Thread Lifting Materials: A Review of Its Difference in Terms of Technical and Mechanical Perspective

Date 25 June 2025

Abstract: Thread lifting involves the use of slender materials, reminiscent of threads, for aesthetic procedures. These materials are distinct from traditional sutures and vary in composition, purpose, and performance. The introduction delves into the literal and material significance of threads, establishing the broad concept of thread lifting materials. The article revisits the evolution of thread lifting materials, emphasizing the preexistence of cog threads for tissue manipulation before their widespread adoption in plastic surgery. Observations regarding the efficacy and longevity of absorbable versus non-absorbable threads are discussed, stressing the efficiency of high-quality absorbable cog threads. The conclusion underlines the proliferation of thread lifting materials beyond PDO, highlighting the importance of considering multiple factors beyond duration when selecting threads for lifting procedures. Keywords: thread lifting, Aesthetic procedures, silicone threads, gold thread lifting, PCL polycaprolactone, Poly-L-lactic acid, polydioxanone, mesh scaffolds thread lifting Introduction1 In the context of thread lifting, the term “thread” denotes a material that is thin, slender, and fine. This terminology carries connotations of strands that are twisted to produce elongated lines, typically employed in the manufacture of textiles such as clothing, fur, cotton, silk, nylon, and similar materials. Consequently, any substance structured as thin and elongated lines might be broadly classified as a form of thread lifting procedure.2 However, from the material perspective of utilized surgical or procedural materials, they can be categorized into materials resembling sutures used for tissue closure (commonly known as threads in the form of monofilament and cog threads) and materials differing from those configurations.3,4 Thread lifting was first introduced by Sulamanidze et al in the 1990s.5 Initially, conventional sutures led to poor longterm efficacy.6 To address this, barbed sutures known as Aptos threads were introduced, which improved the effectiveness of thread-lifts.[7 ] Several variations of thread-lifting techniques have been developed subsequently, such as ptosis, Isse Endo Progressive Facelift Sutures, Silhouette Sutures, and Contour Threads.8,9 These advancements have gained popularity among aesthetic practitioners.10–15 The authors perceive a notable gap in understanding regarding thread lifting materials within the field of aesthetic procedures. Recognizing the increasing relevance of thread lifting in contemporary clinical practices, the aim is to clarify the diverse characteristics and implications of various thread materials. Through this review, the objective is to equip practitioners with the requisite knowledge to make informed decisions and optimize clinical outcomes in thread lifting procedures.

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our site. Cookies are used to collect information about how visitors use our site. We collect the information to compile reports and to help us improve the site. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form, including the number of visitors to the site, where visitors have come to the site from and the pages they visited. Details.