“Threads Under the Skin to Lift the Face?” 

Singer Lee Ji-hye Opens Up About Her Thread Lift Procedure—How Effective Is It?

 

Singer Lee Ji-hye (45) recently shared that she underwent a thread lift procedure to maintain a youthful appearance.

On October 9, a video titled “45-Year-Old Self-Proclaimed Plastic Surgery Expert Lee Ji-hye Reveals Her Thread Lift for the First Time (Paid with My Own Money, Honest Review)” was uploaded to her YouTube channel, Unhateable Attention-Seeking Sister.

In the video, Lee explained, “As I approached 46, I started noticing signs of aging more clearly. After thinking about it for a long time, I finally decided to have the procedure.” She added, “I've stopped getting cosmetic surgery, but facial sagging had become noticeable, and I wanted something that could produce visible results in a short period of time.”

She also mentioned that she became interested in thread lifting after looking for a treatment that could quickly improve her increasingly noticeable nasolabial folds.

Following the procedure, Lee shared, “About 20 threads were inserted. I could actually feel my face being lifted, and the results were noticeable immediately.”

She also revealed that she had undergone a lip blush tattoo, explaining, “My upper lip has always been thin, which was one of my insecurities. Now the lip line looks much more defined.”

A few days later, after most of the swelling had subsided, Lee updated her viewers again, saying, “The lifting effect is definitely noticeable. If someone asked whether I'd do it again, my answer would be yes.”

Thread Lifting: Lifting Sagging Skin While Stimulating Collagen

A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure in which specially designed medical threads are inserted beneath the skin to physically lift sagging tissue while stimulating collagen production for improved skin firmness.

According to Dr. Kirk of Onul Plastic Surgery, unlike laser lifting treatments, thread lifting provides a mechanical lifting effect by repositioning facial tissue while also encouraging collagen formation around the inserted threads.

The threads gradually dissolve safely inside the body over time, and physicians select different types depending on the patient's skin condition and treatment goals.

Most thread lifts utilize cog threads, which contain tiny barbs that anchor into the surrounding tissue. The lifting strength depends on factors such as the direction, size, and design of these barbs. Stronger threads generally provide a more noticeable lifting effect but also require a longer recovery period.

One of the biggest advantages of thread lifting is that patients can often see immediate improvement after the procedure. However, patients seeking more dramatic lifting should also expect temporary bruising and swelling during the recovery period.

Thread Lifts Should Be Performed Carefully

Although thread lifting can be highly effective, experts caution against performing overly aggressive lifting across the entire face in a single session.

Excessive lifting may actually worsen facial balance, causing additional sagging over time, hollow cheeks, or an unnatural "peanut-shaped" facial appearance.

Successful treatment depends on selecting the appropriate lifting method, insertion depth, and lifting strength for each area of the face.

Another common misconception is that a more painful procedure produces better results. According to specialists, this is not true. Many effective lifting treatments cause only minimal discomfort, making individualized treatment planning more important than treatment intensity.

Dr. Kirk advises that patients with very thin skin or excessive facial volume should undergo careful evaluation before treatment.

Following a thread lift, patients are generally prescribed antibiotics and are advised to avoid excessive facial movement or strong external pressure for approximately two to three weeks to promote proper healing.

Lip Blush Tattoos: A Long-Lasting Way to Enhance Lip Color

Lee Ji-hye also underwent a lip blush tattoo, a cosmetic tattooing procedure that deposits red or pink pigment into the superficial layer of the lips to create a naturally vibrant appearance.

The procedure has become increasingly popular because it reduces the need for daily lipstick or lip tint application.

Swelling after lip blush varies from person to person but typically subsides within two to three days. Cold compresses may help reduce swelling during recovery.

However, individuals who are allergic to tattoo pigments may experience more severe swelling, redness, or itching around the treated area. Allergy testing before the procedure is recommended to minimize this risk.

Patients who experience severe pain or persistent swelling after treatment should consult a qualified medical professional promptly.

Source: Chosun Health (October 10, 2025)