Before flying to Seoul, I compared the costs of Thread Lifting procedures using thread implants in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. I never expected the differences to be so significant.

I’ve always struggled with the decision of whether to go to Seoul for Thread Lifting or other types of Lifting procedures. Recently, a friend of mine suddenly noticed that her facial contours had become much clearer, so I asked her what she had done. She told me she went to Seoul for Thread Lifting and said, “I never expected the results to be so natural.” Immediately afterwards, I started researching the costs of Thread Lifting in South Korea. It took me three whole nights to compare the prices and technical differences among Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. I have compiled this information to share with you if you are also struggling with this decision.

What is Thread Lifting? Which option is right for me – MINT, Happy Lift, or PCL Thread Lifting?

Thread Lifting is a minimally invasive anti-aging treatment in which a doctor uses specialized needles to implant absorbable threads beneath the skin. These threads, with their barbed structure, help to tighten loose skin and simultaneously stimulate the regeneration of Collagen, resulting in a more firm and youthful appearance. Unlike HIFU or Thermage, Thread Lifting provides immediately visible physical results.

Currently, the most commonly used brand of sutures in Dermatology in South Korea includes the following:

• MINT Thread: Developed by MDL Company of South Korea, this thread features a 360-degree spiral barbed design that provides strong gripping power. It is currently the most popular thread brand in South Korea, with effects lasting for 12 to 24 months.
• Happy Lift: An Italian brand that uses barbed threads, ideal for lifting the deeper layers of the jawline and cheeks. It provides a more intense lifting effect compared to MINT.
• PCL thread (polycaprolactone): It has a longer absorption time (about 18–24 months) and provides a more effective stimulation of collagen production, making it ideal for older skin with higher needs for collagen regeneration.
• PDO threads (polydioxanone): These are among the earliest types of threads available. They take approximately 6 to 12 months to be absorbed, offer a good cost-performance ratio, and are ideal for those trying this technique for the first time.

When choosing a type of thread for cosmetic surgery, it is not about the brand, but rather about whether it suits one’s own degree of skin laxity and the doctor’s assessment. For mild skin laxity, PDO threads are a good option; for moderate cases, MINT threads are recommended;而对于 those who need long-term Lifting results, PCL threads may be considered.

Summary of Thread Lifting costs in South Korea: Price comparison table for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea (2026)

This is what I really want to know: How much can I actually save by taking a flight to Seoul for a thread lift procedure, including the cost of airfare and hotel accommodation? Here is the actual situation in 2026:

Types of treatments	Taiwan NT$	Hong Kong HK$	South Korea ₩	South Korea (converted to NT$)
MINT thread lifting (30-40 threads applied across the entire face)	NT$35,000 to 50,000	HK$15,000 to 22,000	₩800,000 to 1,500,000	Approximately NT$19,000 to 36,000
PDO thread lifting (30-40 threads applied across the entire face)	NT$20,000 to 35,000	HK$10,000 to 15,000	₩500,000 to 900,000	Approximately NT$12,000 to 21,000
PCL Long-Lasting Threads (for the entire face)	NT$40,000 to 60,000	HK$18,000 to 28,000	₩1,000,000 to 1,800,000	Approximately NT$24,000 to 43,000
Happy Lift Thread Lifting	NT$30,000 to 45,000	HK$12,000 to 20,000	₩700,000 to 1,200,000	Around NT$17,000 to 29,000

Taking the most common MINT full-face contouring procedure as an example, the cost in South Korea is approximately NT$19,000 to NT$36,000, which is on average 30% to 45% cheaper than in Taiwan. Even if you include the round-trip airfare (about NT$8,000 to NT$12,000) and two nights of accommodation (about NT$6,000 to NT$10,000), the total cost is still NT$5,000 to NT$15,000 lower than in Taiwan, and you can also take the opportunity to visit Seoul during your trip.

How long is the recovery period after Thread Lifting or thread embedding for Lifting? Can I go out the day after the procedure?

