DM DERMATOLOGY
Thread Lift
THREAD LIFTING
Without incisions: from facial lifting
to skin elasticity care!
A non-surgical lifting treatment that inserts special threads into the areas you choose to lift sagging skin, aiming for a natural face line.
Thread Lifting
DM Dermatology, Apgujeong · Thread Lift
With age, the tissue that holds the fat and skin of the cheeks in place loosens. The cheeks then move downward, and shadows form around the nasolabial folds and the jawline. A thread lift uses dissolving threads with barbs to reposition tissue that has moved down and neaten the face line.
Depending on the type, the threads dissolve in the body over about 6 months to 2 years. As they dissolve, thin collagen tissue forms around them. At DM Dermatology in Apgujeong, we first look at the cause and degree of sagging, then decide the type of thread, the direction, and the number of threads. The degree of change and how long it lasts vary from person to person.
- Increased collagen production
- Skin elasticity improvement
- Dissolves in 6 months–2 years
- Barbs anchor the tissue
Lifting for a youthful look, without surgery
IN NUMBERS
Thread lift in numbers
Full face
20threads
Threads used for
a full-face thread liftJawline
12threads
Threads used for
a jawline thread liftThreads
3
Thread types to choose from
in DM thread liftingAftercare
2wk
Time to avoid saunas, exercise,
alcohol, and smoking
TREATMENT AREA
Thread lift treatment areas
Skin thickness and the direction of sagging differ by area. So we set the type of thread, the direction, and the number of threads for each area.
- Full face · jawline
There is a 20-thread full-face option that addresses the cheeks and jawline together, and a 12-thread jawline option that neatens the jawline.
- Forehead
A forehead thread lift supports and lifts the tissue of the forehead and above the brows. Because the skin is thin, we check the depth so the threads do not show through.
- Nose
A nose thread lift places threads along the bridge and tip of the nose for support, and is planned one thread at a time.
- 1
Forehead lines When the forehead and brows have dropped and horizontal lines look deeper, threads are placed in the upper forehead to support the tissue above the brows. Lines that appear only with expressions are caused by muscle, so Botox (botulinum toxin) is also considered.
- 2
Drooping eyes When the outer brows and the outer corners of the eyes droop and the eyes look heavy, the outer brows are supported and lifted from the temple side. If the eyelid skin has stretched a lot, surgery may be a better fit.
- 3
Cheeks When the fat and skin of the front cheeks have moved down, the tissue is moved toward the cheekbones and supported.
- 4
Nasolabial folds When the cheeks have dropped and the border beside the mouth looks deep, the cheeks are moved upward to reduce the shadows around the folds. If lost volume is the main cause, filler is also considered.
- 5
Jowls / double chin Sagging flesh beside the jawline is moved toward the ears to neaten the edge of the jawline. If fat under the chin is the main cause, threads alone do not reduce the fat, so Contour Injections are also considered.
THREAD TYPE
DM thread lift types
At DM Dermatology, we choose from three dissolving threads the one that suits the degree of sagging and the area. Each thread differs in material, barb shape, and dissolving time.
Silhouette Soft
Silhouette Soft
A non-surgical facial contour and volume treatment that uses special medical threads made of PLA, a material that breaks down in the body. Threads with cone-shaped anchors lift sagging skin, and as the threads dissolve, they help collagen production, aiming for both volume and lifting.
Material Polylactic acid type · Dissolves in about 1 year
- Slowly dissolving thread
- Volume and lifting together
- Simple procedure
Mint Lift
Mint thread lift
Mint is a dissolving thread made of PDO (polydioxanone). Its barbs are not cut into the thread but pressed in a mold, and they run around the thread in a spiral. The design lets the barbs grip tissue from several directions.
Material PDO · Dissolves in about 6–8 months
- V-line
- Wrinkle improvement
- Spiral barbs
Blue Rose Lift
Blue Rose thread lift
Blue Rose has firm, arrow-shaped barbs, designed to grip and anchor tissue.
Blue Rose is a dissolving thread brand from the Korean company Hugel, available as PDO threads and PCL (polycaprolactone) threads. Made with a special molding method, the threads have a uniform thickness.
Material PDO or PCL · Dissolves in about 6 months–2 years
- Slowly dissolving thread
- Volume and lifting together
- Simple procedure
Dissolving times are typical values. The thread type is chosen based on the degree of sagging and the area. This does not mean one thread is better than another.
HOW IT WORKS
How barbs grip tissue
and move its position
Lifting threads have small barbs (cogs) or cone-shaped anchors (cones). The threads sit in the subcutaneous fat layer, shallower than the fascia layer (SMAS) that covers the facial muscles. When a thread is pulled upward, the barbs catch the surrounding tissue, and the sagging tissue stays in its raised position.
As the thread slowly dissolves, the body forms thin fibrous tissue (collagen) around it. This tissue helps support the repositioned area. After the thread fully dissolves, the lifting force gradually decreases.
- 1
Skin The epidermis and dermis. If a thread sits too shallow, the skin can be pulled inward and look dimpled.
- 2
Subcutaneous fat layer The fat layer beneath the skin, where lifting threads are placed.
- 3
Thread and barbs The barbs or cone-shaped anchors on the thread catch the surrounding tissue and hold it.
- 4
Collagen layer Thin fibrous tissue that forms around the thread as it dissolves.
- 5
Fascia layer The thin layer (SMAS) that covers the facial muscles. Threads are placed shallower than this layer.
EFFECT
Effects and benefits of a thread lift
- LiftingA firm lifting effect
- NaturalLifting for a natural, youthful look
- Know-howDM Dermatology's personalized thread lift plan
- Daily lifeWashing and makeup from the next day
A thread lift is a treatment that repositions sagging tissue. It does not change the amount of fat or the shape of bone. Bruising and swelling usually settle within 2–6 days, and the degree of change and how long it lasts vary from person to person.
RECOMMEND
DM thread lift is recommended
in these cases
- Case01
Recommended case 1Sagging cheeks make your face line look heavy
- Case02
Recommended case 2You want to discuss V-line concerns without surgery
- Case03
Recommended case 3Your face is not full, but sagging skin under the chin gives you a double chin
- Case04
Recommended case 4Your cheeks and jawline have dropped, and the edge of your profile has blurred
- Case05
Recommended case 5Your sagging is mild to moderate, and you are not yet ready for surgery with incisions
The speciality of DM thread lifting
What's special about DM thread lifting
We plan after first looking at the cause and degree of sagging.
- 01
1:1 personalized treatment program
With 1:1 personalized treatment, we can provide procedures and care suited to your skin.
- 02
Medical staff you can trust
Our specialist medical staff personally handle everything from consultation to treatment.
- 03
Genuine products only, in set amounts
The type and number of threads are decided after an examination to suit your face, and explained to you before treatment.
PROCESS
DM thread lift
treatment process
Below is the general flow. We explain the actual steps and timing during your consultation.
step 01
Consultation · design
We check whether the sagging comes from the skin, fat, or bone. We ask about your medications, any bleeding tendency, a tendency to keloids, and past treatments. While you are sitting up, we mark on your skin the direction the threads will run.
step 02
Local anesthesia
Local anesthesia is given at the thread entry points and along the paths the threads will take.
step 03
Thread insertion
Threads are placed in the subcutaneous fat layer through small needle holes. After the tissue is moved upward, we check left–right balance and trim the remaining thread ends.
step 04
Soothing · Going home
The needle sites are disinfected and cooled to soothe the skin. You receive aftercare instructions and go home.
step 05
Progress check
After the swelling goes down, we check left–right balance, any skin dimpling, and whether the threads can be felt.
RECOVERY
How recovery goes
after treatment
- Right after treatment
The needle sites may be red, and your face may be swollen and feel tight. Where the threads were pulled, the skin may fold and look bumpy or dimpled.
- 2–6 days
Bruising and swelling usually settle around this time. Skin that looked folded usually smooths out within a few days. Dark bruises sometimes last 1–2 weeks.
- 2 weeks
The period of avoiding saunas, exercise, alcohol, and smoking ends. Stiffness when chewing and the tight feeling also usually lessen.
- 1–3 months
The repositioned tissue settles, and collagen tissue forms around the threads.
- When the threads dissolve
PDO threads dissolve over about 6–8 months, and polylactic acid threads over about 1 year. As the threads dissolve, the lifting force gradually decreases.
This is the typical course. Recovery and the timing of changes vary from person to person.
INFORMATION
Treatment info
- Procedure time
- About 30–60 min
Includes anesthesia time. Varies with the number of threads and the areas - Local anesthesia
- Local anesthesia
The anesthetic injection stings, and you may feel pulling as the threads are inserted - Recovery
- Bruising and swelling: usually 2–6 days
Tightness and stiffness when chewing may last 1–2 weeks - Daily life
- Washing and makeup from the next day
For 1–2 weeks, avoid opening your mouth wide, chewy or hard foods, and sleeping face down - Thread dissolving time
- About 6 months–2 years, depending on the thread
PDO threads such as Mint: about 6–8 months; Silhouette Soft: about 1 year - Keeping results
- Usually 6 months–2 years
Varies greatly with thread type, degree of sagging, age, and lifestyle - Retreatment interval
- After 6–12 months
Decided after an examination of how far the threads have dissolved and the change has faded - Number of threads
- Full face 20 threads · jawline 12 threads
The nose is planned one thread at a time, and the forehead separately
This varies from person to person; the above are general guidelines. DM Dermatology sets your treatment schedule after an examination.
