Quick answer: MINT Lift and Silhouette Soft are two popular thread lifts in Korea. MINT Lift uses PDO threads with strong barbs that hold and lift sagging skin. Silhouette Soft uses PLLA-based threads with small cones that lift and also help collagen grow. Both are done under local anaesthetic in about an hour, with a few days of swelling.
Key takeaways
- A thread lift lifts sagging skin with thin, dissolvable medical threads placed under the skin.
- MINT Lift (PDO) gives a firm, immediate lift and is popular for the jawline and jowls.
- Silhouette Soft (PLLA and PLGA) gives a softer lift and boosts collagen over time.
- Both dissolve on their own. Results usually last around one year, sometimes longer.
- Plan at least three to five days in Seoul after a thread lift.
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a non-surgical lifting treatment. The doctor places thin threads under the skin with a fine needle or cannula. The threads have small barbs or cones that hold the tissue and lift it into a higher position. Over the following months, the body forms new collagen around the threads, which helps the skin stay firmer even after the threads dissolve.
Thread lifts are very common in Korea. Korea treated about 2.01 million foreign patients in 2025, and around 63% of them visited for dermatology, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Thread lifting is one of the treatments many of these visitors ask about. Learn more on our thread lift and skin lifting page.
What is MINT Lift?
MINT Lift is a thread made by HansBiomed, a Korean medical company. The threads are made of PDO (polydioxanone), a material that has been used in dissolvable stitches for many years. MINT threads have strong, sharp-edged barbs that grip the tissue firmly.
- Material: PDO, which slowly dissolves over several months.
- Lift: strong and immediate, good for heavier sagging.
- Best areas: jowls, jawline, cheeks and the lower face.
- Feel: the area can feel tight for one to two weeks.
What is Silhouette Soft?
Silhouette Soft is made by Sinclair, a European aesthetics company. Its threads are made of PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) and PLGA. Instead of barbs, they have small cones placed along the thread. The cones hold the tissue in two directions, and PLLA also encourages new collagen.
- Material: PLLA and PLGA, which dissolve over about 18 months.
- Lift: softer and more gradual, with a natural look.
- Best areas: mid-face, cheeks, jawline and eyebrows.
- Bonus: skin quality often keeps improving for a few months.
MINT Lift vs Silhouette Soft: what is the difference?
The main difference is how each thread holds the skin. MINT uses barbs for a strong grip. Silhouette Soft uses cones for a gentler hold and more collagen support.
- Strength of lift: MINT is usually stronger right away. Silhouette Soft is softer.
- Collagen effect: Silhouette Soft has a stronger collagen effect because of PLLA.
- How long it lasts: both usually last about 12 months, and Silhouette Soft can last up to around 18 months for some people.
- Swelling: similar for both. Some people feel more tightness after MINT.
- Cost: it depends on the number of threads, not only the brand. Ask for a written quote.
Your doctor may also combine the two, or add other threads, depending on your face. Our guide to thread lift vs HIFU explains when energy devices may be a better choice.
Who is a good candidate for a Korean thread lift?
A thread lift suits people with mild to moderate sagging who want a visible lift without surgery. Many patients are in their late 30s to 50s.
- Early jowls or a softer jawline. See treatments for jowls.
- Deeper smile lines caused by cheek sagging. See nasolabial fold treatments.
- Flat or dropped cheeks.
- People who do not want surgery or long downtime.
A thread lift is not a facelift. If the skin is very loose, surgery may give a better result. A good doctor will tell you this honestly.
What happens on the day?
- Consultation: the doctor checks your face while you sit up and plans the thread paths.
- Numbing: local anaesthetic is injected along the entry points.
- Threads: threads are placed with a fine cannula, then gently adjusted to lift the skin.
- Finish: the ends are trimmed and the skin is cleaned. The whole visit takes about one to one and a half hours.
Does a thread lift hurt?
You will feel pressure and some pulling, but local anaesthetic keeps it manageable. Afterwards, the face may feel tight and sore for a few days, especially when you open your mouth wide. Simple painkillers usually help.
What is the recovery like?
- Days 1–3: swelling, tightness and possible small bruises.
- Days 4–7: most swelling settles. Light make-up is often fine.
- Weeks 2–4: small dimples or bumps usually smooth out.
For two to four weeks, avoid wide yawning, chewing hard food, facial massage, saunas and hard exercise. Sleep on your back for the first week. Our lifting treatments team gives written aftercare in English.
How long should I stay in Seoul after a thread lift?
We suggest staying at least three to five days so the doctor can check you before you fly. A one-week stay is more comfortable. Read how many days to stay after lifting treatments and our list of low-downtime treatments before flying.
What are the risks?
Most side effects are mild and short. Possible issues include bruising, swelling, uneven skin, dimples, a thread you can feel under the skin, and rarely infection. Choose an experienced doctor, follow aftercare, and contact the clinic if you notice redness, heat or increasing pain.
How to choose a clinic for a thread lift
- Ask which thread brand will be used and see the sealed packet.
- Ask how many threads you need and get a written quote.
- Make sure the doctor who consults you also performs the treatment.
- Check that follow-up is possible before your flight.
Our guide to choosing a dermatology clinic in Gangnam has more tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is MINT Lift or Silhouette Soft better?
Neither is always better. MINT gives a stronger lift; Silhouette Soft gives a softer lift with more collagen support. The right choice depends on your face.
How long do thread lift results last?
Usually about one year. Silhouette Soft can last up to around 18 months for some people.
Can I combine a thread lift with Ultherapy?
Yes. Many doctors combine threads with Ultherapy or other HIFU. See our Ultherapy Prime guide.
Can I fly the day after a thread lift?
It is possible, but swelling can feel worse on a long flight. Staying three to five days is safer.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea – 2025 foreign patient statistics (press release, 2026). mohw.go.kr
- Sinclair – Silhouette Soft product information. sinclairpharma.com
- HansBiomed – MINT Lift product information. hansbiomed.com
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified physician before any treatment.
