Is it worth getting thread lifting in South Korea? I flew all the way to Gangnam just for this: 20 years of expertise in thread lifting, with 37,000 successful cases to back it up (including 8 key areas to focus on during treatment).

Is it worth getting thread lifting in South Korea? I flew all the way to Gangnam just for this: 20 years of expertise in thread lifting, with 37,000 successful cases to back it up (including 8 key areas to focus on during treatment).
⚡ Read this in just 30 seconds and you’ll know:
Pangpang is South Korea’s only 20-year-old specialized clinic that focuses exclusively on thread lifting treatments.
With 31
different types of thread materials plus the exclusive Pink Lift thread, prices start at ₩70,000 per thread.
Backed by over 37,000
treatment cases and 1.46 million threads used, it shows just how long-lasting the results can be.
Book an in-person consulta
tion, enjoy Chinese-speaking support, and get a comprehensive guide to the post-treatment recovery timeline.
Exterior view of Pangpang Hospital – YK Building, Gangnam District, Seoul I
Pangpang Hospital is located on floors 11–13 of the YK Building in Gangnam, Seoul.
Pangpang Hospital logo

Pangpang Pengpeng Hospital
Gangnam · Thread Lifting Lifting Specialist Clinic · Rating 4.4/5

South Korea’s only 20-year-specialized clinic that focuses exclusively on thread lifting. It was the world’s first research institute for thread lifting, offering 31 different types of functional threads, including the exclusive Pink Lift-certified threads. Two chief physicians oversee treatments here, and Chinese-speaking services are available. I visited the clinic in person to share my genuine experience and pricing details with you.
💡 Reference prices for popular procedures
• Basic customization line: ₩700,000–120,000 per strand (NT$1,610–2,760)

• Pink Lift DongAn Center Introduction line: ₩150,000 per strand
(NT$3,450)
• Mini Lifting set of 10 strands: ₩1,200,000
(NT$27,600)
• Full-face reshaping with 25–30 strands: ₩2,700,000–4,800,000 (NT$62,100–110,400)

I. Why Did I Set My Eyes on This Clinic That Specializes Only in Filler Procedures?

To be honest, I hadn’t heard of Pangpang either at first.

Here’s what happened—I have a friend who flew to Seoul last year for Nasolabial Fold Correction. After returning, her facial contours looked much sharper and cleaner. It wasn’t that fake-tight appearance caused by excessive pulling; instead, her jawline became more defined and her Nasolabial Fold Correction results were noticeable, yet her expressions remained completely natural. When I asked her where she had the procedure done, she said it wasn’t at a general Dermatology clinic, but at a specialized hospital focused solely on this type of treatment—Pangpang (in Korean, 팡팡의원, also known in Chinese as 彭彭醫院).

The phrase “specializing only in thread lifting” really caught my attention. In Gangnam, South Korea, most clinics offer a wide range of services—Thermage, HIFU, hyaluronic acid injections, thread lifting, and even plastic surgery procedures all in one place. But Pangpang is different; for 20 years, it has focused solely on one thing: thread lifting Lifting. Their official website puts it quite clearly: “We focus on one thing, and one thing only: thread lifting.”

Pangpang’s specialized consultation center for thread lifting treatments
Professional Consultation Center for Filler Lifting – The first step upon entering is assessing the degree of facial sagging.

So I started doing my research, and the more I dug into it, the more I realized this place was no ordinary place:

📌 The world’s first and only “Filling Research Institute” — not just a title, but an actual lab dedicated to analyzing filler data and driving innovative developmen
t.
📌 Over 37,000 treatment cases, using 1.46 million filler threads in total, with a combined length exceeding 80 kilometers (10 times the height of Mount Everes
t).
📌 31 different types of functional filler threads available — not just the common PDO threads found on the market, but a comprehensive range developed
and selected by them specifically.
📌 The exclusive Pink Lift filler
thread, certified by FDA, CE, and KFDA.
📌 Additionally, the
y have a Filling Repair Center dedicated to addressing failed treatments from other clinics.

With these numbers on hand, I figured it’s worth making the trip for a in-person consultation at least. So last month I planned a trip to Gangnam, and took the opportunity to visit the main branch of Pangpang, located on floors 11–13 of the YK Building at 121 Doshan Road.

II. Get to Know Pangpang Hospital in 30 Seconds

  • Official Name: PANGPANG CLINIC / 팽팽의원 / 彭彭醫院
  • Positioning: The only specialized hospital in South Korea focused on thread lifting Lifting (with over 20 years of experience)
  • Address: 11th–13th floors, YK Tower, 121 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Please go to the 13th floor for registration)
  • Transportation: About a 5-minute walk from Dosan Station on the Bundang Line or ANEW Bundang Line; or about a 10-minute walk from Gangnam Station.
  • Business hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00 / Saturday, 09:00–15:00 / Lunch break from 13:00–14:00 / Closed on Sundays and public holidays
  • Phone: 1660-3300 (Chinese-speaking customer service available)
  • Representative Directors: Director Seo Kang-yeol + Director Cho Min-young, both with backgrounds in plastic surgery.
  • Language: ✅ Chinese services available
  • BeautsGO rating: 4.4/5 (9 reviews)
Environment at the Pangpang thread lifting treatment facility
Professional Filler Lifting Treatment Center – Designed entirely around the filler treatment process

III. From Booking to Aftercare: My Complete Experience Journey

Next, let me share my genuine experiences from actually going through it, arranged in chronological order:

Step 1: Schedule an appointment

Pangpang operates on a strictly scheduled basis and does not accept walk-in appointments. I booked my consultation two weeks in advance through the BeautsGO mini-program. Once the appointment is confirmed, I receive a confirmation letter that outlines what to bring and includes directions to the location. It’s recommended to book at least 5–10 days in advance, as both doctors have quite full schedules.

Step 2: Arrive at the clinic and register

The YK Building is a quite impressive office complex in Gangnam. The elevator takes you straight to the 13th floor, where you’ll find the reception hall right away. There are staff members who speak Chinese at the front desk (which is crucial for overseas guests), and after verifying your appointment details, you’ll need to fill out a brief questionnaire—covering things like your health status, allergy history, and whether you’re taking any blood thinners.

Pangpang’s global research institute for thread lifting techniques
The world’s first and only institute dedicated to Lifting with threads — all techniques and thread materials stem from the data research conducted here

Step 3: One-on-one consultation with an expert (this step takes the most time, but it’s also the most important).

The consultation center is a private space, not the kind where you wait in a lobby to get a number. The director will first review the questionnaire you filled out, then examine your face by hand—pressing from your Forehead down to your chin, checking each area to determine where there’s fat sagging, where the dermis is loose, and where the fascia has shifted.

Next, a 3D facial scanning system is used to analyze objective data and simulate the post-surgery results. This step really surprised me—many clinics just write out a treatment plan after taking a quick look, but Pangpang uses quantitative data to show you an estimated improvement level for each area of the face.

During the consultation phase, the clinic director will present 31 different types of thread samples, explaining in detail the characteristics of each one—such as which ones are suitable for lifting, which ones work well for volume enhancement, and which ones are ideal for fine-tuning details like the area around the nose and lips. The final proposal includes information on the type of threads used, the quantity required, the placement pattern, the estimated duration of the results, and a breakdown of the total cost.

Step 4: Dual anesthesia + procedure execution

Before entering the treatment center, surface cryo-anesthesia is applied first (they use a temperature of -196°C, which is much more effective than traditional anesthetic creams). Then, precise local anesthesia is administered at the injection sites. This dual-anesthesia approach means that the skin’s surface is numbed first, followed by deeper anesthesia when the needles are inserted, ensuring excellent pain control throughout the procedure.

During the treatment, you can check the results in the mirror at any time—this is one of Pangpang’s unique features. The director will treat half of your face first, allowing you to compare the left and right sides. Only after confirming that the direction and intensity are just right will they move on to the other side. I asked the director if this wouldn’t slow things down, to which he replied, “It’s better to spend an extra 10 minutes adjusting rather than having you dissatisfied with the result later.”

Step 5: Post-surgery care

After the procedure, a Healite low-light therapy session will be conducted to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. The nurse will provide you with a detailed list of post-operative precautions—avoid sleeping on your side for the first three days, refrain from intense exercise for a week, and stay away from hot environments such as saunas or hot yoga for two weeks. Free follow-up appointments are also available, usually scheduled 2 weeks and 2 months after the surgery.

