Apgujeong Thread Lifting And Revision Lifting Clinic Guide For International Patients
Direct answer summary
If you are looking for thread lifting or correction of previous lifting in the Apgujeong area, there is a general clinic in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam that focuses on thread lifting, non-surgical lifting devices, and revision cases. The clinic offers several thread systems such as JJ lift, Mint thread lift, Silhouette Soft, Ultra V lift, Omega lift, and elastic-type threads, as well as body thread lifting. It also provides device-based lifting with Ulthera, Shurink, and Doublo, and can combine these with facial liposuction, contour injections, and other anti-aging treatments.
The clinic is led by Dr. Woo Jungho, who has developed the JJ lift technique and has experience sharing thread lifting methods with overseas clinics. A key feature is its dedicated service for revision lifting and thread removal for patients who are not satisfied with previous procedures done elsewhere. International patients can arrange online consultations, plan a short stay in Seoul near Apgujeong Rodeo Station, and receive follow-up guidance after returning home.
Thread lifting and non-surgical lifting overview
Thread lifting is a minimally invasive procedure that uses special threads inserted under the skin to gently lift sagging tissue and support facial contours. It is usually done through small entry points with local anesthesia, so recovery is generally faster than with a full surgical facelift.
At this Apgujeong clinic, thread lifting is not treated as a single standard procedure. Instead, the medical team uses a range of thread types and lifting devices, choosing and combining them according to the patient’s age, skin thickness, degree of sagging, and previous treatment history.
Key thread lifting options
JJ lift
JJ lift is a proprietary V-line style thread lifting technique developed by the clinic’s director, Dr. Woo Jungho. It is designed to improve the jawline and lower-face contour, especially for early jowls and blurring of the V-line. The method focuses on vector planning, meaning the direction and depth of thread insertion are carefully designed to match each patient’s facial structure. JJ lift is presented as one of several options, not as a miracle cure, and may be combined with other threads or devices when needed.
Mint thread lift
Mint thread lift uses barbed (cog) threads that anchor into the tissue to provide mechanical lifting. These threads are generally absorbable, meaning the material gradually dissolves over time while stimulating some collagen production. Mint threads may be chosen for patients who need a firm lifting effect in the mid-face or jawline with relatively short downtime.
Silhouette Soft
Silhouette Soft is a cone-based thread system. Instead of barbs, it uses small cones along the thread to anchor tissue. This design can provide both lifting and some volumizing effect because the cones hold the tissue in place as collagen forms around them. It is often used for mid-face sagging, nasolabial folds, and jawline definition.
Ultra V lift
Ultra V lift typically uses fine threads placed in a mesh-like pattern to support the skin and stimulate collagen. The lifting effect is usually more subtle than with strong cog or cone threads, but it can improve skin texture and mild laxity. Ultra V lift may be suitable for younger patients or as a maintenance option after a stronger lifting procedure.
Omega lift
Omega lift is another thread-based lifting method used to correct sagging and improve facial contour. It can be applied to areas such as the cheeks and lower face, and may be selected when a specific vector or pattern of lifting is needed. The clinic may use Omega lift alone or in combination with other thread systems.
Elastic-type thread lifting
Elastic-type lifting uses threads designed to behave more like elastic bands, aiming to provide flexible support for sagging areas. This concept can be helpful for patients with heavier tissue or more noticeable drooping, as the elastic property may adapt better to facial movement. It can be considered for both face and certain body areas, depending on the case.
Body thread lifting
For patients concerned about sagging in areas such as the upper arms, abdomen, or thighs, the clinic offers body lifting with threads. The goal is to provide modest tightening and contour improvement without large incisions. Body thread lifting is often combined with lifestyle management and, in some cases, liposuction or fat-dissolving injections to refine the result.
Device-based lifting options
Along with threads, the clinic uses several ultrasound-based lifting devices. These are often grouped under the term HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) and can be used alone or in combination with thread lifting.