Caution
DM thread lift
aftercare precautions
Limit heat, irritation, and pressure on the treated area until bruising and swelling settle.
- 01Bruising · swelling
Bruising or swelling may occur after treatment and usually settles within 2–6 days. Dark bruises may last 1–2 weeks, and bruise cream may help recovery
- 02Bathhouses · jjimjilbang · exercise
For 2 weeks after treatment, please avoid activities that produce a lot of heat, such as public bathhouses, jjimjilbang (Korean saunas), and exercise.
- 03Alcohol · smoking
For 2 weeks after treatment, please avoid alcohol and smoking.
- 04Pressure · massage
After treatment, please avoid strong pressure or massage on the treated area.
- 05Don't open your mouth wide
For 1–2 weeks, limit big mouth movements such as yawning, laughing hard, and chewing tough or hard foods. Discuss the timing of any dental treatment with our medical staff.
- 06Sleep on your back
For about 1 week, sleep lying face up. Raising your pillow slightly helps reduce swelling. Do not sleep face down or on your side in a way that presses on your face.
- 07Wash your face from the next day
Do not get your face wet on the day of treatment. From the next day, wash gently without rubbing the needle sites.
- 08Cold packs for the first 1–2 days
Wrap a cold pack in a towel and apply it briefly. Rest it lightly without pressing.
- 09Space out other treatments
Get laser, ultrasound or radiofrequency lifting, and facial massage treatments only after setting the interval with our medical staff.
- 10Contact us right away about unusual symptoms
Contact the clinic right away if you have a fever, swelling or pus at a needle site, worsening pain, a thread end you can feel or see coming through the skin, or cheek swelling during meals or unusual facial movement.
- Common reactions are bruising, swelling, pain or tenderness, a tight feeling, and redness at the needle sites. They usually settle within a few days to 2 weeks.
- In an analysis of 26 studies on facial thread lifting, the reported rates were swelling 35%, skin dimpling 10%, sensory changes 6%, visible or palpable threads 4%, infection 2%, and threads coming through the skin 2%. In people aged 50 and over, skin dimpling (16%) and infection (5.9%) were more common.
- If a thread sits too shallow or the tissue folds, the skin may look dimpled or wrinkled. This usually resolves within a few days to a few weeks, but if it lasts, an adjustment may be needed.
- Differences in swelling or pull between the left and right sides may make the face look asymmetric. We check progress after the swelling goes down.
- Threads may be felt or seen through the skin. A thread end may come through the skin, or a thread may shift. In that case, the thread end may be trimmed or the thread removed. We take extra care in areas with thin skin, such as the nose and forehead.
- Infection may occur at needle sites or around the threads. Antibiotic treatment or thread removal may be needed. Firm lumps (nodules or granulomas) may also form around the threads.
- The treated area may feel numb or have reduced sensation. This usually recovers over time.
- Rarely, a facial nerve or the salivary duct (parotid duct) may be damaged. This may show up as weakness of the facial expression muscles or cheek swelling during meals.
- As the threads dissolve, the lifting force decreases and the change gradually fades. A thread lift does not stop sagging caused by aging.
- We do not treat, or we postpone treatment, in the following cases: inflammation, infection, or wounds in the treatment area; pregnancy or breastfeeding; a past hypersensitivity reaction to the thread material.
- Be sure to tell us at your consultation about any of the following: a condition in which bleeding does not stop easily; taking antiplatelets such as aspirin, or anticoagulants; a tendency to form large scars, such as keloids; autoimmune disease; diabetes; taking immunosuppressants; past filler, threads, or surgery in the same area.
- If sagging is severe or there is a lot of loose skin, it may be beyond what threads can reposition. In that case, surgery such as a facelift may be a better fit. Asymmetry caused by bone shape (square jaw or protruding chin) or by muscle does not change with threads.
※ Depending on the person, bruising or swelling may occur after a procedure or surgery. Results, duration, and recovery time vary from person to person.
DM DOCTOR
We look at the cause of sagging first,
then decide the type and number of threads
DM Dermatology is a dermatology clinic where our Medical Director, a board-certified dermatologist, sees patients. We first check whether the sagging comes from the skin, fat, or bone, and consider with you whether a thread lift suits you or another method would be better.
