How to Estimate Thread Count & Cost for Your Face Shape
How to Estimate Thread Count & Cost for Your Face Shape (Korea Guide)
Thread lift pricing in Korea depends heavily on one major factor:
👉 How many threads your face actually needs.
Different face shapes, sagging patterns, and lifting goals require different thread counts, which is why prices can vary so widely between patients.
This guide explains how Korean dermatologists estimate thread count, what different face shapes require, and how this translates into real costs.
1. How Thread Count Is Determined in Korea
Korean doctors evaluate four factors before choosing thread count:
✔ 1. Face Shape (V-shape, Round, Square, Long)
Determines how much lifting and contouring is needed.
✔ 2. Sagging Level
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
More sagging = more threads.
✔ 3. Thread Material (PDO, PLLA, PCL)
Stronger materials = fewer threads required.
✔ 4. Area Treated
Jawline? Cheeks? Nasolabial folds? Neck?
Each area has its own thread needs.
2. Basic Thread Count Range in Korea
These are typical thread counts used by Korean dermatologists:
Light lifting (small correction):
➡ 4–8 threads total
Standard lifting (jawline + cheeks):
➡ 8–12 threads total
Full-face lifting (midface + jowls + contour):
➡ 12–20 threads total
Stronger lift with PCL/PLLA:
➡ 6–10 threads total (stronger threads need fewer)
Textural tightening only (mono threads):
➡ 20–100 threads (not lifting threads)
3. Thread Count Needed by Face Shape
Different facial shapes require different lifting vectors and thread numbers.
✔ V-Shaped Face (Naturally Slim)
Sagging usually mild → fewer threads
Thread estimate:
- Mild lift: 4–6 threads
- Standard lift: 8–10 threads
Why:
The face already has a natural V-line; just needs light correction.
✔ Round Face (Fuller Lower Face)
Needs stronger lifting → more threads
Thread estimate:
- Mild lift: 6–8 threads
- Standard lift: 10–14 threads
- Strong lift: 14–20 threads
Why:
Round faces require multiple vectors to sculpt and define the jawline.
✔ Square Face (Wide Jaw or Heavier Tissue)
Requires more support + stronger threads
Thread estimate:
- Standard lift: 10–14 threads
- Strong lift: 14–20 threads
Why:
Wider lower face = more resistance and more sagging area to reposition.
✔ Long Face / Oval Face
Usually needs midface support
Thread estimate:
- Mild lift: 4–6 threads
- Standard lift: 8–12 threads
Why:
The focus is correcting midface descent, not reshaping face width.
4. Thread Count by Sagging Level
Thread count depends on how much your face has descended.
✔ Mild Sagging (Early 30s–40s)
- Threads needed: 4–8
- Cost: ₩700,000 – ₩1,500,000
- Best materials: PDO or PLLA
✔ Moderate Sagging (40s–50s)
- Threads needed: 8–14
- Cost: ₩1,500,000 – ₩2,500,000
- Best materials: PLLA or PCL
✔ Severe Sagging (50s–60s)
- Threads needed: 14–20+
- Cost: ₩2,500,000 – ₩4,000,000+
- Best materials: PCL (strongest)
5. How Thread Material Affects Thread Count
PDO:
- Soft, light
- Needs more threads
- Used for subtle lifting
➡ Usually 8–16 threads for full face
PLLA:
- Moderately strong
- Good for midface + nasolabial folds
➡ Usually 8–12 threads
PCL:
- Strongest + longest lasting
- Needs fewer threads
➡ Usually 6–10 threads
6. How Thread Count Determines Cost
Korean clinics usually price thread lifts by:
✔ Material (PDO cheapest → PCL most expensive)
✔ Number of lifting threads used
✔ Treatment area (face, jowls, neck)
Typical Korean pricing per category:
PDO:
₩700,000 – ₩1,800,000
PLLA:
₩1,200,000 – ₩2,500,000
PCL:
₩1,500,000 – ₩3,500,000+
Full lower face + neck often increases total cost.
7. Korean Sample Estimate by Face Type
V-Line, mild sagging (early 30s):
➡ 6 PDO threads
➡ ~₩900,000–₩1,400,000
Round face, moderate sagging (late 30s–40s):
➡ 10 PLLA threads
➡ ~₩1,800,000–₩2,400,000
Square face, heavy sagging (40s–50s):
➡ 12–16 PCL threads
➡ ~₩2,500,000–₩3,500,000
Long face, early aging (30s):
➡ 4–8 PDO/PLLA threads
➡ ~₩700,000–₩1,500,000
8. When to Avoid Too Many Threads
Korea is known for precise, minimal thread usage.
Over-threading can lead to:
- Dimpling
- Pain
- Nerve irritation
- Stiff expression
- Difficulty revising later
More is not always better.
Final Thoughts
Estimating thread count is one of the most important steps in calculating your total cost for a thread lift in Korea.
Your face shape, sagging level, and thread material all determine how many you need — and how much you’ll spend.
✔ Slim face → fewer threads
✔ Round/square face → more threads
✔ Mild sagging → PDO
✔ Moderate → PLLA
✔ Severe → PCL
