PDO Thread Lift in Seongsu, Seoul
How dissolvable PDO threads work, and an honest look at swelling and bruising
A PDO thread lift at Seongsu Melting Clinic uses dissolvable polydioxanone (PDO) threads to lift and support the face. Dr. Park Kyung-min plans each thread after a hands-on exam, and he is open about the part of the recovery that brochures often leave out: swelling and bruising.
What is a PDO thread lift?
PDO, short for polydioxanone, is a dissolvable material that has been used in medical sutures for many years. In aesthetic medicine, fine PDO threads are placed under the skin through a needle or cannula.
There are two broad types:
- Barbed (cog) PDO threads: small projections along the thread grip tissue so it can be gently lifted and held in position.
- Smooth or volume PDO threads: no barbs; these support the skin mainly by stimulating collagen as they dissolve.
Over the following months, the body gradually breaks down the PDO. As it does, a collagen response forms around the thread path, which may help skin feel firmer even after the thread itself is gone.
How we approach PDO thread lifting at Seongsu Melting Clinic
Our thread lift uses dissolvable threads for the jawline, nasolabial area, eye area, and volume support. Before choosing threads, Dr. Park palpates the ligaments and fat compartments to understand where tissue has descended, where it is anchored, and where the problem is volume rather than laxity. That decides the thread type, number, and direction.
If extra fat is pulling the lower face down, threads alone may not hold well. In that case, he may suggest reducing fat first, for example with MelFat, or combining threads with energy lifting.
A good fit if…
- You have mild to moderate laxity and good skin quality
- You want a visible lift sooner than devices usually give
- You can allow for recovery time before important events
- You understand the result is gradual and not lifelong
Consider something else if…
- You are pregnant, or have an infection or inflamed skin in the area
- You take blood thinners or have a bleeding tendency (please tell us)
- You have heavy, loose skin better suited to surgery
- You have an autoimmune condition or a history of poor healing (discuss first)
Honest talk about swelling and bruising
Thread lifts involve needles or cannulas passing under the skin, so some reaction is normal. Many patients have swelling for several days, and bruising can take one to two weeks to fade. You may also notice tightness, mild asymmetry, small dimples, or a pulling feeling when you smile or yawn. These usually settle as the tissue adjusts. If you have a wedding, photo shoot, or flight home soon, plan your appointment with enough margin.
What to expect
Dr. Park explains the plan before starting and talks with you during placement. Local anesthesia keeps the procedure tolerable, though pressure and tugging are common. Most people go home the same day and resume light routines soon, with social downtime varying by person.
Aftercare
- Sleep on your back and avoid pressing on your face for the first few nights
- Avoid wide mouth opening, chewy foods, and facial massage for the period advised
- Skip saunas, strenuous exercise, and alcohol for several days
- Cold compresses may help with swelling if we recommend them
- Contact us if pain increases, redness spreads, or you feel a thread end
A note from Dr. Park
Dr. Park often explains the recovery in detail before placing threads, because he believes patients handle swelling and bruising better when they know it is coming. He plans threads around the face's structure, not a template.
Frequently asked questions
Are PDO threads safe?
PDO is a dissolvable material with a long history in medical sutures. As with any procedure, there are risks, which Dr. Park reviews with you.
When will I see the final result?
Early lift is often visible, but swelling can hide it. The final look usually becomes clearer after a few weeks.
Can PDO threads be removed?
Because they dissolve, removal is rarely needed. If a thread causes a problem, we assess it promptly.
Related treatments
Book a consultation at Seongsu Melting Clinic
Message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk, or call +82-2-468-7179. International patients are welcome to write to us in English.
- Address: 4F #403, Samjin Building, 113 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Seongsu-dong 2-ga)
- Getting here: Seongsu Station (Line 2), Exit 2, about a 3-minute walk. Parking available.
- Hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00 (lunch 13:00–14:00) · Sat 09:30–15:00 · Closed Sundays & public holidays
Directions, hours and booking options · Meet Dr. Park Kyung-min
Treatment plans, number of sessions and results vary from person to person and are decided after an in-person consultation. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice.