Natural, without looking overpulledA thread lift that considers where skin and fat sit
Thread Lift (Non-incisional Lifting)
A thread lift is a treatment in which absorbable threads with barbs are placed under the skin to anchor sagging tissue, lifting sagging lines without incisions.
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Overview
A thread lift places absorbable threads with barbs (cogs) on their surface into the fat layer beneath the skin; the barbs catch the sagging tissue, move it upward and hold it in place. Because the threads are inserted with a needle rather than through an incision, recovery is quick, and as the threads are absorbed, collagen forms around them to supplement elasticity. It differs from energy-based treatments in that it physically moves the sagging line.
Atelier Plastic Surgery's standard for a thread lift is that it should not look overpulled. That means looking first at where the skin and fat have descended from, and to where, before any thread goes in. Threads are a tool for moving tissue, so the type and number of threads and the insertion path can only be set once it is decided which tissue is moved, in which direction and by how much. More threads do not lift more, and if the direction is wrong, only the tension remains.
Dr. Juyoung Go is a co-author of a paper that prospectively evaluated the outcomes of a technique that lifts the midface with a mesh suspension thread (REEBORN Lift). Because we perform both thread lifts and facelifts, we tell you clearly what threads can and cannot achieve, and recommend surgery at the stage where sagging is pronounced.
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Recommended for
Your cheeks have begun to descend and nasolabial folds look deeper
The jawline is blurring and jowls are starting to form
Surgery feels like too much, but you want a noticeable lift of sagging lines
You want additional line correction after an energy-based treatment such as Ulthera or Facela
Sagging under the chin and in the neck is mild
Mild sagging has returned some time after a facelift
Entering near the temple, barbed threads are inserted along the cheek and jawline, and the sagging tissue is moved upward and anchored. Thread thickness, barb design and insertion depth are chosen according to the thickness of the fat layer and the degree of sagging. Several threads are placed on each side in different directions to shape the line. The threads used are cleared by the US FDA, carry the European CE mark and are approved by the Korean MFDS.
Suited for · When sagging of the cheeks and jawline is mild or moderate
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Midface lift (REEBORN Lift)
A technique that broadly supports and lifts midface soft tissue that has descended toward the front of the cheek, under the eyes and above the nasolabial folds using a mesh suspension thread. Because it can support a wider area than a single thread, it is used to reposition midface volume. A paper in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2016) prospectively evaluated the outcomes of this technique.
Suited for · When hollowing of the front cheek and sagging above the nasolabial folds are the main concerns
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Under-chin · neck thread lift
Entering behind the ear, threads are inserted under the chin and toward the front of the neck, and the loose tissue is pulled back and anchored. If there is a lot of submental fat, liposuction or CoolSculpting is combined in a planned sequence.
Suited for · When double chin and neck sagging are mild
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Mono · screw threads (elasticity support)
Several fine threads without barbs are placed beneath the dermis to stimulate collagen production. They have no power to move tissue, but they supplement skin elasticity and fine lines, and are often performed together with a cog thread lift.
Suited for · When you want to address fine lines and reduced elasticity at the same time
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Key facts
Treatment time
About 30–60 minutes
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia (with sedation if needed)
Downtime
Swelling · bruising about 3–7 days
Return to daily life
Same day or the next day
Duration of effect
Varies by thread type and individual
Follow-up visits
1 week · 1 month · 3 months after treatment
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
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Atelier Plastic Surgery's approach
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We look first at where the skin and fat sit
Threads are a tool for moving tissue. Only after confirming which tissue has descended to where, and where the fat layer is thick and thin, do we decide which thread to place, at what depth and in which direction.
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Direction, not pulling force, decides how natural it looks
Pulling sideways alone gives the impression of a pulled mouth. We move tissue in the direction opposite to the sagging and place the anchor points where there is little movement, so that no tension shows even when you make expressions.
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The number of threads is not proportional to the result
More threads are not better. Too many threads can create skin irregularities, a foreign-body sensation and tension. We place only the number needed, in varied directions.
