PDO Thread Lift in Gangnam, Seoul
A non-surgical lift that uses dissolvable medical threads to reposition sagging tissue along the jawline and mid-face — mechanical lift on day one, natural collagen renewal for months afterward.
A Non-Surgical Alternative to a Facelift
A PDO (polydioxanone) thread lift uses fine, dissolvable medical threads — the same biocompatible material used in surgical sutures — inserted beneath the skin with a thin needle or cannula. Once placed, the threads mechanically lift and reposition sagging tissue along the jawline, cheeks, and mid-face, producing a visible contouring effect immediately after treatment.
Beyond the immediate lift, the threads trigger a longer-term benefit: as the body recognizes them as a mild foreign material, it responds by producing new collagen around each thread. Over the following 4–6 months, the threads themselves gradually dissolve and are absorbed by the body, while the collagen they stimulated remains — continuing to support skin firmness well after the threads are gone.
It's most commonly chosen by patients in their late 30s to 50s who are noticing early-to-moderate jowling, a softened jawline, or mid-face sagging, but who aren't ready for — or don't need — surgical intervention.
Key Benefits
- Visible lift immediately after treatment
- Stimulates natural collagen for months after
- No incisions, no general anesthesia
- Threads fully dissolve — nothing permanent left behind
- Can be layered with HIFU or injectables for a combination plan
Two Ways a Thread Lift Improves Your Skin
The lift you see and the firmness you feel come from two different processes happening in sequence.
Mechanical Lift
Cog or barbed threads grip surrounding tissue as they're placed, physically repositioning sagging skin and fat pads upward and back into a more youthful position — visible the moment the procedure ends.
Collagen Stimulation
The thread material triggers a controlled healing response, prompting fibroblasts to lay down new collagen along each thread's path over the following weeks and months.
Gradual Absorption
PDO threads fully dissolve via natural hydrolysis over roughly 4–6 months. The collagen framework they built remains, which is why results outlast the threads themselves.
Ideal Candidates for a PDO Thread Lift
Generally a Good Fit
- Early-to-moderate skin laxity along the jawline or mid-face
- Want a visible lift without surgery or general anesthesia
- Have realistic expectations about the degree of lift achievable
- Want minimal downtime and are comfortable with 2–3 days of visible swelling/bruising
- Considering a combination anti-aging plan alongside HIFU or collagen injections
May Not Be Ideal For
- Severe, advanced skin laxity better suited to surgical intervention
- Active skin infections or unhealed wounds in the treatment area
- Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
- Those with a known allergy or sensitivity to PDO/suture materials
- Patients on blood thinners without medical clearance
Your Treatment, Step by Step
From consultation to walking out the door — here's the full visit.
Consultation & Mapping
Your doctor assesses skin laxity and facial structure, explains realistic outcomes, and marks the precise thread insertion points and directions on your skin before starting.
Thread Placement
After topical or local anesthesia, threads are inserted through a fine needle or cannula along the mapped lines. Most sessions take 30–45 minutes depending on the number of threads used.
Immediate Aftercare
You'll see the lifted contour right away, alongside some swelling and possible bruising. Your doctor will walk through aftercare instructions — including sleeping position and facial movement — before you leave.
Downtime & Recovery Timeline
Mild swelling, tightness, and possible slight bruising at insertion points. Most patients return to light daily activity the same day.
Peak swelling and any bruising typically occur in this window. Some patients notice mild pulling or puckering sensations, which usually settle as swelling reduces.
Most visible swelling resolves. You can generally return to normal social activities; strenuous exercise and extreme facial movements (wide yawning, vigorous chewing) are usually still restricted.
The lifted contour settles into its natural-looking final position as any residual swelling fully resolves.
Collagen stimulation continues as threads gradually dissolve — many patients report skin continuing to look firmer during this period, not just immediately after treatment.
How Long Results Last
Most patients see visible improvement in jawline and mid-face contour immediately, with results typically lasting 12–18 months before gradually returning to baseline as the natural aging process continues.
Because thread lifts address early-to-moderate laxity through collagen stimulation rather than tissue removal, many patients choose to repeat the treatment annually, or combine it with HIFU or biostimulator injections for a longer-lasting, more comprehensive result — see our Combination Lifting Program.
Illustrative result — jawline contouring, single-session PDO thread lift. Individual results vary; see our Medical Disclaimer.
Side Effects & Safety Information
Common, Temporary Side Effects
- Swelling at treatment area
- Mild bruising near insertion points
- Tightness or pulling sensation
- Slight visible dimpling (usually resolves within days)
- Mild tenderness when touched
- Temporary asymmetry during initial healing
Rare but possible complications include thread migration, infection, or a palpable/visible thread under the skin — your doctor will review your full medical history, discuss these risks individually, and confirm you're a safe candidate before treatment. This information is general and does not replace an in-person medical consultation.
PDO Thread Lift Pricing
Final pricing depends on thread count and area coverage, confirmed in your written quote after consultation.
Fine (Mono) Thread Tightening
Lower face, per session
₩890,000 starting fromJawline / V-Line Thread Lift
Cog thread count varies by assessment
₩1,890,000 starting fromCombination Thread + Filler Program
Full lower-face program
₩2,990,000 starting fromPrices are starting-from estimates and can change based on current demand and facility costs. See our full Pricing & Packages page for details across all treatments.
PDO Thread Lift — FAQ
Is a PDO thread lift painful?
Topical numbing cream or local anesthesia is used before thread placement, so most patients describe the sensation as pressure or mild pulling rather than sharp pain. Some tenderness is common for the first few days afterward.
How many threads do I need?
Thread count depends on the area treated and your degree of laxity — this is assessed and confirmed during your consultation, and reflected in your written quote before treatment begins.
When will I see the final result?
You'll see an immediate lift on treatment day, but the fully settled result — once swelling resolves — is typically visible around 2–4 weeks after treatment, with continued firming benefit over the following months.
Can I combine this with Botox or fillers?
Yes — thread lifts are commonly combined with Botox or dermal fillers as part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan. Your doctor will advise on sequencing and timing during your consultation.
What happens when the threads dissolve — will the sagging come back?
The threads fully dissolve, but the collagen they stimulated remains in the tissue, which is why the lifting benefit generally outlasts the threads themselves — typically 12–18 months total before skin gradually returns toward its original state and a repeat session can be considered.
Is this safe for international patients traveling for a short visit?
Yes — most patients can fly within a few days of treatment once initial swelling has visibly reduced, though your doctor will give you a personalized recommendation. See our International Patients page for full travel planning support.
How is this different from HIFU or RF skin tightening?
Threads provide an immediate mechanical lift in addition to collagen stimulation, while HIFU and RF tightening work purely through heat-triggered collagen remodeling without repositioning tissue. Many patients combine both approaches for a more complete result.
Other Anti-Aging & Lifting Treatments
HIFU Ultrasound Lifting
Incision-free ultrasound energy that tightens the same deep layer addressed in a surgical facelift.
Learn More →RF Skin Tightening
Radiofrequency energy that firms and smooths skin texture across a short series of sessions.
Learn More →Combination Lifting Program
A physician-designed multi-session plan layering threads, energy devices, and injections.
Learn More →Book Your PDO Thread Lift Consultation
Meet with one of our doctors to find out how many threads your face needs, see your written quote, and get a realistic picture of your results — before you commit to anything.