This is almost the most concerning question for anyone considering thread lifting. Based on my inquiries with doctors in Taiwan, as well as the experiences shared by real users from South Korea on platforms like REDnote and Naver Blog, I have compiled the following information:

• On the day of the procedure: After the local anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild soreness, and your facial skin might appear slightly unnatural due to the tension caused by the newly inserted threads. It is recommended that you avoid opening your mouth wide, laughing loudly, or making exaggerated facial expressions.
• On days 1 to 3 after the procedure: Mild swelling may occur (especially in the lower jaw and Apple Zone areas), as well as needle marks; it is recommended to wear a mask when going out. For most people, these effects are minimal and do not significantly interfere with daily activities.
• On days 4 to 7 after the procedure: The swelling has largely subsided, and the needle marks are becoming less noticeable. At this stage, most people can already use makeup to cover them up.
• 2–4 weeks after the procedure: Any remaining discomfort will completely subside, and the effects of the lifting treatment will become more noticeable. This is also the period during which the threads gradually stabilize in place.

If you plan to travel to Seoul for HIFU treatment, it is recommended that you stay in Seoul for 1–2 days after the procedure before returning to Taiwan. In the first week after your return, avoid attending important social events. Overall, the recovery period after HIFU is slightly longer than that after Thermage treatment, but the discomfort caused by swelling is much milder.

Is it really cheaper to go to Seoul for Thread Lifting and injectable fillers? I have taken into account all the hidden costs.

Many people see that facial contouring treatments in South Korea are inexpensive and hastily book their flights, but wait a moment—there are several hidden costs that need to be taken into account as well:

• Airfare: Round-trip tickets from Taipei to Seoul cost approximately NT$12,000-18,000 during the peak season, and NT$6,000-10,000 during the off-season.
• Accommodation: 2 – 3 nights near Gangnam, Seoul. The cost per night ranges from approximately NT$2,500 to NT$5,000 (for business hotels), resulting in a total expense of NT$5,000 to NT$15,000.
• Post-surgery care products: Some clinics provide these free of charge; additional purchases cost approximately ¥30,000 to 50,000 (around NT$720 to 1,200).
• Translation/Chinese Language Services: Clinics that use BeautsGO for reservations generally offer Chinese translation services without any additional charges.

Taking the MINT full-face thread lifting procedure as an example, the cost in Seoul is ₩1,000,000 (approximately NT$24,000) plus airfare of NT$8,000 and accommodation expenses of NT$8,000, for a total of around NT$40,000. In Taiwan, the cost for the same treatment is also approximately NT$40,000 to NT$50,000. In other words, the total cost of traveling to Seoul for this procedure, including transportation fees, is roughly the same as or even cheaper than doing it in Taiwan. Moreover, you can also take the opportunity to travel while having the treatment, making it a very cost-effective option.

However, it is important to note that if any post-operative complications occur, such as the displacement of the implant materials or infections, the medical costs for returning to Taiwan for treatment will not be covered by this estimate. To minimize this risk, it is advisable to choose a reputable clinic and make your appointment through a trusted platform.

How do foreigners make appointments for Thread Lifting or Lifting procedures at Dermatology clinics in Seoul? I did it in just three steps with BeautsGO.

In the past, the biggest obstacle to undergoing cosmetic procedures in South Korea was the language barrier – finding a clinic, making phone appointments, and communicating on-site were all extremely troublesome. Now, with BeautsGO, all these steps can be completed in traditional Chinese characters. Here’s how I proceed:

• Step 1: Visit the BeautsGO platform, search for the clinics that interest you, or simply type in “Thread Lifting” or “Buried Thread Lifting” to view the reviews and price quotes of listed clinics.
• Step 2: Click “Book Now”, fill in your name, the estimated arrival date, and the treatment you would like to consult about. The customer service team at BeautsGO will confirm your reservation in Traditional Chinese within 24 hours.
• Step 3: On the day of the appointment, present the confirmation letter at the clinic. Chinese interpreters will be available throughout the process to assist with communication – you can ask any questions regarding the type of thread to be used, the injection area, or post-operative precautions.