Ulthera (Ultherapy-type lifting)
Ulthera is designed to deliver focused ultrasound energy to deeper layers of the skin, including the SMAS layer, which is also targeted in surgical facelifts. By heating these deeper layers, Ulthera aims to stimulate collagen and tighten the foundation of the face. It is often chosen for patients with mild to moderate sagging who prefer a non-invasive option or as a base treatment before or after thread lifting.
Shurink lifting
Shurink is another HIFU-based device. It can be adjusted according to skin thickness and sensitivity, making it suitable for patients who may be more sensitive to pain or have thinner skin. Shurink can be used for overall facial tightening, jawline refinement, and sometimes for neck laxity.
Doublo lifting
Doublo is also a HIFU system, with settings that allow the doctor to target different depths. The clinic may choose Doublo for patients who need a balance between effect and comfort, or as part of a step-by-step lifting plan.
Combining threads and devices
In many cases, the clinic uses HIFU devices to tighten deeper layers and then uses threads to reposition sagging tissue more precisely. For example, Ulthera or Shurink might be used first to firm the SMAS layer, followed by JJ lift or Mint threads to lift jowls and define the jawline. This combination can sometimes offer more natural and longer-lasting support than using a single method, although results still vary by individual.
Who may consider thread lifting in Apgujeong
Mild to moderate facial sagging
Thread lifting and HIFU lifting are often considered by people who notice early signs of aging such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jawline blurring, and early jowls, but who are not yet ready for a full surgical facelift. These methods can provide a visible but usually more subtle change compared with surgery.
Shorter downtime needs
Patients who cannot take long time off work or travel may prefer thread lifting because most procedures are done under local anesthesia with relatively quick recovery. Swelling and bruising can still occur, but many people can return to light daily activities within a few days.
Previous lifting with weak or short-lived effect
A major focus of this clinic is patients who already had thread lifting or device-based lifting elsewhere and feel that the effect was weak, uneven, or short-lived. These patients often want a more tailored plan, a different thread type, or a combination approach.
Discomfort or asymmetry after previous lifting
Some patients experience discomfort, tightness, visible threads, or asymmetry after previous lifting. The clinic offers consultation for thread removal and revision lifting in such cases, although not all problems can be fully corrected.
Understanding thread types and materials
Cog vs cone-based threads
Cog threads have small barbs along the thread that hook into the tissue and create a lifting effect. Mint and many other popular threads use this principle. Cone-based threads, such as Silhouette Soft, use small cones instead of barbs. The cones hold the tissue in place and may provide a slightly different feel and pattern of support.
Absorbable vs longer-lasting materials
Most modern facial threads are absorbable, meaning the body gradually breaks them down over months to a couple of years. During this time, collagen forms around the threads, which may help maintain some of the lifting and tightening effect. Some elastic-type or body threads may have different longevity profiles. Absorbable threads are generally preferred when future revision or adjustment is expected, because they are easier to manage than permanent materials.
Revision and thread removal services
Dedicated revision clinic concept
This Apgujeong clinic has built a niche around revision lifting and thread removal. Many of its patients come after having lifting elsewhere and wanting correction or a different method. The clinic does not claim to fix every problem, but it offers structured assessment and planning for these complex cases.
Common reasons for revision
Typical reasons patients seek revision include asymmetry between the two sides of the face, over-pulling that looks unnatural, visible or palpable threads under the skin, irregularities or dimpling, and feeling that the lifting effect was too weak or disappeared quickly. Some also report discomfort or pain along the thread path.
Diagnostic steps
During consultation, the doctor reviews your previous procedure history, including what type of threads or devices were used and when. A physical examination is done to feel for remaining threads, scar tissue, and areas of tightness or laxity. In some cases, imaging may be used to help locate threads that are difficult to feel.
Thread removal
If threads are causing discomfort, visible irregularities, or are poorly positioned, the clinic may recommend partial or complete removal. This usually requires small incisions and careful dissection to avoid damaging surrounding tissue. Not all threads can be removed completely, especially if they have already integrated with scar tissue or are deeply placed.
