Facial Wrinkle-Lifting Procedure Prices: Differences from Facelift Surgery, Effects, Duration, and More

As we age, it is natural for the cheeks to sag downward, nasolabial folds to appear deeper, and marionette lines to develop beside the corners of the mouth.

In situations like these, thread lifting is often considered as a relatively low-burden option.

Thread lifting is a procedure that places medical threads under the skin without incisions to pull up sagging tissue.

Because recovery is relatively easy and a return to daily activities is generally quick, it has attracted considerable interest as a way to manage facial sagging after middle age.

However, the treatment plan for thread lifting should vary depending on which areas are sagging, whether the skin is thin or thick, whether there is a lot or little fat, and how the cheekbones and jawline are balanced.

The aspects people most often ask about during thread-lifting consultations are generally as follows.

✅Whether the results are not as effective as those of facelift surgery

✅Whether the skin will become uneven or the threads will show after the procedure

✅Whether the cheekbones will look more prominent or the overall appearance will become harsher

✅Whether the face will sag even more after the threads dissolve

✅Whether it is possible to return to daily activities immediately after the procedure

Today, I will explain thread lifting in an easy-to-understand way, focusing on these points.

How are thread lifting and facelift surgery different?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that separates the skin and deeper tissues and directly pulls up the sagging areas.

It may be considered when sagging is significant, but incisions and the recovery period can be burdensome.

In contrast, thread lifting uses threads to pull up sagging tissue, so it may be suitable for people with relatively mild sagging or those who want to reduce the burden of recovery.

Although bruising and swelling vary from person to person, one advantage is that returning to daily activities is generally quicker than after surgery.

However, thread lifting cannot address every type of sagging on its own.

It is first necessary to assess the degree of sagging, how much the skin has stretched, and the direction in which the fat has descended.

Depending on the situation, thread lifting alone may be sufficient, while in cases of severe sagging, another surgical method or an additional procedure may be more suitable.

Facelift surgery and thread lifting may be considered as complementary options depending on the individual condition.

The important thing is to find an approach suited to the current condition of the face.

If you are concerned about uneven skin or visible threads

One of the most common concerns among people considering thread lifting is dimpling.

Dimpling refers to a condition in which the skin appears slightly indented or uneven after the procedure.

Immediately after the procedure, temporary pulling or contours may be visible as the tissue settles into place.

In many cases, these effects gradually improve naturally over time.

However, if the threads are placed too superficially, the pulling direction is inappropriate, or skin thickness is not taken into account, the discomfort may persist for a longer period.

That is why the depth and direction of the threads are important in thread lifting.

If threads are placed too superficially in someone with thin skin, they may be visible. If the approach is too weak for someone with thick skin or a larger amount of fat, the lifting effect may be insufficient.

Therefore, thread lifting requires more than simply examining the sagging areas. It is essential to consider skin thickness, the amount of fat, facial shape, and facial movements together.

This is because achieving a natural-looking result requires careful planning of the depth at which the threads will be placed, the direction in which they will be pulled, and the points at which they will be anchored.

How to avoid making the cheekbones look more prominent or the overall appearance harsher

Thread lifting is not a procedure in which pulling as strongly as possible is always better.

If the tissue is pulled in the wrong direction, sagging fat may gather toward the cheekbones, making the face look larger.

The cheekbones may look more prominent, or you may feel that your appearance looks harsher.

Planning the direction is especially important when lifting the midface.

If the tissue is pulled excessively upward to improve nasolabial folds or sagging cheeks, the volume around the cheekbones may appear unnaturally bunched.

Conversely, for people with sagging along the jawline, the jawline and area around the corners of the mouth should be considered together to create a smaller and more refined appearance.

In thread lifting, the insertion points and anchoring points of the threads are important.

The impression of the face can change depending on where the threads begin and in which direction they are pulled.

The design should differ for people whose cheekbones are already prominent and those who lack cheekbone volume.

In other words, the key is not simply to pull the tissue, but to move sagging tissue in the directions where it is needed.

Will the face sag more after the threads dissolve?

Dissolvable threads used in thread lifting are absorbed by the body over time.

For this reason, many people wonder, “Won’t my face sag even more once the threads dissolve?”

The fact that the threads dissolve does not, by itself, cause the face to suddenly sag more.

PDO threads, which are commonly used, may help promote collagen formation around the areas where they are inserted.

Through this process, an improvement in skin elasticity may also be expected.

However, thread lifting is not a procedure that stops time. It is closer to a treatment that organizes currently sagging tissue and supplements elasticity.

Therefore, rather than expecting a permanent effect from a single procedure, it is better to understand it as a form of periodic care tailored to the current condition.

The duration of the results varies greatly from person to person. It may differ depending on skin thickness, the degree of sagging, the type of thread used, lifestyle habits, and facial-expression habits.

In general, the strong lifting sensation may last from several months to more than a year, while the more refined appearance compared with before the procedure may sometimes be perceived for even longer.

Because individual differences are significant, it is necessary to confirm a realistic range through consultation.

When can you resume daily activities after the procedure?

Since thread lifting does not involve incisions, light daily activities are generally possible immediately after the procedure.

Washing the face and applying light makeup are often possible from the following day.

However, care is needed during the initial period while the threads settle into place.

It is best to avoid opening the mouth widely, vigorous massage, rubbing the face forcefully, and sleeping face down.

In particular, for about a week after the procedure, the threads are stabilizing, so it is important not to apply excessive stimulation to the face.

Swelling, tightness, or mild bruising may occur depending on the individual.

If you have an important event scheduled, it is best to plan with sufficient time for recovery.

The procedure itself is important, but following precautions during the recovery process can also affect the results.

Thread lifting is a way to improve facial sagging while reducing the burden associated with incisions. However, it is not a procedure that can be applied in the same way to everyone.

The direction of the threads and the anchoring points should vary depending on whether your concern is nasolabial folds, marionette lines, or sagging along the jawline.

It is also necessary to consider whether the skin is thin, whether there is a large amount of fat, and whether the facial shape features prominent cheekbones.

Rather than choosing based only on price or the number of threads, it is important to check whether the provider accurately analyzes the cause of sagging in your face.

For a natural-looking result, accurately organizing the areas that need treatment in the appropriate direction should take priority over pulling as strongly as possible.

If you are considering thread lifting, start by identifying why your face appears to be sagging.

| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1–15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry a risk of side effects and complications that may vary from person to person. Before undergoing treatment, be sure to have a thorough consultation with a medical professional with extensive experience and make your decision afterward. |