As interest in slow aging grows—a lifestyle approach aimed at delaying aging through healthy habits—more people in their 20s and 30s are joining the trend. Motivated to care for their skin proactively, many turn to thread-lifting procedures.
According to the online medical forum, thread lifting involves inserting bioabsorbable (medical-grade) threads, which safely dissolve inside the body, into the skin. These threads lift sagging skin and stimulate collagen regeneration, improving skin elasticity. Because the threads are relatively thin, the procedure involves minimal incision and tissue damage, causes little pain, and can be performed quickly.
Recently, younger people have also begun opting for thread lifting. PangPang Clinic, a medical center specializing in this procedure, analyzed its 2024 data and found that the proportion of patients in their 20s rose from 6.5 percent in the first half of the year to 11.5 percent in the second half—nearly doubling. Patients also increased from 50 in the first half to 138 in the second, marking a 2.7-fold jump.
The proportion of patients in their 30s slightly increased from 27.2 percent in the first half to 28.7 percent in the second half. The number of patients grew from 215 to 343 over the same period—approximately a 60 percent increase. The proportion of patients in their 30s was 8 percent higher than those in their 50s and only slightly below the 31 percent share of patients in their 40s.
Medical institutions that frequently perform thread lifting report that the procedure appeals to younger clients because it improves wrinkles and sagging skin and enhances facial contours, resulting in a smoother, more youthful look. Even for those without signs of aging, thread lifting can be beneficial for concerns like sagging cheeks, jawlines, and double chins.
The idea that aging symptoms—such as forehead wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and loss of skin elasticity—should be addressed preventively rather than reactively has spread among younger generations, influenced partly by social media posts.
However, doctors emphasize that thread lifting is a complex procedure requiring careful consideration of skin condition, facial sagging, muscles, and nerves. For the best results, it is essential to be treated by experienced professionals with the necessary expertise. Understanding facial muscles, in particular, is fundamental.
Facial skin is delicate and thin, and repeated facial expressions cause many wrinkles. Therefore, treatments should be tailored with this in mind. The effects of thread lifting also vary depending on the type, characteristics, and design of the threads used, so selecting the right threads based on the treatment area and the degree of sagging is essential.
Dr. Ban Jae Sang, head surgeon at Banobagi Plastic Surgery, stated, “Thread lifting is popular because it helps stimulate collagen production, allowing the skin to regain elasticity naturally. Tailoring the lift to the individual’s overall facial structure is important, and detailed aftercare is essential for optimal results.”
Dr. Cho Min Young, director of PangPang Clinic, added, “The primary reason people choose thread lifting is dissatisfaction with skin sagging. By combining aesthetic procedures with a personalized slow-aging lifestyle, individuals can maintain youthful, radiant skin for much longer.”
Meanwhile, changing your daily habits may also be necessary if you are concerned about reduced skin elasticity or sagging. Adding skincare products that contain collagen can help improve skin health. Maintaining adequate collagen levels can effectively slow aging as collagen production naturally decreases.
Eating foods rich in collagen-boosting protein and vitamin C is also recommended. Vitamin C can be found in fruits like oranges, lemons, and kiwis. For protein, consider options like chicken breast, eggs, and tofu. Regular exercise promotes blood circulation, which supports skin cell regeneration and elasticity.
Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night helps with cellular repair. Since stress hormones negatively impact skin firmness, stress management is also crucial. Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided as it dries out the skin, and sunscreen is essential to protect collagen from being destroyed by UV rays.