Not all thread lifts are the same
When you decide to get a thread lift treatment, you probably don’t know that there are different types of materials, each with specific characteristics, duration, and indications.
The three main materials are:
- PDO (Polydioxanone)
- PCL (Polycaprolactone)
- PLLA (Poly-L-lactic acid)
In this guide, I’ll explain the differences so you can understand which type of threads are most suitable for your case.
PDO Threads (Polydioxanone)
What are they?
PDO threads are the most common and used type of thread lifts. Polydioxanone is a synthetic material that has been used for decades in surgery as an absorbable suture, which guarantees its safety and biocompatibility.
Main characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Polydioxanone (synthetic polymer) |
| Clinical history | +50 years in surgery |
| Biocompatibility | Excellent |
| Absorption | 6-8 months |
| Effect duration | 8-12 months |
| Allergic reactions | Extremely rare |
Types of PDO threads
Within PDO threads, there are different configurations:
1. Smooth PDO Threads (Monofilament)
- Function: Collagen biostimulation
- Effect: Improves skin quality
- No lifting effect: Doesn’t elevate tissues
- Ideal for: Skin with mild sagging, texture improvement
2. Barbed PDO Threads
- Function: Lifting + biostimulation
- Effect: Immediate tissue elevation
- With “barbs”: Anchor to fatty tissue
- Ideal for: Moderate sagging, contour redefinition
3. Twisted PDO Threads (Screw)
- Function: Volume + biostimulation
- Effect: Filling of sunken areas
- Helical structure: Create volume
- Ideal for: Folds, marionette lines
4. 3D/4D PDO Threads (COGs)
- Function: Powerful lifting
- Effect: Strong bidirectional traction
- Multiple directions: Greater anchorage
- Ideal for: Moderate-severe sagging
Advantages of PDO threads
- ✅ Greater accumulated clinical experience
- ✅ Excellent safety profile
- ✅ Predictable results
- ✅ Lower cost than other materials
- ✅ Wide availability
Disadvantages of PDO threads
- ❌ Shorter duration than PCL and PLLA
- ❌ Require more frequent maintenance
PCL Threads (Polycaprolactone)
What are they?
PCL threads are made of polycaprolactone, a synthetic polymer with longer duration than PDO. It also has a long history of medical use in sutures and implantable devices.
Main characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Polycaprolactone |
| Clinical history | +30 years in medicine |
| Biocompatibility | Excellent |
| Absorption | 12-15 months |
| Effect duration | 18-24 months |
| Allergic reactions | Extremely rare |
Advantages of PCL threads
- ✅ Longer duration than PDO
- ✅ Prolonged biostimulation
- ✅ More lasting results
- ✅ Fewer maintenance sessions
Disadvantages of PCL threads
- ❌ Higher cost than PDO
- ❌ Less clinical experience than PDO
- ❌ Lower availability
When to choose PCL threads?
- When you’re looking for longer-lasting results
- For patients who don’t want frequent maintenance
- In cases of moderate sagging that requires prolonged effect
PLLA Threads (Poly-L-lactic Acid)
What are they?
PLLA threads are made of the same material as Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid). This material is known for its powerful collagen biostimulation capacity.
Main characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Poly-L-lactic acid |
| Clinical history | +20 years in medicine |
| Biocompatibility | Excellent |
| Absorption | 18-24 months |
| Effect duration | 24+ months |
| Biostimulation | Very high |
Advantages of PLLA threads
- ✅ Maximum duration
- ✅ Powerful collagen biostimulation
- ✅ Very long-lasting results
- ✅ Significant skin quality improvement
Disadvantages of PLLA threads
- ❌ Higher cost
- ❌ More progressive results (not as immediate)
- ❌ Higher risk of granulomas if not placed correctly
- ❌ Lower availability
When to choose PLLA threads?
