
2026-04-15 β’ Patient Resources & Tips
Reviewed by: Dr. Seye, Lead Specialist, Seye Clinic Gangnam. Last updated: October 2023.
Meta Description: Considering an Aptos thread lift in Gangnam, Seoul? Learn how our official certified clinic maximizes lifting and volume while avoiding dimples and side effects.
Suggested URL Slug: aptos-thread-lift-gangnam-seoul
Hello! This is Seye Clinic, embracing all the beauty in the world.
An Aptos thread lift is an advanced non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedure that provides immediate lifting and long-term collagen stimulation. In our Gangnam clinic, we typically see results lasting up to 24 months, thanks to the unique composition of 75% PLLA, 25% PCL, and Hyaluronic Acid. This treatment effectively addresses sagging skin without the downtime of traditional surgery, making it a top choice for international patients visiting Seoul.
In our practice, we consistently see patients who are frustrated by mid-face drooping, prominent jowls, and a loss of skin elasticity, but who are not yet ready for a surgical facelift. They want a solution that looks natural, respects their unique facial contours, and provides lasting results without extensive recovery time.
An Aptos thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure utilizing biocompatible, absorbable threads equipped with multidirectional barbs to reposition sagging tissue. Unlike older generations of threads that merely pulled the skin, Aptos threads actively regenerate the skin from within. According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, PLLA/PCL blended threads demonstrated a 30% higher collagen synthesis rate compared to standard PDO threads over a 12-month period.
This dual-action approach means that while the physical barbs provide an immediate mechanical lift, the gradual absorption of the Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL) stimulates your body's natural healing response. The result is a firmer, more voluminous, and radiant complexion that improves over the first 3 to 6 months post-procedure.

When consulting with international patients, a common point of confusion is the difference between various thread materials. Here is what we typically observe when comparing Aptos to traditional PDO (Polydioxanone) threads:
β’ Material Composition: Traditional threads are 100% PDO. Aptos threads are a patented blend of 75% PLLA, 25% PCL, and Hyaluronic Acid (HA).
β’ Longevity: Standard PDO threads typically dissolve within 6 to 8 months. In contrast, Aptos threads maintain their structural integrity for up to 18 to 24 months, providing a significantly longer-lasting lift.
β’ Skin Benefits: While PDO provides mild collagen stimulation, the PLLA in Aptos offers powerful self-collagen production (increasing skin density), the PCL ensures flexibility, and the HA delivers a clearer skin texture and immediate hydration.
However, we must be honest about limitations. Because Aptos threads are stronger and longer-lasting, they require a highly skilled practitioner. Incorrect placement or pulling the threads purely by intuition can lead to temporary dimpling, indentations, or unnaturally prominent cheekbones. This is why choosing a certified, experienced clinic is absolutely critical for this specific treatment.
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A question that came up three times last week alone was: "Will thread lifting make my cheekbones look wider or cause dimples?"
In our clinical experience, this happens when threads are applied using a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Even the best threads, if pulled by intuition rather than anatomical precision, can cause prominent cheekbones or indentations. At Seye Clinic, our medical team analyzes your individual skin thickness, fat distribution, and bone contours to complete a precise design perfectly tailored to your face.
When choosing a clinic for your Aptos lift, consider the following factors:
β’ Design Skill: Does the doctor map out the vectors based on your specific anatomy?
β’ Certification: Is the clinic officially recognized by the thread manufacturer?
β’ Comprehensive Care: Does the clinic offer proper post-procedure guidelines and follow-up care, especially for patients traveling from abroad?
Typically, the procedure takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Patients can expect mild swelling and bruising for 3 to 7 days, but most are able to return to their normal social activities within a week. The lifting effect is visible immediately, with skin quality improvements peaking around the 3-month mark.

