When facial sagging or loss of definition begins, the two most common non-surgical lifting options in Korea are thread lifts and filler lifts. Both can contour, lift, and rejuvenate the face—but the way they work, how long they last, and how “natural” they look are completely different.

If you’re deciding between the two, this guide explains which one delivers the most natural-looking results and why Korean dermatology clinics often choose one over the other depending on facial structure.

What Is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift uses dissolvable lifting threads placed under the skin to reposition sagging tissue. The threads have tiny barbs that anchor and physically lift the face upward.

Best For

• Mild to moderate sagging
• Drooping cheeks
• Early jowls
• Soft jawline
• People wanting a defined V-line

How It Works

• Threads are inserted under the skin
• Tissues are lifted immediately
• Over time, collagen forms around the threads
• The lift continues even after threads dissolve

Result Style

• Sharper jawline
• Noticeable upward lift
• Slimmer, more defined contour

A thread lift reshapes the face by repositioning tissue—not by adding volume.

What Is a Filler Lift?

A filler lift uses hyaluronic acid fillers to support and lift the face by restoring volume in strategic areas like the cheekbones, temples, jawline, and nasolabial area.

Best For

• Volume loss
• Flattened cheeks
• Hollow temples
• Sagging due to loss of structural support
• Enhancing facial proportions

How It Works

• Filler is injected into the deep layers of the face
• Volume restores internal support
• Cheeks lift naturally
• Jawline becomes more defined

Result Style

• Softer, fuller facial contour
• Youthful “lifted by volume” appearance
• Natural padding in areas that have aged

A filler lift supports the face rather than pulling it.

Thread Lift vs Filler Lift: Which Looks More Natural?

The answer depends on why the face is sagging.

If sagging is caused by LOOSE SKIN → Thread Lift looks more natural

When the issue is tissue descent, threads lift the face without adding unnecessary volume.

Why Threads Look Natural in This Case

• They reposition your own tissue
• They don’t change your facial fullness
• Results follow your existing bone structure

Threads create a sleek, defined, lifted look—especially in the lower face.

If sagging is caused by VOLUME LOSS → Filler Lift looks more natural

As we age, loss of fat and bone support makes the face look tired.
Adding filler to restore lost structure gives the most natural result.

Why Filler Looks Natural in This Case

• Replaces what was originally there
• Restores youthful proportions
• Smooths shadows and hollows
• Lifts without tightening the skin

A filler lift is best for people who look “deflated” rather than “droopy.”

Natural-Looking Results: When to Choose Each

Choose a Thread Lift if:

• Your jawline looks soft
• You have mild to moderate skin laxity
• You want a V-line effect
• You want visible lift immediately
• You prefer definition over volume

Threads = Natural contour + lift without adding size.

Choose a Filler Lift if:

• Your cheeks look flat or sunken
• You have hollow temples or tear troughs
• You’ve lost midface support
• Your nasolabial lines are deep
• You want a smoother, rounder, youthful look

Fillers = Natural volume + soft lift without pulling.

Which Lasts Longer?

Thread Lift

• Lift lasts 6–12 months
• Collagen can maintain some lift longer
• Best for maintenance every 1–2 years

Filler Lift

• Lasts 12–18 months depending on areas
• Volume naturally dissolves over time
• Structural fillers (cheek/jaw) last longest

Combination Approach (Most Natural in Korea)

Korean dermatologists often combine both treatments to treat aging from two angles:

• Threads lift sagging tissue
• Fillers restore lost structure

This creates:

• Balanced lifting
• Rejuvenated contours
• Natural, harmonious proportions

A common combination:

• Threads for jawline + midface repositioning
• Fillers for cheekbones + tear trough support

This prevents the “overfilled” look and avoids the “pulled too tight” look.

Final Verdict: Which Looks More Natural Overall?

Threads look more natural when:

• Sagging comes from loose skin
• You want sharper definition
• You want a mechanical lift without added volume

Fillers look more natural when:

• Sagging comes from volume loss
• You want softer, refreshed contours
• You want to restore what aging removed

The most natural results come from choosing the treatment that matches your aging pattern—not the trend.