For Those Curious About Thread Lifting
When you start to feel your skin has lost its former firmness, thread lifting is one of the non-surgical options you're likely to come across for refining facial contours. Yet once you begin researching, you're quickly met with a thicket of names — "mint thread," "PDO lifting," "PLLA thread," "PCL lifting" — making it hard to tell what the differences are or how long results actually last.
This guide compiles the approach Dr. Kim Gun-woo, Medical Director of Cellinique on Dosan-daero in Gangnam, uses during thread lifting consultations — what criteria he applies and what he reviews together with each patient. We cover the procedure's mechanism, thread material characteristics, expected results and duration, and side effects and precautions — all within the bounds of medical evidence.
3-Line Summary
1. Thread lifting works on a dual principle: biodegradable threads (PDO, PLLA, PCL, etc.) are inserted into the dermis and SMAS layer to deliver immediate mechanical tissue elevation while gradually stimulating collagen production over time.
2. Each thread material has a different absorption rate and collagen-stimulation window; results and duration vary considerably by material, insertion depth, and individual skin condition, and cannot be guaranteed.
3. Potential side effects include dimpling, asymmetry, infection, and thread protrusion, so a thorough pre-treatment consultation and verification of the practitioner's experience are essential; suitability and the specific treatment plan are determined during consultation.
1. What Is Thread Lifting? Mechanism and How It Works
Thread lifting (Thread Lifting) is a non-surgical lifting procedure in which biodegradable medical threads (absorbable sutures) are inserted into the skin layer and connective tissue of the face to physically support and elevate sagging tissue while simultaneously stimulating collagen production. Because the thread is inserted through a specialized needle without incising the skin, the procedure can be performed without general anesthesia.
The mechanism can be broken down into two stages. The first is mechanical elevation: the moment the thread is inserted, it supports surrounding tissue, and the barb or cog structure on the thread anchors the tissue to produce an immediate lifting effect. The second is a biological collagen-stimulation effect: the inserted thread activates surrounding fibroblasts through a foreign-body response, which has been reported in the literature to support the gradual production of autologous collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid over time.
💡 Fact-check ✓
Source: PMID 39850124 (Iran J Basic Med Sci, 2025) · PMC13076318 (Frontiers in Surgery, 2026) · PMC11997779 (Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 2025)
- All three materials — PCL, PLLA, and PDO — showed improved dermal collagen density (COL1/COL3 ratio, COL3A1 gene expression), with PCL demonstrating the highest activity, as reported in an aged-mouse model (PMID 39850124).
- Meta-analysis of thread lifting side effects (2,827 subjects, PMC13076318): edema 34%, ecchymosis 26%, pain 11%, thread palpability/visibility 10%, skin dimpling 7%, paresthesia 6%, thread protrusion 5%, infection 2%.
- PDO thread RCT (PMC11997779): early improvement observed at 20 days post-procedure; effect reduction reported after 60 days — increasing thread count did not proportionally enhance long-term outcomes.
- Results and duration vary between individuals.
Collagen production proceeds gradually over time, so it is more realistic to distinguish between what you feel immediately after the procedure and the changes that emerge over the following months. How results are experienced — and to what degree — varies with material, insertion depth, and individual skin condition.
2. Thread Materials — PDO, PLLA, and PCL
Thread materials differ in absorption rate, mechanical strength, and the duration of collagen stimulation. Below is a summary of the three primary materials. Note that absorption periods and result durations vary across studies and between individuals — treat the figures below as reference ranges only, and determine the appropriate material for your needs during a consultation.
PDO — Polydioxanone
PDO is a biodegradable polymer used in surgical sutures for decades, making it the material with the most extensive in-vivo safety data. It degrades in the body through hydrolysis. Its relatively faster absorption rate means shorter downtime, though it is generally reported to have the shortest duration among the three materials. Literature reports in-body absorption occurring within several months, with the duration of the collagen-stimulation effect varying individually.
PLLA — Poly-L-Lactic Acid
PLLA belongs to the same lactic acid family as PDLLA but has a different polymer structure. Its absorption rate is slower than PDO, and it is known to promote gradual collagen production by stimulating fibroblasts. In the skin-booster field, it is distinguished from PDLLA (poly-D,L-lactide) as the L-isomer-only form. Duration varies across studies, with some reports indicating a longer time to absorption.
