Thread Lift Cost: Why Does It Vary by Clinic? Price Guide by Thread Type, Count, and Target Area

The cost of thread lifting ranges from approximately 300,000 to 1,000,000 KRW for partial treatments (jawline, eye area, etc.), and from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 KRW for the full face. If special threads are used or if it is combined with other procedures, the cost can rise to 2,000,000 to over 5,000,000 KRW. The reason the price range is so wide is that the results vary greatly depending on the type, shape, and number of threads, the treatment area, and the practitioner's skill.

Thread lifting is a non-incisional procedure in which medical threads are inserted between the dermal layer and the subcutaneous fat layer to physically lift sagging tissue, inducing collagen production as the threads dissolve. Since it is a minimally invasive method that does not use a knife, recovery is relatively quick. However, as it is a non-covered cosmetic procedure that is not covered by health insurance, each clinic sets its prices autonomously. Therefore, it is difficult to give a definitive price, and you can easily run into trouble if you make a decision based solely on the lowest advertised price. In this article, we will break down the structure of these costs one by one.

💰 How much does a thread lift cost by area and procedure?

The most pressing question is likely the actual price range. Across the domestic market, prices generally fall within the ranges shown below.

Here is one common misconception: "the more threads inserted, the better" is actually false. The design—such as the appropriate number of threads for the specific area and degree of sagging, and where and in which direction they are placed—is far more important. Simply increasing the number of threads blindly can actually look unnatural or increase the physical burden.

📌 Key Summary: 300,000 to 1,000,000 KRW for partial areas and 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 KRW for the full face is the typical range, and the design determines the results more than the number of threads.

🧵 Why do prices vary depending on the thread type (PDO, PLLA, PCL)?

The first variable in thread lifting costs is the material of the thread. For dissolvable threads, the rate of absorption and the intensity of collagen stimulation differ by material, which directly affects the unit cost.

• PDO (Polydioxanone): The most common material. Since its absorption period is relatively short, around 6 to 8 months, it serves as the baseline for pricing.

• PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid): It has a strong collagen-stimulating effect and a long absorption period of about 12 to 18 months, making it more expensive than PDO.

• PCL (Polycaprolactone): With the longest absorption period of about 18 to 24 months, it is used for long-term maintenance and has the highest unit cost.

In summary, durability increases and costs tend to rise in the order of PDO < PLLA < PCL. The duration of the effect follows this order as well, with PDO lasting about 6 to 12 months, PLLA 12 to 18 months, and PCL 18 to 24 months. Please note that these are general guidelines as individual results may vary.

Occasionally, "non-dissolvable threads (non-absorbable)" are recommended. While they offer longer maintenance, they can be difficult to remove later or cause side effects, so they must be considered carefully.

📌 Key Summary: PDO is short-lasting and inexpensive, PLLA is mid-range, and PCL is long-lasting and expensive. The material determines both the duration and the price.

⚙️ Cog threads vs. Mono threads: What's the difference and how much do they cost?

Just as important as the material is the "shape" of the thread. This is where the physical lifting power of the thread lift actually comes from.

**Cog Threads** have barbs or hook structures that physically catch and pull the tissue. This is the core thread used for lifting. It costs approximately 50,000 to 200,000 KRW per thread, and special threads with strong anchoring power can go up to 100,000 to 400,000+ KRW per thread. When treating the entire face, it is common to use 10 to 20 or more cog threads, which naturally increases the overall cost.

On the other hand, **Mono Threads** are thin threads without barbs, aimed at improving elasticity by inducing collagen production rather than pulling tissue. Since the unit cost is low, ranging from several thousand to around 10,000 KRW per thread, they serve as the basis for lower-priced packages.

The procedure is performed using a thin needle called a **cannula**, which is the tool used to insert the threads, and local anesthesia is applied depending on the area. Some clinics charge separately for this anesthesia, so it is best to check in advance.

📌 Key Summary: Lifting power comes from cog threads, while mono threads are for improving elasticity. Cog threads are more expensive, and the total cost increases as the number of threads grows.

🔍 Can you trust lowest-price event promotions?

