≈ USD 743 – 2,229
    Downtime
    3–7 days

  • Fine smooth threads

    Many short smooth threads placed in a mesh to improve skin texture and firmness rather than lift. Suits fine lines, the under-eye area and crepey skin.

    Indicative price
    KRW 100,000 – 400,000 · per session≈ USD 74 – 297
    Downtime
    1–3 days

  • Nose threads

    Short threads placed along the bridge or into the tip for a temporary lift, with no cutting. Suits a small change or trying a look before considering rhinoplasty.

    Indicative price
    KRW 300,000 – 1,000,000 · per session≈ USD 223 – 743
    Downtime
    1–3 days

    See Rhinoplasty

Good to know

  • Avoid wide yawning, facial massage and dental work for about 2–4 weeks while the threads settle.
  • Sleep on your back and avoid saunas and strenuous exercise for the first week.
  • A thread lift does not replace a facelift for heavy sagging; your doctor advises at consultation which suits you.
  • Tell your doctor about blood thinners, recent filler or any skin infection in the area.

Questions

How long does the lift last?

Months, often around a year, depending on the thread type and your skin. PCL and PLLA threads tend to last longer than PDO.

Thread lift or facelift?

Threads suit mild to moderate sagging with a short recovery. Heavier sagging usually needs a surgical facelift, and your doctor will tell you honestly which fits.

Will people be able to tell?

Small dimples or puckering can be visible for the first days and usually settle within a week. Book with some buffer before photos or events.

Does it hurt?

Local anaesthetic is used, so most people feel pressure and tugging rather than pain. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is common.

Related guides

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