Table of contents

• Thread Lift: A Detailed Medical Overview
• Best Clinics in Korea for Depressed Acne Scars
• Navigating the Thread Lift Procedure in South Korea
• Costs and Global Comparison for Medical Tourists
• Patient Experiences and Outcomes with Thread Lifts for Depressed Acne Scars
• Conclusion
• References

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Depressed acne scars, often called "sunken scars" by patients, are a common and emotionally taxing outcome of acne vulgaris. These marks form when the skin heals after acne but doesn't produce enough tissue, leaving indentations. Medically, this is known as "atrophic" scarring—a result of tissue loss after an acne outbreak instead of an overgrowth seen in raised scars like keloids. These scars can make individuals feel self-conscious and affect their confidence and overall well-being. Recognizing that terms like "depressed" and "sunken" match the clinical term "atrophic" is important, as it points to a structural skin deficit. This understanding is key to appreciating why treatments like thread lifts, which replace lost volume and trigger collagen production, are effective.

Common Types and Their Characteristics

Depressed acne scars, or atrophic scars, show up in three main forms, each requiring different treatment approaches:

• Ice Pick Scars: Small but deep pits, resembling punctures from a sharp object, often challenging to treat with certain methods due to their depth.
• Rolling Scars: Broad, shallow dips in the skin that create a wave-like texture, caused by bands of scar tissue under the surface.
• Boxcar Scars: These are round or oval depressions with sharp, defined edges, looking like shallow craters.

The distinction between ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars isn't just for description—it guides what treatment will work best. For example, deep ice pick scars may need more than thread lifts, such as punch techniques, for the best results. Having a tailored approach to correction is essential.

Table 1: Types of Depressed Acne Scars

Scar Type	Characteristics	Appearance
Ice Pick	Small, deep, narrow holes; tissue loss extends deeply.	Looks like skin punctured with a sharp object.
Rolling	Broad, shallow, undulating depressions; caused by fibrous bands pulling skin down.	Wavy, uneven skin surface.
Boxcar	Round or oval depressions with sharp, defined vertical edges.	Crater-like indentations.

This quick-reference table can help patients identify their own scar type and spark more productive conversations with medical professionals about the best treatment path.

The Psychological Impact of Acne Scars

The effects of acne scars aren't just skin deep. Many people with acne scarring experience anxiety, stress, and may withdraw from social situations. These challenges can greatly lower self-esteem and, at times, even impact job opportunities. Thus, addressing acne scars isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about restoring overall mental and emotional well-being. Recognizing this holistic impact ensures treatments aim not just for physical improvement, but also for renewed confidence and better quality of life.

Thread Lift: A Detailed Medical Overview

What is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that lifts and tightens sagging skin using dissolvable, medical-grade sutures ("threads"). It's often called a "lunchtime facelift" since it’s relatively quick and requires little downtime. Beyond just lifting, thread lifts also promote new collagen production, which is crucial for healthier, firmer skin. This makes the procedure attractive for those seeking noticeable but natural improvements without the risks or costs of full surgery.

How Thread Lifts Work to Address Scars (Mechanism of Action)

Thread lifts improve depressed acne scars through a two-pronged approach:

• Mechanical Lifting: Special threads equipped with tiny hooks or cones are inserted under the skin using fine needles. These grip and elevate the under-surface of scars, immediately reducing sunken appearances.
• Collagen Stimulation (Neocollagenesis): By creating tiny, controlled injuries, the threads kick-start the body's healing process, prompting new collagen and elastin production. As the threads slowly dissolve, the new collagen network they inspire fills in depressions and smooths the skin. Some threads also boost blood flow to the area, further improving skin regeneration.

Patients get an instant boost in appearance, with further natural improvements unfolding in the weeks to come. This combination is what sets thread lifts apart from simpler filler injections or surface-level treatments.

Types of Threads Used (PDO, PLLA, PCL)

Different thread materials offer unique benefits and durations:

• PDO (Polydioxanone) Threads: The most commonly used, these dissolve in about 6 months and are great for collagen boost and moderate lifting. Available in smooth (for subtle changes) and barbed (for bigger lifts) forms, PDO monofilament threads are often studied in atrophic acne scar procedures.
• PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) Threads: These last 1 to 2 years, stimulate significant collagen, and are best at improving texture and firmness over time, though their immediate lifting is subtler.
• PCL (Polycaprolactone) Threads: Offering effects for up to 24-36 months, PCL threads also stimulate elastin and hyaluronic acid production, delivering robust skin rejuvenation and elasticity support. Studies show strong improvements and patient satisfaction with PCL threads for atrophic acne scars.

