Medical Tourism Blog
Sagging Nasolabial Area Solutions: Quick Lift & Face Thread Lift Procedures in Korea
Table of contents
- Medical Procedures for Facial Rejuvenation
- Best Clinics in Korea for Sagging Nasolabial Area
- The Patient Journey in South Korea: A Medical Tourism Perspective
- Cost Analysis and Global Comparison for Medical Tourists
- Patient Experiences and Addressing Nasolabial Fold Concerns
- Conclusion
- References
The deepening of facial creases, especially those running from the nose to the mouth, is a common concern as we age. These lines, often called "lax skin deepening smile folds," are a natural part of facial anatomy, but their increased visibility can be bothersome.
What are Nasolabial Folds? Common Pseudonyms
Nasolabial folds are the natural lines that run from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. While everyone has them, they tend to become more noticeable with age. You might know them as "smile lines" or "laugh lines," since they stand out more when you smile or laugh. Medically, they're also called the "nasolabial sulcus" or "melolabial fold." Knowing these different names can help you find the right information or treatment, no matter what terminology you encounter.
Key Factors Contributing to Deepening Smile Lines
Several factors contribute to the deepening of nasolabial folds. The main culprit is aging, which leads to a decrease in collagen and elastin—proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. As these proteins diminish, skin becomes looser and starts to sag. Fat pads in the cheeks can also flatten and move downward, making the folds more pronounced. Changes in bone structure and weight fluctuations can further accentuate these lines.
Repeated facial expressions, like smiling and laughing, create creases that eventually become permanent as skin loses its ability to bounce back. Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and smoking, speed up the breakdown of collagen and elastin, making wrinkles worse. Lifestyle habits like dehydration, harsh skincare routines, poor posture, and even chewing on one side of the mouth can also play a role.
Genetics matter too. For example, people of East Asian descent may have facial structures that make them more prone to sagging around the mouth. This is especially relevant in places like South Korea, where clinics may offer specialized treatments for these features.
It's also important to distinguish nasolabial folds from marionette lines (melomental folds), which run from the mouth corners to the chin. While both are signs of aging, they are different features and may require different treatments. Understanding all these factors helps in choosing the right prevention and management strategies, combining medical treatments with lifestyle changes.
Medical Procedures for Facial Rejuvenation
If you're looking to address sagging nasolabial folds and other signs of facial aging, two popular minimally invasive options are the Quick Lift and the Face Thread Lift. Each has its own set of benefits and methods.
The Quick Lift Procedure
The Quick Lift, sometimes called a Mini Facelift, is a modern surgical technique designed to refresh the mid-to-lower face, including the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Its goal is to give you a more youthful look without the long recovery time of a traditional facelift. By lifting and tightening the cheeks and jowls, the Quick Lift helps reduce the appearance of sagging nasolabial folds.
How the Quick Lift Works
This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia with sedation. The surgeon makes small, well-hidden incisions near the hairline or around the ears. Through these incisions, the underlying muscles and tissues (the SMAS layer) are lifted and repositioned. Excess skin is trimmed, and sometimes extra fat is removed from the jawline or chin. The incisions are closed with special stitches and often tissue glue, which helps speed up healing and minimize scarring.
Results and Benefits for Nasolabial Folds
The Quick Lift smooths out nasolabial folds by lifting sagging tissues. It also improves jawline definition, enhances cheekbones, and tightens skin on the cheeks and neck. The results look natural, avoiding the "overdone" look. Most people enjoy results that last 3 to 7 years, though aging continues.
Quick Lift vs. Traditional Facelifts
Compared to a traditional facelift, the Quick Lift is less invasive, uses smaller incisions, and has a much faster recovery—usually about a week. There's less bruising and swelling, and it's generally safer since it can be done with local anesthesia. However, while it helps with nasolabial folds, its effect on very deep folds may be limited. For those with pronounced folds, combining the Quick Lift with fillers or fat grafting may be necessary.
Who is a Good Candidate?
The Quick Lift is ideal for people aged 40 to 65 with mild to moderate facial sagging, but it can also benefit younger people after weight loss or healthy older adults. Candidates should be in good health and have realistic expectations.
The Face Thread Lift Procedure
The Face Thread Lift is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that uses dissolvable threads to lift and tighten sagging facial skin. It's especially effective for sagging cheeks, jowls, and loose neck skin, and it can directly reduce nasolabial fold depth.