Dr. Shin Young-ik Medical Director · Board-Certified Dermatologist
- M.S., Hanyang University College of Medicine
- Adjunct Professor, Hanyang University
- Full Member, Korean Dermatological Association
- Clinical Fellowship in Dermatology, Jefferson Medical College (Thomas Jefferson University), USA
DM DERMATOLOGY
Related treatments
FAQ
01How long does a thread lift last?
How long it lasts depends on the thread type, degree of sagging, age, and lifestyle. PDO threads dissolve over about 6–8 months and polylactic acid threads over about 1 year, and as the threads dissolve, the lifting force gradually decreases. It is generally described as 6 months to 2 years, but we cannot promise a set duration.
02What are the side effects of a thread lift?
Common reactions are bruising, swelling, tightness, and pain. The skin may look dimpled, or the two sides may look different. Rarely, infection, threads that can be felt or that come out, or lumps may occur. If you have a fever, pus, or worsening pain, let the clinic know right away.
03When does swelling go down after a thread lift?
Bruising and swelling usually settle within 2–6 days. Dark bruises may last 1–2 weeks. A tight feeling or stiffness when chewing sometimes continues for 1–2 weeks. If you have an important event, it is a good idea to plan with about 2 weeks to spare.
04Does a thread lift hurt a lot?
Treatment is done under local anesthesia. The anesthetic injection stings, and you may feel pressure or pulling as the threads are inserted and pulled. For a few days after, the area may hurt when pressed or feel stiff when you open your mouth. How much you feel varies from person to person.
05How are the dissolving thread types (PDO, PLLA, PCL) different?
All three are materials that dissolve in the body. PDO is known to dissolve over about 6–8 months, PLLA types over about 1 year, and PCL over 1–2 years. Besides dissolving time, they differ in barb shape and thickness, so they are used in different areas. Rather than one thread being better, we choose to match the degree of sagging and the area.
06What precautions should I take after a thread lift?
For 2 weeks, avoid saunas, jjimjilbang, exercise, alcohol, and smoking, and do not press hard on or massage the treated area. For 1–2 weeks, limit opening your mouth wide or chewing tough food, and for about 1 week, sleep on your back. Contact us right away if you can feel a thread end or have a fever or pus.
07How is a thread lift different from Ulthera?
A thread lift is a treatment in which the barbs on the threads grip sagging tissue and move its position. Ulthera does not use threads; it delivers the heat of focused ultrasound to deep layers inside the skin. They work differently and have different recovery processes, so neither one can be called better. We choose one, or plan both, based on the degree of sagging and skin thickness.
08How many threads are used in a thread lift?
The number needed depends on the area, degree of sagging, and face size. DM Dermatology's treatment options include 20 threads for the full face and 12 threads for the jawline, and the nose is decided one thread at a time. The actual number and direction of threads are decided after an examination.
09Do you also offer nose and forehead thread lifts?
DM Dermatology offers nose thread lifts and forehead thread lifts. A nose thread lift generally places threads along the bridge and tip of the nose for support, and a forehead thread lift supports and lifts the tissue of the forehead and above the brows. Because the skin on the nose and forehead is thin, we take care that threads do not show through or become palpable, and that they do not come out at the nose tip. The change gradually fades as the threads dissolve.
10Which threads does DM Dermatology in Apgujeong use for thread lifts?
The threads DM Dermatology offers are Silhouette Soft, Mint, and Blue Rose. Each differs in material, barb shape, and dissolving time. Which thread to use, and how many, is decided after an examination based on the degree of sagging and the area.
CONSULTATION
Consultation comes first
Before any treatment is chosen, a board-certified dermatologist checks your skin in person.
DM Dermatology, 4F, 579-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
From Apgujeong Station (Line 3) Exit 5, walk straight for 50 m. 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building
- Weekdays
- am 10:00 - pm 07:00
- Saturday
- am 10:00 - pm 04:30
- Lunch break
- pm 01:00 - pm 02:00
- Sun & holidays
- By appointment only
- Subway
3Apgujeong StationExit 5
Walk straight for 50 m · 2 min on foot · 4th floor of the A Twosome Place building
- Bus
Apgujeong Station Exit 4 · Exit 32310523429
Blue bus147 · 148 · 240 · 463 · 343Green bus4211
Kwanglim Church · Hyundai High School2310323104
Blue bus143 · 240 · 345 · 472Green bus3011 · 4312 · 4318
- By car
Search in your navigation app158 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu디엠피부과의원
Use the building’s underground parking · Parking available in the building
