Korea has had a major influence in beauty trends all over the world for years now. The surge of interest in Korean skincare is even referred to as K-Beauty today.
Combined with music genres (K-Pop), shows (K-Dramas) and beauty, K-Beauty is a major part of what’s known as Hallyu, or the Korean Wave of influence over the entire world.
Audiences near and far have been exposed to the high standards of beauty in South Korea, with celebrities, musicians and other pop culture icons from the country showing off their flawless “glass skin.”
In this article, we’ll discuss the influence K-Beauty has had in the U.S., particularly on the popularity of PDO threads.
Key Takeaways
- K-Beauty emphasizes skin health, dewy complexion, and youthful appearance.
- PDO threads were first used medically in the 1980s, then adapted for cosmetic use by South Korean doctors.
- K-Beauty’s global influence raised interest in innovative, non-surgical treatments like thread lifts.
- PDO threads help mimic K-Beauty ideals by lifting sagging skin and boosting collagen.
- V Soft Lift provides FDA-cleared PDO threads tailored for personalized facial rejuvenation.
K-Beauty is a moniker that describes the Korean skincare phenomenon. Many Koreans who are in the media a lot — either through films, shows, music or other genres — have flawless-looking skin.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 12/17/2025
What is K-Beauty?
K-Beauty is a moniker that describes the Korean skincare phenomenon. Many Koreans who are in the media a lot — either through films, shows, music or other genres — have flawless-looking skin.
“Glass skin,” as it’s known, is described as having a luminous and dewy complexion. It’s shiny in a good way, sparkling, smooth and youthful looking.
Many people in South Korea are dedicated to skincare, and it comes from a multi-pronged approach that includes using products with quality ingredients, following skincare routines tailored to their specific skin and emphasizing skin health rather than just aesthetics.
The result is the beautiful skin that people all over the world desire to achieve.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | PDO threads used in surgery | First introduction of PDO threads in medical settings |
| ~2000 | South Korean doctors begin cosmetic use | Start of non-surgical thread lifts and aesthetic applications |
| 2010s | K-Beauty gains global popularity | Sets global standards for skincare, inspires interest in Korean innovations |
| 2020s | PDO thread treatments rise in U.S. | K-Beauty influence drives interest in thread lifting and youthful appearance |
What is the History of PDO Threads in Korea?
PDO threads have been used in surgical procedures since the early 1980s, but it wasn’t until about 25 years ago that doctors began using them in cosmetic facelifts.
Not surprisingly, these doctors were from South Korea.
Like many other people from their country, they believed more in minimally-invasive techniques to achieve facial rejuvenation. So, instead of relying on surgical facelifts to address the common signs of aging, they developed a way to use PDO threads in cosmetic procedures, rather than just using them as dissolvable sutures.
This link to South Korea is obviously a major reason why K-Beauty has influenced the popularity of PDO threads. As interest in Korean skincare routines soared, so, too, treatments that were first pioneered in the country.
South Korea has a long history as a trusted country for skincare products and techniques, which also fueled the rise in popularity of PDO threads. People knew they could trust the country with skincare technology, since it already launched and popularized other skincare treatments such as BB creams and sheet masks.
Can PDO Threads Help People Achieve K-Beauty?
While it certainly helps that the usage of PDO threads for cosmetic treatments emerged from South Korea, they wouldn’t have risen in popularity with K-Beauty if they didn’t produce amazing results.
That’s exactly what they do, though, helping people achieve amazing anti-aging results that share many of the same characteristics of K-Beauty.
This is done in two major ways.
First, sagging or drooping skin or lack of definition is addressed through the use of barbed threads. These thin threads grab onto parts of your skin and underlying tissue and lift it up higher, helping to mimic the results of a traditional facelift without the surgery.
The threads act as sort of a scaffold to the skin and tissue, helping to hold it into its new position, just like it was when you were younger.
Smooth PDO threads can also be used in conjunction with barbed threads or on their own. This product is very good at addressing fine lines and wrinkles, helping to smooth out the skin.
Both types of threads stimulate the production of collagen, as the body will produce more of the naturally-occurring material as part of the healing process. What the collagen does is help to strengthen the scaffolding for the lifting threads and make your skin more elastic, smooth, shiny and youthful-looking.
You’ll be able to see some of the results of the lifting threads immediately once the treatment is done, and those results will gradually improve over time as your body works to fully break down and absorb the PDO threads with the collagen it produces.
V Soft Lift’s PDO Threads Can Help You Achieve K-Beauty
The rise of PDO thread popularity is often synonymous with the rise in popularity of K-Beauty, and for good reason. Not only did South Korean doctors pioneer the usage of PDO threads for cosmetic purposes, but the treatments help people achieve many of the characteristics associated with popular Korean figures.
If you’re interested in exploring what results you could get from a PDO thread treatment, find a provider who is reputable and you can trust, and visit them for a consultation. You should also make sure they use only the highest-quality products, just like is done in K-Beauty.
At V Soft Lift, have created the highest-quality threads on the market. They’re all fully FDA cleared for usage in the U.S., and give providers many choices based on their patients’ skin type and treatment area.
For more information, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is K-Beauty?
K-Beauty is a term for South Korean skincare practices, known for their focus on healthy, glowing “glass skin” through multi-step routines and quality ingredients.
What are PDO threads?
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are dissolvable sutures used to lift and rejuvenate skin non-surgically. Originally medical, now adapted for cosmetic use.
How did South Korea influence PDO threads?
South Korean doctors pioneered the aesthetic use of PDO threads, aligning with the nation’s skincare innovations and minimally invasive beauty philosophy.
Do PDO threads help achieve a K-Beauty look?
Yes — they lift sagging skin and promote collagen for smoother, more youthful, “glass-like” skin, echoing K-Beauty standards.
Are V Soft Lift’s threads FDA approved?
Yes. V Soft Lift threads are FDA cleared and designed for safety, quality, and customizable treatment outcomes in the U.S.