PCL — Polycaprolactone
PCL has the highest mechanical strength and the slowest in-body absorption rate of the three materials, allowing its physical support effect to persist longer. A recent animal model study reported that its collagen-stimulation activity was higher than PDO and PLLA (PMID 39850124). However, this study used a mouse model; long-term efficacy in humans varies considerably between individuals.
💡 Fact-check ✓
Source: PMID 39850124 (Iran J Basic Med Sci, 2025) · Academic literature review
- PDO, PLLA, and PCL are all biocompatible, biodegradable materials widely used as medical devices in thread lifting.
- An animal model study found PCL to have the highest collagen-density improvement activity among the three materials (PMID 39850124), though identical outcomes are not guaranteed in every individual.
- Specific Korea MFDS approval numbers vary by product and are not stated definitively in this article. Confirm the approval details of the product to be used during your consultation.
- Results and duration vary by material, insertion location, and individual skin condition, and are not guaranteed.
| Category | PDO (Polydioxanone) | PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) | PCL (Polycaprolactone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absorption Rate | Fastest of the three | Slower than PDO | Slowest of the three |
| Mechanical Strength | Moderate | Moderate–High | Highest |
| Collagen Stimulation Duration | Relatively shorter | Moderate–Longer | Longest reported* |
| Clinical History | Longest (origins in surgical sutures) | Moderate | Relatively more recent |
| Material Selection | Not determined by material alone — decided in consultation based on individual skin condition, target area, and goals | ||
* Based on animal model data (PMID 39850124). Identical results in humans are not guaranteed.
3. Thread Structure — From Smooth Monofilaments to Cog Threads
Beyond material, the physical structure of the thread also influences outcomes. Thread structures fall broadly into two types.
Smooth Threads (Monofilaments)
These are barb-free, smooth-surfaced threads. They are primarily used to improve skin texture and hydration and to provide subtle collagen stimulation, and are commonly inserted in multiple strands. The design centers on collagen biostimulation rather than an immediate lifting pull.
Cog and Barb Threads
These threads have barbs or cogs on their surface. When inserted, they catch surrounding tissue to physically elevate and anchor it — making them the more common choice for lifting sagging cheeks, jawlines, and foreheads when an immediate contour change is the goal.
Which structure to insert at which tissue depth depends on the target area and individual skin condition, so the more relevant question is not "which thread is better" but which design suits your skin and goals.
4. Thread Lifting Results and Duration — Realistic Expectations
Thread lifting outcomes can be divided into "immediate lifting" and "gradual collagen-stimulation effects over time." Both vary considerably between individuals, and the timeframes below are reference ranges — not guaranteed figures.
Immediately Post-Procedure — Mechanical Elevation
With cog threads, a sense of tissue elevation can be felt right after insertion. However, because initial swelling and bruising overlap with the immediate post-procedure period, it is often difficult to judge the actual results straight away.
Several Weeks to Months — Collagen Stimulation Phase
As the threads degrade in the body, fibroblasts are activated and the gradual production of collagen and elastin progresses. This change is commonly reported to emerge over one to three months after the procedure. A randomized clinical trial of PDO threads (PMC11997779) found a case where early improvement at 20 days subsequently decreased after 60 days, indicating that the persistence of results can vary between individuals.
Duration of Results
Duration depends on the material used, number of threads, insertion site, individual lifestyle, and skin condition. Literature frequently reports PDO lasting several months, with PLLA and PCL reported as lasting comparatively longer — but identical duration cannot be guaranteed or definitively stated for any individual. The appropriate timing for follow-up care will be advised on an individual basis during consultation.
5. What Does the Procedure Involve?
At Cellinique, thread lifting is performed in the following sequence. Because the insertion depth, site, and thread arrangement design significantly influence outcomes, we aim to maintain a stable process throughout.
- Pre-consultation and skin assessment — Degree and location of skin laxity, individual goals, prior procedure history, and current medications are reviewed directly. Whether thread lifting is appropriate is largely determined at this stage.
- Thread type, material, and arrangement design — Which material to use, at which tissue layer, and in what arrangement is designed to match each individual's skin.
- Anesthesia — Local anesthesia (topical or injectable) is applied before the procedure begins.
- Thread insertion — Threads are inserted and positioned at the planned sites using a specialized insertion needle. Procedure time varies by design.
- Post-care and monitoring guidance — Instructions are provided for managing the initial response, key precautions, and the interval for any additional sessions required.
※ The specific process may be adjusted based on individual condition. The above is a general flow; the specific design will be discussed during your pre-treatment consultation.
