Medical Tourism Blog
Buttock Sagging Solutions: Butt Thread Lift Procedure in Korea for a Firmer Appearance
Table of contents
- Understanding Buttock Sagging
- The Butt Thread Lift Procedure: A Detailed Overview
- The Journey to a Butt Thread Lift in South Korea
- Costs and Value: Butt Thread Lifts as a Medical Tourist
- Patient Experiences and Realistic Expectations
- Conclusion
Changes in body shape, especially around the buttocks, are a natural part of aging and can also result from significant weight loss. These changes, often called "buttock sagging," can impact self-confidence and how people feel about their appearance. This guide aims to provide clear, trustworthy information for anyone considering solutions for buttock sagging, helping you make informed choices about your aesthetic journey.
Here, we’ll break down what "buttock sagging" means, its common nicknames, and what causes it. We’ll then walk you through the "Butt Thread Lift" procedure, explaining how it works and what to expect. We’ll also look at what it’s like to get this procedure in South Korea as a medical tourist, including a cost comparison with other countries. Finally, we’ll share real patient experiences and set realistic expectations for what a butt thread lift can achieve.
Understanding Buttock Sagging
What is Buttock Sagging?
Buttock sagging, or buttock ptosis, happens when the skin and tissues of the buttocks lose their firmness and elasticity, leading to a droopy or deflated look. This can show up as the lower buttock hanging lower, less fullness, or loose, wrinkled skin. You might notice your jeans fitting more loosely around the buttocks. Some people see a "V-shaped butt," where the upper buttock is wider and the lower part has less volume, or "hip dips," which are inward curves between the hips and thighs due to bone structure and muscle tone.
Common Pseudonyms and Medical Terms
The medical term for drooping gluteal tissue below the crease between the legs and buttock is "buttock ptosis" or "gluteal ptosis." Another term, "banana roll deformity," refers to sagging lower buttock tissue that forms a fold over the infragluteal crease.
Patients often use phrases like "droopy buttocks" or "flat butt." A newer, popular term is "Ozempic butt," describing sagging or flattening of the buttocks after rapid weight loss, especially in people using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. It’s important to note that "Ozempic butt" is not a medical diagnosis—the sagging comes from rapid fat loss, not the medication itself. The rise of terms like this reflects societal pressures around body image, which can lead people to seek cosmetic solutions even when there’s no health risk.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Buttock sagging can result from several factors:
- Aging: As we age, skin loses elasticity and muscles weaken. Collagen decreases and muscle mass can start to decline as early as age 30, leading to a flatter or saggier appearance.
- Weight Loss: Rapid or major weight loss, whether from diet, surgery, or medications like GLP-1 drugs, can leave behind loose skin, especially if the skin doesn’t have time to adjust as fat and muscle decrease. "Ozempic butt" is a good example of this.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting for long periods and not exercising, especially not doing strength training for the glutes, can weaken these muscles and make the buttocks look less firm.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to sagging due to their genes, which affect skin elasticity and muscle tone.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormone shifts, like those during menopause, can reduce collagen and muscle mass, making the buttocks look less lifted.
- Unhealthy Eating Habits: Diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can increase fat storage and worsen skin laxity.
Addressing buttock sagging often requires a combination of approaches. For mild sagging, regular exercise (like squats, lunges, and hip thrusts) and a healthy diet may help. For more severe sagging, especially after rapid weight loss, medical procedures might be more effective. Gradual weight loss and strength training can help prevent severe sagging by giving the skin time to adapt.
When to Consider Treatment
Buttock sagging, including "Ozempic butt," isn’t dangerous, but it can affect confidence and body image. If it’s causing emotional distress, it’s worth consulting a medical professional or aesthetic practitioner to discuss options. For mild cases, lifestyle changes like targeted exercise and a healthy diet are good first steps.
The Butt Thread Lift Procedure: A Detailed Overview
What is a Butt Thread Lift?
A buttock thread lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to lift, sculpt, and contour the buttocks. It involves inserting tiny, dissolvable medical-grade threads under the skin. Rather than replacing more extensive surgeries like fat grafting or Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs), it’s considered a "tweak" or adjunct therapy. The main goals are skin tightening and collagen stimulation for better contour, firmness, and skin quality—not major volume enhancement. This makes it a great "bridge" procedure for moderate sagging, offering more than lifestyle changes but less than surgery.
How It Works: Mechanism of Action
Butt thread lifts work in two main ways:
- Immediate Mechanical Lift: The threads act as a scaffold under the skin, physically lifting and repositioning sagging tissue for an instant, visible lift.
- Collagen Stimulation (Neocollagenesis): Over several months, the threads trigger the body’s healing response, stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin. This process improves skin texture, firmness, and elasticity, helping maintain the lift even after the threads dissolve.
