Hello.
I am Dr. An Jae-seok of seoul chungdam dr ahnapa clinic.

During thread lifting consultations, there is one question I receive most frequently.

"I found a cheaper price at another hospital—why does the cost of thread lifting differ so much?"

Even when hospitals use the same name "thread lifting," there are significant cost differences between facilities. From a patient's perspective, it is understandable to feel confused when one hospital is relatively affordable while another costs several times more.

However, thread lifting is a procedure where it is difficult to compare costs based simply on "how many threads are inserted."

This is because the type and quantity of threads used, the direction in which threads are inserted into the face, the degree of sagging, the experience of the practitioner, and anesthesia and aftercare all differ.

Today, I will explain 6 major factors that determine thread lifting costs in a way that is easy for patients to understand.

1. The type of thread used is different

Threads used in thread lifting may appear identical, but in reality there are differences.

Thread materials include PDO, PLLA, and PCL, and the shape, thickness, length, and elasticity of the barbs created on the threads are each different.

Some products have barbs arranged in one direction, while others are designed bidirectionally. Depending on how the barbs are positioned around the thread, both the force of tissue engagement and the surgical method may differ.

Therefore, a simple explanation of "using absorbable threads" makes it difficult to know exactly which thread is being used.

Original cost varies depending on the thread manufacturer and quality, regulatory approval status, and structure and material—and this is reflected in thread lifting costs.

Since 2009, I have researched and applied lifting using absorbable threads in clinical practice, and I also participated in the process of developing bidirectional barbed sutures. As a result of observing the structure of threads and skin tissue reactions over many years, I believe that thicker and stronger threads are not necessarily better.

It is more important to select a thread that matches the patient's skin thickness, fat volume, and direction of sagging.

2. The quantity and length of threads used is different

When comparing thread lifting costs, the first thing you should check is the number of threads.

You should confirm whether the price provided by the hospital is the total cost for threads needed for the entire face, the cost of a single thread, or the cost of treating only a specific area.

For example, with the same cheek sagging, some patients may be corrected with only a few threads, while those with extensive skin sagging or those requiring treatment of both the jawline and nasolabial fold areas may need more threads.

Conversely, inserting more threads does not necessarily lead to better results.

Using threads beyond what is necessary increases costs and can increase discomfort such as swelling, bruising, pulling sensation, and rough appearance of the skin surface.

What matters is not the number of threads, but using exactly the amount needed for the patient's face.

3. The direction and design of thread insertion is different

This is the aspect I consider most important in thread lifting.

The face does not simply sag downward. Skin and fatty tissue migrate in various directions—forward, downward, outward—resulting in nasolabial folds, deep cheeks, drooping jawline, and double chin.

Therefore, it is difficult to expect natural results if threads are inserted in the same position and direction for all patients.

Before the procedure, you should check the following together:

  • Whether the skin is thin or thick

  • Whether there is much fat on the face or little

  • In which direction the cheek fat has sagged

  • What is the cause of nasolabial folds

  • Whether blurred jawline is due to skin or fat

  • To what degree is facial asymmetry present

  • How do the facial muscles move when smiling or speaking

Based on these details, the entry point, depth, direction of the threads, and fixation position should be determined.

Ultimately, thread lifting costs include not just the material cost of the threads themselves, but also the experience and judgment of the medical staff in analyzing and designing the face.

4. Whether a single procedure or combination treatment is performed makes a difference

The cause of facial sagging is not the same for everyone.

For some patients, downward sagging of skin and fatty tissue is the main problem, but for others the face appears more sagging as facial volume hollows out. Still for others, thin skin and many fine lines make it difficult to achieve desired changes with thread lifting alone.

In such cases, the following procedures may be considered alongside thread lifting:

  • Fat transfer or volume enhancement to hollowed areas

  • Radiofrequency treatment for skin elasticity and fine lines

  • Iron-on laser for skin texture and pore improvement

  • Fat management of jawline or double chin

  • Supplementary procedures for skin regeneration

At seoul chungdam dr ahnapa clinic, rather than recommending thread lifting alone first, we examine facial sagging, volume loss, and skin aging together.

Total costs may differ depending on whether only thread lifting is needed or whether it should be combined with other procedures. However, combination treatment is not always necessary, and it is important to choose only the procedures needed after examination.

5. It varies depending on the medical staff's surgical experience

Thread lifting is sometimes thought to be a simple procedure because it does not involve incisions.

However, the face has complex distribution of blood vessels, nerves, salivary ducts, muscles, and multiple layers of fatty tissue. If threads are inserted too shallowly, they may show through or the skin may become rough; if inserted too deeply or in an inappropriate direction, it is difficult to achieve sufficient lifting effect.

