
The Non-Surgical Face Lift - Thread Lift
Thread Lifting is fast gaining popularity as a lunch time quick fix, as it helps patients to create a tighter and sharper V shape contour face without the downtime of a surgical facelift.
If you wish to achieve a mini facelift or contouring but don’t want to go under the knife, you can choose to have an absorbable thread lift procedure instead.
The good news: It’s minimally invasive, with little to no downtime, and more affordable than surgery.
Currently there are only two types of thread lift material approved by HSA in Singapore, which are the polydioxanone (PDO) threads from Korea and the Silhouette soft (PLLA) from USA.
The Non-Surgical Face Lift - Thread Lift
PDO THREAD LIFT
PDO threads, originating from Korea, are the rage in Asia. There are numerous brands of PDO threads available in the market. PDO is a biodegradable synthetic polymer that has been used in surgical and suture (stitch) applications for many years and is safe for use in the human body.
These threads are manufactured through various processes, to create barbs or cogs that serve as a suspension in order to achieve tissue (fat and skin) repositioning.
About 6 months after the procedure, natural body processes will dissolve the PDO threads through simple hydrolysis. The lifted facial contours will remain for about 3-6 months more, due to the cellular rejuvenation effects. New collagen and blood vessels are stimulated and produced around the threads. At the same time, the PDO threads cause the fat tissue to contract. The overall results include skin tightening, fat repositioning and facial slimming effect, resulting in a V-shaped face.


PLLA THREAD LIFT
Poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) sutures by Silhouette Soft are US FDA-cleared and European CE-marked. These sutures consist of bidirectional cones made from a biocompatible polymer. This material has been used in orthopedic pins, rods, screws and nails for bone fractures, and of course, sutures, for many years.
PLLA sutures have greater longevity than PDO, averaging 12 to 18 months, and are eventually resorbed by the body.
The cones of the Silhoutte Soft thread catch on sagging fat and provide strong anchoring and repositioning of the sagging fat. Over a longer duration, the PLLA thread also stimulates collagen production for further skin tightening.
Both PLLA and PDO thread lift tighten sagging skin and stimulate collagen production through the insertion of these threads into the subcutaneous (fat) layer of the tissue using minimally invasive techniques.
WHAT ARE THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
PDO THREADLIFT VS SILHOUETTE SOFT THREADLIFT?
-
PDO Thread lift has superior immediate soft tissue lifting. The instant and immediate lift is often more prominent tighter as compared to Silhoutte Soft thread lift.
-
PDO Threadlifts also provide superior lift for nose bridge augmentation. The Koreans are the inventors of the HIKO Nose thread lift, which is a PDO thread.
-
Silhouette Soft thread lift has superior delayed collagen stimulation. The cones also give good lifting of sagging fat and compress the soft tissue together nicely.
In Astute Medical Aesthetics, we usually utilize both PDO and PLLA threads as a combination technique to achieve the maximum lifting and collagen stimulating effect.
Treatment areas suitable for thread lifting include
-
Brows / Forehead
-
Mid-face – for nasolabial lines
-
Lower-face – for jowls
-
Jaw line definition
-
Double Chin / neck
Combination treatments
It is important to understand the process and anatomy of aging in order to achieve the best results. As we age, all tissue layers from the skin to the bone undergo changes.
-
The skin loses collagen and elastin, resulting in skin laxity.
-
Superficial (subcutaneous) fat increases in volume and droops, causing nasolabial lines and marionette lines to become more prominent.
-
The muscle layers (SMAS) also become increasing lax.
-
Deep fat loses volume and bone is resorbed, resulting in reduced deep tissue support.
In order to achieve the best and long lasting results from thread lifting, we have to identify the key issues in each individual in order to tailor an optimal treatment plan.
For individuals with significant volume loss and lack of structural support, it is necessary to restore the lost volume with fillers first before undergoing thread lifting.
It is also recommended to combine thread lifting with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) devices as this treatment can target the SMAS layer for tightening, and the heat generated from the device can also help in reducing some of the excess subcutaneous fat.
In general, the treatment plan will begin with HIFU devices, followed by volumizing fillers and lastly thread lifting.
Disclaimer: The material contained in this is for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for doctor’s advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Our doctor-designed treatments are developed to help treat your skin concerns, partnering with you into the journey of seeking long-term, result-focused treatments.
Our relationship with our customer starts off with a detailed consultation to understand your skin concerns and prepare a personalized treatment plan to treat those concerns and restore your beauty.
Our doctor-designed treatments are developed to help treat your skin concerns, partnering with you into the journey of seeking long-term, result-focused treatments. Our relationship with our customer starts off with a detailed consultation to understand your skin concerns, and prepare a personalised treatment plan to treat those concerns and restore your beauty.
Nothing in this website constitutes or is intended to constitute medical advice and readers rely on the statements contained herein at their own risk. Treatment results, experiences and downtime (if any) may vary by individuals.
Please make an appointment with our clinic for a thorough medical assessment of your condition and treatment requirements. Contact us at Tel: +65 9155 2243 or email us at hello@astutecentre.sg to book an appointment or to find out more!