Types of Threads Used
The type of thread used depends on your needs and goals:
- PDO (Polydioxanone): FDA-approved, biocompatible, and strong. They dissolve in about 6 months, but their collagen-boosting effects last 12–16 months. They provide immediate lift and moderate volume.
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): Dissolve over about 12 months and stimulate more collagen than PDO threads, making them good for those wanting both lift and shape enhancement.
- PCA (Polycaprolactone): Last the longest (12–15 months) and stimulate the most collagen, often used for more severe sagging.
Thread Configurations
Threads come in different shapes for different effects:
- PDO Mono Threads (smooth): Improve skin texture and quality.
- PDO Screw Threads (twisted): Add volume and provide moderate lift.
- Cog Threads (barbed): Have tiny hooks for a stronger, more immediate lift and better tissue repositioning.
Key Benefits and Considerations
Butt thread lifts are appealing for several reasons:
- Benefits: They’re minimally invasive, use local anesthesia, and have minimal downtime (most people return to normal activities in 24–48 hours). There’s an immediate lift, with further improvements as collagen builds. Results look natural, and the procedure can also reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
- Considerations: Results are temporary (lasting 1–3 years), so maintenance treatments are needed. The procedure doesn’t add significant volume and results are more subtle than surgery. Minor side effects like swelling, bruising, and soreness are common. Rare complications include infection (2.49% of cases), thread migration, skin puckering, hematoma (0.64%), and paresthesia (1.14%). Scar tissue from PDO threads may affect future treatments or cause skin changes after the threads dissolve.
The Journey to a Butt Thread Lift in South Korea
Step-by-Step Process
Getting a butt thread lift in South Korea, especially as an international patient, follows a well-organized process:
- Initial Planning & Virtual Consultations: Start with a consultation (often virtual), where a medical professional assesses your needs and discusses your goals. Agencies like All About Seoul, Beauty Hopper, and Bookimed help with clinic selection and logistics, making the process smoother for international patients.
- Pre-Operative Assessments: Before the procedure, you’ll have health checks and receive instructions (like stopping smoking or adjusting medications). International patients also need to prepare travel documents, insurance, visas, and bookings.
- Procedure Day:
- Surgeon Marking: The surgeon marks the areas to be treated.
- Anesthesia Application: Local anesthesia (sometimes with light sedation) is used for comfort.
- Incisions and Thread Insertion: Small entry points are made, and threads are inserted under the skin using special needles or cannulas.
- Lifting & Contouring: Threads are adjusted to lift and shape the buttocks.
- Closing Incisions: Entry points are closed with sutures or adhesive strips.
- Duration: The procedure usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, up to 2 hours for complex cases.
- Post-Operative Care & Recovery:
- Immediate Care: You’ll get instructions on medications and care, and may need to wear compression garments. Rest is advised for 24–72 hours.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activity and direct pressure for 2–3 weeks. Light activities can resume in a few days.
- Aftercare Guidelines: Stay hydrated, use recommended skincare, apply cold compresses for swelling, and avoid alcohol and smoking. Mild swelling and bruising are normal and fade in a few days.
- Downtime: Most people return to daily routines within 24–48 hours.
- Follow-up and Long-Term Care: Follow-up visits are common. Threads dissolve over time (e.g., PDO in 6 months), but collagen effects last 1–2 years. Repeat treatments are usually needed after about a year.
Best Clinics in Korea for Buttock Sagging
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for buttock sagging:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Haru Clinic | Premier destination for buttock sagging treatment in Korea; non-invasive butt lift addressing sagging skin and volume; uses patient's own tissue; minimal scarring; quick recovery; comprehensive non-invasive procedures including body contouring, thread lifts, and specialized filler treatments; located in Gangnam, Seoul; patient-centered philosophy with transparent communication and customized service | Innovative butt lift procedure combining volume enhancement and sagging skin treatment; tailored treatments harmonizing with natural features; advanced filler techniques led by Dr. Jeong |
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery | Located in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, Seoul; led by board-certified surgeons Dr. Kim, Dr. Jeong, and Dr. Lee; comprehensive range of procedures including buttock sagging treatments; state-of-the-art facility with four floors; commitment to safety, patient satisfaction, and innovation; active contributors to academic research and global medical education | Advanced surgical techniques in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery; pioneering research on 3D implants; expertise in rhinoplasty, facial contouring, and breast augmentation; individualized care for natural, harmonious results |
Haru Clinic
Haru Clinic stands out as the premier destination for buttock sagging treatment in Korea, offering a unique blend of advanced technology, expert care, and a patient-centered philosophy. Unlike traditional Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) that focus solely on adding volume, Haru Clinic’s innovative butt lift procedure addresses both sagging skin and volume enhancement, utilizing the patient’s own tissue to achieve a fuller, more youthful contour. This non-invasive approach ensures minimal scarring and allows patients to quickly return to their daily routines, while delivering immediate and long-lasting results without the concerns of fat survival or filler absorption that often accompany conventional methods. Under the leadership of Dr. Jeong, an official research physician at Merz and a renowned educator in the latest filler techniques, each treatment is meticulously tailored to harmonize with the patient’s natural features, ensuring a balanced and refreshed appearance. Located in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, Haru Clinic is dedicated to transparent communication, customized service, and unwavering patient safety. With a comprehensive suite of non-invasive procedures—from body contouring and thread lifts to specialized filler treatments—Haru Clinic provides transformative results comparable to invasive surgery, making it the top choice for those seeking effective, long-lasting solutions for buttock sagging and overall rejuvenation.