I completed my fellowship training in anesthesiology and pain medicine at Seoul National University Hospital and served as a fellow in pain medicine and director of the pain medicine department at a general hospital. Since then, I have researched and provided treatment for facial aging and non-surgical treatments in Gangnam for more than 18 years.

In particular, since 2009, I have researched and performed lifting using absorbable threads while continuously observing facial structure, thread direction, and tissue movement.

With thread lifting, even when using the same thread, the results and recovery process can differ depending on who performs it, at what depth, and in what direction.

When comparing prices, I recommend checking not only the number of threads but also the surgical experience of the medical staff and their facial design approach.

6. The scope of anesthesia and aftercare differs

The items included in the thread lifting cost announced by each hospital may differ.

Some hospitals announce only the procedure fee and charge separately for anesthesia or additional management costs. On the other hand, some hospitals include consultation, design, anesthesia, post-procedure sedation management, and follow-up check-ups.

During thread lifting consultation, it is good to check the following:

  • Whether the announced amount is based on a single thread or total procedure cost

  • Whether VAT is included

  • Whether anesthesia cost is included

  • Whether post-procedure sedation management cost is included

  • Whether follow-up and aftercare are included

  • How the cost changes if additional threads are used

If you only compare the initial advertised price, there may be a difference from the actual amount charged, so you should confirm which items are included in the total cost.

Then, is inexpensive thread lifting not good?

Not necessarily.

Depending on the hospital's operation method, the threads used, or special promotions, treatment may be provided at reasonable costs.

However, if the price is very low, it is good to check the following:

Please examine the type and authenticity of the threads, the actual number of threads used, the treatment area, whether anesthesia and aftercare costs are included, and the experience of the medical staff performing the procedure.

Conversely, you cannot simply assume that a higher price automatically means better treatment.

With thread lifting, it is more important than price to accurately analyze the problems of your face and use the necessary type and quantity of threads in an appropriate direction.

What I look at first during thread lifting consultation

During consultation, I first listen to what changes the patient desires.

"I wish the nasolabial folds were less visible."

"I'd like just the jawline tidied up a bit."

"I want to look naturally younger and comfortable without looking overly tight."

As you can see, desired results differ from person to person.

Next, I examine skin thickness, the amount of facial fat, the direction of sagging, facial asymmetry, and where volume has hollowed. If I determine that thread lifting is not appropriate, I explain other options.

The goal is not to insert many threads into the face, but to maintain the patient's current appearance while naturally refining their expression.

Three things to check before thread lifting cost

First, confirm what type of thread is used and how many.

Second, listen to an explanation of in what direction the sagging of your face will be improved.

Third, verify that not only expected changes but also possible discomforts such as swelling, bruising, pain, skin indentation, or roughness are adequately explained.

Thread lifting is not a procedure that produces the same results for everyone. Depending on skin condition, facial structure, and degree of aging, the treatment method and results may vary.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How many threads should I get for thread lifting?

There is no set number. It depends on the treatment area, degree of skin sagging, facial fat volume, and type of thread used. I do not recommend deciding on the number based solely on photos or price lists without consultation.

Q. Do threads last longer if I get more?

Not necessarily. The duration depends not only on the material and structure of the thread but also on skin condition, lifestyle, facial movement, and the degree of aging progression. Inserting more threads than necessary is not always advantageous.

Q. Can thread lifting eliminate nasolabial folds?

Nasolabial folds caused by sagging cheek tissue can be reduced. However, when volume loss, bone structure, and skin wrinkles work together, thread lifting alone may not be sufficient.

Q. Is fat transfer or thread lifting better?

Treatment direction differs between cases of facial sagging and those with insufficient volume. If both sagging and hollowness are present, the two methods may be appropriately combined. A decision should be made after examining the actual facial condition.

Q. When does the effect of thread lifting become visible?

Many patients notice changes immediately after the procedure, but there may be initial swelling and pulling sensation. Time is needed for threads to settle naturally, and recovery speed differs by individual.

Closing remarks

The reason thread lifting costs differ by hospital is not simply because thread prices are different.

The type and quantity of threads used, facial design, whether combination procedures are performed, the experience of medical staff, and the scope of anesthesia and aftercare all affect cost.

If you are considering thread lifting, along with the question "How much does it cost?" please be sure to ask "Why does my face need this thread, and in what direction will it be performed?"

Seoul chungdam dr ahnapa clinic examines the patient's facial structure and aging condition first rather than recommending a fixed number of threads across the board, and explains the necessary treatment methods.

Creating a natural, not excessive, slightly younger and more comfortable expression from the patient's current face.
This is my standard for thread lifting.

※ All medical procedures may have different effects and recovery processes depending on the individual, and side effects such as bruising, swelling, pain, infection, asymmetry, and skin indentation may occur. Please consult sufficiently with your medical staff before deciding whether to proceed with the procedure.

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