Medical Tourism Blog

ailment

Sagging Neck Skin Solutions: Double Chin Tightening & Neck Thread Lift Procedures in Korea

Sagging Neck Skin Solutions: Double Chin Tightening & Neck Thread Lift Procedures in Korea
Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

Table of contents

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!


Sagging neck skin is a common cosmetic issue marked by loose, wrinkled skin beneath the chin and along the neck. This leads to a less defined jawline and an older appearance, with obvious signs like crepey skin, deep horizontal wrinkles, and noticeable vertical bands. Over time, the condition can evolve to significant sagging with the neck appearing folded or crumpled. Changes in fat under the chin also impact the jawline, disrupting the natural transition between the face and neck.

People use various terms for sagging neck skin:

  • Turkey Neck: Describes the wattle-like, drooping look of the skin, similar to a turkey’s neck.
  • Platysma Bands / Neck Bands: These vertical bands occur as skin loses elasticity and the platysma muscle weakens, causing visible neck cords and are referred to medically as Platysma Prominence (PP).
  • Double Chin: While it often means excess fat under the chin, it can also occur from skin laxity in the neck area.

Underlying Causes and Stages of Progression

Several key factors lead to sagging neck skin:

  • Aging and Collagen/Elastin Depletion: Natural aging reduces collagen and elastin, causing skin laxity. The platysma muscle also weakens, contributing to the sagging.
  • Weight Fluctuations: Weight loss can leave extra loose skin, while weight gain adds fat under the chin, both contributing to the issue.
  • Sun Damage (UV Exposure): UV rays harm collagen and elastin, causing thinner, saggy neck skin and pigmentation problems.
  • Genetics and Hereditary Factors: Genetics influence how skin ages and where fat changes happen in the neck and face.
  • Repeated Facial Expressions and Posture: “Tech neck” from looking down at devices can form extra folds and lines in the neck.

Sagging neck skin develops gradually:

  • Stage 1: Early subtle changes—fine lines and slight drooping.
  • Stage 2: More prominent platysma bands and noticeable sagging of the skin and fat.
  • Stage 3: Significant fat gain or loss leads to a blurred jawline and multiple layers of loose neck skin.

Causes are often interrelated, so a comprehensive approach works best—combining lifestyle changes and aesthetic treatments. Early intervention opens up more, less-invasive options and may lower the eventual complexity and cost of treatment.

Detailed Medical Procedures for Neck Tightening

Treating sagging neck skin includes options ranging from surgery to minimally invasive methods. The right approach depends on the degree of laxity, presence of fat, muscle bands, and patient goals.

Double Chin Tightening Procedures

Double Chin Tightening

These primarily focus on the submental area, aiming to sharpen the jawline and smooth the neck.

Submental Liposuction

Submental liposuction, or facial liposuction, is a surgical method for removing localized fat below the chin and along the neck.

  • Procedure: Tiny incisions are made under the chin or behind the ear; a cannula suctions out excess fat. Tumescent solution minimizes bleeding and bruising.
  • Anesthesia: Usually local or light sedation.
  • Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Recovery: Minor swelling, bruising, and soreness; compression wrap for 5–14 days. Full results emerge in weeks or a couple of months.
  • Candidates: Suited for those with stubborn chin fat and good skin elasticity—not for those with much skin sagging.
  • Longevity: Long-lasting if stable weight is maintained.

Neck Lift (Lower Rhytidectomy)

A neck lift removes extra skin and tightens muscles for a more youthful neck.

  • Types:
    • Cervicoplasty: Removes excess skin; incisions behind ears or under chin.
    • Platysmaplasty: Tightens the platysma muscle, correcting vertical bands; “corset platysmaplasty” brings the muscle together for a strong contour.
  • Surgical Approach: Incisions near the hairline and under the chin, hidden in natural creases.
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia is most common.
  • Time: 45 minutes to several hours.
  • Recovery: Bruising and swelling subside in 10–14 days; full recovery around 6 weeks.
  • Risks: Includes hematoma, infection, scarring, nerve injury, skin loss, poor healing, and anesthesia complications.