How Thread Lifts Work
Thread lifts work in two ways. First, the threads physically lift and reposition sagging skin, giving an immediate improvement. Second, as the threads dissolve over several months, they stimulate your body to produce new collagen and elastin, which keeps skin firmer and smoother over time.
Types of Threads
Different thread materials are used for different needs:
- PDO (Polydioxanone) Threads: The most common, dissolve in about 6 months but stimulate collagen for up to 16 months.
- Mono Threads: Smooth threads for tightening and improving skin texture.
- Cog Threads: Barbed threads for stronger lifting, used for cheeks and jawline.
- Screw/Tornado Threads: Twisted threads for adding volume, ideal for hollow cheeks.
- PLLA (Poly-L-lactic Acid) Threads: Last longer and stimulate more collagen, with results up to two years.
- PCL (Polycaprolactone) Threads: Dissolve slowly and provide long-lasting lift, with results lasting two years or more.
- PLACL (Poly Lactic-co-caprolactone) Threads: Combine properties of PLA and PCL, lasting about 24 months.
The Thread Lift Process
After a detailed consultation, the treatment area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia. Threads are inserted under the skin using fine needles or cannulas—no surgical cuts needed. The threads are then gently pulled to lift the skin. The whole process takes 20 to 60 minutes.
Results and Benefits for Nasolabial Folds
Patients see an immediate lift and a reduction in nasolabial fold depth. Over the next few months, collagen production further improves skin firmness and texture. The results are subtle and natural-looking, with minimal downtime—most people return to normal activities within a day or two.
How Long Do Results Last?
The threads dissolve in 6 to 18 months, depending on the type, but the collagen boost can keep skin firmer for up to two years. Over time, the lifting effect fades as the threads dissolve.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Thread lifts are best for people with mild to moderate skin laxity, typically between ages 20 and 50, who want a non-surgical option with quick recovery.
Quick Lift vs. Face Thread Lift: Key Characteristics
| Feature | Quick Lift (Mini Facelift) | Face Thread Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Minimally invasive surgical | Non-surgical, minimally invasive |
| Invasiveness | Small incisions (ears/hairline) | Fine needles/cannulas; no cuts |
| Primary Mechanism | Lifts SMAS layer and muscles; removes excess skin | Mechanical lift; collagen and elastin stimulation |
| Longevity | 3-7 years | PDO: 6-18 months; PLLA: up to 2 years; PCL/PLACL: 2+ years |
| Recovery Time | About 1 week | 24-48 hours, full recovery in 2-4 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local with sedation | Local anesthesia |
| Target Area | Mid-to-lower face, cheeks, jawline, neck | Mid-to-lower face, jowls, cheeks, neck, forehead, brows, eyes |
| Impact on Nasolabial Folds | Modest reduction; often combined with fillers | Direct reduction; improves skin texture |
| Ideal Age | 40-65 (can vary) | 20-50, mild to moderate laxity |
| Complications | Infection, hematoma, nerve damage, scars, swelling, bruising | Swelling, pain, dimpling, visible threads, infection, bruising |
Best Clinics in Korea for Sagging Nasolabial Area
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for sagging nasolabial area:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| PangPang Clinic | Focuses exclusively on thread lifting; world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute; medical team regularly invited to international beauty conferences; decade of focused research and clinical practice; develops high-satisfaction, advanced thread lifting techniques grounded in robust data and rigorous material standards; dedicated Revision Center; personalized, natural-looking rejuvenation | Tailored plans using 31 specialized, functional threads for lifting, support, tightening, and volume restoration; ultrasonic visualization; precise pre-operative design; customizable anesthesia options; repositioning midface tissues to soften deep nasolabial folds and stimulate collagen; integration of PIM Injection, fillers, or Botox when appropriate |
| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery | Refined, lasting improvement of a sagging nasolabial area; elite facial expertise; research-driven practice; comprehensive care pathway; led by board-certified Dr. Kim Taek Kyun (global society member, award-winning 3D implant researcher, renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring) and Dr. Jeong Jae Yong (President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, internationally recognized educator); philosophy of harmonious facial proportions and natural-looking enhancement; four-floor facility integrating consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare; prolific academic output and global symposium participation; team of seasoned professionals (including board-certified Dr. Lee); steadfast commitment to safety and patient satisfaction; delivers precision, artistry, and reliability that make it the best choice for rejuvenating the nasolabial area | Full suite of solutions enabling highly personalized plans: facelift, thread lift, face fat grafting, fillers, Botox, and skin-lifting therapies; blends function and beauty to restore youthful balance around the nose, cheeks, and mouth |
