“I lost weight, but I’m upset because my face actually seems more sagging. My cheeks have drooped, and I’ve developed a double chin.”
“I’m getting older, and my skin elasticity has noticeably declined. Surgery feels like too much, so is there a less burdensome option?”
Many people look into anti-aging treatments because they are concerned about sagging skin.
Thread lifting can be a meaningful option for those who hesitate to consider surgical methods such as a facelift because of the burden involved, as well as for those whose sagging is not yet severe and who want to try a nonsurgical method first.
Today, I will organize the most frequently asked questions about thread lifting, covering its principles and characteristics, precautions, and the key factors that influence its effects.

Q1. What kind of procedure is thread lifting?
Thread lifting is a nonsurgical procedure in which medical sutures that are harmless to the human body—PDO threads—are inserted beneath the skin to lift sagging skin and improve elasticity.
The threads used are broadly divided into smooth threads without barbs and barbed threads.
Smooth threads are inserted into the dermal layer of the skin, where they create subtle stimulation that promotes collagen production. They can be effective for people with an overall loss of skin elasticity or concerns about fine lines.
Barbed threads work by physically lifting the skin as their barb-like projections catch on the skin tissue.
For noticeable sagging, such as sagging in the deeper cheek area, a double chin, or a drooping facial contour, more immediate lifting effects can be expected.
PDO threads break down and are absorbed by the body over time, so they do not need to be removed separately. Since the procedure is performed using injection needles, it also generally involves less recovery burden than surgery.

Q2. Can the threads break or shift?
This is one of the points people considering thread lifting are most curious about.
After the procedure, some people may feel or hear a “popping” sensation when yawning or opening their mouths wide.
In most cases, this does not mean that the thread itself has broken. Rather, it occurs when some of the projections that were caught in the skin tissue become separated from the tissue.
It is extremely rare for the thread to break completely.
However, if some of the projections loosen, the force lifting the skin may weaken.
For this reason, it is best to avoid, as much as possible, strong facial stimulation such as meridian massage and actions that involve opening the mouth wide for approximately one month after the procedure.
In addition, thread lifting is not a permanent procedure. As the threads are gradually absorbed by the body over time, the effects may decrease. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss the expected duration and a plan for repeat procedures thoroughly during the initial consultation.

Q3. What precautions should be taken?
One of the most important issues to be aware of with thread lifting is the dimple effect. This is a phenomenon in which the treatment area appears indented, usually when the skin tissue is lifted too forcefully or the insertion angle and depth are not appropriate.
To prevent this, a precise pre-procedure analysis of each person’s skin thickness, degree of sagging, fat distribution, and elasticity is essential.
Even when the same type and number of threads are used, the results can vary significantly with only slight differences in the insertion location and angle.
Therefore, it is important to carefully assess the patient’s skin condition and areas of sagging before the procedure, then plan and perform the treatment individually by determining the type and number of threads and their insertion directions.

Thread lifting is an effective nonsurgical procedure for improving sagging skin, but the results can vary significantly depending on the practitioner’s skill and experience.
Above all, the most satisfactory results can be achieved when a precise plan tailored to the individual’s skin condition is established following a sufficient pre-procedure consultation.
The appropriate treatment method may vary depending on each person’s skin condition, areas of sagging, and desired changes.
Please have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgery specialist with extensive clinical experience before deciding whether to undergo the procedure.
| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1–15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry risks of side effects and complications that may vary from person to person. Before treatment, be sure to have a sufficient consultation with a medical professional with extensive experience before making a decision. |