Lumps After a Face Thread Lift in Korea: Causes & How to Fix Them

Thread lifts are popular in Korea for lifting sagging cheeks, jowls, and the jawline without surgery.
While the treatment offers immediate contouring, some patients develop lumps, bumps, or uneven areas afterward.
The good news? Most thread lift lumps are temporary and treatable, especially with Korea’s advanced correction techniques.

Here’s a full guide to why these lumps happen — and how they’re fixed.

✔ Why Lumps Happen After a Thread Lift

Lumps are one of the most common side effects of thread lifts and can appear for several reasons:

1. Swelling From Inflammation (Most Common)

Right after the procedure, the skin reacts to the thread insertion.
This can cause:

• Puffy bumps
• Firmness under the skin
• Tenderness when touching the area

This is normal and usually improves within 1–2 weeks.

2. Threads Placed Too Superficially

If a thread is placed too close to the skin surface, you may see:

• Visible ridges
• Thin “line-shaped” lumps
• Small bumps along the thread path

This is more common in people with thin skin.

3. Knot or Cog Bunching

Some threads have tiny barbs or cones that can clump if:

• Pulled too aggressively
• Tissue is tight
• The vector is wrong

This creates a firm, bead-like lump under the skin.

4. Tissue Gathering / Dimpling

Threads pull the skin in a specific direction.
If the tension is too strong, it can cause:

• Dimpling
• Puckering
• Small tight bumps

This usually softens as swelling decreases.

5. Bruising Under the Skin

A hematoma (pocket of blood) may create:

• Soft bumps
• Discoloration
• Tenderness

These fade as bruising heals.

6. Infection (Rare but Serious)

Signs include:

• Red, hot lump
• Increasing pain
• Pus or discharge
• Fever

This needs immediate treatment.

✔ Are Lumps Normal After a Thread Lift?

Yes — small lumps are extremely common and usually temporary.

Normal lumps last:

⏳ 1–3 weeks

Lumps that may require correction:

⏳ 4–12 weeks or longer

If a lump persists beyond 4–6 weeks, it may need professional adjustment.

✔ How Korean Dermatologists Fix Thread Lift Lumps

Korea has highly advanced post-thread correction techniques.
Here are the most common:

1. Massage or Manual Release

For dimpling, mild tension, or superficial bumps:

• Gentle massage
• Manual release using a tiny needle or cannula
• Softening the thread pathway

This typically provides immediate improvement.

2. Thread Relaxation Technique

If the thread is too tight:

• A small needle releases the tension
• The puckering smooths
• Tissue settles naturally

This is one of the most common corrections in Korea.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Injections

For swelling, nodules, or firm bumps:

• A low-dose steroid + soothing agent
• Reduces inflammation
• Softens the lump

Used cautiously to avoid over-thinning the skin.

4. Ultrasound-Guided Thread Checks

If the lump may be caused by deep knotting or misplacement:

• Ultrasound imaging finds the thread
• Helps guide adjustment or removal

This avoids unnecessary trauma.

5. Thread Removal (If Necessary)

Rarely, a lump is caused by:

• Incorrect depth
• Knotting
• Infection
• Thread extrusion

A micro-incision or cannula technique is used to remove it safely.

✔ When to Worry About Lumps

Seek evaluation if you experience:

• A lump getting bigger over time
• Sharp, increasing pain
• Visible thread pushing out
• Redness + heat + discharge
• Ongoing asymmetry

These may indicate infection or misplacement.

✔ How to Prevent Lumps After a Thread Lift

Korean thread lift techniques focus on:

• Correct depth (not too superficial)
• Gentle vector lifting
• Matching thread type to skin thickness
• Using fewer threads but with higher precision
• Avoiding over-pulling
• Proper aftercare instructions

You can help by:

• Avoiding massage unless instructed
• Not sleeping sideways the first week
• Avoiding heavy exercise
• Not opening the mouth excessively
• Skipping alcohol for 48 hours

✔ How Long Until Thread Lift Lumps Disappear?

Typical duration:

• Minor bumps: 1–2 weeks
• Dimpling or puckering: 2–6 weeks
• Knot-related lumps: 1–3 months
• Complications: need evaluation

Most patients see smooth, natural results once swelling and tension settle.



Lumps after a thread lift can be worrying, but they are surprisingly common and usually temporary.
Korea’s correction methods — from manual release to ultrasound-guided adjustments — make it one of the best places for safe and effective thread lift refinement.