PDO Thread Lift in Gangnam Seoul
Sagging jowls, deepening nasolabial folds, and a softening jawline respond powerfully to PDO thread lift technology — absorbable polydioxanone threads that mechanically reposition tissue while triggering long-term collagen production along the insertion tract. RE:BERRY Gangnam performs physician-only PDO thread lift procedures from ₩200,000 per line using premium cog, mono, and screw thread configurations, two minutes from Gangnam Station Exit 10.
What Is PDO Thread Lift at RE:BERRY Gangnam?
PDO thread lift at RE:BERRY Gangnam uses absorbable polydioxanone cog and mono threads inserted along the SMAS layer to mechanically lift sagging jowls, nasolabial folds, and jawline tissue — from ₩200,000 per line with 12-18 months duration, performed exclusively by Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu under local anesthesia with 3-5 days downtime.
At RE:BERRY Gangnam, PDO thread lift is performed as a standalone non-surgical face lift or combined with energy-based lifting devices for enhanced results. Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu selects thread type (cog, mono, or screw), gauge, length, and insertion vector based on the patient’s facial anatomy, skin thickness, and degree of ptosis. Cog threads with bidirectional barbs provide the strongest mechanical lift for mid-face and jowl repositioning, while mono threads create a collagen-stimulating mesh ideal for skin tightening in the forehead, under-eye, and neck areas. The PDO thread lift procedure at RE:BERRY Gangnam typically takes 30-60 minutes under topical and local anesthesia with immediate visible lifting. Many international patients combine PDO thread lift with Ultherapy Prime (₩490,000/100 shots) for deep SMAS tightening or Revinas (₩1,790,000/6,000 shots) for comprehensive facial contouring — all available during a single visit to our 14,000 sq ft facility near Gangnam Station.
PDO Thread Lift Before and After at RE:BERRY Gangnam
Actual patient results from PDO thread lift procedures at RE:BERRY Gangnam. Individual outcomes may vary.
How PDO Thread Lift Works at RE:BERRY Gangnam
A physician-performed PDO thread lift protocol designed for precise lifting with minimal downtime.
Facial Assessment & Thread Planning
Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu evaluates your facial structure, skin laxity, fat pad distribution, and bone structure to determine optimal thread type, quantity, and insertion vectors. Using anatomical landmarks, he maps the insertion points and exit angles on the skin surface. For PDO thread lift in Gangnam, the most common treatment zones are mid-face (3-5 cog threads per side), jowl area (2-4 cog threads per side), and jawline definition (4-6 mono threads per side). This assessment takes 15-20 minutes and is included at no charge.
Anesthesia & Skin Preparation
Topical numbing cream is applied for 30 minutes, followed by targeted local anesthetic injections at each insertion point. This dual-anesthesia approach ensures the PDO thread lift procedure is comfortable — most patients report only mild pressure during thread insertion. The treatment area is disinfected with chlorhexidine solution and draped for sterile field maintenance throughout the procedure.
Thread Insertion & Tissue Repositioning
Using blunt-tip cannulas or sharp needles depending on thread type, Dr. Ryu inserts PDO threads along pre-mapped vectors in the subcutaneous or SMAS layer. Cog threads with barbed anchoring points grip tissue and are tensioned to mechanically reposition sagging fat pads and skin. Each thread is individually adjusted for optimal tension and natural contour. The entire PDO thread lift insertion process takes 20-40 minutes depending on the number of threads and treatment zones. RE:BERRY Gangnam uses only MFDS-approved PDO threads from verified Korean manufacturers.
Immediate Aftercare & Recovery Protocol
After PDO thread lift, the treated area shows immediate visible lifting with mild swelling and potential bruising at insertion points. Ice packs are applied for 10-15 minutes. Dr. Ryu provides written aftercare instructions: sleep face-up for 1 week, avoid wide mouth opening for 2 weeks, no facial massage for 4 weeks. Follow-up at 1 week and 1 month is recommended. For international patients, aftercare support is available via WhatsApp, LINE, or KakaoTalk in 8 languages throughout the recovery period.
What to Expect from PDO Thread Lift in Gangnam
- Immediate Mechanical Lifting Cog thread barbs grip and reposition sagging tissue the moment they are tensioned, providing visible jawline definition and nasolabial fold reduction before you leave the clinic.
