Thread Lift Types in Korea

December 6, 2025

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.

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