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A PDO thread lift can improve a mild-to-moderate "turkey neck" by physically repositioning loose skin and stimulating collagen along the jawline and upper neck β but honest before-and-after results are subtle and tightening-focused, not the dramatic redraping of a surgical neck lift. For most people the visible change is a cleaner jaw-to-neck angle and a firmer under-chin, settling over several weeks as collagen builds. Results vary by individual, and the right plan is confirmed in person. Below, we explain who this genuinely suits, what your before-and-after may look like, and how a visit to HERA in Gangnam is structured.
What "turkey neck" actually is
"Turkey neck" is an everyday term for the crepey, sagging skin and vertical banding that appears under the chin and along the front of the neck as skin laxity, fat position and the platysma muscle change with age. Not all turkey necks are the same β and that matters enormously for what a thread lift can and cannot do. Some are mostly loose skin, some are mostly muscle banding, and some are heavier necks where volume and skin excess dominate.
A PDO (polydioxanone) thread lift works by inserting fine absorbable threads under the skin. Barbed "cog" threads grip and gently lift tissue toward the jaw and behind the ear, while smoother mono/screw threads add support and trigger a collagen response as the body breaks the material down over months. The lift you see on day one comes from the mechanical repositioning; the longer-term firmness comes from that collagen.
Good to know
A thread lift lifts skin β it does not remove it. If you have a large amount of hanging skin or heavy fat under the chin, threads alone will underdeliver, and a good doctor will tell you so rather than overselling the before-and-after.
Who a neck thread lift is for β and who it's not
The most rewarding before-and-after results tend to come from people with mild-to-moderate skin laxity who still have reasonable skin quality and are not looking for a surgical outcome.
- Good candidates: early jowl and jaw-neck blurring, mild under-chin looseness, people wanting a firmer contour without surgery or long downtime, and those who want to combine with energy-based tightening.
- Less suitable: significant skin excess, prominent fat pads under the chin, deep platysmal bands, or very thin, heavily sun-damaged skin β here a thread lift may disappoint on its own.
- Not for: anyone expecting a neck-lift-equivalent result, active infection in the area, or unrealistic "snatched" expectations from a single non-surgical session.
If your concern is mostly skin tightening and collagen rather than lifting, an energy device may serve you better or alongside threads. We often discuss lifting treatments such as ultrasound or RF tightening for the neck, and pair them thoughtfully. If loose skin is minor but fat under the chin is the real issue, body contouring options like fat-dissolving may be the more logical starting point.
| PDO Thread Lift | Threads + Energy | Surgical Neck Lift | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mild-moderate laxity | Laxity + skin quality | Severe excess skin |
| Downtime | Low | Low | Weeks |
| Result onset | Immediate + weeks | Immediate + weeks | After healing |
| Longevity | Monthsβ1yr+ | Often longer | Years |
What your before and after may realistically look like
Because this is a before-and-after search, honesty matters more than hype. On the day, you may notice an immediate firming and a cleaner jaw-neck angle from the mechanical lift β but this is often accompanied by swelling and slight puckering that has NOT settled yet. The "real" before-and-after is best judged at around 6β12 weeks, once swelling resolves and collagen contributes.
Typical honest outcomes: a tidier under-chin, softened early jowls, and a more defined jawline transition into the neck. What threads do not reliably do: erase deep horizontal neck lines, remove significant hanging skin, or flatten strong muscle bands. You can browse real records in our patient case gallery, filterable by treatment, to calibrate your expectations before you ever book.
What's included at HERA β and our same-price policy
A neck thread lift plan at HERA includes an in-person physician consultation and facial-neck assessment, the procedure itself performed by a licensed doctor with appropriate thread type and count for your anatomy, local anaesthesia for comfort, and written aftercare guidance. If threads alone are not the best answer, we will say so and outline the alternative before anything begins.