It is tempting when you see advertisements like "4 threads for 600,000 KRW." In fact, some clinics offer promotional prices for Mint Threads at 600,000 KRW for 4 threads, 880,000 KRW for 8 threads, and 1,550,000 KRW for 18 threads (full face). However, advertised prices are usually based on a small quantity of mono threads or specific promotional packages, so they may differ from your final payment amount.

Here are some common traps that are easy to miss:

• Value Added Tax (VAT 10%): This is often excluded from the advertised price and added at the time of payment.

• Anesthesia/Medication Fees: These may be charged separately.

• One side vs. Both sides: Make sure to check whether "4 threads" refers to one side of the face or both sides combined. Even with the same 4 threads, the meaning changes completely.

• Thread type, brand, and quantity: The lowest prices are often for a small number of low-cost threads.

The most reliable way is to compare after receiving a written document (quote) that includes the thread type, brand, quantity, treatment area, anesthesia fee, and VAT. If you only rely on verbal agreements, misunderstandings can easily occur later.

📌 Key Summary: Lowest prices are often based on small quantities and simple configurations, so always verify in writing whether VAT and anesthesia fees are included, and if the count is for "one side" or "both sides."

🆚 Thread Lifting vs. HIFU/Radiofrequency: Which one should I choose?

Procedures often compared with thread lifting are ultrasound (HIFU such as Ultherapy and Shurink) and high-frequency radiofrequency (such as Thermage). Since their principles are different, it is more accurate to view them as having different indications rather than one being inherently superior to the other.

If your goal is to "lift" sagging skin, thread lifting is suitable. If you want to reinforce overall elasticity with thermal energy, ultrasound or radiofrequency is a better fit. Threads provide physical pulling, while ultrasound and radiofrequency rely on thermal stimulation. At Onlif Clinic, we also differentiate and recommend treatments among All-Tight Lifting, ultrasound HIFU/RF, and thread lifting based on the nature of your concerns. A single procedure does not solve all sagging skin issues. In many cases, combining two or three procedures yields a more natural result.

Since severe skin sagging has its limits with thread lifting alone, surgical SMAS Facelifts are sometimes mentioned for informational purposes. While the results last longer—about 5 to 10 years or more—the cost ranges from several million to over 10 million KRW, and the recovery burden is high. However, Onlif does not perform invasive plastic surgeries; we first look into improving sagging caused by aging and loss of elasticity through non-surgical skin procedures.

📌 Key Summary: Thread lifting is for pulling up sagging skin, while HIFU/RF is for firming up elasticity. It is wise to combine them according to your goals.

⚠️ What are the side effects and recovery like?

Even without incisions, a procedure is still a procedure. Representative side effects include bruising, swelling, asymmetry, thread protrusion, and the dimple phenomenon. Dimpling refers to the depression or unevenness of the skin where the thread is inserted, which largely depends on the practitioner's design and skill level. This is why you must thoroughly evaluate this aspect when choosing a low-cost clinic.

As for downtime, bruising and swelling can typically last for 1 to 2 weeks, and it is best to avoid deep tissue massages or strong external irritation for about 4 weeks. Avoid saunas, vigorous face washing, sleeping on your stomach, and facial massages immediately after the procedure.

The timing for noticing results also varies widely. According to data from one platform, 69% of patients felt the lifting effect immediately after the procedure, 24% after one week, and 7% within a month. While most people experience immediate results, it means some cases take time to fully settle.

📌 Key Summary: Bruising, swelling, and dimpling are common side effects, and the practitioner's skill greatly influences the outcome. Avoid strong physical irritation for 4 weeks.

📋 How to wisely compare thread lifting costs

Asking these questions during your consultation will significantly reduce your chances of failure.

1. What are the thread types (PDO, PLLA, PCL) and brands being used?

2. Are they cog threads or mono threads? How many threads will be used?

3. Is that thread count for one side or both sides combined?

4. Exactly which areas of the face are included in the treatment?

5. Does the price include the anesthesia fee?

6. Is the final amount inclusive of VAT (10%)?

7. How long is the expected duration of the effects?

8. What are the downtime and post-treatment recovery care plans?

9. How are side effects handled and resolved if they occur?

10. Can I receive the above details in a written quote?

For reference, Onlif Clinic implements a medical specialization system where doctors are assigned to specific fields. Based on the philosophy that "one person cannot excel at everything," each practitioner focuses on the procedures they perform best. Our thread lifting approach also focuses on naturally addressing the signs of aging, specifically loss of elasticity and sagging skin.

