Are those dramatic transformation photos real? Here is what you need to know before booking your flight.
Hello from Seoul! We are Relieve Clinic, located in the heart of Apgujeong.
Every day, we meet international patients who visit us with one goal: to achieve natural, defined contours through Korean dermatology.
If you have been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok searching for K-beauty trends, you have likely stopped scrolling at least once to stare at a thread lifts before and after photo.
The jawline looks sharper, the cheeks are lifted, and the person looks 5 to 10 years younger instantly.
It is natural to feel a mix of excitement and skepticism.
“Can a non-surgical procedure really do that?” or “Is it going to be painful?”
You might be planning a trip to Seoul, hoping to achieve these exact results.
However, we often see patients who come to us with disappointed expectations from previous treatments at other clinics.
They often say, “It looked great for two weeks, and then it disappeared.”
Why does this happen? But here’s what most clinics won’t tell you about those viral photos…
There is a hidden detail in the “After” picture that determines whether your lift will last for a year or fall flat in a month.
We will reveal exactly what that is at the end of this article.
Here at Relieve Clinic, we believe “Beauty is completed in comfort.”
Today, we will walk you through the reality of thread lifts in Korea—from the pain level to the real longevity of the results—so you can make a confident choice to visit us.
The Reality Behind “Thread Lifts Before And After” Photos
When you search for thread lifts before and after images, you are usually seeing the result immediately after the procedure.
While the lifting effect is visible, it is important to understand the biological process happening under the skin to have realistic expectations.
1. The “Immediate” vs. “Settled” Look
The most dramatic lifting effect often appears right after the procedure due to a combination of the threads physically pulling the tissue and mild swelling.
- Week 1: You might feel a bit of tightness. This is normal.
- Month 1: The swelling subsides, and the threads settle into the tissue. This is your “real” result.
- Month 3-6: The threads stimulate collagen production around them (depending on the thread type like Mint or Silhouette Soft), improving skin elasticity.
2. Is It Painful? (The Relieve Approach)
Many international patients ask us, “Does it hurt?” We will be honest: Thread lifting involves inserting medical-grade threads under your skin, so it isn’t sensation-free.
However, at Relieve Clinic, we ensure it is not traumatic.
Our philosophy is strictly “Beauty completed in comfort.” We utilize specific pain-minimization protocols that set us apart.
By using advanced local anesthesia techniques and handling the tissue with extreme care, we strive to reduce discomfort significantly.
Most of our patients describe the sensation as “pressure” rather than sharp pain, allowing them to undergo the procedure with peace of mind.
3. Different Threads for Different Needs
Not all thread lifts before and after results are created equal because not all threads are the same.
- Mint Thread: Known for strong physical lifting power. Good for heavy jowls.
- Silhouette Soft: Focuses on volume repositioning and collagen stimulation. Good for natural contouring.
- Mono Threads: Mainly for skin tightening, not lifting.
Choosing the right material is crucial, but there is something even more important.
If you found this information helpful, consider sharing it with friends planning a medical trip to Korea.
Understanding the difference between temporary swelling and actual lifting can save someone from a disappointing experience.
For more insights on Korean skin treatments, keep exploring our blog.
The Critical Factor We Promised to Reveal
Remember we mentioned the one detail that separates a successful lift from a short-lived one?
Here it is: The “After” photo depends 100% on WHO designed the lift.
In many high-volume “factory” clinics in Korea, a consultant (not a doctor) decides how many threads you need and where they go.
The doctor enters the room only to perform the procedure based on the consultant’s chart.
Why is this risky?
- Consultants focus on selling more threads (quantity).
- Doctors focus on anatomical vectors (quality).
If the vector (pulling direction) doesn’t match your unique muscle movement and bone structure, the thread lifts before and after result you saw in the mirror will vanish as soon as you start talking and eating.
At Relieve Clinic, we do NOT have consultants make medical decisions. Our representative director personally handles everything from the 1:1 consultation to the design and the procedure.
We analyze your facial animation and skin thickness to ensure the threads are anchored securely. This “Doctor-First” approach is the secret to results that look natural and last longer.
Ready for a Custom Fit with Relieve?
Do you want to ensure your thread lifts before and after story is a success?
Don’t leave your face to chance. Choose a clinic that prioritizes your unique features and comfort.
- Secure Your Appointment: “Planning your trip to Seoul soon? Our popular slots fill up quickly because we limit the number of patients per day to ensure quality. To secure a time that fits your travel itinerary perfectly, book your consultation with Relieve Clinic in advance.”
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Conclusion
Your face is unique, and your treatment should be too. At Relieve Clinic, we promise that a dedicated doctor will take the time to touch your skin, understand your concerns, and design the lift personally.
We invite you to experience the difference of a private, comfortable, and doctor-led procedure in Apgujeong. Start your journey to a more confident you with Relieve Clinic today.
FAQ: Common Questions About Thread Lifts in Korea
Q: How much does a thread lift cost in Korea?
A: Prices vary widely depending on the thread type and quantity. Generally, it can range from 1 million KRW to 3 million KRW or more. Be wary of prices that seem too low, as they might indicate generic threads or “factory-style” treatments. At Relieve, we offer transparent pricing for genuine, premium threads.
Q: How long is the recovery time?
A: You can return to daily life immediately, but you may experience mild swelling or bruising for 1–2 weeks. We recommend avoiding wide mouth opening (like laughing hard or eating burgers) for a few weeks to let the threads settle.
Q: Can I combine thread lifts with other treatments?
A: Yes! It is often combined with fillers or skin boosters like Juvelook for better volume and texture. However, the sequence matters. A consultation at Relieve will determine the best order for your thread lifts before and after plan.
💡 Have more questions?
and get honest answers from our English-speaking team at Relieve Clinic.
Dr. Park Tae-oh is the founder and director of Relieve Clinic Seoul in Apgujeong, Gangnam, where he performs consultation and treatment personally. His work centers on reducing discomfort during aesthetic dermatology, drawing on more than 30,000 clinical cases. In June 2026 he demonstrated periorbital radiofrequency technique using XERF at Cynosure Lutronic Academy Korea.
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