Treatment guide · Thread Lifts

Aptos Thread Lift in Seoul

A long-established barbed thread system for lifting cheeks, jowls and neck without surgery.

Ask the clinic for: 앱토스 실리프팅

Aptos Thread Lift treatment at a skin clinic in Seoul

Quick answer

An Aptos thread lift uses barbed threads from the Aptos brand, placed under the skin to lift sagging cheeks, jowls and neck. In Seoul it typically costs about ₩1,500,000–₩5,000,000 depending on thread type and number, takes 30–90 minutes, has 5–10 days of swelling, results show immediately, and they last about 1–2 years for absorbable threads.

Estimated cost in Seoul

₩1,500,000–₩5,000,000

Treatment time

30–90 minutes

Downtime

5–10 days

Results show

Immediate, settles in 2–4 weeks

Results last

About 1–2 years

Sessions

1 session

Aptos Thread Lift explained

Aptos is a thread lift brand originally developed in Russia and Georgia, and one of the earliest barbed thread systems. Its range includes absorbable threads made of materials such as polylactic acid and caprolactone, and some lines use non-absorbable material. In Seoul it is usually offered as a premium imported thread.


How Aptos Thread Lift works

Under local anaesthetic, the doctor places the threads with a needle or cannula through the fat layer along lift lines. Barbs or other gripping designs hold the tissue so it can be lifted and fixed. Absorbable versions slowly dissolve and stimulate collagen; the doctor should explain whether your threads are absorbable or permanent.


Who Aptos Thread Lift is for

  • Moderate sagging of the cheeks and jowls
  • Loose skin on the neck and under the jaw
  • People who want a longer-lasting thread option
  • Those who prefer an established imported thread brand
  • Patients not ready for a facelift


Who should avoid Aptos Thread Lift

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Very heavy sagging that needs surgery
  • Bleeding disorders or blood thinners that cannot be paused
  • Active skin infection or inflamed acne
  • Anyone unsure about permanent material (ask about absorbable options)


What happens at the appointment

  1. Doctor consultation to choose the Aptos thread type and lift plan
  2. Marking, photos and cleansing
  3. Local anaesthetic and insertion of threads
  4. Lifting, symmetry check and trimming or securing thread ends
  5. Aftercare briefing and follow-up booking


Aftercare and flying home

  • Limit wide mouth opening, chewing hard food and big expressions for 2 weeks
  • Sleep on your back with your head raised for about 1 week
  • No facial massage, sauna or heat devices for 4 weeks
  • Avoid alcohol and heavy exercise for about 1 week
  • Keep entry points clean and dry for 1–2 days
  • Report increasing pain, redness, discharge or fever


Side effects and risks

  • Swelling, bruising and tightness for 5–14 days
  • Dimpling or skin puckering that often settles
  • Pain on chewing or yawning for a few days
  • Rare: infection, visible or palpable threads, asymmetry, nerve irritation or need for thread removal


How much does Aptos Thread Lift cost in Seoul?

₩1,500,000–₩5,000,000 (about US$1,100–3,700) — Aptos is an imported brand, so it usually costs more than Korean PDO threads. Price depends on the thread line, number of threads, areas treated and the doctor's experience. Prices are estimates and change with promotions.


Why get Aptos Thread Lift in Korea?

Seoul clinics offer both Korean and imported threads, so visitors can compare options in one consultation. Imported threads are still often cheaper in Seoul than in Western Europe or the US.

Prices are estimates gathered for Seoul clinics and change with brand, dose and promotions — confirm a quote with the clinic before booking. This page is general information, not medical advice; a doctor will assess whether a treatment suits you at consultation.

Updated October 2026

Frequently asked questions


How much does an Aptos thread lift cost in Seoul?

An Aptos thread lift usually costs about ₩1,500,000–₩5,000,000 in Seoul, around US$1,100–3,700, depending on thread type and number.


Does an Aptos thread lift hurt?

Local anaesthetic is used, so most people feel pressure and pulling. The face can be sore and tight for about a week.


How long does an Aptos thread lift last?

Absorbable Aptos threads usually last about 1–2 years. Ask your doctor which material is used, as this affects how long it lasts.


When can I fly after an Aptos thread lift?

Most people can fly after 2–3 days, but swelling and bruising can last up to 2 weeks. A follow-up check before leaving Seoul is wise.


Is an Aptos thread lift safe?

It is generally safe with an experienced doctor. Risks include infection, dimpling, visible threads and asymmetry, and permanent threads are harder to remove.


Are Aptos threads permanent?

Some Aptos lines are absorbable and some use non-absorbable material. Ask the clinic to confirm the exact thread before the procedure.

Where to get it in Seoul

Foreigner-friendly clinics cluster around Gangnam, Sinsa–Apgujeong–Cheongdam and Myeongdong. Tap a number to zoom in, then tap a pin to ask the clinic on WhatsApp whether they offer this treatment and for a quote.

Pins show each clinic's neighbourhood or nearest station, not the exact door. Not every clinic offers every treatment — ask before you go.

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