Hello.
I am Dr. Kim Dong-young, Director of Cleor Clinic Hongdae Branch.
Have you ever felt that your face in the mirror looks longer than before, or that your nasolabial folds have deepened, making your expression look heavy?
"I am concerned about my double chin and sagging cheeks, but surgery feels like too much of a burden. I am looking for a procedure that can refine my facial lines with minimal recovery time."
Facial sagging is not just about skin laxity; it is a multi-layered change involving a decrease in dermal collagen, weakening of the SMAS layer, and the shifting of facial fat pads.
When these structural changes accumulate, it becomes difficult to lift the lines back up with surface care alone, which is why physical lifting procedures have become established.
Hongdae Thread Lifting involves inserting medical-grade threads into the dermis and subcutaneous layers to achieve both an immediate lifting effect and collagen production that develops over time.
Today, I will explain what Hongdae Thread Lifting is and how the Mint Lift and Epitycon lines differ.
Why Hongdae Thread Lifting is necessary
👉 Hongdae Thread Lifting is a category of procedures that uses physical traction to address facial sagging caused by a combination of decreased dermal collagen, weakened SMAS layer, and shifting facial fat pads.
There is not just one cause for facial sagging.
When dermal collagen and elastin decrease, the skin itself loses elasticity, and when the SMAS layer—the internal support structure of the face—weakens, the force that holds the lines in place subsides.
In addition, as facial fat pads shift downward over time, the volume that was originally in place sinks, creating an environment where nasolabial and marionette lines deepen.
While energy-based lifting procedures (HIFU/RF) focus on collagen stimulation, thread lifting is a distinct category that physically lifts sagging tissue while also promoting collagen production over time.
What is Hongdae Thread Lifting?
👉 Hongdae Thread Lifting is a non-surgical lifting procedure that involves inserting PDO-based medical threads into the dermis and subcutaneous layers to achieve both an immediate physical lifting effect and the regeneration of natural collagen and elastin.
Medical threads are made of biodegradable materials that naturally dissolve in the body after a certain period.
The barbs or thorn-like structures designed on the surface of the thread create a lifting effect by hooking and pulling the tissue, and during the 6–10 months that the thread dissolves, it stimulates the production of natural collagen and elastin in the surrounding dermal layer.
At the Hongdae branch, we offer both Mint Lift and Epitycon PDO thread lifting lines, allowing for selections tailored to the specific area and degree of sagging.
Technical features of Hongdae Thread Lifting
👉 Hongdae Thread Lifting is a procedure with four key features: immediate lifting action of medical PDO threads, 360° 3D barb structure, stimulation of collagen regeneration, and differentiated application by line.
Immediate lifting action of medical PDO threads
PDO (Polydioxanone) is a biodegradable material also used for surgical sutures, which naturally dissolves in the body after a certain period.
The barbs on the surface of the thread hook onto the tissue to lift sagging areas, providing an immediate effect that is noticeable right after the procedure.
360° 3D barb structure
Mint Lift is designed with a patented 360° 3D barb (cog) structure.
Unlike standard threads with barbs oriented in only one direction, these are distributed in all directions, which is known to provide high tissue fixation.
Stimulation of collagen regeneration
Once the thread is positioned in the dermal layer, it stimulates the production of natural collagen and elastin in the surrounding area.
Even after the thread dissolves and disappears, the newly generated collagen helps maintain the lines for a certain period.
Differentiated application by line
Mint Lift Fine is a line that can be naturally applied even to thin skin, while Mint Lift Fix is recommended for deep sagging due to its strong traction and fixation.
Epitycon Bi and Original are also applied differently depending on the area and degree of sagging, allowing for step-by-step intensity adjustment based on the number of threads used.
Effects and advantages of Hongdae Thread Lifting
👉 The core advantages of Hongdae Thread Lifting can be summarized in three points: immediate lifting effect, cumulative collagen regeneration, and non-surgical care with minimal recovery burden.
First, there is the immediate lifting effect.
Because it is a procedure where changes in lifted lines are reported immediately after the treatment, it is known as a category where quick results can be felt, unlike energy-based lifting.
Next is the cumulative collagen regeneration effect.
As the thread dissolves, natural collagen production is stimulated in the dermis, which also helps restore the internal structure of the skin over time.
Finally, it is non-surgical, so the recovery burden is relatively low.
Since the procedure is performed with a cannula or micro-needle without incisions, bruising and swelling typically subside within a few days, and a return to daily life is reported to be relatively quick.
Hongdae Thread Lifting lineup
👉 At the Hongdae branch, we offer facial thread lifting with Mint Lift and Epitycon lines, with three options for the number of threads: 8, 12, and 16.
8 threads are for refining superficial lines, 12 threads for strengthening deep areas, and 16 threads for applying strong traction.
We will discuss the line and number of threads that suit your degree of facial sagging during your pre-procedure consultation.
