Why the face starts to sag
Sagging is rarely just “loose skin”. With age, several layers change at once: the skin loses collagen, the fat pads in the cheeks slide down and thin out, the ligaments that hold them stretch, and the bone of the cheeks and jaw slowly recedes. The result is a heavier lower face, deeper folds and a less defined jawline.
Common signs people bring to us:
- Jowls that blur the jawline, especially in photos from below
- Deepening nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Flattened upper cheeks with heaviness lower down
- Loose skin under the chin and on the neck
Because the cause differs from person to person, a good plan starts by deciding whether you need lifting, tightening, volume — or a mix.
How we treat sagging skin at Bailor
Devices tighten and lift the deeper layers; threads physically reposition tissue; injectables replace lost support. This is how they compare:
| Treatment | Suits | Typical plan | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultherapy | Jowls and jawline, deeper SMAS layer | 1 session, yearly | ₩500,000 |
| Thermage FLX | Loose, crepey skin over a wide area | 1 session, yearly | ₩1,200,000 |
| Shurink Universe | Budget-friendly HIFU maintenance | Every 1–3 months | ₩65,000 |
| Onda Lifting | Heavier lower face and fatty jowls | 1–3 sessions | ₩120,000 |
| Thread lift | Visible repositioning of cheeks and jowls | 1 session | ₩1,200,000 |
| Radiesse | Lost support along cheek and jaw | 1–2 syringes | ₩950,000 |
Prices in KRW, 10% VAT not included, updated September 2026.
Where sagging is mild, a firming-focused plan may be enough — see firm skin treatment. All shot counts are listed on our Ultherapy price page.
What changes when sagging is treated
Device lifting improves slowly: the jaw edge usually looks crisper over 2–3 months as tissue tightens. Threads give a visible lift immediately, which settles into a more natural result as swelling goes down. Pairing with volume support such as dermal fillers often makes the lift look more balanced.
How a lifting visit works
- Face mapping The doctor checks skin, fat, ligaments and bone support, and marks the vectors to lift.
- Numbing Numbing cream for 30–60 minutes; local anaesthetic for threads.
- Lifting Device passes take 20–60 minutes; a thread lift around 30–40 minutes.
- Aftercare Cooling, aftercare instructions in English and a WhatsApp line for questions.
For short trips, devices are the simplest option because there is little to no downtime. Threads are ideally done early in your stay so the doctor can review swelling before you fly. Device and filler work can often be done on the same visit.
Downtime, side effects and honest limits
Non-surgical lifting gives a natural, moderate improvement — it does not replace a surgical facelift for heavy sagging. Possible side effects:
- Common: redness, tenderness along the jaw, mild swelling for 1–3 days; after threads, tightness, small dimples and swelling for 1–2 weeks.
- Less common: bruising, temporary numbness or tingling, uneven swelling, visible thread ends that need adjusting.
- Rare: burns, temporary nerve weakness, infection, or loss of facial fat if devices are over-used on thin faces.
Tell the doctor first if
you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a pacemaker or metal implants, take blood thinners, have had recent filler, threads or surgery in the area, or have an active skin infection. Avoid saunas, alcohol and hard exercise for a few days after threads or filler.
Dr. Jimin Kang, Medical Director
Every sagging skin plan at Bailor starts with a face-to-face skin assessment by a doctor — not a sales counsellor. Dr. Kang's approach is "tailored, not templated": she chooses the product, dose and depth for your skin, and treats you herself or works alongside the other doctors on our in-house medical team.
Sagging skin FAQ
How much does sagging skin treatment cost in Gangnam?
At Bailor Clinic in Sinsa, Shurink starts from ₩65,000 (100 shots), Ultherapy from ₩500,000 and a full-face Mint thread lift (8 threads) is ₩1,200,000, VAT excluded. See Ultherapy prices.
Can sagging skin be fixed without surgery?
Mild to moderate sagging often improves well with devices, threads and volume support. Heavy, very loose skin usually responds better to surgery, and the doctor will tell you honestly if that is the case.
Ultherapy or thread lift — which is better for jowls?
Ultherapy tightens gradually with no incisions; threads give an immediate, more visible lift with more swelling. Some patients use both. The choice depends on how much lift you need and your downtime.
How long does a non-surgical lift last?
Device results typically last 6–12 months and threads around 12 months, depending on age and skin. Maintenance keeps results steady.
Will lifting devices make my face look thinner?
Used correctly they should not, but over-treating a thin face can reduce fat. That is why the doctor maps fat and bone before choosing energy settings.