6. Side Effects and Precautions — What You Should Know
Thread lifting is a non-surgical procedure, but as it involves inserting a foreign body, a range of side effects have been reported. Below is a summary of the primary side effects reported in the literature and clinical practice.
Early Responses (Immediately Post-Procedure to 4 Weeks)
- Edema, erythema, ecchymosis (bruising): approximately 34% edema and 26% ecchymosis reported in meta-analysis — most resolve naturally
- Pain and tenderness: approximately 11% reported — generally transient
- Tightness and foreign-body sensation: a relatively common early response
Delayed Side Effects (After 4 Weeks)
- Thread palpability/visibility (thread felt or visible under skin): approximately 10% reported
- Skin dimpling and irregularity: approximately 7% reported — may take time to resolve or require treatment
- Paresthesia (numbness, reduced sensation, itching): approximately 6% reported
- Thread protrusion (thread emerging through the skin): approximately 5% reported — requires treatment
- Infection: approximately 2% reported — rare, but may require antibiotics, treatment, or thread removal
- Asymmetry: noticeable left-right difference in some cases
- Nodules and granuloma: very rare but reported
※ The figures above are based on data from PMC13076318 (Frontiers in Surgery, 2026 / meta-analysis of 2,827 subjects). Inter-study heterogeneity is high (I²=76–92%), so individual incidence rates may differ, and identical side effects are not guaranteed to occur. Whether and to what degree side effects occur varies between individuals.
Information You Must Share Before the Procedure
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (including if planning to conceive)
- Current medications (including anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and immunosuppressants)
- Allergy history (including local anesthetics)
- Active infection or skin inflammation
- History of autoimmune conditions
- Recent procedures (interval and sequencing adjustments may be needed)
When to Contact Cellinique Immediately
- Sudden severe swelling, heat, or redness persisting at the treatment site
- Accompanying fever or chills
- Thread protruding through the skin
- A growing nodule or hardening sensation
- Worsening or persistent asymmetry
7. Thread Lifting vs. Other Lifting Procedures — Choosing the Right Approach
When lifting is the goal, the options extend beyond thread lifting to energy-based procedures such as Ulthera (HIFU) and Thermage, volume restoration with fillers, and surgical procedures. "Which is better" depends on individual skin condition, degree of laxity, and goals — there is no universal answer. The table below is for general reference; actual suitability is determined during consultation.
| Category | Thread Lifting | Energy-Based Lifting (HIFU · RF) | Surgical Lifting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Mechanism | Thread insertion → mechanical elevation + collagen stimulation | Ultrasound/radiofrequency energy → tissue contraction + collagen stimulation | Tissue excision and suturing → structural elevation |
| Immediate Lifting | Perceptible mainly with cog threads | Weak immediate lift; gradual change | Strong immediate effect |
| Incision | Non-incisional (needle insertion) | Non-invasive | Incision required |
| Downtime | Relatively shorter (individual variation significant) | Short | Extended; recovery management required |
| Suitability | Varies by degree of laxity, area, and individual skin condition — determined during pre-treatment consultation | ||
It is difficult to declare any single option categorically superior. In cases of significant laxity, combining thread lifting with other procedures may be more effective than thread lifting alone; conversely, some patients achieve their desired changes with thread lifting on its own. We review the options that suit your individual condition together during consultation.
8. How Cellinique Approaches Thread Lifting
Cellinique is an anti-aging dermatology clinic on Dosan-daero in Gangnam. For procedures like thread lifting, where insertion depth, arrangement, and material selection directly determine outcomes, the practitioner's procedural experience, design expertise, and post-care system are critical.
Dr. Kim Gun-woo, Medical Director, personally handles pre-consultation, treatment design, the procedure itself, and post-care monitoring. Whether you are considering thread lifting for the first time or looking for additional management after trying other lifting procedures, you are welcome to schedule a consultation.
The Dosan-daero location — convenient for follow-up visits and monitoring — is an advantage for procedures where results evolve over time. Because tracking the initial response and changes over time is important, we recommend continuing check-ups in an accessible setting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How long do thread lifting results last?
This depends on the material used (PDO, PLLA, PCL), the number of threads, insertion sites, and individual skin condition. Literature reports vary by material, but identical duration of results cannot be guaranteed or definitively stated for every individual. The expected range for your specific situation will be discussed during your pre-treatment consultation.
Q2. Which thread material — PDO, PLLA, or PCL — is best?
