- PDO Threads: The standard for immediate lifting. Best for first-timers (Lasts ~1 year).
- PLLA/PCL Threads: The "Bio-Stimulators." They build more collagen and restore volume. Best for sustained results (Lasts 18–24+ months).
- Texture Matters: "Mono" threads only tighten skin; you need "Cog" (barbed) threads to physically lift sagging jowls.
- Cost: Expect to pay between $800 and $3,500 in Singapore, depending on the material and number of threads.
Noticing early sagging along the cheeks or jawline, but not ready for surgery? Face thread lifts have become a popular option for lifting and tightening the skin with minimal downtime, but choosing the right thread material matters.
However, not all threads are the same. A thread meant to build collagen won’t lift a heavy jowl, and a thread meant for lifting might be too harsh for thin skin.
This guide breaks down the 3 main materials (PDO, PLLA, PCL) and the 2 main shapes (Mono vs. Cog) to help you choose the right “lunchtime lift.”
What a Face Thread Lift Is and How It Works
A thread lift, also known as a “lunchtime facial”, is a relatively quick procedure with minimal downtime. It can help with mild to moderate skin laxity.
Here’s How It Works
Immediate Mechanical Lift: The threads physically anchor sagging tissue and pull it upwards (like a tent pole).
Long-Term Biological Lift: As the threads dissolve, they stimulate your body to produce new collagen and elastin in the area. This “collagen scaffold” keeps your skin firm even after the thread is gone.
The 3 Main Materials: PDO vs. PLLA vs. PCL
There are different biocompatible materials we can use for a face thread lift. Each type varies in strength, longevity, and collagen response, which influences the level of lift that can be achieved.
1. PDO (Polydioxanone) – The "Starter" Thread
- What it is: A medical-grade suture material used in heart surgeries for decades.
- Best For: First-timers, younger patients (30s), and sharp contouring (V-Shape).
- Longevity: Dissolves in 6–9 months; results last ~12 months.
- Pros: Very safe, high lifting capacity, and creates immediate definition.
2. PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) – The "Volumiser"
- What it is: The same material used in collagen stimulators.
- Best For: Patients with volume loss (sunken cheeks) alongside sagging.
- Longevity: Dissolves in 12–18 months; results last ~18–24 month.
- Pros: Builds more collagen than PDO. Good for correcting deep folds.
3. PCL (Polycaprolactone) – The "Long-Haul" Thread
- What it is: A newer, flexible, and durable polymer.
- Best For: Mature skin (40s–50s) needing significant collagen support.
- Longevity: Dissolves in 24+ months; results can last 2–3 years.
- Pros: The strongest collagen stimulator. It is softer and more flexible than PLLA, making it feel more natural.
Shape Matters: Mono vs. Cog vs. Screw
Material is only half the story. The shape of the thread determines if it will lift or just tighten.
| Thread Shape | Visual | Function | Best For |
| Mono (Smooth) | Smooth hair-like strand | Tightening only (No Lift) | Neck lines, undereye crepiness, and general firming |
| Cog (Barbed) | Has hooks/barbs | Physical Lifting | Sagging jowls, jawline definition, brow lift |
| Screw (Twisted) | Coiled spring shape | Volumizing | Sunken nasolabial folds (smile lines) |
Note: If a clinic offers a “Thread Lift” for a very low price (e.g., $300), check if they are using Mono threads. You usually need Cog threads for a visible lift, which are more expensive.
Unsure if you need a Lift (Cogs) or just Tightening (Mono)? Book a facial assessment at DermAlly to find your match.
How Long Do Face Thread Lifts Last?
Thread lifts may not be as long-lasting as surgical facelifts, but they’re less invasive and still deliver a sculpted, lifted look without incisions or scars.
Face thread lifts typically dissolve within a year, but the lifting effects can last up to two years or more.
Which thread material is right for you? Get professional advice from our dermatologists at DermAlly.
Areas That Can Be Treated With a Thread Lift
The mid-to-lower face (cheeks, jowls, and jawline) is the most commonly treated area, but thread lifts can also target:
- Brows
- Neck
- Under-eye area
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Chin
This versatility makes thread lifts a compelling option for addressing multiple signs of facial ageing.
Cost of Thread Lifts in Singapore (2026 Estimates)
Prices vary based on the material and the number of threads used.
- PDO Thread Lift (Cheeks/Jawline): $800 – $2,500.
- PLLA/PCL Thread Lift: $2,000 – $4,500 (Due to higher material cost).
- Nose Thread Lift: $600 – $1,200.
Safety: Threads vs. Fillers
One key advantage of threads, especially in the nose and mid-face, is their safety profile regarding blindness.
- Fillers: Because they are gels, they can accidentally enter a blood vessel and cause necrosis or blindness (rare but possible).
- Threads: Being solid, threads cannot flow into blood vessels, making the risk of vascular occlusion negligible.
Can You Get a Face Thread Lift?
Here’s how to know if you’re a good candidate for a thread lift.
When a Thread Lift Is Suitable
Thread lifts work best on people in their late 30s to early 50s, but this can vary depending on your skin and goals.
You’re suitable for a face thread lift if you:
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity (a bit of sagging or drooping, but nothing too heavy)
- Want a subtle, natural-looking result.
- Are in overall good health
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome.
When a Thread Lift May Not Be Suitable
Thread lifts may not be the best choice if:
- Your skin has significant sagging or heaviness that needs surgical intervention.
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have a bleeding disorder or an active skin infection.
- You expect dramatic or permanent results like those of a surgical facelift.
Alternatives if a Thread Lift Is Not Suitable
If a face thread lift isn’t right for you, you still have other options. At DermAlly, we offer:
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): A non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten skin from within.
- Dermal Fillers: Ideal for restoring volume to areas such as the cheeks, under eyes, or temples.
Considering a Thread Lift for Your Face?
A thread lift is a smart, low-downtime way to refresh your appearance without going under the knife. Book a personalised consultation with our team, and let’s find the lift that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients rate it a 3/10. We use local anaesthesia to numb the entry points. You may feel a “tugging” sensation as the threads are adjusted, but it is generally well-tolerated.
What is the downtime?
Minimal. You may have mild swelling or bruising for 3–5 days. You might also feel a “tightness” when opening your mouth wide for the first week. This is normal and means the threads are holding.
Can I combine threads with HIFU?
Yes, but order matters. We usually recommend doing HIFU before threads (to tighten the foundation) or waiting 3 months after threads (to prevent the heat from dissolving the threads prematurely).
Will I look "fake" or "pulled"?
Only if overdone. The “wind-blown” look happens when too much tension is applied. Experienced doctors place threads along natural vectors to reposition fat pads to their youthful position, not just stretch the skin tight.
Our articles are written and reviewed by Dr. Coni Liu (MRCS, FAMS) and Dr. Heng Jun Khee (MRCP, FAMS), Ministry of Health-accredited Consultant Dermatologists at DermAlly.
Both are Fellows of the Academy of Medicine (Dermatology) and previously served as Consultants at the National Skin Centre (NSC), bringing extensive experience in medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology. They are committed to making expert-led skin education accessible, practical, and clear, helping patients look and feel their best through evidence-based care rooted in science and compassion.