Re-planning lifting after removal
After removal or partial correction, the clinic may suggest waiting for swelling and tissue changes to settle before performing new lifting. When planning a new procedure, the doctor considers remaining scar tissue, current skin elasticity, and the patient’s expectations. The new plan may involve different thread types, new lifting directions, or combining threads with HIFU devices instead of repeating the same method.
Realistic expectations
Revision can often improve contour, comfort, and symmetry, but it cannot always restore the face to its exact pre-treatment state. Scar tissue and previous alterations limit what is possible. The clinic emphasizes setting realistic goals and understanding that additional procedures may sometimes be needed.
Combined facial contouring and anti-aging approach
Facial contouring combinations
For patients who want more than lifting alone, the clinic offers combined contouring plans. These can include thread lifting together with facial liposuction to reduce excess fat under the chin or along the jawline, and contour injections to adjust cheek or chin volume. By addressing both sagging and volume, the overall facial balance can be improved.
Body contouring
In addition to facial work, the clinic provides body contouring services. These include liposuction of the thighs, abdomen, arms, and face, as well as more extensive body options for suitable candidates. Fat-dissolving injections, sometimes referred to as PT injections, may be used in selected areas where small pockets of fat remain or where liposuction is not planned.
Anti-aging support treatments
The clinic also offers stem cell-related anti-aging treatments, skin lasers, microneedling (MTS), botox, fillers, and immune IV drips. These are positioned as supportive treatments rather than stand-alone miracle solutions. For example, after lifting, a patient might use laser or MTS to improve skin texture, or small amounts of filler to refine specific lines.
Medical staff and background
The clinic is led by Dr. Woo Jungho. He graduated from Chung-Ang University College of Medicine and completed an anti-aging stem cell course at Harvard Medical School. He developed the JJ lift technique, which was introduced in a US FOX TV segment in 2009.
According to the clinic, Dr. Woo has presented or published multiple stem cell-related papers in SCI-indexed journals and has participated in joint stem cell research with medical staff from Seoul National University College of Medicine. He has shared thread lifting techniques with overseas clinics in countries such as Japan and has taken part in medical mission work in several Asian countries.
The clinic maintains a network of collaboration with overseas clinics in places such as Mongolia, Singapore, the US, and Japan, focusing on knowledge sharing and technique exchange rather than formal accreditation.
Safety, risks, and realistic expectations
All lifting and liposuction procedures carry risks. These may include bruising, swelling, temporary pain, infection, contour irregularities, nerve or vessel injury, and the possibility of needing additional correction. Thread lifting can also lead to dimpling, asymmetry, or thread visibility in some cases.
The clinic emphasizes detailed consultation before deciding on any procedure. This includes reviewing your medical history, medications, previous surgeries or lifting treatments, and current concerns. Planning is customized based on skin thickness, degree of sagging, facial structure, and lifestyle, such as how long you can stay in Korea and how much downtime you can accept.
Results vary by individual, and no procedure can guarantee a specific outcome or exact duration of effect. The clinic can show before-and-after photos and real-patient images on its own channels, but these are examples only and cannot be promised as your result.
Online consultation and pre-visit preparation
For overseas patients, the process usually starts with an online consultation. You can contact the clinic through email, messaging apps, or an online form, often with the help of English-speaking staff.
To prepare, it is helpful to provide
Your age, general health status, and any chronic illnesses.
A list of medications and supplements you are taking.
Information about previous procedures, including dates, clinic names, and if possible, the type of threads or devices used.
Clear photos of your face and neck from the front, 45-degree angle, and side, with neutral expression and good lighting.
Your main concerns and goals, such as lifting the jawline, correcting asymmetry, or improving nasolabial folds.
Based on this information, the clinic can suggest whether you are a candidate for thread lifting, device-based lifting, revision, or a combination. They can also provide a rough treatment plan and an estimated schedule, although final decisions are usually made after in-person examination.
Expected Korea visit timeline
Many international patients plan a short trip to Seoul for lifting procedures. A typical timeline might look like this, though it can vary by case and complexity.