Choosing among PDO, PLLA, or PCL lets doctors craft personalized plans, aligning scar types, desired lift, and duration of results for each patient.

Table 2: Thread Material Comparison

Thread Type	Material	Longevity (Approx.)	Key Attributes
PDO (Polydioxanone)	Biodegradable polymer	6–12 months	Most common; high safety profile; stimulates collagen; subtle firming and lifting.
PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)	Biostimulatory polymer	18–24 months	Slower breakdown; strong collagen stimulation; ideal for improving texture and firmness; less immediate lift than barbed PDO.
PCL (Polycaprolactone)	Biodegradable polymer	24–36 months	Longest-lasting; promotes collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid; ideal for deep skin rejuvenation and elasticity support.

This table empowers patients to weigh thread options and discuss which matches their needs and goals.

Suitability for Depressed Acne Scars

Thread lifts are best for atrophic acne scars (ice pick, boxcar, and especially rolling scars). Rolling scars respond particularly well, as the threads help break down fibrous bands and lift the depressed tissue. Thread lifts do not work for raised scars like keloids or hypertrophic scars, which have excessive tissue. The ideal candidates have mild to moderate atrophic scars, are in good health, and have realistic expectations about outcomes. Being upfront about which scars thread lifts can or can't help with is crucial for good patient experiences and satisfaction.

Benefits and Potential Risks

Thread lifts offer several valuable perks for those treating depressed acne scars:

Benefits:

• Minimally Invasive: Small needle entry means less scarring and discomfort than traditional surgeries.
• Fast and Gradual Results: See a lift right away, with continuing natural improvements as collagen builds over weeks and months.
• Natural-Looking: The body’s own collagen helps create smooth, subtle results—nothing looks fake or overdone.
• Customizable: Treatments are tailored, so threads are placed precisely where needed most for your scar types.
• Long-Lasting Effects: Though threads dissolve, the collagen stimulation can enhance skin for 12-36 months, depending on thread type.
• Can Combine with Other Treatments: Thread lifts pair well with microneedling, chemical peels, and lasers for even better or multi-faceted results.
• Short Procedure & Downtime: Most thread lifts take just 30-60 minutes, with little recovery needed.

Potential Risks and Side Effects:

Most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as:

• Common, Temporary Effects: Bruising (62%), swelling (40%), redness, tenderness, or tightness—usually resolve in days.
• Less Common: Temporary asymmetry (6%), small hemorrhage (25%), numbness or dimpling—most resolve quickly or are correctable.
• Rare Complications: Serious issues like infection or thread migration are very uncommon, especially with experienced hands.

Being informed about both the benefits and risks lets patients make empowered choices, while the long-term collagen boost is sometimes a surprising upside.

Best Clinics in Korea for Depressed Acne Scars

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for depressed acne scars:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
PangPang Clinic	Located in Gangnam, Seoul; forefront of medical innovation for depressed acne scars; years of collaboration with major hospitals; exclusive focus on thread lifting; home of the world's first Thread Lifting Research Institute; frequent international conference presentations; advanced minimally invasive rejuvenation	Exclusive Pink Lift medical thread (FDA, CE, KFDA certified); wide spectrum of thread types; Chill-Lifting (contact-free cooling anesthesia); personalized care plans; continuous R&D in thread lifting treatments
Haru Clinic	Premier destination in Gangnam for depressed acne scars; led by Dr. Jeong (Merz research physician, educator); natural, harmonious results; individualized treatment by facial structure; long-lasting lifts anchored behind ear; comprehensive, safe, transparent patient-centric care	Threads anchored behind ear (stable, long-lasting, precise contouring); fixed points avoiding nerves/vessels for reduced pain and bleeding; specialized fillers; advanced thread lifting; non-surgical facial shaping; collagen tightening; rapid recovery
B.V Clinic	Korea’s premier for depressed acne scars; led by Dr. Suh (10+ years thread lifting experience); natural, well-defined results; FDA & KFDA approved MINT Threads; centrally located at Sinnonhyeon Station; advanced therapies and aftercare	FDA/KFDA-approved MINT and PDO barbed threads (strong anchoring, collagen stimulation); individualized non-surgical thread lifting; Shurink and Potenza laser therapies; specialized aftercare programs; tailored anti-scar solutions