Brief Overview of Non-Surgical Alternatives

For milder cases or less invasive preferences, options include:

  • Deoxycholic Acid Injections (e.g., Kybella®): Injections melt under-chin fat, typically over 2–6 sessions. Significant swelling post-treatment is common.
  • Botox and Dermal Fillers: Improve contours and minimize mild jowling and neck bands but are inadequate for major sagging.
  • Laser Skin Tightening (e.g., SkinTyte, Ultherapy): Use light or ultrasound to dissolve fat and promote collagen, effective for mild to moderate laxity.
  • Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production to improve neck and lower face with minimal downtime.

Surgical methods offer dramatic, lasting results but come with greater risks and recovery. Non-surgical techniques are less risky and require less downtime but tend to be less transformative and often need repeating. A careful consultation is vital to set expectations.

Many procedures—surgical and non-surgical—work by stimulating collagen production, which means some improvements develop gradually as new collagen forms.

Neck Thread Lift

A neck thread lift uses dissolvable PDO threads under the skin to create lift and stimulate collagen.

  • Mechanism: Immediate mechanical lift plus longer-term collagen production.
  • Types of Threads:
    • Mono Threads: Smooth, for skin tightening.
    • Cog Threads: Barbed, for more pronounced lifting.
    • Screw Threads: Twisted for volume and lift.
  • Procedure:
    • Consultation, marking of insertion points.
    • Local anesthesia applied.
    • Threads inserted via fine needle or cannula, then trimmed.
  • Results and Recovery:
    • Some immediate lift; more improvement after 6+ weeks as collagen forms.
    • Minor swelling or bruising; likely back to normal within three days.
    • Lasts 1–3 years; repeat treatments may be needed.
  • Risks: Infection, thread migration or extrusion, asymmetry, allergic reactions, and possible visible threads.

Best Clinics in Korea for Sagging Neck Skin

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for sagging neck skin:

Clinic NameKey FeaturesSpecial Techniques
THEPLUS Plastic SurgeryGarosu-gil, Gangnam; four purpose-built floors guiding patients from consultation to surgery and post‑operative skincare; surgeons active in research, publishing, and international presentations; engagement with leading societies (e.g., American Society of Plastic Surgeons); emphasis on safety, transparent communication, and up-to-date techniques; led by Dr. Jeong Jae Yong (President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons) and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun (board‑certified, award‑winning 3D implant researcher renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring); regular educational sessions; philosophy harmonizing function, beauty, and balanced facial aesthetics; individualized rejuvenation strategies with a team boasting over a decade of experienceSurgical face lift procedures; minimally invasive thread lifts; face fat grafting; fillers; Botox; Duo Skin Lifting; oxygen‑based skincare
PangPang ClinicGangnam dermatology and skin care plastic surgery clinic specializing exclusively in thread lifting for the past decade; refined, non-surgical rejuvenation for stubborn sagging neck skin; immediate lift plus long-term collagen stimulation; highest‑standard materials; careful doctor-led consultation; natural, youthfully defined contours with minimal downtime for local and international patients; World’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute; 31 specialized, functional threads; ultrasonic visual check and meticulous pre‑operative design; unlimited thread customization; Thread Lifting Consultation Center; efficient 30–60 minute procedures with partial, Airnox, or sleep anesthesia; results about 1 year or more; aftercare package; internationally recognized medical team; ongoing R&D; Thread Lifting Revision Center; comprehensive skin enhancement (advanced laser and scar care); trusted materials, seasoned physicians, patient-first experience, assistance for expats and travelersThread lifting with 31 specialized threads (lifting, assist, tightening, volume); ultrasonic visual check and vector mapping for neck bands, jowls, and submental laxity; Minute Lifting; PIM Injection (Pointed Injection Method); revision of prior thread lifts; adjunct options such as fillers, Botox, and lasers
Haru ClinicGangnam clinic for non-invasive facial and neck rejuvenation under Dr. Jeong (official research physician at Merz and educator of advanced filler techniques); transparent communication, customized service, and uncompromising safety; harmony- and balance-focused planning for natural, refreshed results; state-of-the-art lifting solutions overcoming traditional limitations with transformative outcomes comparable to invasive surgery; minimal downtime; attentive, personalized care from consultation through post-procedure; patient-first experience and proven innovation in liftingThread Lift; Double Chin Lift; Collagen Tightening; Fillers; Botox; V Line Injection; Point V Chin Correction; All In One Lift

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

Situated in Garosu-gil, Gangnam, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery spans four purpose-built floors that guide patients from consultation through surgery and post‑operative skincare. Its surgeons unite clinical practice with active research, publishing in journals and books and presenting at international symposia, while engaging in leading societies such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons—an ethos that places safety, transparent communication, and up-to-date techniques at the center of care. The clinic is led by directors Dr. Jeong Jae Yong, President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, a board‑certified surgeon and award‑winning 3D implant researcher renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring; both run regular educational sessions for peers and champion a philosophy that harmonizes function, beauty, and balanced facial aesthetics.