IV. Price Reference Table (Public Prices for 2025–2026)

The prices listed below are based on official information from Pangpang and data from the BeautsGO platform. Exchange rate reference: ₩10,000 ≈ NT$230. The actual cost will be subject to the quote given during a in-person consultation.

Project Korean Won Price Taiwan Dollar Reference
Basic Custom Wires (1 piece) ₩70,000 – 120,000 NT$1,610 – 2,760
Pink Lift Pink DongAn Center Introduction Line (1 piece) ₩150,000 NT$3,450
Mini Lifting (10 Pcs) ₩1,200,000 NT$27,600
Golden Ratio Package (12–16 treatments) ₩1,600,000 – 2,220,000 NT$36,800 – 51,060
Elasticum Lifting (6 strands) Starting from ₩980,000 Starting from NT$22,540
Elasticum Lifting (10 pieces) Starting from ₩1,580,000 Starting from NT$36,340
Full Face Reshaping (25-30 treatments) ₩2,700,000 – 4,800,000 NT$62,100 – 110,400
Frozen anesthesia pretreatment ₩450,000 NT$10,350
4-Week ANEW Renewal Plan for the Eye Area ₩2,000,000 NT$46,000
Lifting with Forehead Line Etching ₩1,500,000 NT$34,500
※ The prices listed above are for reference only; the actual cost will be based on the quote after an in-person consultation.

V. What sets Pangpang apart from other Dermatology clinics in Gangnam?

I know many people wonder, “With so many Dermatology clinics in Gangnam that offer thread lifting, why choose one that specializes solely in it?” I asked myself this question several times before going for a consultation. After visiting comprehensive Dermatology centers like Libhib, Pêche, and GOWA, my impression was:

Comparison Dimensions Pangpang Specialty Clinic Comprehensive Dermatology Clinic
Core Positioning Specializing in thread lifting only (20 years of experience) Filler injection is just one of the many procedures available.
Wire selection 31 types of functional cables Usually 5-10 types
R&D capabilities Own thread lifting research institute + exclusive Pink Lift threads Use standard commercially available wires
Case Scale 37,000+ thread lifting cases The proportion of thread lifting cases is unclear.
Ideal for Moderate to severe sagging / Seeking ultimate results Mild sagging / Want to combine with other treatments
Price range ₩580,000 – 4.8 million Varies by clinic

In short: if your main goal is Lifting through thread lifting and you’re looking for a clinic with the deepest expertise and the most successful cases in this field, Pangpang’s specialized focus does offer certain advantages. But if you’re aiming for a “mild maintenance-style” Lifting (such as slight adjustments to a few threads), or if you’d like to combine it with treatments like Thermage or skin management, a comprehensive Dermatology clinic might be more convenient for getting everything taken care of in one place.

VI. 8 Things to Keep in Mind Before Making an Appointment

Focus Point 1|Is it really “specializing only in thread lifting,” or just marketing hype?

I’ve verified it — they truly specialize only in thread lifts. Their official website, BeautsGO page, and in-person consultations all focus exclusively on thread lifts. Even injectable treatments like Filler and Botox are offered as complementary options to thread lifts, not as standalone main services. This is extremely rare in the South Korea cosmetic industry.

Focus Point 2|What Exactly Is the Pink Lift Thread? How Is It Better Than Regular PDO Threads?

Pink Lift is an exclusive lifting thread developed by Pangpang using the accumulated data from its own research institute, and it has passed triple certification from FDA, CE, and KFDA. There are two versions available: Dual (with dual-structure serrations for two-stage traction) and Fix (with three-stage support anchoring and cross-directional serrations). Its key advantages include a non-thermal manufacturing process (resulting in higher tensile strength), reduced pain, and longer-lasting effects compared to standard threads. Of course, the price is correspondingly higher (₩150,000 per thread vs. ₩70,000–120,000 per thread for basic threads). During a face consultation, the doctor will assess whether it’s worth investing based on your individual needs.

Focus Point 3|How long do thread lift results last?

