Thread Lift FAQ

A thread lift (face thread lift) is a procedure that places absorbable threads with tiny barbs (cogs) under the skin to hook, lift, and anchor sagging tissue. It can help improve sagging along the jawline, cheeks, and nasolabial area without incisions; the procedure takes about 30 minutes under local anesthesia or IV sedation, and you can return to daily activities right away.

With a thread lift, you can feel the lift and see the change right after the procedure, and the result looks more natural after 1–2 months as the swelling subsides. How long results last depends on the type and number of threads and your skin condition, and in many cases they last about 1–2 years.

A thread lift is often repeated at 1–2-year intervals, around the time the previous threads are absorbed and the effect fades. Repeating it at very short intervals can leave overlapping threads beneath the skin that may feel uneven, so we plan the next procedure after checking the timing and condition of the previous one.

After a thread lift, a temporary tight or tingling feeling, or a sense that facial expressions feel awkward, can occur and improves over time. Dimpling, where the area with threads looks indented like a dimple, usually improves within 2 weeks to 1 month, and rarely asymmetry, visible or protruding threads, or infection can occur. Contact the clinic if you notice a bad smell in the mouth or yellow pus.

After a thread lift, the recovery tape is removed after 3 days, and cold compresses for 7 days and sleeping with your head elevated for 3–5 days help reduce swelling. Sleep on your back rather than on your side; face washing, a light shower, and makeup except on the wound areas are possible from the day after the procedure.

For about 2 weeks after a thread lift, avoid rubbing or pressing the treated area firmly. For about 4 weeks, it is best to avoid opening your mouth wide, making exaggerated expressions, and deep facial massage (Korean gyeongrak massage) or strong massage, and to avoid alcohol, smoking, strenuous exercise, and saunas for 4 weeks as well.

After a thread lift, energy-based lifting such as radiofrequency or ultrasound is best done after 2 weeks, once the threads have settled. We proceed after confirming that swelling and tightness in the treated area have subsided.

The cost of a thread lift depends on the type and number of threads used and the treatment area. Because the number of threads needed varies with the degree of sagging, an exact cost can be given after consultation.

A thread lift lifts sagging tissue with threads without incisions, while a facelift is surgery that involves skin incisions, releases the fascia layer to reposition sagging tissue, and removes excess skin. When sagging is mild, a thread lift often brings improvement, and when there is a lot of loose skin that needs to be removed, a facelift is considered. The approach is decided after checking the degree of sagging during the consultation.