What It Is
A Neck Thread Lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses absorbable threads — typically PDO (Polydioxanone), PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), or PCL (Polycaprolactone) — to tighten sagging skin, reduce horizontal “necklace lines,” and improve overall neck contour.
These threads are inserted under the skin using fine cannulas. Once placed, they:
- Anchor sagging skin and provide an immediate lifting effect.
- Stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production for long-term firming.
- Dissolve gradually over 6–36 months, depending on the thread material, leaving behind a collagen scaffold for lasting rejuvenation.
In Korea, neck thread lifts are a popular alternative to neck lift surgery, especially among patients who want a defined jawline, smoother neck, and a youthful transition between the face and décolletage.
Why It’s Done
Patients choose neck thread lifts to address both aesthetic and aging concerns:
➝ Tighten sagging neck skin → Corrects “turkey neck” appearance.
➝ Smooth horizontal lines → Reduces necklace lines common in aging and tech-neck.
➝ Improve jawline definition → Enhances the V-line by lifting skin below the chin.
➝ Reduce double chin laxity → Complements fat reduction treatments.
➝ Rejuvenate décolletage → Extends results into the upper chest.
➝ Preventative anti-aging → Younger patients in their late 20s–30s use it to maintain firmness.
In Korean beauty culture, a tight, elegant neck is considered essential to overall youthfulness, which is why neck rejuvenation is often done together with face lifts or jawline lifts.
Alternatives
While neck thread lifts are effective, alternatives may suit different patient needs:
- PDO mono threads → Stimulate collagen for fine lines but don’t lift significantly.
- PLLA / PCL threads → Longer-lasting lifts for moderate to severe laxity.
- HIFU (Shurink, Ultherapy, Doublo) → Tightens deep SMAS layer, effective for jawline and neck laxity.
- Thermage FLX (Monopolar RF) → Smooths superficial wrinkles and tightens skin.
- Microneedling RF (Scarlet SRF, Sylfirm X) → Improves texture, scars, and fine lines.
- Lipolysis injections (Kybella) → Reduce fat under the chin, not lax skin.
- Surgical neck lift → Permanent results for advanced sagging, but invasive.
In Korea, neck thread lifts are frequently combined with other treatments:
- Threads + HIFU → Structural lift plus deep tightening.
- Threads + Thermage → Superficial smoothing plus lifting.
- Threads + Lipolysis injections → Fat reduction plus tightening.
Preparation
Preparation ensures safe and effective treatment:
➝ Consultation & assessment → Korean clinics often use 3D imaging to analyze sagging and skin elasticity.
➝ Medical history review → Patients disclose bleeding disorders, implants, or medications.
➝ Avoid blood thinners → Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements 5–7 days before (with medical approval).
➝ No alcohol or smoking → For at least 48 hours before treatment.
➝ Skincare prep → Pause retinoids, acids, or exfoliants for 3–5 days before.
➝ Numbing → Local anesthesia is used at insertion points.
How It’s Done
A neck thread lift session typically lasts 60–90 minutes:
- Cleansing & sterilization → The neck and jawline are thoroughly cleaned.
- Local anesthesia → Injections numb the treatment area.
- Thread insertion →
- Threads are inserted with cannulas along the jawline and neck.
- Barbed threads provide lifting, while mono threads can stimulate collagen in fine-line areas.
- Threads are gently pulled upward to create tightening.
- Trimming & adjustment → Excess threads are cut, and the lift is checked.
- Aftercare application → Cooling masks, LED therapy, or healing serums applied.
Treatment plan:
- One session → Provides immediate lift and long-term collagen stimulation.
- Maintenance → PDO: every 12–18 months; PLLA: every 18–24 months; PCL: every 24–36 months.
Recovery
Recovery is shorter than surgery but longer than HIFU or RF tightening:
- Immediately after → Visible lift; mild swelling, bruising, and tightness.
- Day 1–7 → Tenderness when turning the neck or swallowing; bruising may appear.
- Week 2–3 → Threads settle; dimpling smooths out.
- Month 1–3 → Collagen remodeling improves firmness and elasticity.
- Month 6–12 → Natural, refined results visible.
Aftercare tips:
➝ Avoid exaggerated neck movements (wide yawning, looking up) for 1–2 weeks.
➝ Sleep with your head elevated and on your back for the first week.
➝ Apply ice packs during the first 24 hours for swelling.
➝ Avoid saunas, alcohol, and strenuous workouts for 1–2 weeks.
➝ Use SPF 50+ sunscreen daily on the neck and décolletage.
Korean clinics often provide aftercare creams, antibiotics, and follow-up appointments.
Complications
Neck thread lifts are safe, but potential side effects include:
➝ Bruising, swelling, tenderness → Common, temporary.
➝ Skin dimpling or puckering → Resolves within weeks.
➝ Thread migration or visibility → Rare, corrected by trimming or repositioning.
➝ Infection → Very rare with sterile protocols.
➝ Asymmetry → Prevented by expert mapping and technique.
Korean dermatologists minimize risks by using high-quality FDA/KFDA-approved threads and advanced insertion methods.
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea is a global hub for non-surgical lifting, and neck thread lifts are often integrated into holistic anti-aging packages.
1. Thread Materials Used
- PDO threads → Affordable, last 12–18 months.
- PLLA threads → Moderate longevity, 18–24 months.
- PCL threads → Premium, durable, lasting 24–36 months.
Final Thoughts
Neck Thread Lift in Korea is a highly effective, minimally invasive solution for treating neck sagging, horizontal lines, and jawline definition issues. With absorbable threads that provide both instant lift and long-term collagen regeneration, it restores a youthful, elegant neck contour.
Korean clinics elevate results by customizing thread type (PDO, PLLA, PCL), combining lifts with HIFU, Thermage, or lipolysis treatments, and providing advanced aftercare. For patients seeking a safe, long-lasting alternative to neck lift surgery, neck thread lifts in Korea are among the most advanced options worldwide.
