Thread lifts give us the power of a facelift, with significantly less downtime. A survey done by RealSelf showed that 95% of those who got facelifts (including thread lifts) felt that it was absolutely worth it. Threads enable us to control the sagging skin on our face and bodies or to simply lift areas such as the brow to achieve a specific look.

What Is a Thread Lift?

Before we talk about thread lifting types, let’s remind ourselves what a thread lift is and what it does for us. Thread lifting is a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional facelift. Thread lifts tighten your skin by inserting medical-grade thread into your face and then “pulling” your skin up to tighten the thread.

Why Are Thread Lifts Important?

Thread lifts are considered a low-risk procedure with little down time, but side effects of redness, bruising, and swelling may appear. Results from a thread lift last from 1 to 3 years. For best results, surgeons recommend combining a thread lift with other kinds of anti-aging procedures, such as ultherapy.

Thread Material Types

Listed below is an overview of the different thread material types.

1. PDO Thread Type

Polydioxanone is a modern structural material that is used to produce PDO threads. This material is normally used by surgeons for sewing together soft tissues and used in stitches. It does not cause any allergic reactions and is not toxic. Polydioxanone has high-tensile strength. During the diffusion it stimulates formation of fibrous connective tissue. PDO threads usually last up to 8 months.

2. PCL Thread Type

Polycaprolactone is an innovative thread for lifting and rejuvenating the skin of the face without surgery. These threads work like a filler. Fill in wrinkles while stimulating collagen production. After the introduction of the threads, the effect appears after 4-5 weeks and can last 2-4 years.

3. PLLA Thread Type

Poly-L-Lactic Acid has the ability to accumulate water, so the moisture content of tissues after implantation increases and skin firmness is restored. The body reacts to the introduction of the thread by forming connective tissue around it which provides an increasing tightening effect. Over time, when PLLA threads are completely dissolved, the connective tissues formed around them also begin to dissolve as well. PLLA threads can last up to 18 months.

Thread Lifting Types Based On Materials

Each material type has a pattern type associated with it. PDO, PCL and PLLA all come in Mono, Screw and Cog.

1. Mono Threads

Mono threads are smooth and used for general lifting. These are the most common types of thread. They are used on the neckline, abdomen, butt, hands, inner thigh, under eyes, nasolabial folds, between the eyebrows and eye wrinkles. PDO mono threads are only used for general lifting while PCL and PLLA target flabby skin in the areas mentioned.

2. Screw Threads

Screw threads are slightly barbed, making it more effective in lifting while tightening the skin. These threads are used mostly on the face for facial expression lines. Areas that are treated could be nasolabial folds, mouth frown, lip contour, drooping eyelids, and along the jawline.

3. Cog Threads

Cog threads are similar to mono threads but contain barbs that attach to the underside of the skin. These barbs offer enhanced support to the structure of the skin to lift sagging tissue. These threads effectively promote collagen formation around the threads and their barbs. These threads treat areas on the face and body.

• Face: Double chin, cheeks, nose, brow lifting, nasolabial folds, jawline and frown lines.
• Body: Belly and butt.

Here is a chart to have a nice recap of all of the information!

The different types of threads and their uses may be confusing, but this guide should have given you a better idea of what to look for for your needs and wants as well as differentiating between threads for your own sake.