Thread Lift

There are different types of thread lift suture materials used today to produce a variety of results. The type of thread lifts used during a patient’s treatment will be determined by Dr. Dima. At WellMedica, we offer 4 different types of thread lifts.

Polydioxanone (PDO)

PDO threads have been around for decades and have been traditionally used during surgical procedures as sutures (i.e. stitches). PDO threads can be placed anywhere on the face, neck, or other desired locations. PDOs are typically used to induce collagen production and fibroblasts around the injection site for effective skin tightening and last between 6 and 9 months.

There are currently three different types of PDO threads used today: mono, cog, and screw. Each of these have been proven to be extremely safe.

• • Mono threads – are smooth sutures without barbs, they tighten facial skin and provide a slight lift around the cheeks and jowls. Mono threads are often used in combination with other thread types or anchored to a certain spot on the face or scalp.
  • Cog threads – are barbed threads that hook onto the skin to provide support and lift sagging skin around the face, jowls, and neck. 
  • Screw threads – have one or two intertwined threads around the needle and provide good volume restoration to sunken areas of the skin. The production of collagen around the threads and their barbs helps to restore volume and improves the skin texture and elasticity, resulting in a natural aesthetics outcome.

PDO and all its thread types are usually short in length and are the materials used in cosmetic procedures like HIKO nose thread lifting.

Polylactic acid (PLA)

PLA threads can increase volume, reduce wrinkles and visible lines, and help restore shape to the face. PLAs, like PDOs, are reabsorbable, yet encourage collagen production for skin tightening over a longer period of time than PDO threads. PLAs use a method that hooks into tissue specifically to increase volume in saggier areas to lift and restore a more aesthetic shape to facial features and often lasting 12.

PLA threads were developed from a biocompatible polymer derived from lactic acid (a naturally occurring acid in the body) and has been used in as orthopedic pins and sutures in the past. A PLA procedure uses cones to hook into the skin to provide support. PLAs are resorbable and help induce collagen generation for a longer period of time compared to PDOs.

Polycaprolactone (PCA)

Before P(LACL)HA threads came to the market, PCA threads were the most recent development in thread technology. PCA threads last even longer and often produce more effective results than PDO or PLA threads. They are effective in tightening the skin and give long-lasting results with more moisturized, revitalized, and firmer skin lasting anywhere between 12 and 15 months

Polycaprolactone (PCA) is a bio-absorbable polyester, monofilament suspension thread. As the thread gradually breaks down within the body, it produces molecules which triggers the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. Even after the body has absorbed the thread, they continue to provide support, produce lasting collagen, and last longer than some other treatments. PCAs trigger the fibrotic reaction, meaning that as the thread disintegrates, minor scar tissue remains and continues lifting the appearance of the patient.

P(LACL)HA thread

P(LACL)HA threads are the newest generation of Aptos threads which are more effective for non-surgical lifting, offering longer-lasting tightening and rejuvenation. These threads have shown consistent and more visible results in a shorter period of time while reducing downtime, inflammation, and providing increased support to the treated area compared to previous generations., P(LACL)HA threads are expected to last at least 2 years (having a lift-half life of 1.5 years).

P(LACL)HA thread is an improved formulation, which ensures additional benefit for the skin. Skin elasticity and texture is visible right after thread implantation. These threads combine elastin (a fibrillar protein), collagen, and hyaluronic acid to provide ongoing and progressive rejuvenation for facial tissues and appearance. Elastin ensures greater skin turgor and elasticity and hyaluronic acid fills the intercellular areas and makes a perfect environment for skin cells.