You can check out their website here: Haru Clinic Website
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery clinic, located in the vibrant Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, is renowned for its commitment to excellence in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The clinic is led by a distinguished team of board-certified plastic surgeons, including Dr. Kim, Dr. Jeong, and Dr. Lee, each of whom brings a wealth of expertise and international recognition to their practice. Dr. Kim is celebrated for his pioneering research on 3D implants and his leadership in rhinoplasty and facial contouring, while Dr. Jeong, as President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, is a respected authority in both functional and aesthetic procedures. Dr. Lee, with her extensive background in breast augmentation and experience at top hospitals, ensures natural and lasting results for her patients. Together, they uphold the clinic’s philosophy of achieving harmonious, natural beauty through individualized care and advanced surgical techniques.
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery offers a comprehensive range of procedures, including specialized treatments for buttock sagging, within a state-of-the-art facility spanning four dedicated floors. The clinic’s surgeons are not only skilled practitioners but also active contributors to academic research and global medical education, regularly presenting at international conferences and publishing in leading journals. Their dedication to safety, patient satisfaction, and continuous innovation has established THE PLUS as a premier destination for those seeking advanced cosmetic solutions in Korea. Whether addressing facial features, body contouring, or skin rejuvenation, patients at THE PLUS can expect world-class care tailored to their unique needs.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Why South Korea for Cosmetic Procedures?
South Korea is known as the "plastic surgery capital of the world" for good reason:
- Global Reputation and Innovation: The country’s focus on beauty and rapid adoption of new techniques attracts patients worldwide.
- Highly Skilled and Experienced Surgeons: Surgeons often specialize in specific procedures and have extensive experience, leading to refined techniques and better outcomes.
- Advanced Technology and Techniques: Clinics use the latest technology, including specialized threads and advanced planning tools, offering highly customized treatments.
- Patient-Centric Approach: Clinics prioritize safety and comfort, offering minimal discomfort options and treating every patient as a VIP.
Costs and Value: Butt Thread Lifts as a Medical Tourist
Cost of Butt Thread Lifts in South Korea
Several factors affect the cost of a thread lift in Korea: the surgeon’s expertise, thread type, procedure complexity, clinic location, and what’s included (consultations, anesthesia, tests, medications, follow-ups). Customization for your goals also plays a role.
On average, a thread lift in Korea costs $700–$2,000, though some sources list $1,000–$4,000. Many clinics price by the number of threads (about $10–$20 per thread), so a 100-thread procedure could be $1,000–$2,000 before adding other fees. Some threads, like "MINT Lift," can be as low as $40 per thread. Korea’s prices are generally lower than in many developed countries, thanks to high competition and lower clinic operating costs.
Comparison with Other Countries
Comparing costs across countries is important for medical tourists. Specific "butt thread lift" prices aren’t always available, so sometimes "buttock lift" or "Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)" costs are used as proxies. BBL is a more invasive fat transfer procedure, different from a thread lift.
Thread lifts in Korea are often more affordable than in Western countries:
- USA: Thread lifts cost $1,500–$4,500; BBLs are $6,000–$12,000 (average $8,500).
- Brazil: BBLs cost $3,500–$6,000.
- Turkey: Buttock lifts (including thread lifts or fillers) are $1,250–$3,685; thread lifts specifically are $800–$1,600; BBLs are $3,000–$5,500.
- Thailand: Buttock lifts are $1,500–$5,559 (average $3,152); BBL packages start at about $5,000.
- India: BBLs are $2,000–$4,000.