For concerns like sagging neck skin, this face-focused expertise translates into individualized rejuvenation strategies that respect natural proportions. Depending on anatomy and goals, options may include surgical face lift procedures, minimally invasive thread lifts, face fat grafting, and dermatologic treatments such as fillers, Botox, Duo Skin Lifting, and oxygen-based skincare—coordinated by a team with over a decade of experience to refine the jawline‑neck transition while preserving authentic facial character.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

PangPang Clinic

PangPang Clinic in Seoul’s Gangnam district is a dermatology and skin care plastic surgery clinic that has spent the past decade specializing exclusively in thread lifting to deliver refined, non-surgical rejuvenation—especially for stubborn sagging neck skin. By pairing immediate lifting with long-term collagen stimulation, using only the highest-standard materials, and tailoring every plan through careful doctor-led consultation, PangPang provides natural, youthfully defined neck and jawline contours with minimal downtime for both local and international patients.

  • Exclusive thread lifting focus: a medical institution dedicated solely to thread lifting, ensuring unmatched depth of expertise for neck laxity
  • World’s first and only Thread Lifting Research Institute, leading global innovation in technique, safety, and outcomes
  • 31 specialized, functional threads allow truly personalized plans for the neck and jawline, including lifting, assist, tightening, and volume threads
  • Ultrasonic visual check and meticulous pre-operative design to map vectors for neck bands, jowls, and submental laxity
  • Unlimited thread customization and a Thread Lifting Consultation Center that listens closely and tailors each treatment
  • Clinically proven approach: immediate lift plus collagen remodeling for longer-term firmness and skin elasticity
  • Efficient procedures with minimal pain and downtime: typical neck-inclusive thread lifting takes about 30–60 minutes, with partial, Airnox, or sleep anesthesia options; results last about 1 year or more
  • Aftercare package designed to enhance and prolong lifting effects in the delicate neck area
  • Internationally recognized medical team delivering invited lectures and presentations at global beauty conferences
  • Ongoing R&D to develop advanced, high-satisfaction neck lifting protocols informed by research and real-world clinical data
  • Minute Lifting for swift, natural-looking touch-ups (often 30 minutes, immediate effect, minimal swelling) when a quick neck and jawline refresh is desired
  • PIM Injection (Pointed Injection Method) to refine fine lines and improve elasticity, complementing thread lifts for horizontal neck lines and crepey skin
  • Thread Lifting Revision Center for correcting unsatisfactory prior thread lifts, with comprehensive adjunct options such as fillers, Botox, and lasers
  • Comprehensive skin enhancement offerings, including advanced laser and scar care, to optimize overall neck and lower-face skin quality
  • Trusted materials, seasoned physicians, and a patient-first experience in the heart of Gangnam, with seamless assistance for expats and travelers

You can check out their website here: PangPang Clinic Website

Double Chin Thread Lift: Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin, Naturally! 👋  If you're bothered by the appearance of a double chin, you're not alone. Many people struggle with this common problem. But the good news is that there's a safe and effective way to get rid of it without surgery: a double chin thread lift.  A double chin thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small, dissolvable threads to lift and tighten the skin under your chin. The threads are inserted under the skin through tiny incisions, and then pulled tight to create a lifting effect. The procedure is typically performed in just 30-60 minutes, and most patients experience minimal downtime.