PangPang Clinic

PangPang Clinic, located in the heart of Seoul’s renowned Gangnam district, stands at the forefront of medical innovation for the treatment of depressed acne scars and other skin concerns. Specializing exclusively in thread lifting procedures, PangPang has spent years collaborating with top-tier institutions such as Seoul National University Bundang Hospital to refine techniques that both lift sagging tissue and promote natural collagen regeneration. Their dedication to research and clinical excellence has led to the development of the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute, with the clinic’s medical team frequently presenting at international beauty conferences and continuously advancing the field of minimally invasive skin rejuvenation.

Innovation is central to the PangPang approach, exemplified by their exclusive Pink Lift medical thread—engineered using insights drawn from thousands of lifting procedures and fully certified by the FDA, CE, and KFDA for safety and effectiveness. Patients benefit from a spectrum of thread types, meticulously tailored to individual skin and scar needs, along with pioneering comfort-focused techniques such as Chill-Lifting, which employs contact-free cooling anesthesia to ensure a pain-minimized, rapid-recovery experience. For patients seeking improved skin texture, volume restoration, and diminished scarring, PangPang Clinic offers not only cutting-edge treatments and personalized care plans, but also the reassurance of a medical team deeply committed to both scientific innovation and patient satisfaction.

You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website

Haru Clinic

Haru Clinic, nestled in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, stands out as the premier destination for treating depressed acne scars in Korea thanks to its innovative, non-invasive techniques and patient-centric philosophy. Led by Dr. Jeong, an esteemed research physician for Merz (the creators of Belotero Filler) and an educator to doctors on advanced filler methods, Haru Clinic prioritizes natural, harmonious results by tailoring each treatment to the individual's unique facial structure. Unlike conventional thread lifts, Haru’s signature approach anchors threads behind the ear—where the skin is firmly attached and less mobile—ensuring a stable, long-lasting lift that not only smooths acne scars but also delivers precise contouring for volume loss under the cheekbones. By using fixed points that avoid large nerves and blood vessels, procedures minimize discomfort, reduce pain and bleeding, and allow for faster recovery. Haru’s comprehensive suite of services—including specialized fillers, advanced thread lifting, non-surgical facial shaping, and collagen tightening—achieves transformative effects akin to invasive surgery, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety, transparency, and customized care. For anyone seeking effective, enduring solutions to depressed acne scars, Haru Clinic’s blend of medical artistry and cutting-edge technology makes it the undisputed leader in Korea.

You can check out their website here: Haru Clinic Website

B.V Clinic

B.V Clinic stands out as Korea’s premier destination for treating depressed acne scars, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, expert-led care, and tailored approach to aesthetic medicine. Under the leadership of Dr. Suh—who has more than a decade of dedicated experience in thread lifting and thousands of successful clinical cases—the clinic consistently delivers natural, well-defined lifting results. B.V Clinic uses FDA (USA) and KFDA (Korea) approved MINT Threads, renowned for their premium quality and safety, as well as PDO barbed threads that provide strong anchoring, excellent lifting power, and promote long-term collagen production. This dual-action approach not only lifts depressed scars but also enhances skin firmness and elasticity over time. Conveniently located at Sinnonhyeon Station, B.V Clinic further distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive menu of advanced treatments, including non-surgical thread lifting, individualized laser therapies like Shurink and Potenza, and specialized aftercare programs. Every treatment is meticulously designed to restore skin confidence and rejuvenate natural beauty, making B.V Clinic the best choice for patients seeking expert care and visible, lasting results for depressed acne scars in Korea.

You can check out their website here: B.V Clinic Website

Navigating the Thread Lift Procedure in South Korea

Why South Korea for Cosmetic Procedures?