Table 1: Comparative Costs of Buttock Lift Procedures by Country (as of 2025)
| Country | Procedure Type | Cost Range (USD) | Typical Inclusions/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Butt Thread Lift | $700 - $4,000 | Surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility, post-op care; often priced per thread. VAT refund. |
| Brazilian Butt Lift | $5,300 - $7,900 | Packages may include accommodation, transport, post-op care. Upfront deposit required. | |
| USA | Butt Thread Lift | $1,500 - $4,500 | Surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility. Higher in major cities. |
| Brazilian Butt Lift | $6,000 - $12,000 | Surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility. Varies by reputation and location. | |
| Brazil | Brazilian Butt Lift | $3,500 - $6,000 | Surgeon’s fee, clinic reputation, procedure complexity. |
| Turkey | Butt Thread Lift | $800 - $1,600 | Varies by thread type, brand, number of threads. |
| Buttock Lift (General) | $1,250 - $3,685 | May include 3D modeling, tests, 1-night hospital, hotel, transfers. | |
| Brazilian Butt Lift | $3,000 - $5,500 | Often includes lodging, airport transfers. | |
| Thailand | Buttock Lift (General) | $1,500 - $5,559 | Average $3,152. Some packages include transfers, hotel, breakfast. |
| India | Brazilian Butt Lift | $2,000 - $4,000 | Most cost-effective option. |
Note: "Buttock Lift (General)" may include non-surgical options like thread lifts or fillers. BBL is a surgical fat transfer procedure and is used as a general cost reference where thread lift data is limited.
Medical Tourism Considerations
Medical tourists should also budget for airfare, accommodation, and daily expenses. Some clinics, especially for BBLs, offer packages that include surgery, accommodation, transport, and post-op care. Many Korean clinics have multilingual staff, but language barriers can still be a challenge. Patients should also be aware of differences in healthcare regulations and patient protections. A financial perk in Korea is the VAT refund for foreigners on cosmetic procedures. Booking usually requires a deposit (about 10% of the total cost).
While Turkey and India may offer even lower prices, South Korea’s edge is its high standards, skilled surgeons, advanced technology, and patient-centered care—offering great value for the price.
Patient Experiences and Realistic Expectations
Reported Outcomes and Satisfaction
Most patients are very satisfied with butt thread lifts:
- High Patient Satisfaction: Patients praise the natural look, minimal invasiveness, quick recovery, and low discomfort.
- Immediate and Progressive Improvements: There’s an instant lift, with further improvements as collagen builds over weeks. Many describe the results as rejuvenating and confidence-boosting.
- Improved Skin Quality: Skin texture and firmness improve, and some notice stretch marks become less visible.
- Confidence Boost: The physical changes often lead to greater self-esteem and a renewed sense of vitality.
Effectiveness in Addressing Sagging
Butt thread lifts are effective but temporary, with subtle results:
- Temporary Nature: Threads dissolve over time (e.g., PDO in 6 months), and the lift fades, so repeat treatments are needed.
- Collagen Stimulation as Long-Term Benefit: The main long-term benefit is improved skin structure and elasticity from collagen stimulation.
- Subtle Results: Results are natural-looking and less dramatic than surgery. For larger or heavier buttocks, the lift may not last as long, and expectations should be managed.
Potential Side Effects and Complications
While generally safe, some side effects and rare complications can occur:
- Common Side Effects: Swelling, bruising, tenderness, soreness, and redness, usually resolving in a few days.
- Rare Complications: Infection (2.49%), thread migration, skin puckering, hematoma (0.64%), paresthesia (1.14%). Rarely, threads may need to be removed.
- Long-term Concerns: Scar tissue from PDO threads could affect future treatments or cause skin changes after threads dissolve.
Longevity of Results and Maintenance
How long results last depends on several factors:
- Average Duration: Results typically last 1–2 years. Threads dissolve in a few months, but collagen effects last longer.
- Factors Affecting Longevity: Thread type, patient age, and lifestyle can all influence how long results last.
- Maintenance: Because results are temporary and thread lifts don’t restore lost volume, ongoing treatments are needed to maintain the look.
Realistic Expectations: What a Thread Lift Can and Cannot Do
Setting realistic expectations is key to satisfaction.
Table 2: Patient Perspectives: Benefits and Limitations of Butt Thread Lifts
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Natural-looking lift, improved skin quality and firmness, minimally invasive, minimal downtime, confidence boost, potential reduction in cellulite/stretch marks. |
| Limitations | Temporary results (requires maintenance), not for significant volume addition, subtle results compared to surgery, potential for minor side effects, rare complications, does not directly cure stretch marks, limited corrective power for heavy tissue. |
Conclusion
Buttock sagging is a common concern that can affect confidence, often resulting from aging, weight loss, or lifestyle factors. The Butt Thread Lift offers a minimally invasive way to lift and improve skin quality, with results that are natural-looking but temporary. South Korea stands out as a top destination for this procedure, combining skilled surgeons, advanced techniques, and competitive pricing. Patients should approach the decision with realistic expectations, understanding both the benefits and limitations, and consult with qualified professionals to ensure the best outcome.
References
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