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We tell you clearly what threads can achieve
When there is a lot of excess skin, threads do not produce the change you expect and only the tension remains. Because we perform both thread lifts and facelifts, we first determine whether you are at the stage for a treatment or for surgery, and advise you accordingly. The treatment is performed by Dr. Juyoung Go herself.
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After surgery
Immediately after
There is swelling and tightness at the insertion sites, and the skin may look slightly uneven along the path of the threads. You go home the same day; avoid big expressions and opening your mouth wide.
3 days
Swelling and bruising are at their peak. Wash your face gently and do not press or rub the treated area. Avoid hard foods.
1 week
Swelling and bruising subside and you can return to daily life. Irregularities along the thread paths gradually flatten. You visit for a follow-up check.
2–4 weeks
Tightness eases and the line settles. Avoid sleeping on your side, strong massage and saunas for about a month.
1–3 months
Collagen forms around the threads and supplements elasticity. We check your progress and, if needed, consider combining with an energy-based treatment.
Recovery care and the aftercare schedule are described in the Safety Care System. Safety Care System
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Side effects · Precautions
After treatment, swelling, bruising, pain and a feeling of tightness may last from several days to several weeks. Skin irregularities or dimpling may appear along the path of the threads; these mostly flatten with time, but correction is needed if they remain. The end of a thread may protrude through the skin or be visible through it, a thread may migrate and change the line, and a foreign-body sensation, infection, asymmetry and temporary altered sensation at the insertion sites may occur; rarely, injury to a nerve or salivary duct, and inflammatory reactions and granulomas around the threads have been reported. Because the threads are absorbed, the duration of the effect is limited and repeat treatment may be needed. If there is a lot of excess skin, the expected change may not be achieved. Please tell us at consultation if you are prone to keloids, have inflammation in the treatment area, have an autoimmune disease or are taking medications that affect blood clotting. Results and duration vary by individual, and risks and how they are managed are explained fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
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Related research
PaperCo-author
A Prospective Evaluation of Outcomes for Midface Rejuvenation with Mesh Suspension Thread: "REEBORN Lift"
A study that prospectively evaluated the outcomes of a technique (REEBORN Lift) that lifts the midface with a mesh suspension thread. As a paper on a thread-based lifting technique, it is the basis for this page.
Each treatment page lists the items relevant to it; the full list is on the Academic Activities page.View all academic activities
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FAQ
Q1How long does a thread lift last?
It depends on the type and thickness of the thread, the degree of sagging and skin elasticity, and varies widely by individual. The threads are absorbed over several months, and the collagen formed in the meantime supplements elasticity. To extend the duration, it is sometimes combined with Ulthera or Facela.
Q2Do more threads mean a better lift?
No. What decides the result is which tissue is moved in which direction, not the number of threads. Too many threads can create skin irregularities, a foreign-body sensation and tension, so we place only the number needed, in varied directions.
Q3Will my face look pulled after treatment?
A pulled look occurs when tissue is pulled hard sideways only, or when the anchor points sit over expression muscles. Moving the tissue in the direction opposite to the sagging and placing the anchor points where there is little movement keeps the tension from showing. The tightness right after treatment usually eases over 2–4 weeks.
Q4Will the skin become uneven?
Right after treatment, irregularities may be visible along the thread paths, and most flatten within 1–2 weeks. If threads are placed too shallow or in an area where the fat is thin, irregularities may remain, so the insertion depth is set to match the thickness of the fat layer. If any remain, corrective treatment is provided.
Q5Thread lift or facelift: which is right for me?
If sagging is mild or moderate and there is not much excess skin, you can expect improvement from a thread lift. If excess skin is visible when you push the cheek up by hand, threads have their limits and we recommend a facelift. Because we perform both, we determine which is right for you and advise accordingly.
Q6Can I have it together with other treatments?
Combining with Ulthera or Facela lets energy tighten and reinforce the line the threads have moved, and filler is sometimes used to add volume or botulinum toxin to refine fine lines. The order and interval are decided at consultation according to the pattern of sagging.