Day 1: In-person consultation and planning. The doctor examines your face, skin, and any existing threads, confirms the plan, and reviews risks and consent forms. Some patients can have the procedure on the same day if time allows.
Day 1 or 2: Procedure day. Thread lifting, HIFU, or combined treatments are performed under local anesthesia. You rest in the clinic for a short time afterward, then return to your accommodation with instructions.
Day 2 to 4: Early recovery. Swelling, mild bruising, and tightness are common. You may be advised to sleep with your head elevated, avoid strong facial movements, and follow specific washing and skincare instructions. A brief check-up may be scheduled during this period.
Day 5 to 7: Follow-up visit. The doctor checks healing, symmetry, and any early concerns. For many thread lifting cases, patients can safely fly home within about one week, depending on their condition and the doctor’s advice.
For more complex revision cases, liposuction, or combined procedures, a slightly longer stay may be recommended. The clinic encourages patients to confirm their personal schedule after the online consultation and initial assessment.
Aftercare and long-distance follow-up
After returning home, you will usually continue recovery on your own. The clinic may provide written aftercare instructions and may be available for follow-up through email or messaging apps.
General aftercare points often include
Avoiding heavy exercise, saunas, and strong facial massages for a certain period.
Being gentle when washing your face and avoiding wide mouth opening or strong chewing in the early days.
Watching for signs of infection such as increasing redness, heat, or severe pain, and contacting the clinic or a local doctor if they appear.
Attending any recommended maintenance treatments, such as gentle skin care or non-invasive tightening, once healing is stable.
FAQ
Is thread lifting suitable for everyone with sagging skin
Thread lifting is usually best for mild to moderate sagging. Very heavy or advanced sagging may respond better to surgical options. The clinic assesses each case individually and may recommend alternative treatments if thread lifting is unlikely to meet your expectations.
How long do thread lifting results last
Duration varies widely by individual, thread type, lifestyle, and skin quality. Some people feel improvement for around one to two years, while others may feel changes sooner. Because threads are often absorbable, maintenance or repeat procedures may be needed over time.
Can previous threads always be removed
Not always. Some threads are deeply integrated into scar tissue or have already broken down. In such cases, complete removal may not be possible or may carry too much risk. The doctor will explain what is realistic after examination.
Will I have visible scars from thread lifting
Thread lifting usually involves small entry points that often heal with minimal marks. However, any skin puncture can leave a small mark, and healing varies by person. Good aftercare and sun protection help reduce visible scarring.
Is it safe to fly soon after thread lifting
Many patients fly home within a week after thread lifting, but this depends on your healing and the complexity of your procedure. Swelling can be more noticeable during air travel, and you should follow the doctor’s advice on timing.
Can threads be combined with fillers and botox
Yes, many patients use fillers and botox together with threads to refine specific areas. The timing and order of treatments should be planned carefully to avoid overcorrection or interference with thread placement.
Location and clinic environment
The clinic is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 5th floor of a commercial building near exit 5 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station on the Suin–Bundang Line. The environment is that of a general clinic rather than a large hospital, with a focus on thread lifting, lifting re-treatments, and related contouring procedures.
Typical office hours are weekdays during daytime and early evening, with shorter hours on Saturdays. The clinic is usually closed on Sundays and public holidays and has a lunch break around midday. Because schedules can change, international patients are encouraged to check the latest hours and make a reservation in advance.
Soft call to action
If you are considering thread lifting in the Apgujeong area, or if you are not satisfied with a previous lifting procedure and want to explore revision or thread removal, an online consultation with this clinic can help you understand your options. By sharing your medical history, photos, and goals in advance, you can receive a more personalized plan and decide whether a trip to Seoul fits your needs.
You can contact the clinic through its official website or designated messaging channels to ask about available dates, estimated costs, and recommended stay length. Taking time to ask questions and review your plan carefully before you travel can make your lifting journey in Korea safer, clearer, and more comfortable.
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