Who is Hongdae Thread Lifting for?
Those with deepened nasolabial and marionette lines
Those with blurred facial lines due to double chins and sagging cheeks
Those who want immediate changes without the burden of surgery
Those who feel that HIFU or RF alone is insufficient
Those who want to achieve both immediate lifting and collagen production
Side effects and precautions for Hongdae Thread Lifting
👉 Hongdae Thread Lifting does not provide permanent changes with a single procedure; re-treatment is recommended after 6–10 months.
Immediately after the procedure, swelling, bruising, temporary pulling sensations, and micro-marks may occur.
Most of these are reported to subside naturally within 1 to 2 weeks.
Since thread lifting involves the threads settling into the dermis, rare cases of dimpling, skin irregularities, asymmetry, or thread exposure have been reported.
According to clinical reports, most of these tend to recover naturally over time or improve with simple treatments; dimpling usually improves within about 4 weeks with gentle massage, and skin irregularities tend to alleviate within about 3 weeks.
If applied excessively to areas where facial muscles are highly active, a foreign body sensation may occur, so the choice of area is a factor that influences the results.
Please inform us in advance if any of the following apply, as the procedure may be restricted:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have active herpes or infection in the treatment area
If you have an autoimmune disease, keloid tendency, or a tendency to scar easily
If you are regularly taking medications that increase bleeding tendency
If you have implants or a history of other recent thread procedures in the treatment area
⚠️ Precautions before and after Hongdae Thread Lifting
👉 For Hongdae Thread Lifting, care at each stage before and after the procedure affects recovery and the maintenance of results.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How are the Hongdae Thread Lifting Mint Lift and Epitycon different?
Mint Lift is a line that maintains a consistent thickness and strong tensile strength through a 360° 3D barb structure and a patented press-molding method, while Epitycon is a line operated differently with Bi and Original versions depending on the area and degree of sagging.
Both lines are PDO-based biodegradable medical threads, and the choice suitable for your area will be determined during the pre-procedure consultation.
Q. How should I choose between 8, 12, and 16 threads for Hongdae Thread Lifting?
8 threads focus on refining superficial lines, 12 threads are recommended for strengthening deep areas with Fix/Original, and 16 threads are recommended for those who need strong traction and firm fixation.
The number of threads suitable for your degree of sagging and area will be reviewed during the pre-procedure consultation.
Q. When will I see the effects of Hongdae Thread Lifting?
It is a procedure where lifting effects are reported immediately after the treatment.
However, natural lines settle in after 1–2 weeks when swelling and bruising subside, and changes due to collagen production are known to accumulate over time.
Q. How long does the effect of Hongdae Thread Lifting last?
It is generally reported to last for about 6–10 months.
Although the threads dissolve and disappear, the stimulated collagen influences line maintenance for a certain period, so there are individual differences depending on your skin condition and lifestyle management.
Q. How much pain is involved in Hongdae Thread Lifting?
Since local anesthesia is standard before the procedure, there is little intense pain during the treatment.
A pulling sensation and mild pain may accompany the days immediately following the procedure, which is reported to subside naturally over time.
Q. When can I return to daily life after Hongdae Thread Lifting?
In most cases, light daily activities are possible from the day after the procedure.
However, since it takes about 1–2 weeks for bruising and swelling to subside, it is recommended to fully consider the timing of the procedure before important events.
Q. How is Hongdae Thread Lifting different from HIFU/RF lifting?
While HIFU and RF focus on stimulating the dermis and fascia with energy to promote collagen production, Hongdae Thread Lifting is a category that physically inserts medical threads to achieve immediate lifting effects while also promoting collagen production.
There are cases where both procedures are performed in stages, so combinations will be discussed during the pre-procedure consultation.
Facial sagging is a multi-layered change involving decreased dermal collagen, weakened SMAS layer, and shifting facial fat pads, not just surface laxity.
There is a limit to lifting established sagging with surface care and energy-based procedures alone, which is why lines that combine physical traction and collagen production have become established.
Hongdae Thread Lifting is a non-surgical lifting procedure that inserts PDO-based Mint Lift and Epitycon threads into the dermis and subcutaneous layers to achieve both immediate lifting and natural collagen regeneration.
At the Hongdae branch, we operate various thread procedure lines in addition to facial thread lifting.
We offer the Jamber thread line, which fills sunken areas with spring-like elasticity, and nose thread lifting, which naturally refines the nose line without surgery, among other options tailored to your concerns.
We will personally check the line and thread configuration suitable for your facial line condition during your consultation.
If you are concerned about sagging nasolabial folds and blurred facial lines, please feel free to visit Cleor Clinic Hongdae Branch.
Even before deciding on a procedure, we will provide detailed guidance on your facial line condition and suitable care directions through a pre-procedure consultation.
※ This content is for general information purposes only, and results may vary by individual.
