Threads and Sutures

Best Threads Brands

• INTRALINE®: Premium lifting threads available in various configurations including mono, spiral, cog, and triple variants with different gauges and lengths for precise customization.
• SILHOUETTE SOFT®: Innovative bidirectional cone technology that provides enhanced lifting support while stimulating collagen production for natural-looking results.
• RAINBOW®:  Durable threads manufactured by Oreon Life Science, offering various shapes and sizes for tailored aesthetic outcomes.

Why Are Threads Used?

Medical professionals buy threads for both aesthetic and clinical applications due to their versatility and effectiveness. These bioresorbable implants address visible signs of aging through two key mechanisms: 

• Immediate mechanical lifting

• Long-term collagen stimulation

The primary appeal of thread procedures lies in their minimally invasive nature, offering patients an alternative to surgical facelifts with significantly reduced recovery time. When properly placed, lifting threads create a supportive scaffold beneath the skin that instantly elevates sagging tissues while simultaneously triggering fibroblast activity.

Made from biocompatible materials like polydioxanone (PDO), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL), threads gradually dissolve into the body while leaving behind newly formed collagen matrices that continue to provide structural support long after the original thread has absorbed.

Threads and Sutures Areas of Use

Threads can be used across multiple treatment zones for optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes.

• Face: The most common application areas include midface lifting, jawline definition, brow elevation, and neck tightening. Each facial region requires specialized placement techniques to achieve natural-looking results while respecting underlying anatomical structures.
• Body: Threads address mild skin laxity on the arms and abdomen, providing subtle improvement in contour and firmness without the downtime associated with surgical interventions.
• Surgical: Specialized sutures facilitate precise wound closure and tissue approximation across various medical specialties, ensuring proper healing and minimal scarring.

The fundamental difference between cosmetic thread lifting and traditional medical sutures lies in their purpose. While traditional sutures temporarily approximate tissue during healing, aesthetic threads are designed to remain in place longer, providing both structural support and stimulating collagen production until they naturally absorb.

How Long Do Lifting Threads Last?

The longevity of thread lifting results depends on material composition and patient factors:

• PDO threads typically dissolve within 6–9 months, with collagen-stimulating effects lasting 9–12 months
• PLLA and PCL threads persist longer (12–24 months), with collagenic benefits extending up to 24 months
• PCLA threads offer the most sustained results due to their composite nature

Patient-specific factors affecting longevity include:

• Skin quality and thickness
• Age and metabolic rate
• Sun exposure and lifestyle habits
• Treatment area (mobile areas may show shorter durability)

While the physical thread eventually absorbs completely, the neocollagenesis process improves skin quality and firmness. Many practitioners recommend maintenance treatments at 12–18 month intervals for optimal sustained results.

How Are They Used?

The clinical application of threads requires precise technique and should only be performed by trained medical professionals:

1. Treatment planning with careful facial analysis and marking of insertion points
2. Aseptic preparation and local anesthesia administration
3. Introduction of threads via specialized cannulas or preloaded needles into the subdermal tissue plane
4. Careful positioning and anchoring of the thread to achieve the desired lifting effect
5. Gentle tissue molding to ensure natural contours
6. Post-procedure care instructions to minimize complications

Different thread configurations require specific handling techniques. For example, barbed or cog threads must be positioned to maximize the holding capacity of their bidirectional hooks, while smooth mono threads typically require more precise placement for collagen stimulation.

Practitioners should always follow manufacturer guidelines for specific product applications and never attempt to reuse or resterilize threads.

What Are the Side Effects?

While generally safe when administered by qualified practitioners, thread procedures may produce temporary side effects including:

• Localized bruising, swelling, and tenderness

• Mild asymmetry during the initial settling period

• Temporary dimpling or irregularity at insertion points

• Sensation of tightness or mild discomfort

Rare but more serious complications can include:

• Thread migration or extrusion
• Infection or inflammatory reaction
• Vascular or nerve injury
• Persistent asymmetry or irregular contours
• Granuloma formation

The majority of minor side effects resolve spontaneously within 1-2 weeks. Proper patient selection, meticulous technique, and adherence to sterile protocols significantly reduce complication risks.

Types of Threads

Threads are categorized by both structure and material composition, each designed for specific applications:

• Structural types:
  • Mono threads: Smooth filaments primarily used for collagen stimulation without a significant lifting effect
  • Cog threads: Featuring unidirectional or bidirectional barbs that mechanically anchor tissue for enhanced lifting
  • Spiral/Screw threads: Helical structure providing volumization and moderate lifting capacity
  • Double-needle threads: Specialized design for precise placement in delicate areas

• Material classifications:
  • PDO (polydioxanone): Shortest absorption period (4–6 months) with immediate results
  • PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid): Extended longevity (12–18 months) with progressive collagen stimulation
  • PCL (polycaprolactone): Intermediate absorption profile with balanced lifting and regenerative effects
  • PCLA: Combination material offering enhanced durability and sustained results

• Application categories:
  • Surgical thread lifting: Fixed or free-floating configurations for more dramatic results
  • Non-surgical thread lifting: Minimally invasive options for mild to moderate tissue laxity
  • Beauty threads: Fine-gauge threads primarily for collagen induction rather than mechanical lifting

The selection of appropriate thread type depends on patient anatomy, aesthetic goals, and practitioner experience level.