Haru Clinic

Haru Clinic, located in the vibrant district of Gangnam, Seoul, is a leading destination for non-invasive facial and neck rejuvenation under the guidance of Dr. Jeong—an official research physician at Merz, the renowned company behind Belotero Filler, and an educator of fellow doctors in the latest filler techniques. With a philosophy rooted in transparent communication, customized service, and uncompromising safety, Haru designs each patient’s face to achieve harmony and balance, delivering natural, refreshed results. The clinic’s state-of-the-art lifting solutions overcome traditional limitations, offering transformative outcomes comparable to invasive surgery with minimal downtime, and ensuring attentive, personalized care from consultation through post-procedure follow-up.

Why Haru Clinic is the best choice in Korea for sagging neck skin:

  • Expert leadership you can trust: Dr. Jeong’s Merz research credentials and role teaching advanced filler techniques ensure evidence-based, cutting-edge care for delicate neck anatomy.
  • Natural, harmony-first planning: Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s features to restore a youthful neck-jawline transition without an overdone look.
  • Transformative results without surgery: Haru’s comprehensive, non-invasive protocols deliver long-lasting tightening and lift with minimal downtime.
  • Advanced neck-focused options:
    • Thread Lift to elevate lax skin and redefine the jawline and neck contour.
    • Double Chin Lift to reduce submental fullness and sharpen the cervicomental angle.
    • Collagen Tightening to boost elasticity and firmness for smoother, tighter skin.
    • Fillers to restore strategic support along the jawline and chin for improved lift and contour.
    • Botox to relax muscle-related lines and soften visible aging in adjacent areas.
  • Comprehensive facial harmony: V Line Injection and Point V Chin Correction can be combined with neck treatments to enhance jawline definition for a seamless, youthful profile; the All In One Lift coordinates multiple modalities for balanced results.
  • Patient-first experience: Transparent communication, individualized roadmaps, and meticulous post-procedure care prioritize safety, satisfaction, and predictable outcomes.
  • Proven innovation in lifting: Haru’s state-of-the-art techniques address limitations of traditional approaches, making it a preferred choice for those seeking neck rejuvenation in Gangnam and beyond.

You can check out their website here: Haru Clinic Website

Shape your silhouette with our Double Chin Lift procedure. Expertly designed to sculpt and define, this treatment offers a non-invasive solution to refine your profile. Witness the transformation and embrace a new angle of beauty with Haru Clinic.

The Medical Tourism Journey for Neck Procedures in South Korea

South Korea is a top choice for cosmetic surgery due to its advanced technology, highly specialized surgeons, and well-developed support systems for foreign patients.

Why South Korea?

  • Innovation: Early adoption of new techniques and tech like 3D CT scans.
  • Expertise: Surgeons specialize and perform high volumes, gaining exceptional skill.
  • Value: Key procedures often cost 40–75% less than in the US or Europe—without compromising on standards.
  • Full-Service Agencies: Agencies coordinate everything from visas and flights to translation services and recovery care.
  • Cultural Competence: Surgeons have extensive experience operating on patients from diverse backgrounds.

This creates a “medical tourism ecosystem” that handles logistics, making the process much easier.

Step-by-Step Patient Journey

  • Arrival and Consultation: After arrival and settling, patients attend in-person consults and undergo preoperative tests.
  • Surgery Day: Surgery is performed with the needed incisions and muscle tightening. Some may have an overnight clinic stay.
  • Early Recovery: Patients rest, take medication, wear a compression garment, and return to the clinic for follow-ups and stitch removal.
  • Departure: Before leaving, a final check-up confirms it’s safe to travel, and home care instructions are given.
  • Required Documents: Includes ID, visa confirmation, insurance, medical opinions, and proof of accommodation.

Choosing a Qualified Clinic and Surgeon

  • Clinic Accreditation: Certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare with rigorous patient safety standards.
  • Board Certification: Surgeons should be board-certified by organizations like KSPRS or KAPS.
  • Anesthesiologist: Presence of a full-time anesthesiologist enhances safety.
  • Specialization: Look for extensive experience with the chosen procedure.
  • Facilities: Advanced technology, sterile environments, and emergency readiness.
  • Communication: Surgeons should listen and explain clearly—translation support is available.
  • Testimonials and Agency Support: Patient photos and recommendations help, as do agency services for clinic and surgeon selection.

These practices help ensure both safety and satisfaction, debunking the myth that lower costs mean lower quality.

Costs and Value Proposition for Medical Tourists

South Korea’s appeal is increased by its affordability combined with exceptional quality.

