Comparison
Thread Lift vs Ultherapy: Choosing a Non-Surgical Lift in Hongdae

A thread lift uses dissolvable threads placed under the skin to reposition tissue mechanically, giving a visible lift soon after treatment. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound to stimulate collagen, so lifting builds gradually over two to three months with minimal downtime. At Re:berry Hongdae the choice depends on the degree of sagging and your schedule. Results vary by individual.

Re:berry Clinic Hongdae · Information reviewed for accuracy · Results vary by individual.

Re:berry Clinic Hongdae

How does each treatment lift the face?

Thread lift

A thread lift places fine, dissolvable medical threads under the skin through small entry points. Many threads have cogs or a structured design that grips soft tissue, allowing the doctor to reposition sagging cheeks, jowls or the jawline. As the threads gradually dissolve, the body forms collagen around them, which may support the lift after the thread material is gone.

Re:berry offers two thread approaches: Dooth thread lift, a premium non-incisional thread lifting option, and Mint thread lift, which uses 3D structural PDO threads.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy uses micro-focused ultrasound with real-time imaging to heat targeted points in deeper layers, including the SMAS. The body responds by building new collagen, which gradually tightens and lifts. Re:berry offers both the original Ulthera and the newer Ultherapy Prime.

Comparison by criteria

How quickly will I see a change?

  • Thread lift: a lift is often visible soon after treatment, although swelling can hide the final result for one to two weeks.
  • Ultherapy: change develops gradually, typically over two to three months.

Downtime

  • Thread lift: swelling, bruising, tightness and mild dimpling at entry points are common for about one to two weeks. Wide mouth opening and facial massage are usually limited for a few weeks.
  • Ultherapy: usually no formal downtime; mild swelling or tenderness for a few days.

Degree of lift

  • Thread lift: can reposition moderately heavy tissue mechanically, which may suit more visible jowls.
  • Ultherapy: typically gives a subtler lift, well suited to early to moderate laxity.

Risks and side effects

Thread lifts involve placing material under the skin, so there is a small risk of infection, visible or palpable threads, asymmetry, dimpling or thread migration. Ultherapy risks include temporary numbness, bruising, swelling and, rarely, nerve irritation. Both should be planned and performed under a doctor's supervision.

Longevity

Both are commonly cited as lasting around a year or more. Thread results depend on the thread type, number and how tissue responds as threads dissolve. Ultherapy results depend on collagen response, age and lifestyle. See how long a thread lift lasts. Results vary by individual.

Who might choose a thread lift?

  • people with moderate jowls or cheek descent who want a visible change sooner;
  • those who can plan around one to two weeks of possible swelling or bruising;
  • patients for whom energy devices alone previously gave limited lift.

Thread lifting may not suit people with very thin skin and little fat, active skin infection, certain bleeding disorders, or unrealistic expectations about surgical-level change.

Who might choose Ultherapy?

  • people with early to moderate sagging who prefer gradual, natural-looking change;
  • travelers or professionals who cannot accommodate visible downtime;
  • those who prefer not to have material placed under the skin.

Can thread lifting and Ultherapy be combined?

Yes. Combining them is common because they work differently: ultrasound builds collagen and supports deeper layers, while threads provide mechanical repositioning. Doctors often recommend having Ultherapy first and threads a few weeks later, or the reverse, rather than on the same day, so energy is not delivered directly over newly placed threads. Your doctor will set the sequence based on your anatomy. This reflects Re:berry's approach of combining treatments for stable improvement.

What about travelers to Seoul?

If you are visiting Hongdae for a short trip, downtime matters. Ultherapy usually fits easily into a few days, with results developing after you fly home. A thread lift is possible during a trip of a week or more, but plan for swelling and bruising, avoid strenuous activity and allow time for a check-up before leaving. Our thread lift aftercare guide and 7-day treatment itinerary can help you plan.

How should I prepare for either treatment?

  • Avoid blood-thinning supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E and ginkgo for about a week before a thread lift, if your doctor agrees.
  • Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking to your own physician.
  • Avoid alcohol for a day or two beforehand to reduce bruising risk.
  • Arrive without makeup, or allow time for cleansing at the clinic.
  • Plan soft foods for a few days after threads, as chewing and wide yawning may feel tight.

Questions to ask at consultation

  • Is my sagging better suited to mechanical lifting, collagen stimulation or both?
  • Which thread type would you use for my face, and how many?
  • What downtime should I plan for, given my travel or work schedule?
  • What happens if I am not satisfied with the lift?

How do Dooth and Mint threads differ from each other?

Within thread lifting, the type of thread changes the experience. Mint threads are PDO threads with a 3D structural design intended to grip tissue firmly, while Dooth is offered at Re:berry as a premium non-incisional option. The choice depends on your tissue thickness, the direction of lift needed and how long you can allow for recovery. For a detailed comparison, see Dooth thread vs Mint thread.

Next steps

Pricing depends on the number of threads or shots, the areas treated and whether a combination is planned. It is confirmed in writing at consultation. Find branch details on Location & Hours and request an appointment through the Booking page.

Key facts

  • Thread lift: Mechanical lift with dissolvable threads; visible change early
  • Ultherapy: Focused ultrasound; collagen-based lift over months
  • Downtime: Threads: swelling or bruising 1–2 weeks; Ultherapy: usually minimal
  • Sessions: Usually 1 of either; repeated as needed
  • Lasts: Both commonly cited around 1 year or more, varies
  • Combinable: Yes, often spaced weeks apart

Frequently asked questions

Is a thread lift more effective than Ultherapy?

Neither is universally more effective; they solve different problems. Threads mechanically reposition tissue and may suit more visible sagging, while Ultherapy stimulates collagen for gradual tightening with minimal downtime. Many patients benefit from combining both. The doctor will recommend an option after assessing your skin thickness, laxity and goals.

Do threads show under the skin?

When threads are placed at the correct depth, they are usually not visible. In thin skin, threads may occasionally be felt, and temporary dimpling at entry points can occur during the first weeks. Most minor irregularities settle as swelling resolves. Contact the clinic if anything feels unusual or persists.

Can I get Ultherapy after a thread lift?

Yes, but doctors usually wait several weeks to a few months after thread placement before delivering ultrasound energy over the same area. Timing depends on the thread type and how your tissue has healed. At Re:berry Hongdae, the sequence and interval are planned at consultation so the two treatments support each other safely.

Before you book

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Suitability, dose, number of sessions and expected results are decided by a doctor at consultation, and results vary by individual. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. Pricing is confirmed in writing before any treatment. See our medical disclaimer.

Start with a diagnosis, not a package

Re:berry Clinic Hongdae designs your plan after a one-to-one skin assessment. Multilingual consultation support is available.