- Progressive Collagen Stimulation As PDO threads gradually absorb over 6-8 months, they trigger a foreign body response that deposits type I collagen along the entire thread tract, creating a natural internal scaffold that maintains the PDO thread lift results.
- No General Anesthesia Required PDO thread lift at RE:BERRY Gangnam is performed under topical cream plus local anesthetic injection. No IV sedation, no general anesthesia, no fasting — you can eat normally before the procedure.
- 30-60 Minute Procedure Time A full-face PDO thread lift with 10-20 threads takes approximately 30-60 minutes at RE:BERRY Gangnam. Most patients arrive, receive treatment, and leave within 90 minutes total including numbing time.
- Combinable with Energy-Based Lifting PDO thread lift synergizes with Sofwave, Onda, and Thermage FLX for multi-layer lifting — threads handle mechanical repositioning while energy devices tighten the SMAS and dermal layers.
- Minimal Scarring and Natural Results Thread insertion points are 1-2mm and heal without visible scarring within 5-7 days. The lifting effect follows natural facial vectors, avoiding the pulled or unnatural look associated with aggressive surgical face lifts.
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Mild to moderate swelling and potential bruising at insertion points. Visible lifting already apparent. Sleep face-up, avoid chewing hard foods. Take prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. |
| Day 4-7 | Swelling largely resolves. Bruising fading with arnica application. Insertion points closed. Most patients return to work by day 5. Light makeup can be applied to non-insertion areas. |
| Week 2-4 | Final swelling resolves. Thread settling and tissue adaptation complete. The lifting effect stabilizes at its final position. Resume normal facial expressions and mouth opening. |
| Month 1-3 | Collagen deposition begins along thread tracts. Skin texture and firmness improve progressively around the PDO thread lift zones. Results continue to improve beyond the mechanical lift. |
| Month 3-6 | PDO threads begin absorbing while new collagen scaffold strengthens. Peak collagen production period. Skin quality at its best. Many patients combine with skin boosters for enhanced glow. |
| Month 6-18 | Threads fully absorbed by month 6-8. Collagen scaffold maintains lift for 12-18 months total. Touch-up threads can be added at 12 months to extend and refresh the PDO thread lift results. |
PDO Thread Lift vs Other Lifting Treatments in Gangnam
| Feature | PDO Thread Lift | Ultherapy Prime | Thermage FLX | Surgical Face Lift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mechanical lift + collagen | Focused ultrasound (SMAS) | Radiofrequency (dermis) | Surgical excision + SMAS plication |
| Immediate Lift | Yes (visible same day) | Gradual (2-3 months) | Gradual (1-3 months) | Yes (after swelling resolves) |
| Anesthesia | Local only | Topical + optional local | Topical only | General anesthesia |
| Procedure Time | 30-60 minutes | 45-90 minutes | 45-60 minutes | 3-6 hours |
| Downtime | 3-5 days swelling | 1-2 days redness | 0-1 day redness | 2-4 weeks recovery |
| Results Duration | 12-18 months | 12-24 months | 12-24 months | 5-10 years |
| Scarring | None (1-2mm entry points) | None | None | Incision scars (hidden) |
| Price at RE:BERRY | From ₩200,000/line | ₩490,000/100 shots | ₩1,990,000/600 shots | N/A (not offered) |
PDO Thread Lift Packages at RE:BERRY Gangnam
All prices in KRW. Physician-performed. Valid April-June 2026.
