As facial aging becomes more complex with sagging, volume loss, and changes in skin elasticity, a single treatment is not always enough to deliver a fully rejuvenated look. In Korea, surgeons increasingly combine facelift surgery with thread lifting to refine contour, extend surgical results, and enhance areas a facelift alone cannot reach.

This powerful combination blends the long-lasting structural lift of surgery with the precision and subtle tightening of threads — creating some of the most natural, balanced anti-aging outcomes available today.

Why Combine a Facelift With a Thread Lift?

A facelift addresses deeper tissues and reshapes structural sagging, but it doesn’t refine every area of the face equally. Thread lifts help smooth and enhance the areas that benefit from lighter lifting or added support.

Korean surgeons use this combination for three main reasons:

⭐ 1. Threads Complement Areas the Facelift Doesn’t Fully Lift

A facelift strongly lifts the lower face, SMAS layer, jowls, and jawline, but:

• the midface,
• nasolabial fold area,
• subtle lateral cheek, and
• eyebrow/temple region

may still benefit from gentle thread support.

⭐ 2. Threads Help Maintain Surgical Results

PDO/PLLA/PCL threads stimulate collagen and provide long-term tightening.
This slows future sagging and prolongs the facelift’s results.

⭐ 3. Allows Customization Without Overly Aggressive Surgery

Instead of increasing the invasiveness of a facelift, threads add refinement where needed — keeping the outcome natural and balanced.

What a Facelift Corrects (and What It Doesn’t)

Facelift Corrects:

• Jowls
• Sagging jawline
• Deep lower-face laxity
• Neck skin (if combined with neck lift)
• Drooping SMAS layer

A Facelift Does NOT Correct:

• Fine wrinkles
• Mild midface sagging (in some cases)
• Brow or temple droop
• Skin texture
• Small asymmetries

Threads complement these areas beautifully.

How Korean Surgeons Combine Facelift + Thread Lift

1. Perform the Facelift First

The deeper tissues (SMAS or deep-plane) are lifted and repositioned.

2. Add Threads Where the Surgical Lift Is Too Strong or Too Weak

Threads commonly reinforce:

• Nasolabial fold area
• Cheek vectors
• Marionette line region
• Lateral temple lifting
• Mild eyebrow elevation

3. Use Threads to Maintain Tension

Korean surgeons use thread lifts to act like internal “support beams” as the face heals, helping tissues settle smoothly.

4. Use Biostimulatory Threads for Long-Term Tightening

Threads such as PLLA or PCL encourage collagen formation, providing continued tightening months after surgery.

When Combination Makes the Most Sense

1. You Want the Best of Both Worlds

A facelift lifts the deeper structure; threads finesse the fine details.

2. You’re Not a Candidate for a Larger Lift

Some patients need subtle improvements in areas a facelift doesn't fully address, like:

• Upper cheek area
• Lower midface
• Brow lifting

Threads achieve lift here without additional incisions.

3. You Want to Extend the Lifespan of Your Facelift

Thread lifts every 1–2 years can maintain a youthful contour longer.

4. You Have Mild Sagging Around the Eyes or Temples

These areas are not part of a standard lower facelift, so threads add targeted improvement.

5. You Need Gentle Correction After Fat Grafting

Threads help refine shape after surgical volume restoration.

Benefits of Combining Facelift + Thread Lift

⭐ More Natural, Balanced Outcome

The face looks refreshed, not over-tightened.

⭐ Better Midface Rejuvenation

Threads target cheek and under-eye regions that surgery alone may not fully lift.

⭐ Longer-Lasting Results

Threads stimulate collagen and slow future sagging.

⭐ Minimal Additional Downtime

Threads add very little recovery time compared to the facelift.

⭐ Customizable for Each Patient

Surgeons can lift each region according to its unique aging pattern — a Korean specialty.

Who Is a Good Candidate for This Combination?

You may be an ideal candidate if you have:

• Sagging jawline + mild midface drooping
• Visible nasolabial folds even after facelift
• Lateral facial droop (cheeks/temples)
• Brow heaviness
• Uneven or asymmetric sagging
• Desire for long-lasting maintenance

Patients in their 40s–70s commonly choose this combination.

Recovery Timeline

• Days 1–3: Tightness/swelling from facelift
• Week 1: Thread lift swelling typically subsides
• 2–3 weeks: Smoother contour appears
• 1–3 months: Threads stimulate collagen, enhancing the lift
• 6 months: Both procedures settle into a natural, youthful look

How Long Do the Results Last?

• Facelift: 10–15 years
• Thread Lift: 1–2 years (collagen benefits last even longer)
• Combination: Extends overall lift longevity and preserves contour

Threads act like “maintenance care” for your surgical results.