Mono Threads vs Cog Threads

Key Differences, Uses, and Which One Is Right for You

Thread lifting is a popular non-surgical lifting method in Korea that uses dissolvable sutures to lift sagging skin, stimulate collagen, and improve facial contour. Two of the most common thread types are Mono Threads and Cog Threads. While both help rejuvenate the skin, they work in different ways and are best suited for different needs.

What Are Mono Threads?

Mono Threads are smooth, non-barbed sutures made from biodegradable materials like PDO (Polydioxanone), PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), or PCL (Poly-Caprolactone). Their main purpose isn’t to mechanically lift, but to stimulate collagen production and improve skin quality.

How Mono Threads Work

• Placed under the skin in a mesh or grid pattern
• Stimulate collagen and elastin production
• Improve skin texture, elasticity, and firmness
• Provide subtle tightening over time

What Are Cog Threads?

Cog Threads are threads with tiny barbs, hooks, or cones along the length. These barbs grab onto the skin tissues and provide a mechanical lifting effect, making them ideal for repositioning sagging areas.

How Cog Threads Work

• Barbs anchor into tissue
• Lifts the skin upward or outward
• Offers a more immediate lifting and contouring effect
• Often used in areas with more visible sagging

Key Differences

1. Primary Purpose

Mono Threads:
✔ Collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation
✔ Improved elasticity and texture
✔ Subtle tightening

Cog Threads:
✔ Mechanical lift and repositioning of tissues
✔ Clear contour improvement
✔ Ideal for sagging cheeks, jawline, and jowls

2. Visible Results

Mono Threads:

• Results are more gradual
• Visible as improved skin quality and firmness over weeks

Cog Threads:

• Provide immediate lift and contour change
• Results visible right after the procedure

3. Best Treatment Areas

Mono Threads:
✔ Fine lines and mild laxity
✔ Thinner skin areas (neck, under eyes)
✔ Surface texture improvement

Cog Threads:
✔ Jawline and jowls
✔ Midface/cheek lift
✔ Sagging lower face

4. Longevity & Collagen Boost

Both thread types dissolve over time and encourage your body to produce collagen where the threads were placed. However:

• Mono Threads: Promote collagen more diffusely
• Cog Threads: Stimulate collagen plus lift the skin physically in targeted areas

The longevity depends on material (PDO ~6–12 months; PLLA/PCL can last longer), but the perceived effect often continues due to new collagen formation.

5. Downtime and Sensation

Mono Threads:

• Minimal swelling or tenderness
• Quick recovery
• Ideal for first-time clients

Cog Threads:

• Slightly more swelling and mild bruising possible
• Some tightness immediately after
• Recovery still short compared with surgery

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Mono Threads If You:

✔ Want overall skin quality improvement
✔ Have mild laxity rather than dramatic sagging
✔ Prefer minimal downtime
✔ Want a natural, subtle, gradual effect
✔ Are focusing on texture, elasticity, and mild lifting

Mono threads are often a good starter option or maintenance treatment between stronger lifts.

Choose Cog Threads If You:

✔ Have moderate sagging and want a visible lift
✔ Want jawline definition, midface lift, or jowl improvement
✔ Prefer immediate contour changes
✔ Are comfortable with slightly more recovery than mono threads

Combination Strategies in Korea

In Korean clinics, it’s common to combine mono + cog threads in a single plan:

• Mono threads first to boost overall skin quality
• Cog threads for targeted lifting where needed
• Combined with RF microneedling, HIFU, or boosters to optimize results

This layered approach gives both lift and skin rejuvenation.

What to Expect After Treatment

• Immediate improvement (especially with cog threads)
• Mild swelling the first 24–48 hours
• Gentle tightening sensation
• Collagen continues to form over 6–12 weeks
• Results can last around 12–18 months depending on thread type and aftercare