Should You Get a U.S. Non-Absorbable Thread Face Lift? Can It Cause Complications?

Hello, recently, I have received quite a lot of questions from clients regarding U.S. non-absorbable thread face lifting, especially concerning durability, safety, and the possibility of complications. This is a topic that needs to be clearly understood before undergoing treatment because not every type of thread is suitable for Asian skin physiology and tissue structure. Today, I will explain each aspect in detail so you can have a comprehensive understanding according to proper medical standards.

Should You Get a U.S. Non-Absorbable Thread Face Lift?

For the question, “Should I get a U.S. non-absorbable thread face lift?”, my answer is You should not use non-absorbable threads for face lifting, regardless of whether they originate from the United States or any other country.

The reason is that non-absorbable threads are threads that do not naturally dissolve inside the body. Medically, this type of thread may be used in internal surgeries or deep tissue fixation, where thread removal is unnecessary and external impact is minimal. However, when applied in aesthetic procedures—especially face lifting—non-absorbable threads can pose many risks.

Clinical studies show that U.S. non-absorbable thread face lifting may help the skin appear firmer immediately after treatment, but in the long term, these threads do not fully integrate with skin tissue, leading to inflammatory reactions, fibrosis, or even facial pulling and deformities.

Therefore, in today’s aesthetic medicine trends, all reputable aesthetic specialists worldwide recommend using absorbable threads—especially PDO, PCL, or PLLA threads. These threads are biologically absorbable and simultaneously stimulate natural collagen production, helping the skin remain firm and smooth without leaving foreign materials inside the body.

In summary, U.S. non-absorbable thread face lifting is not recommended because it does not guarantee long-term safety and is not aligned with modern medical standards in skin rejuvenation.

Possible Complications When Using Non-Absorbable Threads

When choosing non-absorbable thread face lifting, the body may react to the long-term foreign material beneath the skin. Below are some complications that doctors have encountered in revision cases:

• Prolonged inflammation and redness: Caused by chronic inflammatory reactions surrounding the non-absorbable threads.
• Thread exposure or palpable bumps: After several months or years, the threads may gradually protrude outward, causing facial deformities.
• Unnatural pulling effects: Certain areas of the skin may become overly tightened or uneven, resulting in facial asymmetry.
• Subcutaneous tissue infection: If the non-absorbable thread becomes infected or forms an inflammatory pocket, surgical removal may be required, leaving scars and fibrotic tissue.
• Difficulty removing the threads completely: Because the threads become tightly attached to tissue, removal is very difficult and may risk nerve or soft tissue damage.

This is why international aesthetic associations (such as ASAPS and ISAPS) do not encourage the use of non-absorbable threads in aesthetic face lifting, especially in thin and nerve-rich areas such as the cheeks, temples, and neck.

Types of Absorbable Threads Used for Face Lifting

Currently, in modern aesthetic medicine, absorbable threads are considered the optimal choice to ensure effective rejuvenation and long-term safety. Common thread types include:

• PDO Threads (Polydioxanone): Naturally dissolve within 6–8 months and strongly stimulate collagen production for naturally firmer skin.
• PCL Threads (Polycaprolactone): Have a longer absorption period (12–18 months), suitable for moderate to severe skin sagging.
• PLLA Threads (Poly-L-Lactic Acid): Help regenerate skin structure and maintain results for up to 24 months, commonly used in premium face lifting technologies.

These threads have high biocompatibility, causing no inflammation or rejection reactions. When implanted correctly, they help lift sagging tissues, improve facial contours, and stimulate natural skin regeneration—providing long-lasting and completely safe results.

At Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital, doctors are currently applying advanced face lifting technologies such as SMAS 4K and Deep Plane, combined with next-generation absorbable biological threads. These techniques are performed under a 4K microsurgical endoscopic system together with the Harmonic scalpel, enabling precise dissection, minimizing invasiveness, and shortening recovery time. As a result, clients can appear 10–15 years younger while still maintaining natural facial expressions without stiffness.

Hopefully, through this explanation, you now understand why U.S. non-absorbable thread face lifting is not recommended, as well as safer and more effective alternative options.

If you are considering skin rejuvenation with thread lifting, visit Gangwhoo Cosmetic Hospital to be directly examined and advised by a specialist doctor on the most suitable thread type for you. Gangwhoo is committed to providing medical-standard rejuvenation solutions, modern technology, and absolute safety—helping you regain firm, radiant, and youthful skin naturally and sustainably.