It depends on the type of thread used, an individual’s metabolism, as well as post-surgery care. Generally, PDO threads last around 6–12 months, Pink Lift threads can last up to 12–18 months, while some cases with Elasticum Lifting threads show results that persist for 18–24 months. What’s more important is that Pangpang’s philosophy isn’t about pulling as tightly as possible, but rather sculpting through strategic thread placement—focusing on precise vector planning and natural transitions. As a result, even as the threads are gradually absorbed, the collagen framework stimulated by them continues to provide support for a considerable period.

Focus Point 4|How painful is it? Can people who are afraid of pain get it done?

After dual anesthesia—surface freezing combined with targeted local anesthesia—most people describe the sensation as “a tolerable swelling and discomfort,” similar to what you feel when getting fillers. There’s a brief stinging feeling when the needles are inserted, but it disappears quickly. In my case, the most uncomfortable part was actually the freezing treatment before anesthesia (it was extremely cold😂). If you’re particularly sensitive to pain, be sure to let the doctor know in advance, and they’ll adjust the anesthesia plan accordingly.

Focus Point 5|How long is the recovery period after surgery? When can I see people normally again?

Mild swelling and bruising usually subside significantly within 2–3 days, allowing most people to engage in normal social activities by 3–5 days (though concealer may be needed to help cover them). Severe bruising is very rare—official statistics show a rate of around 2.7%—thanks to the use of cryo-anesthesia, which reduces damage to blood vessels. Swelling generally disappears after a week, with the final results becoming more apparent over time. The best outcomes are typically seen 6–8 weeks after the procedure, during the peak period for Collagen regeneration.

Focus Point 6|Who is a good candidate? Who should avoid it?

Suitable for: People aged 30–50 whose faces are starting to show signs of relaxation (especially those with blurred jawlines, prominent Nasolabial Fold Correction, and sagging Apple Zone); those who prefer to avoid surgical facelifts; individuals with decent facial features but a loose contour.
Not recommend
ed for: Those with severe facial relaxation (who may need surgical Lifting); pregnant or breastfeeding women; those taking anticoagulant medications; or those suffering from serious autoimmune diseases. Additionally, if you’re expecting results that will last a decade with just one treatment, thread lifting might not be the right choice—it’s a procedure that requires regular maintenance.

Focus Point 7|To What Extent Is Chinese Service Available? Is Korean Language Skills Necessary?

The BeautsGO page clearly states that “Chinese services are available.” In practice, every step—from registration at the front desk, filling out questionnaires, to consultations—offers Chinese support. While the director conducts consultations in Korean, a translator is present. Instructions for post-surgery care are also available in Chinese. However, it’s recommended to make appointments through BeautsGO or their WeChat customer service (beautsgo6) for the fastest response.

Focus Point 8|What to Do if Filler Injection Fails? Can Pangpang Fix It?

This is a big plus—Pangpang has a dedicated Thread Lifting Revision Center to address cases that went wrong at other clinics. Common issues include asymmetry, protruding threads, results not meeting expectations, and stiff facial expressions. The revision process usually involves removing the old threads and reapplying them, sometimes in combination with fillers or laser treatment. If you’re not satisfied with your previous thread lifting procedure elsewhere, you can send them photos first for an assessment.

VII. My honest opinion: Who is Pangpang suitable for?

After going through this experience, my overall impression of Pangpang can be summed up in four words: focused, data-driven, and non-pushy.

“Focused” means they truly specialize solely in thread lifting, with diagrams of the threads and before-and-after photos of clients displayed even on the walls of their consultation rooms. “Data-driven” refers to the use of 3D scanning during face consultations along with a database of case studies, which gives patients the sense that medical decisions are being made rather than being pressured into purchases. “No aggressive selling” means the clinic director will openly tell you that thread lifting might not be effective for certain areas, suggesting alternative options—a practice that’s quite uncommon in South Korea’s cosmetic industry.

But it may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re looking for only mild treatments—such as gently lifting a few fine lines—visiting a local general Dermatology clinic might be more convenient. Pangpang excels in addressing moderate to severe facial sagging, particularly in cases that require precise treatment planning and long-term results.

Need one-on-one consultation or help scheduling appointments?

If you’d like someone to help you compare prices, check when the director is available for appointments, or if you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, feel free to add me on WeChat—I’ll share with you what I know about the actual situation.

