Thread Lift for Expats in Seoul: How It Works

How It Works and Planning a Natural Look

It can be considered even when the face has little fat. However, the type and number of threads and where they are placed should be decided carefully after checking skin thickness, elasticity and volume. It is important to plan for a natural contour that fits your facial structure rather than too much pulling. You and your doctor align on your goals and priorities. The plan focuses on balance that suits your features.

On the Day and Early Care

Anesthetic cream is used. The treatment takes about 1 hour. Normal daily activities are generally possible right after treatment. Face washing and light makeup are possible from the day of treatment. Avoid rubbing the treated area too much or having a strong massage. It is best to avoid saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise for about 1 week after treatment. This schedule can work when you want to keep daily routines going. If you have an important event or photo shoot coming up, allow a little margin in your schedule.

Which of these applies may vary with the patient’s skin condition and the aim of treatment, and the doctor decides.

Common reactions

Temporary swelling, bruising, mild tightness or a sense of something under the skin may be felt, but they usually ease gradually within 1 to 2 weeks.

Which of these applies may vary with the patient’s skin condition and the aim of treatment, and the doctor decides.

Serious side effects

Rarely, temporary pain or stiffness may occur, and it eases naturally over time.

Results and Long Term Planning

You and your doctor discuss what kind of lift you want to see over time. Your long-term treatment plan is set with your goals in mind. If you have an important event or photo shoot coming up, timing can be planned accordingly.

Common Situations and Concerns

You may worry about discomfort during a thread lift. You are not alone in wondering how it feels or how fast you can get back to daily life. How it feels and how recovery goes vary from person to person. A gentle plan that fits your facial structure can help you feel confident about the change. If you prefer to keep errands or work the same day, you can plan a simple, low stress schedule. If questions come up as you read, ask your doctor.

About Min Clinic

Min Clinic is registered as a dermatology clinic. Three doctors practice at the clinic, and two of them are board-certified specialists. Dr. Min Young-Soo is an adjunct professor at Hanyang University and was formerly deputy director of NB Clinic, Gangnam Station branch. At Min Clinic, all medical aesthetic procedures are performed directly by a doctor.

Anesthetic cream is used. Normal daily activities are generally possible right after treatment. The treatment takes about 1 hour. An interval of 6 months between treatments is recommended. Changes may begin to appear from as early as 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. At about 1 to 3 months, a more natural and defined lifting effect can be seen. Face washing and light makeup are possible from the day of treatment. Avoid rubbing the treated area too much or having a strong massage. Temporary swelling, bruising, mild tightness or a sense of something under the skin may be felt, but they usually ease gradually within 1 to 2 weeks. It is best to avoid saunas, alcohol and strenuous exercise for about 1 week after treatment. Rarely, temporary pain or stiffness may occur, and it eases naturally over time. A thread lift is a treatment that inserts special medical threads into the skin layers to physically support and lift sagging tissue. It can be considered even when the face has little fat. However, the type and number of threads and where they are placed should be decided carefully after checking skin thickness, elasticity and volume. It is important to plan for a natural contour that fits your facial structure rather than too much pulling. Anesthesia is given before treatment to reduce discomfort. Pressure or a pulling feeling may be felt during treatment, and temporary stiffness, tightness or a sense of something under the skin may appear afterward. How it feels and how recovery goes vary from person to person.

Prices are the same for Korean and international patients. VAT is charged separately at the applicable statutory rate. Same-day treatment may be possible depending on appointment availability and the doctor's schedule. Patients are asked to contact the clinic during the recovery period with any questions or discomfort. Min Clinic does not perform medical aesthetic procedures, including thread lift, during pregnancy. Skincare treatments may be available after consultation. Patients under 19 may be treated with the consent of a parent or guardian. Upon request, treatment records can be provided as a detailed medical statement.

WhatsApp messages are answered during clinic hours, and the clinic responds as promptly as possible. Inquiries can be made through WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, WeChat and email. English-, Chinese-, and Japanese-speaking staff are available on-site to assist foreign visitors. Min Clinic is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 19:00, Friday from 10:00 to 20:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00, with a lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00 on weekdays, and the clinic is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay and JCB cards are accepted, as are Apple Pay, WeChat Pay and Alipay. PayPal is not accepted, cash is accepted in Korean won only, and payment may be split across two cards with no card surcharge. Parking is available in the Daedong Tower building, and valet parking is offered for a fee. If you need to change or cancel an appointment, please contact the clinic in advance. In accordance with Korean tax law, VAT refunds for cosmetic medical services provided to foreign visitors are no longer available for treatments received on or after January 1, 2026.

Getting Here

Exit 5 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Suin-Bundang Line) is the nearest exit to the clinic at 4F, Daedong Tower, 326 Dosan-daero. From Exit 5 it is about 5–10 minutes on foot. The building stands at Hakdong Intersection, with an Olive Young store on the ground floor. At Gangnam-gu Office Station (Line 7 and Suin-Bundang Line), leave by Exit 3 or 3-1. From Exit 3 or 3-1 it is about 7 minutes on foot. Parking fees can be confirmed with the clinic.

Frequently asked questions

How soon do you see results after a thread lift in Seoul?

Changes may begin to appear from as early as 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. At about 1 to 3 months, a more natural and defined lifting effect can be seen. The exact timeline differs by person.

Which of these applies may vary with the patient’s skin condition and the aim of treatment, and the doctor decides.

How often do you repeat a thread lift?

An interval of 6 months between treatments is recommended. Your doctor discusses the timing with you based on your goals.

What does a thread lift feel like during treatment?

Pressure or a pulling feeling may be felt during treatment, and temporary stiffness, tightness or a sense of something under the skin may appear afterward. The exact experience differs by person.