If you are considering Thread Lifting or other Lifting treatments in Gangnam, Seoul, Betterme Gangnam Dermatology is a worthwhile option. They offer a range of Lifting treatments such as INMODE radiofrequency, HIFU, and Thermage FLX, as well as Thread Lifting options. You can work with a doctor to determine the most suitable combination based on your individual needs.

FAQs about Thread Lifting: 8 Questions You Most Want to Ask Before Flying to Seoul

Q1: How long can the effects of Thread Lifting last?

It depends on the type of thread used: PDO threads generally last for 6 to 12 months, MINT threads for 12 to 24 months, and PCL threads for up to 18 to 30 months. The effectiveness is not only related to the type of thread but also influenced by an individual’s Collagen levels and lifestyle habits.

Q2: At what age is it appropriate to start Lifting procedures?

It is generally recommended that individuals aged 25 and above who are experiencing mild to moderate facial sagging be the ideal candidates for this treatment. It is not advised for younger people (20-25 years old) as excessive stretching can result in unnatural-looking outcomes. For those over 70 years old with severe facial sagging, the effectiveness of this treatment may be limited; it is recommended to consult a doctor for an assessment first.

Q3: What is the difference between thread lifting and HIFU? Can they be performed together?

HIFU uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to heat the deeper layers of tissue, stimulating collagen regeneration. The results are natural, but it takes 2–3 months to become noticeable; on the other hand, thread lifting is a physical procedure that provides immediate results. Since the mechanisms of these two methods are different, combining them can enhance the effectiveness, but it is generally recommended to perform them in separate sessions, with an interval of 1–3 months between each treatment.

Q4: Is Thread Lifting painful?

Before the treatment, a local anesthetic is administered, so the entire process is virtually pain-free. After the procedure, there may be some mild soreness, similar to muscle fatigue, which usually subsides on its own within 2 to 3 days.

Q5: Does the cost of thread lifting in South Korea include anesthesia and post-operative care?

In South Korea, the fees quoted by most Dermatology clinics include the cost of local anesthesia. For post-operative care services such as facial masks and restorative treatments, some clinics provide these free of charge, while others charge additional fees. It is recommended to inquire directly when making an appointment whether the quoted fee covers all relevant costs, in order to avoid any unexpected extra expenses at the time of treatment.

Q6: What should be avoided after thread lifting?

Within 1 week after the procedure: Avoid vigorous massage of the face, refrain from using steam facial treatments or saunas, and do not sleep on your side or face down. Within 2 weeks after the procedure: Try to minimize exaggerated facial expressions and avoid strenuous exercise. Within 1 month after the procedure: Avoid any Dental treatments that require opening the mouth wide, and proceed with other facial treatments with caution.

Q7: Can thread lifting only be performed on the face? Can it also be done on the neck?

Thread lifting can be used for the entire face (cheeks, jawline, Lifting of the eyebrow tips), the neck (Lifting of neck wrinkles), and the Breast (improving the neck-breast line). Some people also use it to address loose arms and abdomen. Neck thread lifting is relatively common in Dermatology clinics in South Korea, and the cost is usually slightly lower than that of full-face treatments.

Q8: Can I continue to use Filler or Botox after Lifting with thread lifting?

Certainly, but it is recommended to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks to allow the threads to stabilize first. Filler can be used to replenish the lost volume after thread lifting; botulinum toxin can help adjust the tension of the facial muscles following the procedure. The combination of these two treatments is a common approach in South Korea’s Dermatology clinics as part of the “anti-aging trio.”

If you, like me, are considering flying to Seoul for Thread Lifting or other cosmetic procedures, I recommend booking a consultation through the BeautsGO platform first. Discuss in person with a doctor the appropriate type of threads and treatment plan, and carefully review the cost details before making a decision.