PLA Threads

What are PLA Threads?

PLA stands for polylactic acid. It is a biodegradable polymer that dissolves naturally in the body over time. The same material has been used for decades in absorbable sutures and other medical applications. When applied in aesthetics, it brings two levels of benefit: instant lift and slow, steady skin renewal.

When placed beneath the skin, a PLA thread acts like a scaffold. It repositions tissue immediately, and then as the weeks pass, the material stimulates fibroblasts to create collagen. This dual action is what sets PLA threads apart. They do more than tighten; they reshape the skin’s foundation from the inside.

Patients often prefer PLA thread lifts because the results look progressive. The face doesn’t change overnight in a dramatic way. Instead, it looks fresher and firmer across the following months.

Types of PLA Threads

Like other thread families, PLA threads are available in different styles. Each is chosen based on treatment goals.

Smooth threads are fine, hair-like strands. They don’t pull skin, but they encourage fibroblasts to make new collagen. Practitioners use them in larger numbers to improve skin tone and texture, especially in delicate zones like under the eyes.

Barbed threads are fitted with small hooks along their length. These hooks grip tissue and allow real repositioning. They are used most often in the cheeks, jawline, and neck to restore contour and definition.

Screw threads are twisted designs. They add a touch of volume while also firming the skin. Folds, hollows, and areas that need plumping respond well to screw threads.

Silhouette or cone threads are PLA designs with molded cones along the length. These give stronger fixation, making them useful for patients with heavier laxity or more noticeable sagging.

Top PLA Threads Products

Kinami Health supplies trusted PLA thread options designed for professional lifting treatments. Each thread type supports different goals, from firming and texture to structural contouring.

• SILHOUETTE SOFT® 8 CONES: Cone-based PLA threads that anchor securely into tissue. Commonly applied in the mid-face and jawline to create lift and support collagen production.
• SILHOUETTE SOFT® 16 CONES: Built with additional cones for stronger hold and wider lift. Suitable for patients with more visible laxity who need greater repositioning.
• SILHOUETTE SOFT® 12 CONES: A balanced design offering both lift and flexibility. Used when a natural look is a priority, but firmness and contour improvement are still needed.

Clinics can buy PLA threads online directly through Kinami Health, accessing reliable products that meet the demands of modern thread lifting practice.

Benefits of PLA Threads

The most immediate benefit is lift. Skin that droops at the jawline looks higher, cheeks gain shape, and folds appear softer. Patients notice this right away.

The longer-term benefit comes slowly. As the PLA material dissolves, it stimulates collagen and elastin. Over weeks, the skin becomes more elastic and resilient. Fine lines soften, tone improves, and the skin looks fresher overall.

PLA threads last longer than PDO threads. While PDO results often last about a year, PLA thread lifts usually extend improvement to 18–24 months. This makes them attractive to patients who don’t want frequent repeat procedures.

For clinics, PLA threads are versatile. They can stand alone or be paired with fillers, toxins, or skin-tightening devices. Each treatment addresses a different layer. Threads handle structure, injectables restore lost volume, and devices refine surface texture. Used together, results appear natural and balanced.

PLA Threads Common Treatment Areas

Most PLA thread lifts are performed on the face. Barbed threads lift cheeks, jawlines, and brows. Smooth threads improve texture in the forehead and under the eyes. Screw threads help soften folds around the mouth.

The neck is another common target, as this area often loosens before the face. Threads provide tightening without surgical intervention.

Beyond the face and neck, some practitioners also place PLA threads in the abdomen, thighs, or arms to address mild laxity. Because the threads stimulate collagen, they can be used in multiple zones where firmness has been lost.

Procedure Process of PLA Threads

Every treatment starts with consultation and careful mapping. The practitioner examines the skin, marks insertion points, and explains what kind of result can be expected.

The skin is then cleansed and numbed. Threads are inserted using fine needles or cannulas. Barbed or cone threads are guided into position to create lift, while smooth or screw threads are placed in multiples to improve firmness and tone.

The procedure typically takes less than an hour. Patients see an immediate change, though swelling and bruising can appear for a few days. The collagen response becomes more noticeable after a month, with results peaking around three months and holding for many more.

Potential Side Effects

The most common side effects are temporary: redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Patients may feel pulling or tightness, especially when chewing or smiling, but this usually fades within days.

Less common issues include infection, thread migration, or visibility under thin skin. Proper technique, sterile handling, and authentic products reduce these risks.

Aftercare helps ensure smooth recovery. Patients are advised to avoid pressing the area, to limit heavy exercise for a week, and to sleep on their back when possible. These steps allow threads to settle securely.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for PLA Thread Lifts

Ideal candidates are patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. They may have early sagging along the jawline, softening of the cheeks, or folds that creams cannot improve.

Patients with healthy skin quality respond best. Very thin or heavily sun-damaged skin may require additional treatments.

PLA threads are not suitable for patients with bleeding disorders, severe allergies, or unrealistic expectations. They are not a replacement for surgical facelifts, but can provide a meaningful improvement when chosen for the right person.