We do not print per-thread or per-session numbers here because the right plan depends on your anatomy and goals. What we can promise is that international and local patients pay the same price β there is no foreigner markup β and that you will receive a clear, itemised written estimate at consultation so nothing is a surprise. For a firm quote tailored to you, message our English-speaking team for a written estimate.
Trust: doctor-led care and genuine products
Neck thread work is technique-sensitive β vector, depth and anchoring determine both safety and how natural the before-and-after looks. At HERA, threads are placed by licensed physicians, not delegated. Every product is handled under our genuine-product protocol: sealed packaging opened in front of you where possible, with serial and record-keeping so you know exactly what was used.
Many neck patients do best with a combination approach β threads for lift plus collagen-stimulating support. We sometimes pair threads with skin regeneration boosters to improve the thin, crepey skin quality that threads alone can't address.
Recovery timeline and travel-aware aftercare
- Day of: mild soreness, tightness when turning the head, possible swelling and small entry-point marks. Eat soft foods and sleep slightly elevated.
- Day 3: most visible swelling and bruising begins to settle; puckering usually smooths. Avoid wide mouth opening, deep neck stretches and heavy exercise.
- Day 7: most people look socially presentable; continue avoiding saunas, intense workouts and dental procedures that force the jaw open for a couple more weeks.
Before you fly
Schedule a neck thread lift early in your Seoul trip, ideally with 5β7 buffer days before your flight or any event. Long-haul travel, alcohol and neck strain in the first days can worsen swelling and are best avoided.
Visiting HERA in Gangnam
For international patients, logistics cause more worry than the procedure. Here is how a HERA visit works:
- Consultation and booking: enquire and reserve before you arrive so your visit is confirmed.
- Interpretation: an on-site English interpreter joins your consultation and treatment so nothing is lost.
- Length of stay: a neck thread lift is usually one visit with low downtime, but plan buffer days before flying.
- Combining treatments: if threads plus tightening or boosters suit you, we time them together around your schedule.
We would rather send you home with a smaller, honest plan you understand than an oversized one you were talked into. If you'd like a personalised assessment and a written estimate, our English-speaking team is one message away β with no obligation to proceed the day you enquire.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Q1Can a PDO thread lift really fix a turkey neck?
It can improve mild-to-moderate laxity by lifting skin and stimulating collagen, giving a firmer jaw-neck contour. It does not remove excess skin like surgery. Results vary by individual and are confirmed at an in-person consultation.Q2When will I see my final before-and-after result?
You may notice immediate firming on the day, but swelling can mask it. The settled before-and-after is best judged around 6β12 weeks as collagen builds. We can show real records in our case gallery at consultation.Q3How long does a neck thread lift last?
Typically several months up to a year or more, depending on skin quality, age and lifestyle. Combining threads with energy tightening often extends the effect. Longevity varies by individual.Q4Do international patients pay more than locals at HERA?
No. International and local patients pay the same price with no foreigner markup. We provide a clear, itemised written estimate at consultation so there are no surprises before anything begins.Q5How much downtime should I plan before flying home?
Most visible swelling settles within 2β3 days and people look presentable by around a week. We recommend scheduling early in your trip with 5β7 buffer days before your flight or any event.
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Your medical team
A Medical Team That Sees You Through, Start to Finish
Board-certified specialists who treat every patient like family β the same doctor guides you from your first consultation to your final result, aiming for natural beauty with minimal need for revision.
Jong Seon Kim, MD
βI am a doctor you can trust, dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty.β
Career & Credentials
- Director, Gangnam HERA Plastic Surgery Clinic
- Board Member, Korean Society of Aesthetic Surgery (KSAS)
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Dr. Lee Jong Hoon
βI dedicate myself to achieving the best results with minimal need for revision.β
Career & Credentials
- Co-author, LIFTINGOLOGY: Science and Clinical Practice in Aesthetic Medicine
- Recipient, Minister of Health and Welfare Award for Outstanding Contribution to National Health Improvement
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