Nasolabial Fold Thread Lift
A nasolabial fold thread lift treats smile lines at their cause by lifting the cheek tissue that falls onto the fold, rather than only filling the line. Absorbable threads are placed through tiny entry points in about 20–30 minutes under local anesthesia, and it can be combined with filler for deeper folds.
What is Nasolabial Fold Thread Lift?
A thread lift for the nasolabial folds uses absorbable threads placed under the skin with a fine cannula. Barbs or cogs on the threads reposition soft tissue, while the thread material stimulates collagen as it slowly dissolves. At Violacell the vector, number and type of threads are chosen for each face; see the overview on the Custom Thread Lift page.
Nasolabial Fold Thread Lift at a glance
- Procedure time: 20–30 minutes
- Anesthesia: Numbing cream / local anesthesia
- Downtime: Usually back to daily life the next day; mild swelling or tightness for several days
- Discomfort: Moderate
- Sessions: One session; results last months; can be repeated
- Location: Violacell Plastic Surgery, 3F, 138 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Sinsa Station Exit 1)
How it works
After numbing, small entry points are made and threads are guided along planned vectors, then gently tightened and trimmed. No incisions or stitches are needed.
Who it is for
- Deepening smile lines
- Folds caused by cheek descent
- Patients who want less filler volume
Results and how long they last
Lift is visible immediately and continues to refine as swelling settles and collagen forms over 1–3 months.
Risks, recovery and aftercare
Swelling, bruising, dimpling, temporary tightness when opening the mouth, asymmetry and rarely infection or thread exposure. Avoid wide mouth opening, facial massage and saunas for a few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Is a thread lift permanent?
No. Threads dissolve and results typically last several months to a year or more.
Thread or filler for smile lines?
See our nasolabial fold filler page; many patients benefit from both.
Related treatments and guides
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Young-jun, plastic surgeon · Last reviewed 2026-09-30. This page is general medical information, not a diagnosis; suitability is decided at an in-person consultation.
Book a consultation in Sinsa, Seoul
Call +82-2-518-9119 or request an online consultation. Open Mon–Thu 10:00–19:00, Fri 10:00–21:00, Sat 10:00–17:00; closed Sundays and public holidays.
