Looking for a lift without surgery? A thread lift offers a minimally invasive way to tighten sagging skin, contour your face, and rejuvenate your appearance—without the downtime or scars of a traditional facelift. Popular across Korea and globally, thread lifting is a top choice for patients in their 30s to 50s seeking a subtle but visible lift.

What Is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses dissolvable threads made of materials like PDO (polydioxanone), PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid), or PCL (polycaprolactone) to lift and support sagging skin from underneath. The threads are inserted under the skin using a fine needle or cannula and act as both a physical lift and a collagen stimulator.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

Thread lifting can be used to improve:

• Jawline definition (V-line contouring)
• Sagging cheeks or jowls
• Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Marionette lines
• Under-eye area and eyebrows
• Neck and décolletage
• Forehead lift (non-surgical brow lift)
• Nose lift (non-surgical nose threading)

Types of Threads

Different thread materials offer varying longevity and effects:

• PDO Threads: Last 6–12 months, excellent for collagen stimulation and light lifting
• PLLA Threads: Stimulate longer-lasting collagen, effects up to 18 months
• PCL Threads: Longest-lasting (up to 2 years), firmer lift and extended skin support
• Cog Threads: Barbed threads that physically anchor and lift tissue
• Mono Threads: Smooth threads used primarily for collagen stimulation, not lifting
• Screw/Tornado Threads: Used to add volume in hollow areas

A skilled practitioner will choose the best type based on your face structure and aesthetic goals.

Benefits of Thread Lifting

• Non-surgical alternative to a facelift
• Minimal downtime (1–3 days)
• Natural-looking lift
• Immediate and long-term results (collagen remodeling)
• Customizable for specific areas
• Safe and reversible (threads naturally dissolve)

What to Expect During the Procedure

1. Consultation: Facial assessment to determine thread type, quantity, and placement
2. Numbing: Local anesthesia or numbing cream is applied
3. Thread Insertion: Threads are inserted under the skin using fine needles
4. Lifting & Positioning: Threads are gently pulled to lift the tissue
5. Recovery: Mild swelling or bruising may occur, but you can resume most activities in 24–48 hours

The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes.

How Long Do Results Last?

• Immediate lift visible right after the procedure
• Best results appear over 2–4 weeks as collagen builds
• Longevity:
• PDO: 6–12 months
• PLLA: 12–18 months
• PCL: 18–24 months

Maintenance sessions can prolong results over time.

Ideal Candidates

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Are aged 30–55 with mild to moderate skin sagging
• Want a lift without surgery or long downtime
• Have good skin quality and elasticity
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Prefer gradual, natural-looking improvements

For severe skin laxity, surgical options may be more appropriate.

Thread Lift vs Facelift

FeatureThread LiftSurgical FaceliftInvasivenessMinimally invasiveSurgicalDowntime1–3 days2–3 weeksDuration of Results6–24 months5–10 yearsRecoveryQuick return to normal activitiesLonger healing periodCostLower (fraction of surgical facelift)Higher, but long-lasting

Side Effects & Risks

While thread lifting is generally safe, some possible side effects include:

• Swelling, bruising, or tenderness (temporary)
• Thread visibility (rare with correct placement)
• Asymmetry (correctable)
• Mild puckering (resolves as skin adjusts)
• Infection (very rare with sterile technique)

Choosing an experienced provider minimizes risks.

Cost of Thread Lifting (General Guide)

• Korea: ₩800,000 – ₩3.5M ($600 – $2,600 USD) depending on area and thread type
• USA: $1,500 – $4,500
• UK/EU: £1,000 – £3,000

Prices vary based on provider experience, thread brand, and number of threads used.

Is Thread Lifting Worth It?

Yes—if you're looking for a non-surgical facial lift with natural results, minimal downtime, and gradual collagen-boosting benefits. It's especially popular in countries like South Korea, where facial contouring and V-line aesthetics are highly sought after.



A thread lift bridges the gap between skincare and surgery. Whether you're targeting jowls, cheeks, or a sagging jawline, this treatment offers a fast, effective way to rejuvenate your look—no scalpels required.