607. <Thread Lift Procedure>
Thread lift procedure is a non-surgical lifting technique that uses either absorbable or non-absorbable threads to pull the skin and improve sagging. Absorbable threads are broken down and absorbed by the body over time, and they are often treated with substances to stimulate collagen production. PDO (polydioxanone) threads are completely absorbed after 6–8 months, while PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) threads last longer and are broken down after 12–18 months, also promoting collagen formation. PCL (polycaprolactone) threads last for over 2 years and have a strong effect on increasing elasticity.
Non-absorbable threads are designed to remain in the body and provide a sustained lifting effect. PP (polypropylene) threads are a representative type used for anchoring thread lifts by fixing them to tissues. Gore-Tex threads contain microscopic holes that help with tissue adhesion, and Elasticum threads are elastic threads.
In terms of thread shape:
Mono threads are composed of thin single threads, mainly PDO, and are used not for direct lifting but to stimulate collagen and improve fine wrinkles.
Cog threads have barbs on the surface, which provide no resistance when inserted but create friction when pulled, producing a lifting effect.
Screw threads are coiled in a spiral form, enhancing volume and improving skin elasticity and lifting sagging skin.
Twin threads consist of two twisted threads, offering stronger support than single threads and are designed to enhance the lifting effect.
Mesh threads are net-shaped, maximizing volume effects and are used not only on the face but also on areas like the chest and buttocks.
So how do these threads work?
First, there is the mechanical lifting effect. Barbs or structural designs in the thread physically grab and pull sagging tissues upward, providing a direct lifting force.
Second, the collagen stimulation effect. The threads induce a mild inflammatory response, activating fibroblasts, which increases collagen and elastin production—thereby improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
Third, they improve blood flow and skin regeneration by temporarily increasing microcirculation in the area where the thread is inserted.
Then how did thread lifting come to be?
Traditional facelift surgery involves large incisions and long recovery periods. In today’s busy lifestyle, thread lifting was developed as a more convenient and accessible lifting method for more people. Instead of one large incision to lift the skin all at once, thread lifting uses multiple fine needles to insert threads that lift from various points. Unlike regular threads, barbs were carved into them like fish hooks to grip the skin. Multiple threads were twisted into screw shapes to compensate for thread weakness, and threads were chemically treated to stimulate collagen so that even threads could produce lifting effects.
Initially, absorbable threads were used to observe the response. But as they were absorbed too quickly, threads with slower degradation were introduced. Later, to reduce the number of re-treatments, non-absorbable threads were developed to remain permanently in the body.
But what is the essence of thread lifting?
It is a foreign substance. Artificially created materials are inserted into the face through small holes, treated with chemicals to create various effects, while dozens of small external injuries are made on the face. These injuries alert the body’s immune system, calling in macrophages to phagocytose the threads. Non-absorbable threads that cannot be digested are eventually encapsulated, leading to capsular contracture.
In the end, we are inserting foreign materials into the face and forcing the body to continuously expend energy to eliminate them. Though temporary effects may appear, if problems arise later and surgery is needed to remove them, it becomes more difficult because it's hard to locate exactly where the threads are hiding.
We must recognize that the essence of thread lifting is the insertion of artificial foreign substances into the body.
"Thread lifting is a procedure that creates dozens of holes in the face to insert medical foreign materials and pull the skin."
— 607mm Growing Pine Tree