Gangnam is the global epicenter of aesthetic medicine, but not all clinics offer the same level of expertise. Seye Clinic is proud to be designated as an Official APTOS Certification Center and the APTOS Illumination Lab. This isn't just a plaque on the wall; it means our doctors are recognized as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) who train other medical professionals in advanced thread lifting techniques.
Many clinics simply purchase and use supplied threads. But an official center, backed by a premium anti-aging clinic, ensures that every step of the process meets the highest global standards. Alongside our APTOS certification, Seye Clinic holds 5 Official Premium Titles, including being the Global 1st Silhouette Soft Key Clinic and an Alltite Lifting Advisory Clinic. This deep, cross-disciplinary expertise in various lifting modalities allows us to recommend the exact right treatment for your unique tissue type, rather than forcing a single product on every patient.
One specific detail that sets our practice apart is our proprietary vector-mapping technique. We don't just lift upwards; we strategically anchor the threads to the deep temporal fascia to ensure the lift is secure, natural-looking, and avoids the "pulled" look that many patients fear.

After performing over thousands of thread lifting treatments, one pattern we notice is that international patients often feel rushed during consultations at high-volume clinics. At Seye Clinic, your journey begins with a comprehensive, unhurried consultation. We use advanced imaging to assess your skin laxity and discuss your specific aesthetic goals.
The treatment process is meticulously planned. First, local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort. Then, using our unrivaled design skill, the Aptos threads are carefully inserted via a blunt cannula to minimize bruising and tissue trauma. The threads are then gently adjusted to achieve the optimal lift and volume repositioning.
For our international patients, we provide detailed, English-language aftercare instructions and offer virtual follow-ups via WhatsApp to ensure your recovery is smooth and your results are exactly as expected.
β’ What it is: A premium thread lift using Aptos (75% PLLA, 25% PCL, HA) for lifting, volume, and radiance.
β’ Longevity: Results typically last 18 to 24 months, significantly longer than standard PDO threads.
β’ The Seye Difference: Official APTOS Certification Center utilizing precise anatomical design to prevent dimples and wide cheekbones.
β’ Downtime: Mild swelling for 3-7 days; immediate lifting with progressive skin improvement over 3 months.
Q: Will an Aptos thread lift make my face look wider or cause dimples?
A: When performed by an expert, an Aptos thread lift will not make your face look wider. Dimples or prominent cheekbones occur when threads are placed incorrectly. At Seye Clinic, we use precise anatomical vector mapping tailored to your bone structure to ensure a smooth, natural, and upward lift.
Q: How long does the Aptos thread lift last compared to PDO threads?
A: Aptos threads are composed of PLLA and PCL, allowing them to last up to 18 to 24 months. In contrast, traditional PDO threads typically dissolve within 6 to 8 months. The PLLA in Aptos also provides superior, long-term collagen stimulation for improved skin density.
Q: Is the procedure painful, and what is the recovery time?
A: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, making it highly tolerable. Most patients experience only mild pressure. You can expect minor swelling and bruising for about 3 to 7 days, but you can generally resume normal daily activities within 48 hours.
Q: Why should I choose an Official APTOS Certified Center?
A: An Official Certified Center, like Seye Clinic, guarantees that the doctors have undergone rigorous, specialized training directly from the manufacturer. This ensures the highest safety standards, authentic products, and advanced techniques that maximize results while minimizing the risk of side effects.
Ready to experience the difference? Book a free consultation via WhatsApp (+82-10-3110-9806) or browse our current events and packages. Our English-speaking team is ready to help you plan your visit.
*Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Please consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any aesthetic procedure.
Seye Clinic
10F, 55 Seocho-daero 77-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
β’ Parking available (1h free with treatment)
Phone: +82-507-1345-5928
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 Β© 2026 SEYE CLINIC. All Rights Reserved.
Seye Clinic
10F, 55 Seocho-daero 77-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
β’ Parking available (1h free with treatment)
Representative: Eun Sol Lee
Privacy Officer: Eun Sol Lee
Business Registration Number: 470-03-03420
Phone: +82-507-1345-5928
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 Β© 2026 SEYE CLINIC. All Rights Reserved.