Thread Lift vs Filler — Cheongdam & Apgujeong, Seoul

Two different problems

Ageing changes the face in two broad ways. Tissue descends as ligaments and the SMAS loosen, so the cheek fat pad slides toward the nasolabial fold and jowls form. At the same time, tissue deflates — fat compartments shrink and bone remodels — leaving hollows under the eyes, at the temples and in the mid-face. Most faces show both, in different proportions.

A thread lift answers descent; filler answers deflation. Problems arise when one is used to solve the other. Filling a deep nasolabial fold that is caused mainly by sagging can make the mid-face look heavy and wide — the overfilled look many international patients are keen to avoid. Conversely, lifting a face that is mainly hollow can leave it looking tight but still tired.

How Doje Clinic approaches the choice

Dr. Byun Jeik is both a surgery specialist with long thread-lift experience and a recognised injector — named one of Korea's 22 filler experts by Medical Times and a member of the Merz Advisory Board and Belotero Expert Committee. That dual background matters here, because the plan is not built around a preferred tool. In a 1:1 consultation he reads which areas have dropped and which have lost volume, then decides the minimum of each needed.

In practice, threads often reposition first, and filler is then used sparingly where structure is genuinely missing — for instance retaining-ligament filler to reinforce support points, or soft filler for residual folds. Lifting first frequently reduces how much filler is needed.

Side-by-side comparison

When Doje combines them

The Mid-Face Program pairs a signature mid-face thread lift with retaining-ligament filler and nasolabial filler; the Marionette Program pairs a lower-face thread lift with marionette soft filler. The reasoning is that threads reposition, while small amounts of well-placed filler hold structure and soften what lifting alone cannot reach. Quantities are deliberately conservative, in line with Doje's natural-results philosophy.

Which should you choose?

• Thread lift — if pulling the skin gently upward in front of the ear makes the problem largely disappear.
• Filler — if the issue is a hollow or flat area that looks the same whether you lie down or sit up.
• Both — if you have sagging and volume loss together, which is common after the late 30s.
• Neither yet — if changes are mainly skin quality; boosters or energy devices may suit better.

Recovery and aftercare

After threads, avoid strenuous exercise, facial massage and wide mouth opening for the period advised. After filler, avoid pressing or massaging treated areas unless instructed. See thread lift aftercare and filler aftercare.

Cost

Fees are quoted after a 1:1 consultation, since the number of threads and amount of filler depend on your face. Ask for a written quote; Korean non-covered (비급여) aesthetic fees are set per plan.

Frequently asked questions

Can filler lift a sagging face?

Filler can support structure at key points, but it does not reposition descended tissue. Using it alone for sagging can add weight.

Can a thread lift fix hollow under-eyes?

No. Threads reposition tissue; hollows usually need volume or skin-quality treatment instead.

Is it better to do threads or filler first?

Often threads first, because lifting can reduce how much filler is needed. Doje may do both in one visit when appropriate.

Will I look overfilled?

Doje uses conservative filler volumes and lifts first where sagging is the cause, specifically to avoid an overfilled look.

Which lasts longer?

It varies. The clinic states threads can last up to two years or more; filler longevity depends on product and area.

Related at Doje Clinic

• Thread lift
• Hyaluronic acid filler
• Nasolabial folds
• Avoiding an overfilled look
• Facial retaining ligaments
• Ligament filler vs mid-face thread lift

Medical information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis. Suitability, risks and the final plan are confirmed in a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Byun Jeik. Last updated 17 October 2026.