Thread Lift Set

What is a Thread Lift Set?

A thread lift set is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts medical-grade absorbable sutures (PDO: polydioxanone, etc.) into the subcutaneous layer to physically lift sagging tissues. The threads have fine projections called "cogs" that catch on surrounding fat and fascia tissues, providing sustained lifting effects. Unlike surgical facelifts (incision lifts), it leaves no scars and significantly reduces downtime.

Mechanism and Scientific Evidence

Thread lifts work through two primary mechanisms. First, "physical lift-up"—cogs grasp subcutaneous tissue and hold it upward against gravity, providing immediate sagging improvement. Second, "collagen neogenesis promotion"—as the thread breaks down in the body, it accumulates fibroblasts in surrounding areas and stimulates the production of new collagen fibers. These dual effects deliver both immediate cosmetic improvement and gradual skin quality enhancement over several months.

A retrospective study conducted at multiple Japanese facilities in 2025 (PRS Global Open, doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000007190) analyzed 1,500 PDO thread lift procedures and reported a post-operative dissatisfaction rate of only 3.4%. Another study from the same year (PRS Global Open, doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000007197) compared thread lift with HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) in 143 Japanese subjects and found that the thread lift group significantly suppressed facial soft tissue displacement between sitting and supine positions by 14.1% on frontal view (p=0.0092), whereas HIFU showed no significant difference. These results demonstrate that thread lift has superior efficacy over HIFU in preventing facial laxity.

A 2020 study on mini-midface lift using PDO cog threads (PRS Global Open, doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002920) performed midface laxity improvement using 18G PDO cog threads in 64 women aged 33–60 and confirmed reduction in nasolabial fold depth and recovery of malar highlights. These studies establish PDO cog thread lift as an effective minimally invasive treatment for facial sagging.

Procedure Flow

After consultation to determine the areas and number of threads to be lifted, the procedure begins with cleansing, disinfection, and local anesthesia (or numbing cream). An entry point is created with an ultrafine needle, and cog threads are inserted subcutaneously using a specialized insertion device (cannula or needle). The thread is anchored and pulled upward, moving sagging tissue upward. Multiple threads are placed in each area to enhance lifting force and durability. The procedure takes approximately 30–60 minutes per area, and patients can return home immediately afterward.

Downtime and Post-Operative Course

After the procedure, patients may experience bruising, swelling, and tightness around the insertion sites. These typically subside within 1–2 weeks. Mild surface tightness along the thread insertion direction may occur but usually resolves naturally within a few days to 2 weeks. It is recommended to avoid excessive facial expressions, massage, and sleeping face-down for one week post-procedure. PDO cog threads gradually hydrolyze in the body and are typically absorbed within 6–12 months. The lifting effect often persists for 1–2 years after absorption due to sustained collagen production.

Set Plan Features

The "Thread Lift Set" is a multi-zone, multi-thread plan that combines broader areas of treatment compared to single thread lifts. By considering facial balance and placing appropriate numbers of threads in multiple zones—cheeks, jawline, forehead, temples—it achieves natural, harmonious lifting results. Optional complementary treatments such as skin boosters or collagen injections can also be combined as needed. The set plan allocates ample time for pre-operative design, with the physician optimizing the number, placement, and type of threads according to each patient's skeletal structure, fat distribution, and sagging pattern.