Thread Lift vs Facelift Korea

December 6, 2025

Thread Lift vs Facelift in Korea: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Korea is one of the world’s leading destinations for facial rejuvenation procedures — both surgical and non-surgical. Two of the cornerstone treatments are the Thread Lift and the Facelift. While both aim to refresh, lift, and tighten the face, the techniques, results, cost, and downtime differ significantly.

This guide breaks down the differences between thread lifts and facelifts, helping you understand which treatment is best based on your goals, sagging level and recovery tolerance.

What Is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift uses dissolving threads (PDO, PLLA, PCL) inserted under the skin to lift sagging tissue and stimulate collagen.

Highlights:

  • Minimally invasive
  • No large incisions
  • Little to no downtime
  • Results last approximately 12–24 months (depending on thread type and skin)
  • Best for mild to moderate sagging

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift (or rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that lifts the deeper SMAS layer, removes excess skin, repositions facial tissue, and tightens the lower and/or mid-face.

Highlights:

  • Surgical invasiveness
  • Incisions (near ear, hairline)
  • Longer results: 7–10 years or more
  • Best for moderate to advanced sagging, heavy jowls, neck laxity



Which One Should You Choose? (Based on Sagging Level)

✔ For Mild to Moderate Sagging

Choose Thread Lift if you:

  • Have early jowls or soft jawline
  • Want a refreshed look without surgery
  • Need minimal downtime
  • Want a natural enhancement

✔ For Moderate to Advanced Sagging

Choose Facelift if you:

  • Have heavy jowls, neck laxity or loose lower face skin
  • Need long-lasting dramatic results
  • Are ready for surgery and recovery
  • Want the strongest possible lift

Thread Lift vs Facelift: Which Lasts Longer?

  • Thread Lift: 12–24 months
  • Facelift: 7–10 years or more

A facelift gives a longer-term structural change — threads give a less invasive but shorter-duration improvement.

When to Consider a Thread Lift

  • Age 30s–50s, mild to moderate sagging
  • Good skin elasticity
  • Want specific contouring (jawline, cheeks)
  • Tolerance for minimal downtime only

When to Consider a Facelift

  • Age 40s–60s or older, moderate to severe sagging
  • Jowls, neck bands, loose skin
  • Want long-term results
  • Comfortable with recovery

Can You Combine Thread Lift & Facelift?

Yes — some Korean clinics recommend:

  • Thread Lift as a maintenance after facelift
  • Thread lift first, then facelift later as aging progresses
  • Thread lift + devices (HIFU, RF) as a bridge before surgery

Risks & Considerations

Thread Lift Risks:

  • Dimpling
  • Visible threads
  • Uneven results
  • Short duration

Facelift Risks:

  • Surgical complications
  • Visible scars
  • Longer recovery
  • Higher cost

How to Decide in Korea

  • Get a full pre-operative evaluation including sagging level, skin thickness, elasticity.
  • Ask about thread type (PDO, PLLA, PCL) if choosing threads.
  • Do not choose based on cost alone — technique and surgeon matter more.
  • Consider travel and downtime as part of your decision.
  • Ask for before & afters of similar age and sagging grade.

Final Thoughts

Both thread lifts and facelifts have their place in Korean aesthetic medicine—they just serve different needs.

Choose Thread Lift if you:

  • Want decent lift with minimal downtime
  • Are in early stage of sagging
  • Want natural enhancement and year-to-year maintenance

Choose Facelift if you:

  • Have heavier sagging and loose skin
  • Want strong, long-lasting results
  • Can handle recovery and surgery