Each material has different characteristics. PDO has extensive safety data and relatively shorter downtime; PLLA offers a longer collagen-stimulation window; and PCL's high mechanical strength is associated with longer-lasting support, according to reports. Rather than declaring one material "better," what matters is selecting the material that suits your individual goals and skin condition. Material selection is decided during consultation.
Q3. How does thread lifting differ from Ulthera (HIFU)?
Thread lifting physically elevates tissue by inserting threads and stimulates collagen production. Ulthera delivers high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) energy to the tissue to induce collagen contraction and regeneration without breaking the skin. Thread lifting may offer a more immediately perceptible elevation effect in some cases; the two procedures are also sometimes combined. Suitability is assessed individually during consultation.
Q4. What should I do if I experience side effects?
Swelling, bruising, and tightness at the treatment site are common in the early period and typically resolve naturally. However, if you experience fever, sudden severe swelling, thread protrusion, signs of infection, or worsening asymmetry, please contact Cellinique promptly. A rapid response when side effects occur is important for recovery.
Q5. Can I have other procedures after thread lifting?
Whether combination procedures are possible depends on the type of procedure received, recovery status, and interval between procedures. Proceeding with other procedures without adequate recovery time after thread lifting may affect outcomes. Please share your current procedure and medication history accurately, and we will work with you to coordinate the schedule during consultation.
Q6. Can thread lifting be done during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive, most aesthetic procedures — including thread lifting — should be approached with caution. We do not recommend the procedure during these periods; please inform us of your exact situation first during consultation.
Q7. Is one session enough, or are multiple sessions needed?
The recommended number of sessions and interval vary by degree of skin laxity, goals, and material used. Some patients achieve their desired changes in a single session; others prefer to maintain results through periodic management over time. An individual plan will be provided during your first consultation.
Q8. Can I come in just for a consultation?
Absolutely. Because thread lifting results depend significantly on site, material, and arrangement design, we encourage you to gain a thorough understanding during consultation before making any decision. If you wish to consult only — with no obligation to proceed with a procedure — please feel free to contact us at 02-6203-3434 or via KakaoTalk. (Consultation and procedure fees vary by individual condition and design, and will be discussed during consultation.)
Closing
Thread lifting is a procedure that combines mechanical tissue elevation with collagen stimulation by inserting biodegradable threads (PDO, PLLA, PCL, etc.). Because results differ by material characteristics and thread structure, what matters is not a simple comparison of "which thread is better" but a design tailored to your individual skin condition and goals.
Side effects do occur, and results and duration vary considerably between individuals — so we encourage you to gather sufficient information and make a decision through consultation. At Cellinique (Gangnam, Dosan-daero), Dr. Kim Gun-woo, Medical Director, personally handles everything from initial consultation through the procedure and post-care monitoring. If you are interested in thread lifting, we invite you to start with a consultation where you can openly discuss your skin condition and goals.
Results, duration, and suitability vary with each individual's skin condition, age, and lifestyle, and identical outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
The procedure carries the possibility of temporary side effects such as erythema and edema, and contraindications may apply — please confirm during your pre-treatment consultation.
✅ Fact-Check Report
The key medical information in this article was verified against the following sources.
- PMID 39850124 (Iran J Basic Med Sci, 2025) — Comparative animal study of PCL, PLLA, and PDO: all three materials showed improved collagen density; PCL showed the highest activity.
- PMC13076318 / PMID 41988336 (Frontiers in Surgery, 2026) — Meta-analysis of 2,827 subjects: edema 34%, ecchymosis 26%, pain 11%, thread palpability 10%, skin dimpling 7%, paresthesia 6%, thread protrusion 5%, infection 2%.
- PMC11997779 / PMID 40236886 (Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 2025) — PDO thread RCT: early improvement at 20 days; effect reduction after 60 days; increasing thread count did not proportionally improve long-term outcomes.
- Verdict summary: material-specific mechanism and side effect incidence rates — confirmed (high confidence). Material-specific duration figures in humans vary by study. Korea MFDS product-specific approval numbers differ by product; official details can be confirmed during consultation.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is provided for general health information purposes only. Individual diagnosis, procedural suitability, and expected outcomes must be determined through a pre-treatment consultation with a qualified medical professional. All medical procedures carry the possibility of individual variation and side effects.
Cellinique — Consultations and Appointments
2F, B1, Yeonseung Building, 228 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Tel: 02-6203-3434
Hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 / Last Saturday of each month 10:00–16:30