Cost of Double Chin Tightening (Neck Lift/Liposuction)

  • Neck Lift: Ranges from about $1,820 to $6,820 USD.
  • Submental Liposuction: Typically less costly than a full neck lift.
  • Deposit: A 10% deposit is often required to secure a procedure.

Cost of Neck Thread Lift in South Korea

A neck thread lift is roughly $1,800 USD at clinics like DM Dermatology in Seoul, while global averages are often higher.

Comparative Cost Analysis

Table 1: Estimated Costs of Neck Lift Procedures by Country

CountryAverage Neck Lift Cost (USD)
South Korea$1,820 - $6,820
USA$3,500 - $10,650
Turkey$1,500 - $3,500
Mexico$2,500 - $5,000
Thailand$2,000 - $4,500
Germany$10,000 - $15,000
United Kingdom$9,000 - $14,000
France$8,500 - $13,000
Italy$8,000 - $13,500
Spain$7,500 - $12,000

Table 2: Estimated Costs of Neck Thread Lift Procedures by Country

CountryAverage Thread Lift Cost (USD)
South Korea$1,800
USA$3,500 - $6,000
Turkey$750 - $1,200
Mexico$450 - $2,200
Thailand$1,800
India$1,000
UK$2,800

What's Included in Packages

Packages typically cover:

  • Pre-operative consults, tests, surgery, anesthesia, medication, and follow-ups
  • Flights, accommodation, airport transfers, in-country transport, and translation
  • Higher-tier packages may include guided tours, private nursing, recovery therapies, comfort kits, and meal plans

Overall Value

South Korea offers high-quality procedures at a value that includes significant cost savings, advanced technology, and a streamlined experience. Though sometimes pricier than Turkey or Mexico, South Korea’s comprehensive packages, medical specialization, and robust infrastructure make financial planning simpler and the experience less stressful for visitors.

Patient Experiences and Outcomes

Patient satisfaction data is high for both surgical and non-surgical neck procedures, though expectations and results vary.

Double Chin Tightening (Neck Lift/Liposuction)

Double Chin Tightening

  • Satisfaction: About 91% of patients rate these procedures as “Worth It,” with long-lasting, natural results and improved neck contour.
  • Concerns Addressed: Tackles issues like jowling, severe skin laxity, and “turkey neck.”
  • Recovery: Initial discomfort resolves; scars often heal well and are hidden.
  • Longevity: Results can last 10 years or more.

Neck Thread Lift

  • Experience: 75% “Worth It” rating; immediate lift is typical, but main improvement shows over weeks as collagen builds.
  • Advantages: Minimal downtime, subtle and natural-looking enhancements, improved jawline, and boosted confidence.
  • Drawbacks: Temporary—lasting 1–3 years. Maintenance is required for lasting effect.
  • Suitability: Best for mild-to-moderate sagging, not severe laxity.

Testimonials and Before/After Insights

Patients praise the rejuvenating, natural look of surgical neck lifts. For thread lifts, many like the refreshed appearance and quick recovery, though expectations for dramatic results sometimes lead to disappointment, especially before collagen stimulation kicks in.

Risks, Complications, and Considerations

  • Surgical Risks: Hematoma, infection, scarring, nerve injury, skin loss, poor healing, and anesthesia reactions.
  • Thread Lift Risks: Infection, thread migration, asymmetry, visible threads, allergic reactions, and pain; results are always temporary.
  • Practitioner Skill: Technique and experience are critical for good outcomes.
  • Preparation: Quit smoking and stop certain medications before procedures; follow all aftercare guidelines.

Patients should keep in mind that final results may take weeks or months. Setting realistic expectations and working with experienced, certified surgeons are essential for satisfaction.

Conclusion

Addressing sagging neck skin—from surgical neck lifts and submental liposuction to neck thread lifts—requires understanding the condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes. South Korea stands out as a leading destination by blending advanced expertise, affordability, and comprehensive medical tourism support. Patient satisfaction rates are high when the choice of procedure matches individual needs and expectations, reinforcing the importance of thorough research, qualified practitioners, and clear communication about recovery and results.

References

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Blogs

    Are you a clinic?

    Join our trusted platform to effortlessly to enhance your online visibility among those seeking top-quality medical care in Korea from abroad.