Thread Lifting Per Line
- 1 PDO cog or mono thread
- Local anesthesia included
- Physician-only insertion by Dr. Ryu or Dr. Oh
- Post-procedure ice and recovery care
- Aftercare instructions in 8 languages
Recommended: Thread Lift + Energy Combo
- 4-6 PDO thread lines (₩200,000/line)
- Onda 40kJ + Titanium 40kJ (₩720,000)
- Dual-mechanism lifting: mechanical + thermal
- Free consultation with Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu
- Comprehensive aftercare package
Reberry Signature Lifting Package
- Ultherapy 530 shots
- Sofwave 200 shots
- Onda lifting 100kJ
- Revinas 12,000 shots
- LDM recovery
- Can add PDO threads for targeted lift zones
Meet Your Doctor
Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu
- CEO, RE:BERRY Clinic Gangnam
- Medical Director, Aesthetic Medicine Specialist
- Revinas Official KOL (Key Opinion Leader)
- Ultherapy Prime Certified Physician
- License No. 131644
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu, CEO / Medical Director, RE:BERRY
The Science Behind PDO Thread Lift
Peer-reviewed evidence supporting polydioxanone thread lifting for non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Polydioxanone Thread Mechanics and Tissue Response
Polydioxanone (PDO) is a synthetic absorbable polymer originally developed for cardiovascular sutures. When inserted into facial subcutaneous tissue, PDO threads serve two functions: immediate mechanical tissue repositioning through barbed anchor points (cog threads) or mesh-like collagen scaffolding (mono threads), and delayed biological response through foreign body-induced neocollagenesis. Histological studies demonstrate that PDO thread lift triggers a controlled inflammatory cascade that upregulates TGF-beta1, resulting in type I and III collagen deposition along the thread tract within 4-8 weeks of insertion. The collagen scaffold persists 6-12 months beyond thread absorption, extending the clinical lifting effect to 12-18 months total duration.
Cog Thread vs Mono Thread: Mechanical Differences
Cog threads feature bidirectional barbs (cones or cogs) along the PDO filament that anchor into tissue and resist downward gravitational pull. A biomechanical study measured 2.1-3.4 N tensile strength for barbed cog threads versus 0.3-0.5 N for smooth mono threads — explaining why cog threads deliver significantly stronger mechanical lift for jowl repositioning and mid-face elevation. Mono threads, while weaker in mechanical lift, create a denser collagen mesh when inserted in a cross-hatched pattern (10-20 threads per zone), making them superior for skin tightening in areas with thin tissue such as the neck, periorbital region, and forehead. At RE:BERRY Gangnam, Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu selects thread type based on the primary goal: structural lift (cog) versus textural tightening (mono) for each PDO thread lift zone.
Combination Protocols: PDO Threads Plus Energy Devices
Emerging evidence supports combining PDO thread lift with energy-based devices for synergistic lifting outcomes. A prospective study of 87 patients receiving PDO cog threads followed by focused ultrasound (Ultherapy) at 4-week intervals showed 34% greater improvement on the face sagging score compared to threads alone at 6-month follow-up. The proposed mechanism involves thread-induced collagen scaffolding providing a structural framework that is subsequently reinforced and tightened by ultrasound-induced SMAS contraction. RE:BERRY Gangnam offers same-day combination of PDO thread lift with Onda radiofrequency, Titanium laser, or Sofwave focused ultrasound to maximize both mechanical repositioning and tissue tightening in a single visit.
Safety Profile and Complication Rates
A systematic review of 17 studies comprising 2,175 patients found that PDO thread lift complications were predominantly minor and self-resolving: dimpling (5.3%), asymmetry (3.1%), thread migration (1.8%), and infection (0.4%). Serious complications requiring surgical intervention occurred in less than 0.3% of cases. The most critical safety factor is physician experience — complication rates were 4x lower when PDO thread lift was performed by physicians with more than 200 cases of experience compared to those with fewer than 50. At RE:BERRY Gangnam, all thread lift procedures are performed by physicians with extensive facial anatomy training.
Sulamanidze MA et al. Facial lifting with aptos threads: a minimally invasive technique for facial rejuvenation. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2019;12(1):12-18. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_45_18
Kang SH et al. Polydioxanone threads for facial rejuvenation: histological and clinical outcomes. Arch Plast Surg. 2019;46(3):232-238. doi:10.5999/aps.2018.01172
Ali YH. Two years outcome of thread lifting with absorbable barbed PDO threads: innovative score for objective and subjective assessment. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2018;20(1):41-49. doi:10.1080/14764172.2017.1368562
Savoia A et al. Outcomes in thread lift for facial rejuvenation: a study performed with happy lift revitalizing. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2014;4(1):103-114. doi:10.1007/s13555-014-0048-7
What Our Patients Say About PDO Thread Lift
“I had 8 cog threads inserted for my jawline and nasolabial folds. The lifting was visible immediately — even before the swelling went down I could see a sharper jawline angle. The whole PDO thread lift procedure took about 45 minutes. Dr. Ryu was precise and explained every step. The ₩200,000 per line pricing was straightforward.”
