Thread Lift Types in Korea
Thread Lift Types in Korea: Complete Guide to Korean Lifting Threads
Korea is one of the world leaders in non-surgical thread lifting — known for its refined techniques, natural results, and advanced thread materials.
If you’re considering a thread lift, understanding the different thread types and how they’re used in Korea will help you choose the safest and most effective option for your face.
Here is the complete guide to PDO, PLLA, PCL, and all thread categories commonly used in Korea.
⭐ Main Thread Materials Used in Korea (PDO vs PLLA vs PCL)
These are the three most important thread materials, each with different strength, longevity, and collagen-stimulating ability.
1. PDO Threads (Polydioxanone)
✔ Most widely used in Korea
✔ Gentle, beginner-friendly
✔ Natural, moderate lifting
Lasts:
- Thread dissolves: 6–9 months
- Lifting result: ~12 months
Best for:
- 20s–40s
- Mild sagging
- Jawline refinement
- Early jowls
Why Koreans love PDO:
- Very safe
- Minimal side effects
- Many shapes available
- Great for natural contouring
2. PLLA Threads (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)
✔ Strong collagen stimulation
✔ Longer-lasting than PDO
Lasts:
- Thread dissolves: 12–18 months
- Lifting: ~18 months
Best for:
- 30s–50s
- Midface sagging
- Nasolabial folds
- Cheek support
Benefits:
- Thickens skin
- Stronger lift
- Improves elasticity
3. PCL Threads (Polycaprolactone)
✔ Strongest & longest-lasting
✔ Premium lifting thread used in Korea
Lasts:
- Thread dissolves: 18–24 months
- Lifting: up to 24 months
Best for:
- 40s–60s
- Heavy jowls
- Lower face sagging
- Deep folds
Benefits:
- Maximum collagen & elastin stimulation
- Soft but firm structural support
⭐ Thread Shapes/Styles Used in Korea
Korean thread lifts go beyond just material — the shape of the thread determines how it lifts, tightens, or supports the skin.
1. Cog Threads (Barbed Threads / Lifting Threads)
✔ Main threads used for real lifting
✔ Provide strong anchor and pull
Cog threads have tiny barbs or cones that grip tissue to lift it upward.
Best for:
- Jawline lift
- Jowls
- Cheeks
- Lower face
Available in PDO, PLLA, and PCL.
2. Mono Threads (Smooth Threads)
✔ Not for lifting — for skin tightening
✔ Builds collagen and improves texture
Best for:
- Fine lines
- Under-eye wrinkles
- Neck crepe
- Skin quality improvement
Often used in large numbers (20–100 threads per area).
3. Screw / Twist Threads
✔ Adds volume and firmness
✔ Great for hollow or soft areas
Used in areas where both tightening and light volumizing are needed.
Best for:
- Laugh lines
- Temples
- Under the chin
- Mouth corners
4. Multi Threads / Mesh Threads
✔ Creates a “net” of collagen
✔ Good for overall tightening
Commonly used for:
- Cheeks
- Neck
- Under-eye area
Provides firmness, not lifting.
5. Combination Threads (Korean Hybrid Lifts)
Korean dermatologists often combine:
- PDO for contouring
- PLLA for support
- PCL for deep structural lift
This hybrid technique gives natural yet long-lasting results.
⭐ Korean Lifting Techniques (Vectors & Approaches)
Korea is famous not just for thread types but also how threads are placed.
1. V-Line Jawline Lift
Threads are placed along the jaw to create a slim, sharp V-line.
2. Midface Vertical Lift
Targets cheek descent and nasolabial folds.
3. Jaw-Jowl Reset Technique
Lifts sagging tissue that creates soft jowls.
4. Korean “Mini Vector” Lift
Uses multiple small vectors for a very natural, gentle lift.
5. Anchor Lifting
Deep, strong lifting for moderate to severe sagging.
⭐ Which Thread Type Is Best for Your Age?
20s:
PDO (light cogs, contouring)
30s:
PDO + optional PLLA
(Early sagging correction)
40s:
PLLA or PCL
(Moderate sagging, longer lift)
50s:
PCL + PLLA hybrid
(Strongest longevity + structural support)
60s+:
Gentle PDO or soft PCL
(Avoid aggressive threads; prioritize collagen)
⭐ Which Thread Type Should You Choose?
✔ For subtle lift → PDO Cogs
✔ For moderate lift → PLLA Cogs
✔ For strongest lift → PCL Cogs
✔ For texture improvement → Mono Threads
✔ For fine lines → Mesh/Mono Threads
✔ For hollow areas → Screw Threads
✔ For long-lasting results → PCL
✔ For beginners → PDO
Final Thoughts
Thread lifting in Korea is highly customizable because of the variety of materials (PDO/PLLA/PCL) and thread shapes (cog, mono, screw, mesh).
The right combination depends on your age, skin thickness, sagging level, and aesthetic goals.
