Sagging skin is one of the earliest—and most noticeable—signs of aging. In Korea, two major non-surgical options dominate the lifting category:

1. Lifting Devices
   (HIFU, RF, Ultrasound, and other tightening machines)
2. Thread Lifts
   (PDO, PLLA, PCL lifting threads)

Both improve skin laxity, but they work in very different ways.
Here is a clear breakdown to help you choose the right treatment for your level of sagging and desired results.

What Are Lifting Devices? (HIFU, RF, Ultrasound)

Lifting devices use energy-based technology to tighten skin from the inside.

Common Korean lifting devices include:

• HIFU (Ultherapy, Shurink, Liftera)
• RF Lifting (Thermage, Oligio, INMODE)
• Ultrasound + RF hybrids

How They Work

• Heat the deeper layers of skin
• Contract existing collagen
• Stimulate new collagen over 2–3 months
• Tighten and firm the skin without needles

What They Improve

• Mild to moderate skin laxity
• Jawline definition
• Early jowls
• Loose cheeks
• Fine wrinkles and skin elasticity

Best For

• 20s–40s with early sagging
• People wanting natural tightening
• Anyone avoiding downtime or needles

Result Style

• Subtle, natural lift
• Gradual tightening
• Improved skin texture and elasticity

What Are Thread Lifts?

Thread lifts use dissolvable lifting threads to mechanically reposition and lift sagging tissue.

Korea commonly uses PDO, PLLA, or PCL threads.

How Thread Lifts Work

• Threads are inserted under the skin along lifting vectors
• Barbs/hooks grab and lift the tissue
• Collagen forms around the threads over time
• Provides a more noticeable lifting effect

What They Improve

• Moderate facial sagging
• Jowls and lower-face heaviness
• Droopy cheeks
• Smile line depth
• V-line definition

Best For

• 30s–50s with visible sagging
• People wanting a sharper lift
• Those needing more structure than devices can achieve

Result Style

• Immediate lift
• Sharper contour
• Slimmer lower face

Lifting Devices vs Threads: Key Differences

1. Result Strength

• Devices → Mild to moderate lift
• Threads → Moderate to strong lift

Devices tighten; threads reposition.

2. Speed of Results

• Devices → Gradual (peak at 2–3 months)
• Threads → Immediate improvement

3. Naturalness

• Devices → Most natural
• Threads → Natural when done softly, but more noticeable than devices

4. Longevity

• Devices → 6–12 months
• Threads → 12–24 months (depending on thread type)

5. Downtime

• Devices → No downtime
• Threads → Mild swelling or tension for a few days

Which Treatment Is Better for Your Sagging Level?

Mild Sagging (Early 30s or Younger)

• HIFU (Shurink, Ultherapy, Liftera)
• RF Lifting (Oligio, Thermage)
• Light collagen-boosting devices

Goal: Tighten skin before sagging becomes visible.
Best choice: Devices

Moderate Sagging (30s–40s)

• Combination of threads + lifting devices
• Threads lift → devices tighten the skin around the lift
• Most popular Korean anti-aging strategy

Best choice: Both

Significant Sagging (40s–50s+)

• Strong lifting threads (PLLA or PCL)
• Combined with Thermage/Oligio for skin firmness
• Perfect for early jowls and deep smile lines

Best choice: Threads + RF tightening

When to Choose Lifting Devices

Choose devices if you want:

• Natural, subtle tightening
• Zero downtime
• Smoother skin and refined texture
• Lower cost than thread lifts
• A preventive anti-aging routine

When to Choose Thread Lifts

Choose threads if you want:

• A visible lift in the jawline or cheeks
• More contour and structure
• A sharper V-line
• Faster, longer-lasting improvement
• Better support for sagging tissue

Why Many Korean Clinics Combine Both

Korean dermatology often follows this formula:

Threads = Structure + Lift

Devices = Tightening + Skin Quality

Using both creates:

• A cleaner jawline
• A firmer, tighter cheek area
• Longer-lasting results
• More natural aging slowdown

Final Verdict

Choose Lifting Devices If:

• Your sagging is mild
• You want natural tightening
• You prefer no downtime

Choose Threads If:

• Your sagging is moderate
• You want a more defined lift
• You prefer a sharper jawline

Choose Both If:

• You want the most complete anti-aging result
• You want lifting + tightening + contour
• You want results that last longer and look natural