| Made Young Plastic Surgery | Premium clinic specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures with a focus on correcting a sagging nasolabial area; verified medical team averaging over 15 years of experience with direct consultations and diagnoses; safety prioritized with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, cooperative cross-check system, full procedure CCTV; systematic care in a dedicated aftercare center; recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place; Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons; certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society | Thorough assessment of facial laxity patterns and causes; precise dissection beneath the SMAS to release stretched supporting tissues; lifting skin, fat, and SMAS together for comprehensive tightening; securing lifted layers in a vertical vector opposite sagging; designed to soften deep nasolabial folds, avoid unnatural cheekbone accentuation, and provide natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation |
PangPang Clinic
PangPang Clinic in Seoul’s Gangnam district is a medical institution serious about thread lifting—so much so that it focuses exclusively on this field. The clinic established the world’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute and its medical team is regularly invited to present at international beauty conferences, reflecting its leadership in global innovation. Backed by a decade of focused research and clinical practice, PangPang continually develops high-satisfaction, advanced thread lifting techniques grounded in robust data and rigorous material standards.
For sagging nasolabial areas, PangPang’s Thread Lifting Consultation Center designs truly tailored plans using 31 specialized, functional threads to address lifting, support, tightening, and volume restoration where needed. With ultrasonic visualization, precise pre-operative design, and customizable anesthesia options, treatments aim to reposition midface tissues, soften deep nasolabial folds, and stimulate collagen for sustained firmness. When appropriate, the team can integrate complementary options such as PIM Injection, fillers, or Botox, and its dedicated Revision Center helps correct unsatisfactory prior thread lifts—delivering personalized, natural-looking rejuvenation.
You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website
THEPLUS Plastic Surgery
For patients seeking the most refined, lasting improvement of a sagging nasolabial area in Korea, THEPLUS Plastic Surgery stands out for its elite facial expertise, research-driven practice, and comprehensive care pathway. Led by board-certified Dr. Kim Taek Kyun—a global society member and award-winning 3D implant researcher, renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring—and Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons and an internationally recognized educator, the clinic blends function and beauty to restore youthful balance around the nose, cheeks, and mouth. Their philosophy centers on harmonious facial proportions and natural-looking enhancement, supported by a full suite of solutions—from facelift, thread lift, and face fat grafting to fillers, Botox, and skin-lifting therapies—allowing highly personalized plans for both subtle and more advanced correction of deep folds and midface descent. Nestled in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, the four-floor facility integrates consultation, surgery, and post-operative skincare for seamless, safe care, while the surgeons’ prolific academic output and global symposium participation ensure techniques remain at the cutting edge. With a team of seasoned professionals (including board-certified Dr. Lee, whose top-hospital pedigree reflects the clinic’s rigorous standards) and a steadfast commitment to safety and patient satisfaction, THEPLUS Plastic Surgery delivers the precision, artistry, and reliability that make it the best choice for rejuvenating the nasolabial area.
You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website
Made Young Plastic Surgery
Made Young Plastic Surgery in Seoul’s Gangnam district is a premium clinic specializing in facial and anti-aging procedures, with a particular focus on correcting a sagging nasolabial area. After a thorough assessment of the patterns and causes of facial laxity, the team performs precise dissection beneath the SMAS to release stretched supporting tissues, then lifts the skin, fat, and SMAS together for comprehensive tightening. By securing the lifted layers in a vertical vector opposite the direction of sagging, the technique is designed to soften deep nasolabial folds, avoid unnatural cheekbone accentuation, and provide natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation.
Care at MadeYoung is delivered by a verified medical team of highly skilled doctors averaging over 15 years of experience, who provide direct consultations and diagnoses. Safety is prioritized with full-time board-certified anesthesiologists, 1:1 dedicated monitoring, a cooperative cross-check system, and full procedure CCTV, followed by systematic care in a dedicated aftercare center. The clinic’s quality is recognized with the 2022 Korea No.1 Award and 2022 Korea Customer Satisfaction 1st Place, along with selection as an Outstanding Member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and certification by the Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery Society.
