PDO Thread Lift vs PLLA Thread Lift

How They Work, Key Differences, and Which One Might Suit You

In Korea’s cosmetic scene, thread lifts use different biodegradable materials to lift and rejuvenate skin without surgery. Two common types are PDO (Polydioxanone) threads and PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) threads — and while both aim to improve firmness and contour, they differ in mechanism, longevity, and collagen-boosting characteristics.

What Is a PDO Thread?

PDO threads are made from polydioxanone, a material traditionally used in surgical sutures. In thread lifts, these threads can be barbed (cog) to grip and lift sagging tissue or smooth (mono) to tighten and stimulate collagen.

Key Traits of PDO Threads

• Immediate Lift: They offer an immediate mechanical lift as soon as the procedure is done, especially with barbed/cog types.
• Collagen Stimulation: They stimulate collagen production, helping firm and tighten skin even after threads dissolve.
• Longevity: PDO typically dissolves within about 6–12 months, though collagen effects may last a bit longer.
• Best For: Mild to moderate sagging, texture improvement, and younger patients wanting a subtle lift with minimal

Pros of PDO Threads
✔ Good for immediate lift and contouring
✔ Well-established safety record
✔ Shorter resorption period
✔ Often more affordable

Cons of PDO Threads
✘ Effects are generally shorter-lasting than PLLA
✘ Less optimal for deeper or heavier sagging

What Is a PLLA Thread?

PLLA threads are made from poly-L-lactic acid, a biodegradable polymer also used in collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra. These threads work by stimulating collagen production more intensively over time.

Key Traits of PLLA Threads

• Gradual Collagen Boost: PLLA focuses on longer-term collagen stimulation, leading to improvement in skin texture and firmness as the threads slowly dissolve.
• Longevity: They typically last longer than PDO — around 12–18 months (and in some designs up to ~2 years).
• Best For: Moderate skin laxity, deeper wrinkles, volume support, and patients wanting a longer-lasting and more progressive improvement.

Pros of PLLA Threads
✔ Longer-lasting effects
✔ Stronger and deeper collagen stimulation
✔ Smoother skin texture over time

Cons of PLLA Threads
✘ Often slower to show full results (peak effects take months)
✘ May have slightly higher cost due to material and longevity
✘ Barbed PLLA threads may have less tensile lift than PDO cog threads (though brands with cones are designed to optimize this)

Head-to-Head: PDO vs PLLA

1. Immediate vs Gradual Effect

• PDO: Provides quicker visible lifting due to mechanical action.
• PLLA: Delivers gradual improvement over months as collagen is built up.

2. Longevity

• PDO threads: About 6–12 months before dissolving.
• PLLA threads: About 12–18+ months with extended rejuvenation effects.

3. Collagen Stimulation

• PDO: Stimulates collagen moderately.
• PLLA: Known for stronger and longer collagen stimulation, promoting improved firmness and overall skin quality over time.

4. Ideal Candidates

• PDO: Younger patients, early sagging, subtle lift, quicker improvements.
• PLLA: Older patients, moderate sagging, deep skin texture needs, and those wanting longer-lasting results.

Which Is Best for You?

Choose PDO Threads If You Want:

• Immediate lifting and contouring
• Mild to moderate tightening
• A safe, well-studied option with shorter recovery
• A more affordable entry into thread lifting

Choose PLLA Threads If You Want:

• Longer-lasting collagen stimulation and lift
• Gradual improvement in skin density and texture
• A deeper rejuvenating effect that continues over many months
• Support for moderate sagging or volume loss

Combining PDO and PLLA

In Korea, many clinics combine PDO and PLLA threads in a single session — using PDO for immediate lift and PLLA for long-term collagen support. This layered approach often yields more balanced results tailored to your goals.