Thread Lift in Seoul
A thread lift lifts sagging cheeks, jowls and nasolabial folds with dissolvable PDO threads — no incision, no stitches. At Grand Plastic Surgery it takes 30–60 minutes under IV sedation, you go home the same day, and the threads gradually dissolve after about 240 days.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rhee Se Whan, plastic surgeon · Updated October 2026
What is a thread lift ?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive lifting procedure. Fine, dissolvable threads are placed under the skin through a needle entry point; small cogs on the thread grip the tissue so it can be lifted and anchored in a higher position.
Grand Plastic Surgery uses a patented, moulding-type PDO thread with 360° spiral cogs, so the tissue is held from every direction rather than only one side. The thread (USP 1-0, 0.40 mm) is made from MFDS- and FDA-approved PDO and is absorbed gradually after about 240 days, stimulating collagen as it dissolves.
Because there is no incision, recovery is short — which is why a thread lift is popular with international patients who cannot take long time off.
Lift, anchor, renew
A thread lift repositions tissue mechanically, then the dissolving thread helps the skin firm up over the following months.
Design the vectors
Your surgeon marks the lifting lines for the cheeks, jowls and jawline based on your face and degree of sagging.
Insert the threads
Under IV sedation, threads are placed through tiny entry points — no scalpel incision and no stitches.
Lift and set
The 360° cogs grip the tissue and lift it into place; the threads then dissolve over about 240 days.
Why patients choose a thread lift
A quick way to lift and contour when surgery is not the right fit yet.
No incision
No scalpel, no scar and no stitches to remove.
Fast
30–60 minutes, with same-day discharge.
360° hold
Spiral cogs grip tissue from every direction for a stronger lift.
Slimmer contour
Lifts the cheeks and jowls for a more defined V-line.
You may be a good candidate if…
- You look older than your age because of nasolabial folds and sagging cheeks
- Your cheeks are full and the skin has started to sag, at any age
- You want to avoid surgical scars
- You cannot take time off for an incisional facelift
- Your jaw looks wide and you want a slimmer lower face
For moderate to severe sagging, a deep plane facelift gives a stronger, longer-lasting lift.
Where it works
Threads can be placed wherever soft tissue needs lifting. Explore area-specific options:
real Grand patients ♡
A lift you can see — without surgery
Grand Plastic Surgery thread lift patients, before treatment and after recovery.
- Lifted cheeks and a softer mid-face
- A slimmer, more defined jawline
- Fresh, natural look with no visible scars
Individual results vary. Photos are of Grand Plastic Surgery patients and are shared with consent.
What recovery looks like
Typical milestones after a thread lift. Swelling and bruising vary by individual.
Home the same day
The procedure takes 30–60 minutes under IV sedation.
Peak swelling
Some tightness and swelling peak within 48 hours; use ice packs.
Back to routine
Most visible swelling settles; switch to warm packs after day 7.
Collagen phase
Threads dissolve gradually over about 240 days while the skin firms.
How long does a thread lift last? The PDO thread is absorbed after about 240 days; how long the lift is visible after that depends on your skin, age and degree of sagging — your surgeon will advise at consultation.
Preparation & aftercare
Before treatment
- Tell your doctor about every medication you take
- Stop aspirin and painkillers 7–10 days before
- Stop smoking and drinking 3 days before
- Fast for 8 hours beforehand (IV sedation)
- Postpone if you have a cold, fever or severe cough
- Do not drive afterwards — bring a companion or use transport
After treatment
- Do not touch or rub the treated area
- Avoid big yawns, laughing hard and strong facial expressions for a while
- Sleep on your back with your head raised 20–30° on 2–3 pillows
- Ice packs for the first 7 days, then warm packs
- No sauna for about 4 weeks
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for 3–4 weeks
Chief Director · Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Rhee Se Whan
Dr. Rhee has specialised in facial lifting since 2004 and plans each thread lift as carefully as surgery — choosing vectors, thread type and number for your face.
- M.D. & Master’s, Hanyang University; Adjunct Professor of Plastic Surgery
- Plastic surgery training, Northwestern University Hospital, Chicago
- MIPS Academic Chair; invited lecturer, 2019 Healthy Life Forum (Russian MOH)
- Specialising in facial lifting at Grand Plastic Surgery since 2004
Thread lift questions
Is a thread lift painful?
How long does a thread lift take?
How long do the threads last?
Will there be scars?
Thread lift or facelift — which do I need?
Can a thread lift be combined with other treatments?
How much does a thread lift cost in Korea?
See what a thread lift could do for you
Send 3 photos (front, 45°, side) on WhatsApp. Dr. Rhee’s team replies with a personalised plan and estimate — in English.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rhee Se Whan · Last updated October 2026 · This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person medical consultation.