Please decide on accurate diagnosis and whether to proceed with the treatment through a consultation with a specialist.
❓ 자주 묻는 질문 (FAQ)
Q. 홍대 실리프팅 민트실과 에피티콘은 어떻게 다른가요?
민트실은 360° 입체 돌기 구조와 특허 프레스 몰딩 공법으로
일정한 두께와 강한 인장력을 가져가는 라인이고,
에피티콘은 부위와 처짐 정도에 맞춰 Bi와 Original로 차등 운영되는 라인이에요.
두 라인 모두 PDO 기반 생분해성 의료용 실이고
본인 부위에 맞는 선택은 사전 진료에서 함께 정리합니다.
Q. 홍대 실리프팅 8줄·12줄·16줄은 어떻게 골라야 하나요?
8줄은 표재 라인 정돈에 무게가 있고, 12줄은 Fix·Original 추가로 깊은 부위 강화,
16줄은 강한 견인력과 단단한 고정이 필요한 분께 권해지는 구성이에요.
본인 처짐 정도와 부위에 맞는 줄 수는 사전 진료에서 함께 살펴봅니다.
Q. 홍대 실리프팅 효과는 언제부터 보이나요?
시술 직후부터 견인 효과가 보고되는 라인이에요.
다만 부기와 멍이 가라앉는 1~2주 후에 자연스러운 라인이 자리 잡고
콜라겐 생성에 따른 변화는 시간이 지나며 누적되는 흐름으로 알려져 있습니다.
Q. 홍대 실리프팅 유지 기간은 얼마나 되나요?
일반적으로 약 6~10개월 정도 유지되는 흐름으로 보고됩니다.
실은 분해되어 사라지지만 그 사이 자극된 콜라겐이
일정 기간 라인 유지에 영향을 주는 작용 구조라
본인 피부 상태와 생활 관리에 따라 개인차가 있어요.
Q. 홍대 실리프팅 통증은 어느 정도인가요?
시술 전 국소마취가 일반적이라 시술 중 강한 통증은 적은 편이에요.
시술 직후 며칠간 당김감과 가벼운 통증이 동반될 수 있고
시간이 지나며 자연스럽게 가라앉는 흐름으로 보고됩니다.
Q. 홍대 실리프팅 받고 일상 복귀는 언제 가능한가요?
대부분 시술 다음 날부터 가벼운 일상 활동이 가능한 편이에요.
다만 멍과 부기가 가라앉는 데 약 1~2주가 필요한 흐름이라
중요한 일정 전에는 시술 시점을 충분히 고려하시는 게 좋습니다.
Q. 홍대 실리프팅과 HIFU·RF 리프팅은 어떻게 다른가요?
HIFU와 RF가 에너지로 진피·근막을 자극해 콜라겐 생성에 무게가 있는 라인이라면,
홍대 실리프팅은 의료용 실을 물리적으로 삽입해 즉각적인 견인 효과를 가져가면서
콜라겐 생성도 함께 가져가는 카테고리예요.
두 시술을 단계적으로 함께 가져가는 경우도 있어 조합은 사전 진료에서 함께 정리합니다.
페이스라인 처짐은 단순히 표면이 늘어지는 게 아니라
진피 콜라겐 감소·SMAS층 약화·안면 지방 패드 이동이 함께 진행된 다층 변화입니다.
표면 케어와 에너지 기반 시술만으로는 자리 잡은 처짐을 끌어올리기 어려운 한계가 있어
물리적 견인과 콜라겐 생성을 함께 가져가는 라인이 자리 잡은 이유이기도 해요.
홍대 실리프팅은 PDO 기반 민트실과 에피티콘을 진피와 피하층에 삽입해
즉각적인 견인과 자가 콜라겐 신생을 함께 가져가는 비수술 리프팅 시술이에요.
홍대점에서는 페이스라인 실리프팅 외에도 다양한 실 시술 라인을 함께 운영하고 있어요.
스프링 형태의 탄성으로 꺼진 부위에 볼륨을 채우는 잼버실 라인,
수술 없이 코 라인을 자연스럽게 정돈하는 코 실리프팅까지
부위 고민에 맞춰 선택할 수 있는 라인이 함께 운영됩니다.
본인 페이스라인 상태에 어울리는 라인과 줄 수 구성은
상담 시 직접 확인해 드립니다.
처진 팔자와 흐려진 페이스라인이 신경 쓰인다면
클레오르의원 홍대점으로 부담 없이 방문해 주세요.
시술 결정 전이라도 사전 진료를 통해 본인 페이스라인 상태와
어울리는 케어 방향을 자세히 안내해 드리겠습니다.
※ 본 내용은 일반적인 정보 제공을 위한 글이며, 개인에 따라 결과는 달라질 수 있습니다.
정확한 진단과 시술 여부는 전문의 상담을 통해 결정하시기 바랍니다.