Thread Lift: How It Works, Who It Suits and Recovery

Barbed (cog) dissolvable threads are placed under the skin to lift and anchor sagging tissue. Treatment takes about 30–60 minutes, downtime is swelling, tightness or bruising for about 1–2 weeks, and contour changes right away and settles over 2–4 weeks as swelling resolves.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lee Da-in, Medical Director, Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon · Last reviewed October 2026

What is Thread Lift?

Barbed (cog) dissolvable threads are placed under the skin to lift and anchor sagging tissue. As the threads absorb, they stimulate collagen around them.

Common concerns

  • Sagging cheeks and jawline
  • Jowls and double-chin line
  • Sagging around nasolabial folds
  • Neck laxity

Treatment areas: cheeks, jawline, around the nasolabial folds, neck.

Key facts

  • Device / product: Dissolvable threads (PDO, PCL and others)
  • Treatment time: about 30–60 minutes
  • Anaesthesia: local anaesthesia
  • Downtime: swelling, tightness or bruising for about 1–2 weeks
  • When results show: contour changes right away and settles over 2–4 weeks as swelling resolves
  • Repeat interval: depends on thread type and number; often reassessed after 6–12 months or longer

Learn more

See the Thread Lift procedure steps, recovery and side effects, and how it compares in Thread Lift vs Ultherapy PRIME.

Medical notice: every procedure can cause side effects such as swelling, bruising, redness, pain, inflammation or pigmentation, and results and their duration vary between individuals. Suitability and method are decided only after a consultation with the doctor. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Fees follow the clinic's official non-covered fee schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to feel the threads?

They may be palpable early in some areas and usually become less noticeable over time. See the doctor if it persists.

Why does dimpling happen?

Threads can pull the skin unevenly at first; this usually eases within days to weeks.

Can thread lifts be combined with filler?

Yes, when sagging and hollowing coexist they are often combined. Order and timing are set after consultation.

Dr. Lee Da-in

Not sure this is the right treatment?

Send Dr. Lee's team a photo and your travel dates. We'll suggest a plan and a consultation time.

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