The Principles and Effects of Thread Lifting for Sagging Facial Wrinkles, and Precautions Before the Procedure

When researching thread lifting, you will often come across the phrase “a simple procedure.”

This perception comes from the fact that it is performed without incisions and involves relatively little burden from anesthesia.

However, it is best to make a careful decision, as many people have had experiences that differed from their expectations after approaching thread lifting as something simple.

Although thread lifting is less burdensome than surgical methods, it involves inserting threads into the skin and changing its structure. Therefore, it requires sufficient understanding and careful judgment rather than being viewed simply as “a procedure that can be done lightly.”

Today, I will explain what thread lifting is, why an individually tailored approach is important, and what you should be careful about after the procedure.

Thread Lifting: What Kind of Procedure Is It?

Thread lifting is a procedure in which medically safe absorbable sutures (PDO threads) are inserted into the skin to lift sagging skin.

The threads used are broadly divided into two types.

✅ Threads without barbs: These are inserted into the dermal layer of the skin and stimulate collagen production through subtle stimulation. They are used to improve overall skin elasticity and reduce fine lines.

✅ Barbed threads: The barb-shaped projections catch onto the skin tissue and physically lift the skin. They may be considered in cases of noticeable sagging, such as deep cheek fat, a double chin, or sagging facial contours.

PDO threads naturally break down and are absorbed by the body over time.

They are also inserted through fine injection needles without incisions, which means they generally involve less recovery burden than surgery.

However, thread lifting is not a permanent procedure.

The duration of the effects varies depending on the individual’s skin condition and the type of thread used. As time passes and the threads are absorbed by the body, the effects may gradually diminish.

Why Shouldn’t It Be Viewed Only as “A Simple Procedure”?

One of the most common problems that can occur when thread lifting is approached too casually is the dimple phenomenon.

This refers to the insertion site appearing sunken. It may occur when the skin tissue is pulled excessively or when the insertion angle and depth are not appropriate.

In addition, if the threads are inserted too close to the skin’s surface or their direction does not correspond to facial movements, the outline of the threads may become visible when making facial expressions, or discomfort may occur.

Other problems may also include the following.

✔ Post-procedure asymmetry: The two sides may be unbalanced because of differences in the insertion locations or the number of threads on each side.

✔ Insufficient results: This may occur when threads that do not suit the skin condition are selected or when an insufficient number of threads is inserted.

✔ Reduced thread effectiveness: Threads that have been stored for a long time after their manufacturing date may have reduced elasticity and functionality.

The last point in particular is easy to overlook.

The longer ago PDO threads were manufactured, the more their material elasticity may decrease, which can affect the results of the procedure.

Procedures performed in settings where the source and manufacturing date of the threads cannot be confirmed may involve quality-related risks.

In such cases, you may wish to look for a provider that custom-manufactures PDO threads directly. Because the threads are managed directly from the manufacturing stage, they may have relatively better freshness and quality.

Why Is an Individually Tailored Procedure Important?

Even when the same thread-lifting procedure is performed, it cannot be approached in exactly the same way for everyone.

This is because each person has different skin thickness, fat distribution, degree of sagging, and level of skin elasticity.

The following factors must be considered for an individually tailored procedure.

☑ Skin thickness and elasticity

☑ Areas where sagging is concentrated and its severity

☑ Thickness and distribution of the fat layer

☑ Overall facial balance and impression

☑ Desired direction of change

After thoroughly analyzing these factors, the type, thickness, number, and insertion direction of the threads must be planned for each individual in order to expect satisfactory results.

Precautions After the Procedure

Post-procedure care also affects the results of thread lifting. It is important to follow the instructions below.

For one month after the procedure

✅ Avoid facial acupressure massages that apply strong stimulation to the face. The barbs of the threads may become separated from the tissue.

✅ Avoid opening your mouth widely whenever possible, such as when yawning, laughing loudly, or taking large bites of food.

✅ Do not strongly press or rub the treated area with your hands.

✅ It is best to avoid hot saunas, heated bathhouses, and high-temperature environments.

Immediately after the procedure

✔ Bruising or swelling may occur, but in most cases it subsides within one to two weeks.

✔ You may feel some tightness when making facial expressions, but this generally becomes more natural over time.

✔ You may feel a foreign-body sensation in the treated area, but in most cases it decreases as the threads stabilize.

Occasionally, you may feel a “popping” sensation when yawning or opening your mouth widely after the procedure.

This is more likely to be a phenomenon in which some of the barbs become separated from the tissue, rather than the thread itself breaking.

However, in such cases, the force lifting the skin may become weaker. If the discomfort persists, it is recommended that you visit the provider for an examination.

Thread lifting is an effective method for improving skin elasticity and sagging without incisions. However, the most satisfactory results can be expected when an individualized treatment plan, the use of quality-assured materials, and proper post-procedure care are all provided together.

If you are considering thread lifting, we recommend first confirming the approach appropriate for your skin condition through a thorough consultation beforehand.

| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1–15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry the risk of side effects and complications depending on the individual. Before undergoing treatment, please make your decision only after having a thorough consultation with a medical professional with extensive experience. |