Signs Your Thread Lift Is Fading

Thread lifts offer an immediate, semi-permanent lift to the cheeks, jawline, and lower face — but like all non-surgical treatments, the results eventually soften.
Most thread lifts in Korea last 12–18 months, depending on the thread type and your skin condition.

If you’re wondering whether your threads are starting to lose their effect, here are the clearest signs your thread lift is fading.

1. Your Jawline Starts to Blur Again

One of the first benefits of a thread lift is a sharper, more defined V-line.
When the effect fades, you may notice:

• Softer jawline
• Less definition
• Mild jowl return

This is the earliest and most common sign.

2. Cheeks Begin to Look Heavy or Droopy

When threads lose tension or dissolve, the lifted cheek tissue gradually settles downward.
Look for:

• Reduced cheek projection
• Heaviness in the mid-face
• Downward pull toward the smile lines

This often appears around the 9–12 month mark.

3. Nasolabial Folds Start to Deepen Again

As the cheek support decreases:

• Smile lines may appear deeper
• The fold between nose and mouth becomes more pronounced
• Contours around the upper lip soften

This is a classic sign that collagen stimulation is slowing down.

4. Jowls Return or Become More Noticeable

Jowls typically improve significantly right after threads.
When results fade, you may see:

• Sagging near the corners of the jaw
• Soft tissue gathering near the mouth
• Overall loss of lower-face lift

This indicates thread dissolution or collagen degradation.

5. Your Face Looks Less “Snatched” or Lifted

If your face felt tighter, sharper, or more contoured after the procedure but now looks:

• Rounder
• Softer
• Less sculpted

…it’s a strong sign that the lift is fading.

6. You Feel Less Support When Smiling or Talking

Many people notice their face feels less supported, especially in:

• Lower cheeks
• Jawline
• Mid-face
• Smile line area

This happens once the threads have dissolved or relaxed.

7. Skin Starts to Feel Looser Again

Threads stimulate collagen—but over time, collagen naturally breaks down.
You might feel:

• More looseness under the chin
• Less firmness when touching the cheeks
• Reduced tightness in the lower face

This is normal around the 12–18 month window.

8. Improvement From Threads Becomes Harder to See in Photos

You may compare:
📌 Before Thread Lift
📌 1–3 Months Post-Lift
📌 12–18 Months Later

If your face begins looking closer to your original pre-lift photo, it’s a clear indicator the effect is fading.

9. You Notice Asymmetry Coming Back

Threads can correct minor imbalances.
When fading occurs, imbalances may slowly return:

• One cheek higher than the other
• Slight tilt in jawline
• Different fold depths

This is due to uneven collagen breakdown.

10. You No Longer See a Visible Lift in the Mirror

This one is simple:
If you don’t see the upward pull anymore, the threads are likely dissolving or fully absorbed.

When to Consider a Refresh

Thread lift maintenance usually follows this schedule:

⭐ PDO Threads: Every 12 months

⭐ PLLA Threads: Every 12–18 months

⭐ PCL Threads: Every 18–24 months

If you're starting to notice fading, Korean dermatologists often recommend a combination approach:

✔ HIFU (Shurink / Liftera) — for tightening

✔ RF (Oligio / Thermage-style) — for firmness

✔ Additional Threads — for contour support

✔ Skin boosters — for elasticity

✔ Light filler — to restore volume loss

This provides a soft, natural refresh without needing surgery.



Thread lifts offer a beautiful, non-surgical lift — but the effects naturally fade over time.
If you're noticing softer contours, returning sagging, or reduced support in your lower face, it may be time for a maintenance plan.

With Korea’s advanced lifting devices and thread techniques, you can easily refresh your lift and maintain a youthful, sculpted look year-round.