Is Facial Thread Lifting Effective? Does It Provide Long-Term Results?

Hello, many clients who are researching facial rejuvenation often wonder whether facial thread lifting is effective, especially since this method is widely promoted with promises such as “non-surgical – painless – fast rejuvenation.” However, to evaluate it accurately, it must be viewed from a medical perspective because not every case is suitable, and the effectiveness depends on many factors. The doctor will clearly analyze each aspect so you can properly understand the true nature of this method.

Is Facial Thread Lifting Effective?

The doctor’s answer is as follows: Facial thread lifting is an effective and beneficial method when performed with the correct technique, proper indications, and medical-grade threads. However, if done incorrectly, it can easily become a procedure that causes both early and late complications.

Mechanically, the facial thread lifting method uses absorbable threads such as PDO, PCL, or PLLA inserted into the subcutaneous tissue along lifting vectors predetermined by the doctor. These threads contain barbs or grooves that immediately lift sagging tissue while simultaneously stimulating the production of new collagen throughout the time the threads remain in the body.

The effects of thread lifting are seen in:

• Lifting mildly sagging cheeks and jawline

• Reducing nasolabial folds

• Creating a slimmer facial contour

• Improving elasticity through collagen regeneration

However, the doctor emphasizes one important point: thread lifting is only suitable for mild to moderate aging, meaning the facial tissues have not severely sagged. In cases of severe sagging, collapsed jawline, or prominent double chin, thread lifting cannot completely resolve the issue and may create an unnatural appearance because the lifting force is insufficient.

Therefore, to accurately answer whether facial thread lifting is effective, it depends on:

• Each individual’s skin condition

• The doctor’s expertise

• The type of thread used

• Thread insertion technique

• The level of sterility during the procedure

If all the above conditions meet medical standards, thread lifting is considered a relatively safe, effective, and fast-recovery rejuvenation solution.

Common Types of Threads Used for Facial Lifting

Currently, there are three common categories of threads in aesthetic medicine:

• PDO Threads (Polydioxanone)

This is the most commonly used type because of its high biocompatibility and natural absorption within 6–12 months. PDO threads provide moderate lifting and stimulate new collagen formation.

• PCL Threads (Polycaprolactone)

PCL threads are more durable than PDO, with an absorption period lasting 18–24 months. They provide stronger lifting effects and are suitable for more advanced aging compared to PDO.

• PLLA Threads (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)

This is a more premium thread type with strong collagen-stimulating ability and longer-lasting results. However, PLLA requires advanced techniques and is not suitable for clinics without experienced specialists.

The quality of the threads determines both rejuvenation results and safety. Poor-quality or unregulated threads may cause inflammation, thread exposure, or even granulomas under the skin.

Possible Complications from Low-Quality Thread Lifting

Thread lifting is a minimally invasive procedure, but the risks are relatively high if the doctor lacks expertise or if the threads are of unclear origin. Some complications doctors often encounter when correcting previous procedures include:

• Thread exposure, protrusion, or skin irregularities: caused by superficial insertion or overly stiff, coarse threads.

• Persistent or sharp pain: due to incorrect thread placement affecting nerves or blood vessels.

• Facial asymmetry or imbalance: resulting from improper tissue lifting techniques or uneven pulling force.

• Infection and prolonged redness/swelling: due to poor sterilization or low-quality threads causing tissue reactions.

• Granulomas and tissue fibrosis: caused by incompatibility reactions to the threads.

These complications are not uncommon, especially at spas or beauty clinics without qualified doctors or those using low-cost threads.

Therefore, when researching the facial thread lifting method, the most important factor is not the thread type itself… but the person performing the procedure.

Does Facial Thread Lifting Provide Long-Lasting Results?

The longevity of thread lifting depends on:

• The type of thread used (PDO shortest – PLLA longest)

• Individual aging rate and biological factors

• Thread placement technique

• Post-procedure lifestyle and care

Typically:

• PDO lasts approximately 8–12 months

• PCL lasts 18–24 months

• PLLA may last 24–36 months

After the threads are fully absorbed, the newly generated collagen still remains but gradually decreases over time. Therefore, thread lifting is not a permanent solution.

For individuals with advanced aging, significant tissue sagging, or a collapsed jawline, doctors generally do not recommend repeated thread lifting because it cannot provide deep correction. In such cases, more optimal solutions include SMAS 4K facelift or Deep Plane facelift, which directly target the SMAS layer responsible for sagging.

At Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, 4K microsurgical endoscopy techniques and the Harmonic scalpel help make the surgical process gentler and less invasive, allowing faster recovery and results lasting 10–15 years.

If you are wondering whether facial thread lifting is effective, the doctor confirms that this is an effective method when properly indicated and precisely performed. However, if the aging condition is severe or the procedure is done at an unreliable facility, the risks are high and the results may not meet expectations.

Whenever you would like the doctor to directly examine your level of sagging and determine the most suitable rejuvenation method, you can visit Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, where the doctor will provide the safest and most detailed consultation for you.