You can check out their website here: Made Young Plastic Surgery Website
The Patient Journey in South Korea: A Medical Tourism Perspective
South Korea is a top destination for aesthetic procedures, attracting patients from around the world. The process for both Quick Lift and Face Thread Lift is carefully planned, with advanced care and support for international visitors.
Getting a Quick Lift in South Korea
The journey starts with a thorough consultation to assess your skin and discuss your goals. You'll fill out a medical history form and undergo health checks like EKG, blood tests, urine tests, and a chest X-ray. Patients must stop blood thinners, alcohol, and smoking at least six weeks before surgery. On the day of surgery, the surgeon marks your face, and you're given local anesthesia with sedation. The procedure takes 1-2 hours, and incisions are made near the hairline or ears. After surgery, swelling and bruising are minimal, and most people return to work within a week. Following post-op instructions is key for the best results.
Getting a Face Thread Lift in South Korea
For a Face Thread Lift, you'll have at least two consultations to map out treatment areas and discuss your goals. Pre-procedure restrictions include fasting, stopping blood thinners, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. On the day, your face is marked, cleaned, and numbed. Threads are inserted through tiny punctures, and the procedure takes about 20-30 minutes. Recovery is quick—most people resume normal activities the next day. Mild swelling and soreness are common, but discomfort fades within two to four weeks. Following aftercare instructions ensures the best outcome.
Cost Analysis and Global Comparison for Medical Tourists
South Korea is known for advanced technology, skilled practitioners, and competitive prices for cosmetic procedures.
Costs of Quick Lift and Face Thread Lift in South Korea
- Quick Lift: $2,000 to $6,000 USD, with some clinics starting at $3,500.
- Face Thread Lift: $700 to $4,000 USD, depending on the number and type of threads. Basic PDO thread lifts cost $500–$1,500, while premium options with PCL or PLLA threads range from $1,500–$3,500. Full-face thread lifts can cost $2,500–$5,000.
Prices vary based on the surgeon's expertise, clinic location, techniques used, procedure complexity, and whether the package includes extras like consultations, anesthesia, and aftercare.
South Korea vs. Other Countries: A Cost Comparison
Patients from the USA or UK can save 40% to 75% by having procedures in South Korea.
| Procedure | South Korea (USD) | USA (USD) | UK (USD) | Turkey (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Lift (Mini Facelift) | $2,000 - $6,000 | From $3,900 | Not specified | From $4,500 |
| Face Thread Lift | $500 - $5,000 | $2,250 - $4,400 | $2,054 - $6,161 | From $1,800 |
| Notes | 40-75% savings; often all-inclusive | Higher costs; itemized billing | Higher costs; often excludes aftercare | 60-70% lower than Western |
South Korea's affordability is due to a high density of clinics, intense competition, and lower operating costs. The country is also known for pioneering new techniques and using the latest technology, offering excellent value for medical tourists.
Patient Experiences and Addressing Nasolabial Fold Concerns
Both Quick Lift and Face Thread Lift have unique benefits for those worried about sagging nasolabial folds.
How Quick Lift Helps with Sagging Nasolabial Folds
The Quick Lift lifts and tightens the mid-to-lower face, reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds and giving a refreshed, natural look. It also enhances cheekbones and jawline definition. While it can modestly reduce deep folds, combining it with fillers or fat grafting may be needed for the best results.
How Face Thread Lift Helps with Sagging Nasolabial Folds
Face Thread Lifts provide an immediate lift and gradually improve skin quality as collagen builds up. The results are subtle and natural, with minimal downtime. While the effects are temporary (lasting 6 months to 2 years), many patients feel rejuvenated and more confident. For severe sagging, surgical options may offer more dramatic results.
Conclusion
Sagging nasolabial folds, or smile lines, are a natural part of aging, influenced by collagen loss, fat shifts, and lifestyle factors. Both Quick Lift and Face Thread Lift offer effective, minimally invasive solutions—Quick Lift provides longer-lasting surgical results, while Face Thread Lift offers a customizable, non-surgical option with quick recovery. South Korea stands out for its advanced care, competitive pricing, and expertise, making it a top choice for medical tourists seeking facial rejuvenation.