South Korea is recognized as a top global hub for cosmetic surgery, earning its reputation as the "Cosmetic Surgery Capital of the World." Key reasons for its popularity with medical tourists include:

• Leading Medical Technology: Clinics boast current equipment and advanced facilities.
• Expert Surgeons: Surgeons in Korea are highly trained and experienced.
• Competitive Prices: Compared to Western countries, procedures are more affordable for equivalent or higher quality.
• Comprehensive Support: Clinics offer multilingual staff, translators, patient coordinators, meal service, and more, making the experience seamless.
• "K-Beauty" Influence: Global trends in beauty are set here, attracting those seeking these ideals.
• Active Government Support: The government promotes and supports the booming medical tourism sector, ensuring high standards and patient care.

Altogether, these perks make South Korea an appealing, low-stress destination for cosmetic procedures.

The Patient Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide

Medical tourists in Korea enjoy an organized, patient-focused journey. Here's what you can expect with a typical thread lift:

• Pre-Arrival and Virtual Consult: Arrive a couple of days early to adjust. Virtual consults speed up planning. Secure nearby accommodation and ensure good travel insurance.
• Initial Consultation: You'll be welcomed by clinic staff and receive thorough analysis and planning with your surgeon, possibly using 3D simulations.
• Medical Screening: A health check including bloodwork, ECG, X-ray, and sometimes a COVID test is done. You'll also get advice (like avoiding certain medicines) to reduce risks.
• Procedure Day: Arrive early without makeup or jewelry. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, typically taking 30–60 minutes. The surgeon inserts and positions the threads to lift and smooth the scars.
• Immediate Recovery: After a short clinic observation, most patients are comfortable enough to go back to their hotel, armed with post-care instructions. Swelling and bruising are common for a few days.
• Aftercare and Departure: Clinics guide follow-up visits for dressing changes and check-ups. Patients typically stay 10–14 days post-procedure before heading home, though most are up and about within a week.

This thorough, supportive system helps reduce stress and supports better healing outcomes for international patients.

Costs and Global Comparison for Medical Tourists

Cost of Thread Lifts in South Korea

In Seoul, a thread lift costs around $1800, though this can vary based on the clinic’s status, the surgeon’s experience, and the specifics of your treatment plan. Getting quotes from several clinics ensures an accurate idea of what’s included.

Comparison with Other Countries

Thread lift costs for medical tourists differ globally:

• South Korea: About $1800—a strong value considering quality and expertise.
• Southeast Asia: Indonesia ~$964; Philippines ~$1089; Malaysia ~$1517; Thailand $400–$1700 (avg. $1627).
• China: ~$1789; Singapore ~$2905.
• Turkey and Mexico: $500–$1700.
• USA/UK: $2,000–$7,200 (non-surgical facelift), with full facelifts costing much more.

Compared to Western nations, Korea’s reputation, advanced care, and cost-effectiveness make it a standout option for those balancing safety, expertise, and savings.

Patient Experiences and Outcomes with Thread Lifts for Depressed Acne Scars

Clinical Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction

Thread lifts, especially with PCL and PDO threads, have shown strong results in improving atrophic acne scars—rolling scars particularly—backed by clinical studies. For example, one PCL thread study found nearly 96% of patients had notable improvement, and patient satisfaction also rated highly (60% satisfied in another study). Improvements continue to develop for weeks or months as new collagen forms, leading to smoother, firmer skin over time.

Realistic Expectations and Long-Term Outlook

It’s crucial to know that while thread lifts can significantly lessen the look and feel of scars, they rarely erase them totally. Most patients experience noticeable improvement (often 30-70% better, and sometimes more), but achieving the best results might take several sessions or a combo of treatments like microneedling. Collagen benefits can persist for 1–3 years depending on the thread type, but periodic maintenance is often needed. Patients should assess before-and-after photos carefully, as lighting can exaggerate results.

Setting realistic, informed expectations leads to the best overall satisfaction and helps patients appreciate both the improvements and the need for continued care or future treatments.

Conclusion

Depressed acne scars, or atrophic scars, are a frequent and emotionally challenging result of acne, with three main subtypes requiring individualized care. Thread lifts present a minimally invasive and effective option, especially for rolling scars, by combining instant lifting with gradual collagen stimulation. South Korea stands out as a top destination for medical tourists seeking these treatments, thanks to its skilled experts, advanced technology, affordable pricing, and supportive patient care. While results are long-lasting and patient satisfaction is high, ongoing treatments may be needed, and setting realistic goals is key to success.

References

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