- When you’re looking for the longest-lasting results
- For intensive biostimulation
- In patients who want to avoid frequent maintenance
Comparison table: PDO vs PCL vs PLLA
| Characteristic | PDO | PCL | PLLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effect duration | 8-12 months | 18-24 months | 24+ months |
| Absorption | 6-8 months | 12-15 months | 18-24 months |
| Biostimulation | Medium | High | Very high |
| Lifting effect | Immediate | Immediate | Progressive |
| Cost | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Clinical experience | Very high | High | Medium |
| Availability | Very high | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Annual | Every 2 years | Every 2-3 years |
What type of thread to choose according to your case?
According to the problem to treat
| Problem | Recommended type |
|---|---|
| Mild sagging | Smooth or barbed PDO |
| Moderate sagging | Barbed PDO or PCL |
| Severe sagging | PDO COGs or PCL |
| Volume loss | Twisted PDO or PLLA |
| Skin quality improvement | Smooth PDO or PLLA |
According to facial area
| Area | Recommended type |
|---|---|
| Eyebrows | Fine barbed PDO |
| Cheeks | Barbed PDO or PCL |
| Jawline | PDO COGs or PCL |
| Neck | Barbed PDO or PCL |
| Nose | Fine smooth PDO |
| Eyes | Very fine smooth PDO |
According to age
| Age | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 30-40 years | Smooth or barbed PDO (preventive) |
| 40-50 years | Barbed PDO or PCL |
| 50-60 years | PCL or PDO COGs |
| 60+ years | Personalized evaluation |
According to budget
| Budget | Option |
|---|---|
| Limited | PDO (best cost-benefit ratio) |
| Medium | PDO or PCL according to indication |
| High | PCL or PLLA for maximum duration |
Price by thread type
| Thread type | Approximate unit price | Complete area (6-10 threads) |
|---|---|---|
| PDO smooth | $20 - $30 USD | $150 - $250 USD |
| PDO barbed | $30 - $45 USD | $225 - $375 USD |
| PDO COGs (3D/4D) | $45 - $60 USD | $350 - $550 USD |
| PCL | $50 - $75 USD | $400 - $700 USD |
| PLLA | $60 - $100 USD | $500 - $875 USD |
Note: Prices are indicative and may vary according to the clinic, thread brand, and case complexity.
Can different types of threads be combined?
Yes, in fact it’s very common. The combination of different thread types allows addressing multiple problems in the same session:
Example of combined protocol
Patient with moderate sagging + volume loss:
- Barbed PDO in jawline → Lifting effect
- Twisted PDO in nasolabial folds → Volume
- Smooth PDO in cheeks → Biostimulation
Result: Personalized treatment that covers all needs.
Frequently asked questions about thread types
Which is the safest type of thread?
All three types (PDO, PCL, PLLA) have excellent safety profiles. PDO has greater accumulated clinical experience as it’s the most used.
Which lasts longest?
PLLA has the longest duration (24+ months), followed by PCL (18-24 months), and finally PDO (8-12 months).
Which has better results?
It depends on the objective. For immediate lifting, barbed PDO. For durability, PCL or PLLA. For intensive biostimulation, PLLA.
Can I change thread type in each session?
Yes, you can use a different type in subsequent sessions. Your doctor will advise you on the best option according to your treatment evolution.
Are more expensive threads better?
Not necessarily. The thread type should be chosen according to your specific needs, not just price. A well-indicated PDO can give better results than a poorly indicated PLLA.
How do I know what type of threads are being used on me?
Always ask your doctor. A transparent professional will inform you about the thread type, brand, and characteristics of the material they’ll use.
Are there recommended thread brands?
There are recognized brands with INVIMA certification and international registrations. What’s important is to verify that the thread has health certification and is applied by a trained doctor.
Conclusion
The choice of thread lift type should be based on:
- Your specific problem (sagging, volume, skin quality)
- Your individual anatomy
- Your duration expectations
- Your budget
- Your doctor’s recommendation
There’s no “best” type of universal thread. The key is a professional evaluation that determines which material and configuration are most adequate for your case.
If you’re considering a thread lift treatment, I invite you to an evaluation consultation where I’ll assess your specific case and recommend the most suitable thread type to achieve the results you’re looking for.
Want to learn more about this treatment?
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This article is for informational purposes and does not replace consultation with a medical professional. Each case is unique and requires personalized evaluation.
