Thread Lift

How it works

Fine absorbable threads, often made of polydioxanone, are inserted under the skin through small entry points. Some have barbs or cogs that grip tissue and reposition it slightly, while smooth threads mainly prompt the skin to produce collagen as they dissolve over months. The lift is modest and temporary, and it varies by person, thread type and placement.

Who it may suit

• Mild to moderate sagging of the cheeks or jawline
• People who want a short procedure under local anesthesia
• Those who accept a temporary, modest effect
• Patients who have been advised that surgery is not yet necessary

The treatment day

1. Assessment. The doctor evaluates skin thickness, laxity and facial structure, and asks about bleeding tendency, medications and prior threads or fillers.
2. Planning. Insertion points and thread types are marked, and the number and material of threads are explained.
3. Placement. Local anesthesia is given, and threads are inserted through tiny entry points and positioned under the skin.
4. Aftercare briefing. Swelling and tenderness are explained, written instructions are given, and a check-up visit is scheduled.

Aftercare

• Sleep on your back with the head slightly raised for the first nights
• Avoid wide mouth opening, vigorous facial massage and dental work for the period advised
• Use cold compresses as directed to limit swelling
• Avoid blood-thinning supplements unless the doctor says otherwise
• Contact the clinic promptly for fever, spreading redness, severe pain or a visible thread

Things to know first

• Swelling, bruising, tightness and tenderness are common for several days
• Dimpling, asymmetry, thread visibility or migration can occur
• Infection, nerve injury and salivary gland injury are uncommon but serious risks
• Not suitable with active skin infection, bleeding disorders, pregnancy or unrealistic expectations of surgical results
• The lift fades as threads dissolve, and a repeat procedure may be considered

What to check before booking a thread lift in Gangnam

Ask first who will insert the threads. This is a procedural skill, and anatomy near the cheek and jaw includes nerves and vessels. Ask whether the person is a physician, how often they perform the procedure, and how complications would be handled. A clinic should be able to answer without hesitation and without redirecting you to a coordinator.

Next, ask about the product. You are entitled to know the thread material, the type, such as smooth or barbed, the length, and the number to be placed. Ask to see the sealed packaging and the label with the manufacturer and lot, and ask whether the threads are approved for use in Korea. Counterfeit or unlabelled threads are a real concern, so the sealed package check is more than a formality.

Finally, read the quote. It should state the thread type and count, the anesthesia, and any follow-up visits or touch-ups. Be skeptical of claims that threads replace a surgical facelift, or that results last for a fixed number of years. Honest consultations describe a modest, temporary lift and give a realistic picture of the swelling and the days you should plan to stay low-key.