📌 Key Summary: The core of price comparison is getting written confirmation of the thread type, thread count, whether it is for one side/both sides, VAT, and anesthesia fees.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the average cost of a thread lift?

Partial treatments typically range from 300,000 to 1,000,000 KRW, while full-face treatments range from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 KRW. Special threads or combination treatments can go up to 2,000,000 to over 5,000,000 KRW. The price varies greatly depending on the thread type, quantity, and treatment area.

In advertisements, does "4 threads for XX0,000 KRW" mean one side or both sides?

This is a crucial point to check. Even with the same 4 threads, the actual treatment volume and cost will differ entirely depending on whether it is per side or the total count. Be sure to clarify this during your consultation.

What is the price difference among PDO, PLLA, and PCL threads?

The absorption period and unit cost increase in the order of PDO < PLLA < PCL. Their respective absorption periods are about 6–8 months, 12–18 months, and 18–24 months, with longer-lasting materials commanding higher costs.

Are there additional fees on top of the promotional lowest price?

In many cases, yes. Advertised prices are often based on a small quantity of low-cost threads, and a 10% VAT or anesthesia fee may be added separately. Be sure to check if VAT and anesthesia fees are included.

Which is right for me, thread lifting or Ultherapy/Thermage?

Their purposes are different. If your goal is to pull up sagging tissue, thread lifting is suitable. If you want to improve overall elasticity using thermal energy, ultrasound (HIFU) or radiofrequency (RF) is a better fit. They are also frequently combined.

Is thread lifting covered by insurance?

Thread lifting for cosmetic purposes is a non-covered procedure and is not covered by health insurance. As a rule, private medical insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures either, so you should expect to pay the full amount out of pocket.

How many threads are recommended for a first-time procedure?

There is no single correct answer. It must be decided based on the degree of sagging, the area, and your desired results. The idea that "more threads are always better" is a misconception. The appropriate quantity and customized design produce natural results.

Things to Check Before Choosing a Thread Lifting Clinic

Even for the same procedure, the results and recovery process will differ depending on where, by whom, and how it is performed. Asking these questions during your consultation will help you make an informed decision.

• Do they perform this procedure frequently? — Every clinic has its primary focus. Check if they regularly perform thread lifts.

• Can I verify the products and equipment used? — Ask during the consultation if you can confirm the product name and its authenticity (whether it is an officially imported product and if there is a process to verify its unboxing).

• Do they explain the breakdown of the cost? — Rather than just hearing a total amount, you need to understand which products are being used, how much, and in what areas to make an informed decision.

• Do they design the treatment while looking at the entire face? — Even for the same procedure, the placement and quantity of threads change depending on face shape, skin condition, and facial asymmetry.

• Do they explain the potential side effects and recovery process first? — Rather than a consultation that only highlights expected positive changes, a clinic that explains potential adverse reactions and how to handle them is better for making a balanced decision.

• Is there a follow-up pathway after the procedure? — Find out if there are set times for checking your progress, how to contact them if there are issues, and the criteria for follow-up visits.

How Onlif Clinic Performs Thread Lifting

• We divide responsibilities — Based on the belief that a single doctor cannot handle every procedure perfectly, Onlif assigns specialized doctors to different fields of treatment.

• We verify products and equipment together during the consultation — We guide you through the products used and the unboxing verification process during the consultation.

• We explain the cost breakdown after a formal diagnosis — Since the treated area, dosage, and scope vary per individual, we explain exactly what is being used and how much it costs.

• We design treatments looking at the overall facial balance — We analyze the face through three axes: skin texture, balance, and youthful signals. We plan our treatments to refine areas that obscure your natural look rather than trying to alter your facial shape entirely.

• We discuss side effects and the recovery process first — Along with expected improvements, we explain individual variances, possible adverse reactions, and management steps before the procedure.

• We monitor progress together after the procedure — We provide guidance on follow-up visits and contact channels if verification is needed during the recovery period.

If you are considering a thread lift, it is best to first find out what is possible and what is difficult given your current skin status. An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can only be determined through an in-person consultation. Come find out through a consultation at Gangnam Onlif Clinic.