Types of Thread Lifts: A Clear Summary by Material and Shape

Thread lifting threads are largely divided into two main axes: materials (what they are made of) and shapes (how their shape acts on the tissue). Materials are divided into absorbable (PDO, PLLA, PCL) and non-absorbable, and shapes vary widely from flat mono threads to cog threads with cogs, spiral screw threads, and cone threads with cones. If you are currently researching because you are concerned about sagging, understanding just these two axes will help you hear the conversation in the consulting room much more clearly.

First of all, the outcome is not determined by the type of thread alone. Even with the same thread, the result varies greatly depending on which layer it is placed in and with what direction and tension it is hung. Therefore, we hope you read the following content from the perspective of 'understanding the thread that fits my concerns' rather than 'choosing a better thread.'

🧵 What is a thread lift thread?

A thread lift is a procedure that inserts specially treated threads into facial skin and soft tissue to pull up sagging areas and, at the same time, induce collagen production. Two principles work together.

The first is physical traction by the cogs, and the second is collagenesis, in which new collagen and elastin are created through a foreign body reaction that occurs as the thread is absorbed into the body. Because of this second mechanism, the elasticity improvement effect remains for a while even after the threads are completely dissolved.

The position where the thread is inserted is also important. The layer directly linked to the lifting effect is the facial muscle layer commonly referred to as the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System), and the depth at which the thread is placed determines the naturalness of the result.

📌 Key Summary: In thread lifting, two mechanisms work together—'physical traction' and 'collagen regeneration'—and the insertion layer and direction of the thread greatly influence the results.

🔬 Classification by Material — Differences between PDO, PLLA, and PCL

Most threads currently used for cosmetic purposes are absorbable threads that are gradually absorbed by the body. They are more widely preferred than non-absorbable ones due to their safety and collagen-inducing effects. For absorbable materials, the longer the absorption period, the longer the effect tends to persist, and the order is PDO < PLLA < PCL.

Here is a common misunderstanding. The absorption period and the duration of the effect are not the same. For example, PDO is mostly absorbed in about 6 to 8 months, but thanks to the collagen created during that time, the lines/effects continue for approximately 6 to 12 months. There are also materials, such as PLGA, whose properties are adjusted by mixing ingredients.

Conversely, non-absorbable threads (polypropylene, gold threads, etc.) do not decompose in the body. While they may seem to have the advantage of being permanent, they are difficult to remove in the event of infection or foreign body reaction, and as time passes and the surrounding skin ages, they might not blend in, leading to unnatural results. Therefore, they are used only under limited circumstances in the modern cosmetic field.

📌 Key Summary: Absorbable threads are the mainstream, with retention lasting longer in the order of PDO < PLLA < PCL, and the point at which the thread dissolves is different from the point at which the effect disappears.

🪡 Classification by Shape — Mono, Screw, Cog, and Cone Threads

Even with the same material, the role is completely different if the shape is different. This is actually the most confusing point in thread lifting.

Mono Thread (Mono Thread)

This is a flat thread without cogs. Many strands are inserted densely to target skin elasticity/texture improvement and collagen induction. Although the lifting effect of pulling up directly is weak, it is a suitable choice if you are concerned about fine wrinkles or skin texture.

Screw Thread (Screw/Twist Thread)

With a spiral twisted structure, it has a stronger tissue stimulation than flat threads, so it is used for mild volume support and elasticity improvement. It is also called by names such as hurricane thread or tornado thread.

Cog Thread (Cog Thread)

These are threads dedicated to full-scale lifting that actually catch and pull tissue using cogs (cog/barb) on their surface. They are the driving force when pulling up sagging cheeks, jawlines, or nasolabial folds. The structure is divided into uni-directional, bi-directional, 360-degree cogs, etc., with different fixing methods.

There are also two ways to make cogs. The cutting type cuts the thread to make cogs, and the molded cog attaches cogs through extrusion and molding. Generally, molded cogs are considered relatively advantageous for maintaining tensile strength.

Cone Thread (Cone Thread)

Equipped with cone-shaped cones, they cover a wider surface area to support tissue. It is a shape used to enhance fixing power on areas requiring support, such as the mid-face area. Spring-type volume threads that support sunken cheeks and under-eye volume can also be understood as an extension of this line.