“I combined PDO thread lift with Sofwave at RE:BERRY Gangnam and the results were incredible. The threads lifted my mid-face while Sofwave tightened everything around it. Three weeks later my friends kept asking if I had slept better. That natural-looking result is exactly what I wanted.”
“As someone who was considering surgical face lift, the PDO thread lift was a perfect alternative. Six months later the results are holding strong and the collagen effect keeps improving. The total cost for 12 threads was ₩2,400,000 — a fraction of surgery in my home country.”
Frequently Asked Questions About PDO Thread Lift in Gangnam
Expert answers from RE:BERRY Gangnam’s PDO thread lift specialists.
₩200,000 per line for PDO thread lift at RE:BERRY Gangnam. A typical full jawline lift requires 6-10 threads (₩1,200,000-₩2,000,000). Mid-face lift uses 4-8 threads (₩800,000-₩1,600,000). The exact number is determined during your free consultation with Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu.
12-18 months is the typical duration of PDO thread lift results at RE:BERRY Gangnam. The mechanical lifting effect is immediate, while collagen stimulation continues for 6-8 months after thread absorption. Touch-up threads can be added at 12 months to extend results further.
PDO thread lift provides immediate mechanical tissue repositioning from ₩200,000/line, while Ultherapy Prime (₩490,000/100 shots) uses focused ultrasound to tighten the SMAS layer gradually over 2-3 months. Thread lift is better for significant sagging; Ultherapy excels at overall tightening. Many RE:BERRY Gangnam patients combine both.
6-10 cog threads per side is typical for a full jawline PDO thread lift at RE:BERRY Gangnam. The exact number depends on the degree of jowl sagging, skin thickness, and desired lifting vector. Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu determines the optimal thread count during your complimentary facial assessment.
2-4 on a 10-point pain scale is typical with dual anesthesia (topical cream + local injection). Patients feel mild pressure during thread insertion but no sharp pain. The local anesthetic injection at entry points is the most uncomfortable part, lasting only 2-3 seconds per site.
3-5 days of mild to moderate swelling and potential bruising is the typical downtime for PDO thread lift. Most patients return to work by day 4-5. Makeup can cover insertion points from day 3. Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks and facial massage for 4 weeks.
Flying same day is not recommended after PDO thread lift at RE:BERRY Gangnam. We advise staying in Seoul for 2-3 days post-procedure for the initial swelling to subside and to attend a 48-hour check-up. Most international patients schedule their PDO thread lift for the first day of a 4-5 day Seoul visit.
PDO thread lift (₩200,000/line) and Thermage FLX (₩1,990,000/600 shots) work through completely different mechanisms. Threads provide immediate mechanical lift for sagging tissue; Thermage tightens collagen with radiofrequency over 1-3 months. For significant jowl sagging, PDO thread lift is superior. For overall skin tightening and firming, Thermage excels.
35-55 years old is the ideal range for PDO thread lift at RE:BERRY Gangnam. Patients in their 30s-40s with early jowl descent get the most dramatic results relative to thread count. Patients over 55 with severe laxity may benefit more from combining threads with energy devices for comprehensive lifting.
100% of PDO threads used at RE:BERRY Gangnam are MFDS (Korean FDA equivalent) approved from verified Korean manufacturers. Each thread is individually packaged, sterile, and traceable by lot number. RE:BERRY does not use imported or non-certified threads under any circumstances.
Yes. PDO thread lift can be combined with Botox (₩19,000/area) on the same day for different treatment zones. Filler injections should be spaced 2-4 weeks after thread insertion to allow swelling to resolve and thread position to stabilize.
PDO threads fully absorb within 6-8 months through hydrolysis. During absorption, the foreign body response deposits type I and III collagen along the thread tract, creating a natural collagen scaffold that maintains 60-70% of the lifting effect for an additional 6-12 months beyond thread dissolution.
PDO thread lift addresses mild to moderate submental laxity (loose skin under chin) but is not ideal for excess fat removal. For double chin with significant fat, RE:BERRY Gangnam recommends combining threads with Onda or Berry Slim injection (₩90,000/10cc) for fat reduction plus skin tightening.
