Thread Lifting with Mint Threadsin Gangnam, Seoul
Thread lifting uses fine, absorbable barbed threads — here, mint (PDO-type) threads — inserted under the skin to lift and reposition mild sagging along the jawline and cheeks, with an immediate lift and gradual collagen stimulation as the threads absorb. At QD Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, it is performed under local anesthesia with little downtime, and is not a replacement for surgical lifting. (Results vary by individual.)
Who it’s for
- Mild sagging along the jawline, cheeks or jowls
- Early laxity you would like to address without surgery
- A preference for little downtime and a gradual effect
For more advanced sagging, surgical lifting may suit better; whether threads fit your goals is decided at consultation.
How it works
Mint threads are absorbable threads with small barbs (cogs) along their length. Through fine entry points, the doctor passes the threads into the deep skin along planned vectors; the barbs catch the tissue so that, as the thread is set, it repositions and lifts the sagging area for an immediate effect. Over the following months the threads are gradually absorbed while stimulating new collagen around them, which can support firmness as the lifting settles. The number and direction of threads are planned for your face and goals.
THE MECHANISM, STEP BY STEP
01Absorbable barbed threads
Mint (PDO-type) threads carry small barbs (cogs) along their length; the barbs catch the tissue so that, as each thread is set, it repositions the sagging area for an immediate lift.
02Placed along planned vectors
Through fine entry points rather than surgical incisions, the doctor passes the threads into the deep skin along vectors planned for your face; the number and direction are chosen for your degree of sagging.
03Collagen as the threads absorb
Over the following months the threads are gradually absorbed while stimulating new collagen around them, which can support firmness as the lift settles.
04Local anesthesia, not a facelift
It is performed under local anesthesia with little downtime, and is not a replacement for surgical lifting of more advanced sagging.
Treatment areas
- Jawline & jowls
- The most common area, to firm a softened jawline.
- Cheeks (mid-face)
- Repositions mild mid-face sagging upward.
- Neck & under-chin
- For mild laxity, planned individually.
What the procedure is like
- 1Consultation, facial assessment and design of the thread vectors
- 2Local anesthesia at the entry points
- 3Insertion of mint threads along the planned vectors and setting the lift
- 4Trimming of thread ends and aftercare guidance
Time: The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes.
Recovery & aftercare
- Performed under local anesthesia; most people return to daily activities within about a day, so downtime is limited.
- There are entry points rather than surgical incisions, so no sutures need removal; small entry marks settle over days.
- Temporary swelling, bruising, tightness or mild dimpling at entry points may occur; avoid wide mouth movements, facial massage and pressure for a period we advise.
- Side effects such as swelling, bruising, asymmetry, a palpable thread or dimpling may occur and are explained at consultation.
What to expect over time
A general guide to how the days and months after treatment usually unfold. Results vary by individual.
DAY 0 Procedure day
Performed under local anesthesia; there is an immediate lift, the entry points are taped, and mild tightness is common. Most people return to daily activities within about a day.
DAY 1-3 Swelling & bruising
Temporary swelling and possible bruising may occur; avoid wide mouth movements, facial massage and pressure as advised.
ABOUT 1 WEEK Entry points settle
The small entry marks settle over days and early tightness eases; there are no sutures to remove.
WEEK 2-6 Settling
Swelling settles and the lift looks more natural as the threads integrate.
3-6 MONTHS Collagen & duration
Collagen stimulation continues over about 3–6 months; because the threads absorb, the effect is gradual and temporary — commonly maintained for around 12–18 months. (Results vary by individual.)
Sessions & results
Threads give an immediate lift, with collagen stimulation continuing over about 3–6 months. As mint threads are absorbable, the effect is gradual and temporary — commonly maintained for around 12–18 months — and a maintenance session may be considered later. (Results vary by individual.)
How it compares
Thread lifting sits between non-surgical devices and surgery, so the right option depends on how much sagging there is. This is not a ranking.
| Comparison | Thread Lifting | Lifting Surgery | Energy lifting (ultrasound / RF) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Absorbable barbed threads reposition mild sagging | Surgically repositions the SMAS layer | Non-surgical heat stimulates collagen |
| Best for | Mild sagging along the jawline and cheeks | Moderate to advanced sagging | Mild laxity and maintenance |
| Anesthesia | Local | Local with sedation, up to general | Topical or none |
| Recovery | Little downtime — about a day | Sutures 7–14 days; ~1–2 weeks | Little to none |
| Longevity | Temporary — about 12–18 months | Longer-lasting; aging continues | Temporary; repeated |
Neither is “better” — they work differently and suit different goals. The right choice is decided after we assess your skin.
Safety & considerations
Possible reactions
- Temporary swelling, bruising and tightness
- A thread that can be felt, or mild dimpling at entry points
- Asymmetry, or brief discomfort with wide mouth movement
- Rarely, infection or a thread working its way out (extrusion)
- A gradual return of the original contour as the threads absorb
When to take extra care
- Bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication — tell your doctor
- Active skin infection or inflammation in the area
- Recent fillers, threads or energy treatments — tell your doctor so timing can be planned
- A tendency to keloid or difficulty with wound healing
- Advanced sagging, where surgical lifting may suit better
Whether thread lifting suits your goals is confirmed at consultation. Effects and downtime vary by individual, and side effects may occur.
Your care at QD Clinic
Performed by a board-certified surgeon
Your procedure is performed and medically reviewed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Individualized planning
The number and direction of the threads is planned along your jawline and cheeks for your degree of sagging and goals.
Care in your language
Consultation in English, with 中文 and 日本語 support arranged on request — including questions before you travel.
A short walk from Gangnam Station
Central Seoul location with guidance from the airport and nearby hotels, and hours shown in KST.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the number of threads and the areas treated. Please consult us for a personalized quote.
Frequently asked questions
The threads are absorbable, so the effect is temporary, commonly maintained for around 12–18 months as collagen support settles. Duration varies by individual, and a maintenance session may be considered later. (Results vary by individual.)
No. Threads address mild sagging with little downtime, while surgical lifting repositions the SMAS layer for more advanced laxity and a longer-lasting change. The right option is decided at consultation.
It is performed under local anesthesia; some pressure or brief discomfort can occur during insertion. Comfort options are discussed at consultation.
Downtime is limited and many return to daily activities within about a day, though temporary swelling or bruising may occur.
There is an immediate lift, with continued collagen stimulation over about 3–6 months. (Results vary by individual.)
Yes. Our doctors consult in English directly, and 中文 / 日本語 can be arranged in advance. Tell us your language on WhatsApp before your visit.
Often considered together
Treatments that are sometimes planned alongside this one, decided at consultation.
+Lifting Surgery
Where sagging is more advanced than threads address, a mini or full facelift may be discussed instead; suitability is decided at consultation.
+Fat Grafting
Because volume loss contributes to sagging, restoring volume with your own fat can complement a thread lift.
+Skin boosters or energy treatments
For surface texture and skin quality, which lifting does not target, injectable or energy-based skin treatments may be considered separately.
For international patients
Consultation in English / 中文 / 日本語 · WhatsApp · WeChat · KakaoTalk · a 4-minute walk from Sinnonhyeon / Nonhyeon Station (hours in KST) · card payment.
For International PatientsMedically reviewed by Dr. Sahyeok Hong, board-certified plastic surgeon and Director of QD Clinic.