📌 Key Summary: Mono and screw threads are mainly for improving elasticity and texture, while cog and cone threads are primarily for pulling up sagging tissue directly, which divides their usage.

🎯 Which thread is right for my concerns?

Usually, more than one type of thread is used. In most cases, multiple threads are designed together to suit the purpose.

• I want to lift my sagging cheeks and jawline → Focus on cog threads, and reinforce support with cone threads if necessary

• I am concerned about skin texture, fine wrinkles, and elasticity → Mono threads densely packed

• Sunken cheeks and nasolabial volume at the same time → Consider volume-type shapes or combined fillers

However, if skin sagging is severe and there is a lot of excess skin, thread lifting alone clearly has its limits. In this case, surgical facelifts are sometimes compared for information, but the first step is to check whether there is room for improvement without incisions. Onlif prioritizes natural improvements by combining thread lifts with non-surgical skin procedures such as ultrasound HIFU and high-frequency RF. Fillers are used to fill in lacking volume and threads are used to catch sagging, dividing procedures with different roles according to the objective.

📌 Key Summary: Threads are combined and designed depending on the purpose, and the more severe the sagging, the more important a combination of non-surgical treatments and specialist diagnosis is over threads alone.

⚠️ Side Effects and Post-Procedure Care

Even absorbable threads are not free from side effects. Typical examples include bruising, swelling, asymmetry, thread protrusion, infection, and the dimple phenomenon where the skin gets depressed and puckered after a cog thread procedure. Dimpling is directly related to the skill level of the practitioner, so where you receive the treatment is actually important.

The recovery flow is generally as follows:

• Swelling: Approx. 3–7 days

• Bruising: Approx. 1–2 weeks

• Tightness/Foreign body sensation: Alleviates within approx. 1–4 weeks

The procedure time takes roughly 20 to 40 minutes depending on the area and the number of threads. For at least two weeks to a month after the procedure, it is safe to avoid strong massage, saunas, intense exercise, drinking, and sleeping on your face. Sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated in a correct posture also helps the threads settle in.

Checking whether the product is genuine, i.e., checking if it is approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), is also a good practical tip to keep in mind.

📌 Key Summary: Absorbable threads can also have side effects such as dimpling, bruising, and swelling, and lifestyle management for 2 weeks to 1 month after the procedure and verification of genuine products (MFDS approval) are important.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which thread lasts the longest among PDO, PLLA, and PCL?

Based on the absorption period, PCL (approx. 18–24 months or more) is the longest, followed by PLLA (approx. 12–18 months), and PDO (approx. 6–8 months). However, lasting longer does not necessarily mean it is better; choosing the right one for the area and purpose is a priority.

Does the lifting effect disappear immediately when the thread dissolves?

No. Collagen newly created during the thread absorption process supports skin elasticity for some time. Therefore, the completion of thread absorption is not immediately the end of the effect.

What is the difference between cog threads and mono threads?

Cog threads are for lifting sagging areas directly by grasping tissue with cogs, while mono threads are flat threads without cogs intended for improving elasticity/skin texture and inducing collagen. In many cases, both are used together.

Is a thread lift effective for severe sagging?

If there is a lot of excess skin and sagging is severe, threads alone have limitations. In this case, it is recommended to first diagnose whether there is room for improvement with a combination of non-surgical procedures, and depending on the degree, surgical methods may also be compared.

What should I do if a dimple occurs after a thread lift?

Mild depressions appearing in the early stages often alleviate as swelling subsides, but if they persist, you should check the cause at the hospital where the treatment was performed. Dimples are closely related to insertion direction and tension, so a re-examination is safer than self-judgment.

Can I get a thread lift with fillers in place?

Generally, they can be performed together, and their roles differ, with the thread addressing sagging and the filler filling volume. However, because the procedure area and timing depend on individual conditions, it is best to discuss the order with a specialist.

Knowing the types of threads is only the beginning. Even with the same thread, results differ depending on which layer, in which direction, and with what tension it is placed, so an accurate diagnosis looking at my skin thickness, fat volume, and degree of sagging together comes first. Gangnam Onlif Clinic aims to restore natural texture rather than change the face, with specialists in each field handling the procedures they excel at. We recommend checking detailed decisions through a consultation with a specialist.