Midface Lifting Price and Cost: What Is the Difference Between Laser and Thread Lifting?

If the area under your eyes looks heavy and droopy, and you feel like your nasolabial folds are getting deeper, you have probably searched for the term “midface sagging.”

And naturally, you may have first thought of laser lifting.

There is no incision, it seems relatively simple, and advertisements emphasize an immediate lifting effect.

However, in actual midface sagging consultations, it is not uncommon to hear comments such as, “The change was smaller than I expected,” or “Even after several sessions, it feels like it droops again.”

The reason is that midface sagging is not just a loss of skin elasticity, but a structural issue that also involves fat displacement and laxity of the retaining ligaments.

With a method that only applies thermal stimulation to the surface of the skin, it is difficult to sufficiently lift tissue that has already shifted downward.

That is why, in an area like the midface, where three-dimensional structure and support are important, a method that can directly support the tissue is needed.

This is also why thread lifting has recently been gaining attention for midface improvement.

It is not simply about tightening; it is a method that actually repositions and secures sagging tissue in the desired direction.

What is thread lifting? Thread lifting is, quite literally, a lifting procedure that uses threads to physically pull up and secure sagging tissue.

Unlike laser lifting, which delivers energy to the skin surface to encourage elasticity, this method involves inserting medical threads into the layer beneath the skin to pull sagging fat and soft tissue in the desired direction.

These threads have small barbs or cogs that firmly hold the tissue, helping not only to tighten the skin but also to reposition the midface upward.

Another feature is the immediate change. Because the threads physically support the tissue, a certain degree of lifting effect can be seen right after the procedure.

Over time, collagen production is induced around the threads, adding an elasticity-improving effect. In other words, you can think of it as a structure in which the “pulling force” and the “elasticity-building force” work together.

Why should thread lifting be decided carefully? Recently, thread lifting has drawn a lot of attention because the cost burden has become relatively lower, the procedure time is short, and daily life can be resumed quickly.

However, in reality, it is a procedure that requires much more delicate anatomical understanding and skill than many people expect, so it should be approached carefully.

First, the face is not just a skin layer but an area with a complex structure.

Beneath the skin are fat layers, muscles, retaining ligaments, and important nerves and blood vessels. The results can vary greatly depending on how deep the threads are inserted, in what direction, and how many are used.

If they are placed in the wrong layer, unevenness, asymmetry, or excessive pulling may occur.

Second, excessive expectations and overdone procedures can instead create an unnatural look.

The midface is an area with frequent facial movement. If too much tension is applied, it may look awkward when smiling, or the area around the mouth may be pulled unnaturally.

In particular, if the treatment is approached in a uniform way without considering an individual’s skin thickness, fat volume, and degree of sagging, satisfaction may decrease.

Third, it is necessary to understand the maintenance period and adjustment process.

The threads are absorbed by the body over time, but during that process, temporary soreness, pulling sensations, or swelling may occur.

If this is not explained sufficiently, anxiety after the procedure may increase. Also, not everyone is guaranteed the same duration of effect. Differences arise depending on skin condition and lifestyle habits.

Finally, thread lifting is not a procedure that is necessary for everyone.

It should first be evaluated whether the main cause is reduced skin elasticity, fat displacement, or whether a surgical method would be more appropriate.

A decision should not be made simply because the price is low or because many people around you are doing it, since the effect on the face is not small.

What is the key to improving satisfaction with midface thread lifting? In midface thread lifting, what matters is not simply “how strongly it is pulled,” but what kind of structure, at what stage, and in what direction the lifting is performed.

First, the midface must be understood as a three-dimensional structure rather than a flat surface.

The face is not a one-dimensional line or a two-dimensional plane, but a structure in which fat, muscles, and retaining ligaments are intricately interwoven.

Therefore, rather than a method that pulls in only one direction, a tripod concept that supports from multiple directions may be more stable.

Second, it should be approached in stages rather than as a single procedure. It is better to divide the procedure by areas with lost volume, slightly sagging areas, and areas that need fixation.

This helps complete the lifting while maintaining balance rather than applying excessive tension all at once.

In particular, since the midface is an area where overcorrection can easily lead to an unnatural look, a step-by-step procedure can be an advantage.

Lastly, the type of thread (PDO, PLLA, PCL, etc.) differs in duration and characteristics, and the outcome can also vary depending on the design and insertion direction, so this should also be checked carefully.

There is no single correct answer for improving midface sagging.

There are various options such as laser, thread lifting, and surgical methods, and each has clear pros and cons.

What matters is not the trend or the price, but the current condition of your face and the degree of change you are hoping for.

Please remember that choosing the method best suited to you through thorough consultation and explanation can lead to the safest and most satisfying results.

Thank you.

| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 through Paragraph 15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry a risk of side effects and complications depending on the individual. Before treatment, please be sure to have a thorough consultation with a medical professional with extensive experience before making a decision. |