Lifting threads – What they are and when to use them?

It’s worth remembering that rejuvenating treatments using special threads have been known for over a decade. Initially, synthetic gold threads were used, which were also safe and provided long-lasting results. Unfortunately, this last advantage turned out to be their biggest drawback. Why? Because over time, the lifting effect faded, but the threads themselves did not. As a result, they sometimes became visible through the skin, requiring surgical removal. Nowadays, lifting threads are made from materials that are absorbed by the body. Depending on the type, they dissolve within 8 to 24 months.

Those interested in enhancing their appearance now have a wide range of cosmetic and aesthetic medicine treatments available to rejuvenate their skin. One such treatment is lifting threads, which deliver spectacular results.

When inserted into the deeper layers of the skin, the threads not only lift and tighten but also stimulate collagen production. This makes them a viable alternative to traditional surgical facelifts performed by plastic surgeons. Additionally, lifting threads boost the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and elastin, resulting in firmer, more hydrated skin. The best results are typically seen in patients aged between 35 and 65.

The procedure of inserting lifting threads is minimally invasive and causes minimal discomfort. Special micro-threads allow the treatment to be performed without a scalpel.

The treatment is completely safe. Depending on the body area and individual patient needs, the procedure lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. It is carried out after numbing the skin with cream or an injection. During the procedure, the lifting threads are placed on sterile, thin needles and then inserted into the skin using a surgical needle.

Importantly, the number of threads used depends primarily on the patient’s skin condition and individual needs. The procedure requires great precision and should only be performed by a qualified aesthetic medicine doctor. A specialist can accurately predict the results, especially considering how many threads will be used and the angles at which they are inserted. The technique relies on following the skin’s natural tension lines.

Lifting threads provide immediate visible results, but the final outcome takes about 2–3 weeks. During this time, facial movements should be monitored, and physical activities and skincare treatments—such as peeling, massages, or shaving—should be limited. This ensures the threads settle properly beneath the skin.

Before undergoing the procedure, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects, including minor bruising, swelling, itching, and irritation. Therefore, it’s best to schedule the treatment before a long weekend or a period when you can relax and allow for proper recovery.

Lifting threads create a natural “scaffold” that lifts and supports skin tissues, especially when signs of aging become visible. They are particularly effective in areas where botulinum toxin and fillers are difficult to administer, such as the neck, chin, and forehead. The main indications for lifting thread treatments include:

• loss of facial contour;
• reduced skin firmness and elasticity;
• double chin;
• nasal imperfections;
• prominent nasolabial folds;
• horizontal and vertical forehead wrinkles;
• drooping eyebrows;
• under-eye bags;
• sagging and wrinkled cheeks;
• skin folds on the cheeks;
• cheekbone grooves;
• marionette lines;
• submental fold (under the chin).

For other body areas, lifting threads are most often used for:

• folds and wrinkles on the neck and décolletage;
• stretch marks;
• loss of firmness and shape in the breasts;
• sagging skin on the arms, abdomen, legs, and buttocks;
• insensitive subcutaneous tissue and skin (post-liposuction);
• atrophic changes on the backs of the hands.

There are currently many types of lifting threads available, and choosing the right ones depends primarily on the desired results and the client’s skin condition. They differ not only in structure and properties but also in the materials from which they are made. Among the most popular lifting threads used in aesthetic medicine are:

• APTOS
• PDO
• Barb

Aptos threads are one of the oldest types of lifting threads, and their development is still ongoing. They were invented by Georgian surgeon Dr. Marlena Sulamanidze. Made from a fully absorbable material, Aptos threads gradually dissolve over 12 months and have both lifting and biorevitalizing properties. One of their components is polylactic acid (L-lactic acid), which stimulates the skin’s natural regeneration and slows down aging processes.

Aptos threads are characterized by microscopic hooks on their surface that create oblique edges. This design allows the threads to move in only one direction, significantly reducing the risk of unwanted displacement. These threads are implanted deeper into the skin and subcutaneous tissue, making them most commonly used for surgical lifting of the cheeks and brow arches. They are also used on the cheeks, jawline, as well as the skin of the arms, breasts, abdomen, and thighs.

The PDO lifting thread system was developed several years ago in South Korea and is now used worldwide, including in Poland. These threads are made from polydioxanone—a very thin and strong synthetic fiber that causes no complications or allergic reactions.

At the Anti-Aging INVICTA Clinic, we perform procedures using medical-grade Class III PDO threads. These meet the highest quality and safety standards, made from premium materials following strict manufacturing procedures used in cardiac surgery medical devices. They hold the highest safety certification issued by the KFDA and the CE mark, allowing their use throughout the European Union.

Among these lifting threads, there are various designs and functions. For example, MONO threads are single filaments used to improve the skin structure on the face, neck, and décolletage. They’re also applied to the breasts, buttocks, and abdomen. Typically, they’re dedicated to smoothing fine wrinkles, facial lifting, and contouring. Additionally, they’re used to reshape the nose and eyebrows, as well as for lifting the corners of the mouth and eyes and the chin area.

On the other hand, First Lift threads, which are braided from several fibers, provide a stronger and longer-lasting surgical lift effect. They are recommended for reducing deeper wrinkles.

Moreover, based on the type of PDO thread twist on the needle, there are SCREW and First Lift Screw types. These are excellent for lifting nasolabial folds and eyelids.

Barb 3D, 4D, and 6D threads are the latest type of lifting threads, featuring numerous tiny hooks along the entire length of the fiber that only open once implanted. Thanks to this unique property, these polydioxanone threads create a strong scaffold to support sagging tissues. Using Barb lifting threads, you can effectively improve facial contours, lift the eyebrows, raise sagging cheeks, and firm the skin across the entire face. A major advantage of these threads is their thickness, which guarantees a much better and longer-lasting effect compared to traditional PDO threads.

Lifting threads are an excellent way to enhance facial contours and rejuvenate the skin without surgery. Most importantly, this is a non-invasive, completely safe procedure that delivers almost immediate and lasting results.