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Deep-Plane Facelift vs SMAS Lift in Korea: Full Guide A facelift in Korea can dramatically rejuvenate the lower face and midface, but the right technique matters. The two most popular surgical options—SMAS Lift and Deep-Plane Facelift—offer different levels of lifting, longevity, and recovery. Here is a clean, easy-to-read breakdown for patients comparing both. What Is a SMAS Lift? A SMAS Lift works on the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System, the fibrous-muscular layer just beneath the skin. Tightens sagging skin and soft tissue Focuses on jawline, jowls, and lower face Natural improvement without over-pulling Ideal for moderate aging Slightly faster recovery compared to deeper lifts This is a widely used technique in Korea for patients who want significant rejuvenation without modifying deeper structures. What Is a Deep-Plane Facelift? A Deep-Plane Facelift goes beneath the SMAS layer, releasing deeper facial ligaments and lifting the skin, fat, and muscle together as a single unit. Corrects deeper sagging Improves midface descent and nasolabial folds Ideal for heavier or thicker facial tissues Produces the most natural and long-lasting lift More complex and requires advanced surgical skill This technique is popular in Korea for patients seeking a more dramatic, youthful transformation. Key Differences Between SMAS and Deep-Plane Depth of Surgery SMAS Lift works closer to the surface, tightening the SMAS layer. Deep-Plane goes under the SMAS, releasing ligaments and repositioning deeper tissues. Results SMAS Lift offers a smooth, refreshed jawline and improved lower face. Deep-Plane restores midface volume, smooths folds, lifts the lower face, and provides stronger rejuvenation. Natural Appearance Both techniques can look natural when done well. Deep-plane tends to age more gracefully because the deeper structures are repositioned, not pulled. Recovery Time SMAS may have a slightly quicker recovery. Deep-plane may involve more swelling early on due to deeper work. Surgical Complexity Deep-plane requires a higher level of skill and experience, as it involves delicate anatomical structures. Who Is SMAS Lift Best For? Choose a SMAS Lift if you have: Mild to moderate sagging Early jowling Lower face concerns without heavy midface descent Thinner skin or lighter facial tissue A preference for shorter downtime Desired natural improvement without a dramatic change This is common for patients in their 40s to early 50s. Who Is a Deep-Plane Facelift Best For? Choose a Deep-Plane Facelift if you have: Moderate to severe sagging Heavy or rounder cheeks Deep nasolabial folds Midface flattening or descent Thicker facial soft tissue (common in some Asian facial structures) Desire for the longest-lasting and most comprehensive lift This is typically ideal for people in their 50s to 70s. Longevity of Results SMAS Lift Generally lasts 7–10 years, depending on age, lifestyle, and skin quality. Deep-Plane Facelift Often lasts 10–15 years or longer, with smoother aging because deeper tissues are repositioned. Recovery Timeline SMAS Lift Recovery Bruising/swelling: 1–2 weeks Return to work: 1–2 weeks Final contour: 2–3 months Deep-Plane Recovery Swelling may be more noticeable early Return to work: 2–3 weeks Final refinement: 3–6 months Cost Guide in Korea Actual pricing varies by clinic and surgeon, but general trends are: SMAS Lift: mid-range facelift cost Deep-Plane Facelift: higher cost due to deeper dissection and surgeon expertise How to Choose the Right Lift in Korea Ask yourself the following: Do I want subtle or dramatic improvement? Is my concern mainly lower face or also midface/cheeks? How much downtime can I commit to? Do I have thicker facial tissue that needs deeper release? How long do I want the results to last? A detailed consultation with a Korean facelift specialist can determine the best option based on anatomical factors such as skin thickness, fat distribution, and facial laxity. Questions to Ask During Consultation Which technique suits my skin type and face shape? Do I need midface repositioning or only jawline lifting? What is the expected scar location and healing timeline? Do I need a neck lift or fat grafting together? How many SMAS or deep-plane facelifts have you performed? Final Takeaway Both procedures are exceptional when performed by an experienced surgeon in Korea: SMAS Lift = natural results, moderate aging, faster recovery Deep-Plane Facelift = deepest correction, powerful lifting, longest-lasting results The right choice depends on your aging pattern, facial structure, and goals. A proper in-person evaluation is essential for choosing the safest and most effective technique.
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