
2026-03-24 • Patient Resources & Tips
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a certified dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
Hello! This is Seye Clinic, embracing all the beauty in the world, and led by a Key Doctor (KOL) and Faculty Medical Team who teach and train other medical professionals.
Recently, a female patient in her 50s visited our clinic and shared her concern: "My lower face is sagging, making me look stubborn and older. It's depressing to look in the mirror."
These sagging areas, commonly known as jowls or marionette lines, are the primary culprits that alter facial impressions as aging progresses. Many patients seek a jowl lift treatment but are often unsure whether to choose Ultherapy or a thread lift.
• Ultherapy: Clinically proven ultrasound technology targeting the SMAS layer for natural tightening. Best for mild to moderate sagging.
• Thread Lift: Physical lifting using medical-grade threads. Ideal for thicker skin and immediate V-line contouring.
• Synergy Plan: Combining both offers dramatic, long-lasting results.
Jowls are not simply caused by weight gain. Dermatologists explain that the root cause lies in weakened retaining ligaments and gravity. The skin's structure consists of the Epidermis, Dermis, and the deeper SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer. As we age, the structural pillars in the SMAS layer loosen. Consequently, heavy fat pads deep within the cheeks succumb to gravity, drooping toward the mouth.
Studies show that superficial skin tightening is insufficient for treating jowls. To rebuild these collapsed pillars, a powerful treatment targeting the deep SMAS layer is essential.

Both procedures are highly effective for sagging jawlines, but their mechanisms differ significantly. It comes down to "tightening with energy" versus "pulling with threads."
Feature | Ultherapy | Thread Lift |
|---|---|---|
Mechanism | High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) heat contraction | Physical lifting using medical-grade dissolvable threads |
Action in Dermis/SMAS | Contracts the fascia (SMAS) for facial tightening | Lifts sagging tissue directly with thread cogs |
Pros | Clinically proven, natural tightening, no downtime | Immediate V-line change, powerful pull |
Cons | Results take 2-3 months to peak | May involve slight swelling or bruising initially |
Ideal Candidate | Initial sagging, contour concerns, thinner skin | Thick skin, severe sagging, heavy fat pads |

Choosing the right procedure depends on your unique facial anatomy.
1. Assess Skin Thickness: If you have thin skin and mild sagging, dermatologists recommend Ultherapy. Its patented DeepSee technology allows precise energy delivery to the SMAS layer.
2. Evaluate Sagging Severity: For thick skin, excessive fat, or severe sagging, a thread lift is essential. It provides a powerful, physical pull that ultrasound energy alone cannot achieve.
3. Consider a Synergy Plan: For dramatic lifting results, our Key Doctors recommend a combined approach. First, use Ultherapy to reduce volume and tighten the dermis. Then, apply a thread lift for a powerful upward pull.
👉🏻Check out the price for thread lift

While generally safe, Ultherapy may cause temporary redness or slight swelling. Thread lifts can result in minor bruising or a tight sensation for a few days. Always consult a certified professional to minimize risks.
The best candidate for Ultherapy is someone with mild to moderate skin laxity. Those with heavier, thicker skin and pronounced jowls are better suited for a thread lift.
At Seye Clinic, we avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. We conduct a 3D precision diagnosis to understand your bone structure, muscle movement, and fat thickness, designing a 1:1 customized plan for your natural beauty.
Stop stressing over sagging jowls. Contact Seye Clinic today for a personalized consultation to discover whether Ultherapy or a thread lift is your perfect solution.
Seye Clinic
10F, 55 Seocho-daero 77-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
• Parking available (1h free with treatment)
Phone: +82-0507-1345-5928
Email: info@seyeclinic.com
Opening Hours: Weekdays/Evening Clinic 10:30-21:00, Weekends 10:30-19:00 (Last admission: 1 hour before closing)
Copyright © 2026 SEYE CLINIC. All Rights Reserved.
Seye Clinic
10F, 55 Seocho-daero 77-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
• Parking available (1h free with treatment)
Representative: Eun Sol Lee
Privacy Officer: Eun Sol Lee
Business Registration Number: 470-03-03420
Phone: +82-0507-1345-5928
Email: info@seyeclinic.com
Opening Hours: Weekdays/Evening Clinic 10:30-21:00, Weekends 10:30-19:00 (Last admission: 1 hour before closing)
Copyright © 2026 SEYE CLINIC. All Rights Reserved.