WeChat ID: xycheng2204
Scan the c

ode to add me and mention “Pangpang” in the note.

WeChat ID: xycheng2204, QR code

For the same Gangnam trip, I also visited the following clinics in person. Each has its own unique style and strengths, so you can compare them based on your specific needs.

Hospital Location / Strengths The highlights of my in-person visit
Libhib Dermatology 1 minute from Exit 10, Gangnam Station | Female Director’s Private Consultations Same price in China and South Korea; HIFU starts at 990,000 yuan
Pêche Dermatology Right across from Exit 4 at Gangnam Station | Open year-round until 21:00 Naver 4.9/5, same price in Korea and China with full transparency
GOWA Dermatology 1 minute from Exit 9 of ANEW Lunhe Station | Natural Micro-Adjustment for Anti-Aging Dr. Kang Hyun-uk, a graduate of Yonsei University – the savior for those who fear pain
PPOSONG Dermatology Yuchang Building, 429 Gangnam-daero | Mon–Fri until 21:00 Personal consultation by Dr. Song, transparent pricing with no sales pressure
Made U Dermatology 5 minutes from Exit 3 of Nonhyeon Station | 3-floor layout Personal consultation by Director Park Gun-hwan, transparent price ranges

💬 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

💬 Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q1: What’s the difference between Pangpang and regular Dermatology thread lifting?
The biggest difference lies in the “level of specialization.” In regular Dermatology practices, thread lifting is just one of many procedures available, with limited choices of threads. Pangpang, on the other hand, has focused exclusively on thread lifting for 20 years, offering 31 different types of functional threads, its own proprietary Pink Lift thread, the only thread lifting research institute in the world, and over 37,000 specialized cases. To put it simply, it’s like the difference between seeing a general practitioner and consulting a specialist professor.

Q2: What treatment should I choose for my first thread lifting procedure?
It’s recommended to start with the “10-Piece Mini Lifting Set” (₩1.2 million) or the “6-Elasticum Lifting Strands” (starting at ₩980,000). For those trying thread lifting for the first time, it’s not advisable to use too many strands at once—first observe your body’s reaction to the threads and your level of satisfaction with the results, after which more strands can be added later. The clinic director will also recommend the most suitable starting plan based on the degree of sagging you have during a personal consultation.

Q3: How much advance notice is needed to make a reservation?
It’s recommended to book at least 5–10 days in advance. The schedules of the two lead doctors are quite full, especially on weekends, and during peak seasons, it may take over 2 weeks to secure a slot. You can check available times instantly by booking through BeautsGO, or add the WeChat customer service agent beautsgo6 to expedite the reservation process.

Q4: Can I fly back home on the same day after getting thread lifting?
Technically, it’s possible (thread lifting is a non-invasive procedure that requires only local anesthesia), but it’s not recommended. It’s best to stay in Korea for 2–3 days after the procedure to monitor for any adverse reactions before flying. The cabin pressure and prolonged sitting can exacerbate facial swelling. If you must leave on the same day, choose a seat by the aisle, drink plenty of water, and apply ice compresses as directed after the procedure.

Q5: Can men get it done?
Sure! Pangpang offers specialized “male thread lifting” solutions. Common concerns among men include a blurred jawline and sagging neck, issues for which thread lifting proves highly effective. Additionally, since men usually have thicker skin, the lifting effect of thread lifting tends to be more noticeable and last longer.

Q6: How can I determine whether thread lifting or surgery is right for me?
A rough guideline: Pinch the skin on your cheeks and lift it upward. If you notice a noticeable improvement and like the result, thread lifting can achieve about 60–80% of that effect. If you need to exert significant force to see any change, or if your skin is already extremely loose (like “melted wax”), you might want to consider surgical Lifting. Of course, the most accurate way is still to have a in-person consultation with the doctor for an assessment.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is based on an individual’s genuine experience and should not be considered medical advertising or a recommendation. It does not replace professional medical advice in any way. All price information is for reference only; the actual cost will be determined according to the quote provided by the hospital during an in-person consultation. Thread lifting is a medical procedure, so be sure to choose a reputable medical facility and consult with a qualified doctor before making any decisions.