PDO Thread Lift in Korea: FAQ for International Patients

Welcome to Pangpang Clinic: Expert Thread Lifting for Global Patients
Hello from Pangpang Clinic—your dedicated thread lifting specialist. We’re proud to welcome international patients seeking safe, effective, and minimally invasive facial lifting with natural results. If you’re planning an aesthetic trip to Korea, our team provides thoughtful guidance, personalized care, and results you can see.
Why We Use Dissolvable Threads (And Not Permanent Ones)
Early thread lifts (about 20 years ago) often used non-dissolvable surgical sutures that were manually modified for lifting. While they could lift initially, two major issues emerged over time:

- Aging continues in untreated areas, which can lead to unnatural contours as surrounding skin sags.
- Non-dissolving materials can trigger immune reactions because the body recognizes them as foreign.
The game-changer was the introduction of dissolvable cog threads—originally used in laparoscopic surgery—featuring tiny barbs to anchor and lift the tissue. These threads are absorbable, safer for long-term placement in the skin, and have helped usher in today’s advanced, predictable thread lifting era.
Our Preferred Material: PDO Threads

At Pangpang Clinic, we primarily use PDO (polydioxanone) threads—the gold standard for strength, safety, and reliable absorption. Threads can be categorized by:
- Material: affects strength, absorption time, and tissue response.
- Shape/design: cog (barbed), coil, and volume threads, each serving different purposes.
Your specialist will select a personalized combination based on your anatomy and goals. You don’t need to decide on thread types yourself—our experienced team will design the most appropriate plan for you.
How Many Threads Do I Need?
In general, more threads create a stronger support structure and more noticeable lift. The ideal number depends on:
- Degree of skin laxity and aging
- Facial structure and tissue heaviness
- Desired intensity of lift
We provide detailed, no-pressure consultations to determine the right approach for your face and goals. We tailor each plan for balanced, natural-looking results.
How Long Do Results Last? Maintenance Made Simple

Thread lifting is not permanent; most patients enjoy results for about 6–12 months. Many choose maintenance sessions about once a year, or when they start noticing renewed laxity. With each session, the threads stimulate collagen production, so skin firmness and texture can improve over time.
What If I Have Side Effects?
Side effects can occur, particularly if you have:
- A history of frequent thread lifts or facial surgery
- Multiple prior fillers or facial implants
- Previous thread-related side effects
That’s why we use dissolvable threads. If a thread-related side effect happens, it typically improves naturally within 1–3 months as the thread dissolves. Importantly, the collagen your body builds helps sustain skin elasticity beyond the life of the thread itself.

Is Thread Lifting Right for Medical Tourists?
Thread lifting is popular among travelers because it is minimally invasive with relatively short recovery. It can be a good choice if you want:
- A non-surgical lift and contouring
- Natural-looking enhancement without incisions
- A procedure that fits a short, well-planned itinerary
Many patients return to light daily activities within a few days. To plan your trip comfortably:
- Build in a few days for settling and aftercare.
- Schedule a pre-trip consultation (in person or virtual) to align timing with your stay.
- Arrange a follow-up check before departure or via teleconsultation if needed.
We will guide you on individualized aftercare (such as activity modifications, sleeping position, and skin care) to help you heal comfortably while traveling.
Your Visit: What to Expect
- Personalized consultation: Assessment of facial structure, skin quality, and goals
- Customized plan: Thread types, vector design, and thread count
- Procedure day: Typically an outpatient visit with local anesthesia and minimal downtime
- Aftercare: Clear instructions and follow-up options that fit your travel schedule
Our focus is safety, comfort, and outcomes—so you can head home with confidence.
Quick FAQ
- Why dissolvable threads?
They’re safer inside the skin, reduce long-term foreign body risks, and still deliver lifting plus collagen stimulation. - Do dissolving threads mean the lift is gone right away?
No. As threads dissolve, newly formed collagen continues to support skin elasticity. - Which threads should I choose?
Your specialist decides based on your anatomy and goals. At Pangpang Clinic, PDO threads are our go-to for safety and reliability. - How many threads do I need?
It depends on your facial structure and degree of sagging. More threads generally mean stronger support; we tailor the plan for you. - How often should I repeat the treatment?
Many patients schedule maintenance about once a year.

Note: This article was translated and published from the original with consent from the author.