PDO Thread Lift in Seoul, Korea
A PDO thread lift places dissolvable polydioxanone threads under the skin to lift sagging tissue and stimulate collagen, giving subtle but noticeable firming without surgery at NEST Clinic, Gangnam.
- Session 20–40 min
- Downtime 2–5 days
- Full results 4–8 weeks
- Lasts 9–12 months
🌸 Quick answer
What does a PDO thread lift do? It uses dissolvable PDO threads placed under the skin to lift drooping tissue and tighten the face. The threads give an immediate lift, then dissolve over months while stimulating collagen for improved elasticity, firmness and texture. It suits mild to moderate sagging, needs little downtime, and results usually last 9–12 months depending on the threads and your skin.
What is a PDO thread lift?
A PDO thread lift uses polydioxanone threads, a safe, dissolvable material long used in surgery. Placed under the skin along mapped vectors, the threads lift sagging tissue and, as they dissolve, leave behind new collagen that keeps improving firmness and texture. It is one of the most versatile thread lifting options, suited to subtle, natural results. Korean practitioners often combine several thread types for a layered lift, and pair threads with HIFU, RF or fillers.
Types of PDO thread
- Mono threads — tightening and collagen
- Cog (barbed) threads — stronger lifting and anchoring
- Screw threads — volume and elasticity
- Often combined for a customized result
What it improves
- Sagging cheeks and early jowling
- Nasolabial fold shadows
- Lower-face heaviness and mild midface sagging
- Overall loss of skin elasticity
Before & after: what changes
The threads lift straight away, and skin keeps firming as collagen forms over the following weeks.
Who is a good candidate?
A good fit if you
- Have mild to moderate sagging
- Want natural lifting without surgery
- Notice early jowling or lower-face heaviness
- Prefer collagen-building rejuvenation
- Want a quick treatment with little downtime
Less suitable if you
- Have severe sagging needing a surgical facelift
- Have very thin skin or major volume loss (consider Sculptra)
- Have an active skin infection or inflammation
How a PDO thread lift works
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Facial assessment
The doctor maps lifting directions based on your skin laxity and goals.
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Topical or local numbing
Numbing keeps insertion comfortable.
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Thread insertion
PDO threads are placed with fine cannulas and anchored to lift the tissue.
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Balanced lift
Lift is applied from multiple vectors to avoid an over-pulled look; treatment takes 20–40 minutes.
Recovery and results timeline
Mild swelling or tightness may appear temporarily, with occasional light dimpling that settles. Makeup is usually fine the next day.
- Same day Immediate lift, mild tightness
- 2–5 days Swelling settles
- 4–8 weeks Collagen firming builds
- 9–12 months Result typically maintained
PDO thread lift at a glance
| Thread material | Polydioxanone (dissolvable) |
|---|---|
| Session | 20–40 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Topical or local numbing |
| Downtime | 2–5 days of possible swelling |
| Results start | Immediate, firming over 4–8 weeks |
| Duration | 9–12 months for most people |
| Cost | Confirmed at consultation by thread type and count. International patients pay the same local price as Korean patients. |
Aftercare tips
- Avoid wide mouth movements for a few days
- Sleep on your back for one week
- Skip saunas, alcohol and vigorous workouts for 48 hours
- Avoid facial massage for 4–6 weeks
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Kyungyeon Lee · Chief Medical Doctor, NEST Clinic
Seoul National University (B.Sc.) and Seoul National University College of Medicine (M.Sc.); residency training at Seoul National University Hospital. Former director of VS Line Clinic, Apgujeong.
PDO Thread Lift FAQ
How much does a PDO thread lift cost in Seoul?
Pricing depends on the thread type and count, so your exact quote is confirmed at consultation. International patients pay the same local price as Korean patients.
Does a PDO thread lift hurt?
Numbing is applied first, so most people feel pressure and mild tugging. Some tenderness, swelling or light dimpling can follow for a few days.
How long do PDO threads last?
Typically 9–12 months, depending on the thread type and your skin. The collagen they stimulate helps the result hold, and sessions can be repeated.
PDO or MINT threads?
PDO threads suit subtle lifting and skin texture, while MINT threads are thicker and molded for a stronger lift. Your doctor advises based on your sagging.
Can PDO threads be combined with other treatments?
Yes. They work well with HIFU, RF tightening such as Thermage FLX, and fillers for volume.
Is there much downtime?
Usually 2–5 days of mild swelling or tightness. Plan a few quiet days if you have events, but most people resume normal activity quickly.
Often considered with a PDO thread lift
Curious if threads suit your skin?
Share a front and side photo on WhatsApp and our English-speaking team and doctors will suggest the right thread type and count for a natural lift.