Facial PDO thread lift uses barbed cog threads to reposition sagging cheek, jowl, and jawline tissue. HIKO nose thread lift uses smooth mono or mesh threads inserted along the nasal bridge and tip for non-surgical rhinoplasty. Different thread types, different anatomy, different goals.
0% pulled or windswept appearance when performed correctly. Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu at RE:BERRY Gangnam uses anatomically vectored insertion along natural facial lift lines, tensioning threads to restore youthful position rather than over-pulling. The key is physician technique, not thread quantity.
Yes. Neck PDO thread lift uses 4-8 mono threads in a vertical or cross-hatched pattern to tighten neck bands and horizontal creases. RE:BERRY Gangnam also offers combination neck protocols with Sofwave (₩990,000/100 shots) or Onda (₩720,000 for 40kJ + Titanium 40kJ) for comprehensive neck rejuvenation.
30,000+ total aesthetic treatments have been performed at RE:BERRY Gangnam across all procedure categories. Thread lift is one of the most requested non-surgical lifting options. Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu has extensive experience with cog, mono, and screw PDO thread configurations.
7 days before: stop blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) to minimize bruising. 3 days before: avoid alcohol. Day of: arrive with clean face, no makeup. Inform Dr. Ryu about any medications, supplements, or recent dental work during your pre-procedure consultation.
Yes. 25-30% of PDO thread lift patients at RE:BERRY Gangnam are male. Common male treatment areas include jawline definition, jowl reduction, and neck tightening. Male facial anatomy requires different thread vectors and gauge selection compared to female patients.
PDO thread lift is equally safe for all skin types including Fitzpatrick III-V (Asian skin). Unlike laser treatments, there is zero risk of hyperpigmentation since PDO threads work in the subcutaneous layer without affecting melanocytes. Over 80% of RE:BERRY Gangnam thread lift patients are Asian.
Cog threads have barbed anchoring points that grip tissue for mechanical lifting — used for jowls, mid-face, and jawline. Mono threads are smooth filaments that create a collagen mesh for skin tightening — used for forehead, under-eye, and neck. RE:BERRY Gangnam uses both types depending on treatment goals.
4-week spacing is recommended between dermal filler and PDO thread lift at RE:BERRY Gangnam. This allows filler to integrate fully before threads are inserted, preventing filler displacement. Inform Dr. Ryu about all recent aesthetic procedures during your consultation.
8 languages are supported at RE:BERRY Gangnam: English, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Farsi, and Korean. Your dedicated language coordinator handles consultation interpretation, pre-procedure instructions, and post-PDO thread lift aftercare communication.
40-60% cost savings compared to equivalent PDO thread lift procedures in the US, UK, Australia, and Japan. Korea has the highest density of aesthetic clinics globally, driving competitive pricing. RE:BERRY Gangnam’s ₩200,000/line pricing reflects Korea’s scale advantage without compromising on MFDS-approved threads or physician-only procedures.
3 key reasons: (1) all PDO thread lift procedures are physician-performed by Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu, never delegated to nurses; (2) only MFDS-approved threads from verified manufacturers; (3) transparent ₩200,000/line pricing with no upselling. Plus 14,000 sq ft facility with VIP recovery rooms, 2 minutes from Gangnam Station.
7+ payment methods accepted: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, UnionPay, cash KRW, wire transfer, WeChat Pay, and Alipay. Zero card surcharge. Split payment across 2-3 cards available for full-face thread lift packages exceeding ₩2,000,000.
Only Authentic, Brand-Certified Equipment
Every device at RE:BERRY is MFDS-certified and manufacturer-verified. We never use counterfeit or grey-market equipment.
Ready to Start Your PDO Thread Lift in Gangnam?
Book your PDO thread lift consultation with Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu at RE:BERRY Gangnam — 2 minutes from Gangnam Station Exit 10. From ₩200,000/line, physician-performed, 365 days per year.
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- ✓ Free consultation with Dr. Yoon-Gon Ryu
- ✓ 8-language support (EN, JA, ZH, TH, VI, MN, FA)
- ✓ Gangnam Station area, Seoul
- ✓ No downtime treatments available
- ✓ Visa / Mastercard accepted
- ✓ Current promotion pricing available