Monofilament and cogfilament, the areas each handles and the areas they do not handle
________________________________________
1️⃣ Introduction
It is difficult to establish a standard because the types of threads recommended vary from hospital to hospital.
“Monofilament, Mint, Silhouette Soft… Which one should I choose?”
When consulting about thread lifting, different clinics may recommend different types of threads. This is because the structure and material of the threads vary, as do the suitable skin conditions and problem areas. Even with the same concern of sagging, the approach can differ depending on the specific area and skin thickness, making it difficult to judge solely based on the duration of the results.
________________________________________
2️⃣ Explanation of Core Structure/Principles
Thread lifting is a non-surgical facial correction procedure that involves inserting absorbable threads, such as PDO (polydioxanone), into the subcutaneous tissue to induce collagen synthesis through physical traction and fibroblast stimulation.
Threads with barbs (cogs) perform physical lifting by directly pulling soft tissue; their primary function is this physical traction, while collagen synthesis is secondarily triggered by the stimulation of fibroblasts during the insertion process. For non-barbed threads, the primary role is stimulating collagen synthesis rather than physical traction. If you look solely at the type of thread without considering the weight of the sagging area and the thickness of the skin, the results may differ from expectations.
________________________________________
3️⃣ Suitability Conditions and Limitations by Thread Type
① Monofilament: A straight thread without protrusions
Made of PDO material, it is naturally absorbed after insertion. It has no protrusions, resulting in minimal foreign body sensation and a low risk of nerve or salivary gland damage. The duration of the effect varies depending on the skin's metabolic rate but is known to last approximately 6 months. It is suitable for improving fine lines, refining skin texture, and addressing mild lack of elasticity, but there are limitations to its effectiveness in areas requiring strong lifting.
② Mint Yarn (Cog Yarn): 360-degree three-dimensional protrusion structure
This is a physical traction method where barbs grip soft tissue, and it is considered when a stronger lifting effect than that of monofilament is required. The effects last for approximately 9 months to 1 year. It is suitable for areas with heavy skin weight, such as a blurred jawline, nasolabial folds, and sagging cheeks. Individuals with thin or sensitive skin may experience a greater sensation of foreign body.
A hard lump (nodule) may be felt at the thread insertion site, or the tip of the thread may penetrate the skin. In such cases, do not attempt to diagnose yourself; immediate medical attention is required. Since nodules can be difficult to heal, it is necessary to be aware of this before the procedure.
③ Silhouette Soft and Blue Rose
Silhouette Soft uses cone-shaped loops to anchor tissue and utilizes a material that lasts longer than PDO. The results last approximately 1 to 1.5 years and are considered for those with thin skin who desire natural-looking results. Blue Rose features a notched thread design with fine barbs that provide gentle fixation, with a duration of approximately 6 months to 1 year. Both threads are suitable for mild loss of elasticity, fine lines, and contouring, but they have limitations when applied alone to correct severe sagging.
________________________________________
4️⃣ Selection Criteria Checklist
Before considering the type of thread, please check the following first.
□ Have you identified whether your areas of concern are heavy areas like the jawline or sagging cheeks, or if they are fine lines or skin texture? □ Have you confirmed whether your skin tends to be thin or sensitive? □ In what range do you expect the effects to last: 6 months, 1 year, or over 1 year?
The type of thread can be narrowed down only after the degree and location of sagging, as well as skin thickness, are first determined.
________________________________________
5️⃣ Comparison Table: Characteristics of Each Type of Thread Lifting in Gwangju
※ This is not a comparison of superiority or inferiority. The suitable thread varies depending on skin condition and problem areas.
Classification Monofilament Mint Yarn (Cog Yarn) Silhouette Soft Blue Rose
Smooth, 360-degree 3D protrusions, cone-shaped ring, fine sheath type
유지 기간 6개월 내외 9개월~1년 1년~1년 6개월 6개월~1년
Suitable Areas: Fine lines, skin texture, jawline, cheeks, nasolabial folds, thin skin, long-term maintenance, contour, elasticity
Limitations: Insufficient for severe sagging, thin skin, foreign body sensation, severe sagging alone, limitations, strong lifting, limitations
※ Application may vary depending on individual conditions (skin thickness, elasticity, degree of sagging, and area).
________________________________________
6️⃣ Q&A
Q1. How long do swelling and pain last after a thread lift?
Swelling, bruising, and pain may occur immediately after the procedure, but they usually stabilize within a few days to about a week. If swelling persists for more than two weeks, if one side is noticeably different from the other, or if a fever is present, do not self-diagnose and seek medical attention. Immediate treatment is also required if a hard lump is felt at the insertion site or if the end of the thread protrudes through the skin.
Q2. I am considering a thread lift in Gwangju for the first time. Which threads are suitable?
If this is your first time, monofilament threads, which have no barbs and cause minimal foreign body sensation, should be considered. However, if the problem area is heavy, such as the jawline or sagging cheeks, there are limitations to the lifting range when using monofilament threads alone. Since the type of thread may vary depending on skin thickness and the degree of sagging, an assessment of the individual's condition must be performed beforehand.
Q3. Does the skin sag more after the thread lift effect wears off?
As the threads are absorbed, the collagen synthesis effect gradually decreases, and the skin returns to its original state. Since skin aging continues even after the procedure, the skin may appear more saggy than before the treatment due to the natural progression of aging after the maintenance period ends. You must be aware before the procedure that the effects are not permanent.
________________________________________
7️⃣ Wrapping up
When selecting the type of thread lift, the first things to check are the degree of sagging and skin thickness in the problem area. Depending on the structure of the thread (presence of barbs and material), the suitable areas, duration of results, and potential side effects vary. To minimize the discrepancy between expectations and the actual outcome, you must approach the procedure after assessing the duration of results, foreign body sensation, and the possibility of nodules.
________________________________________
⚠️ Legal Notice and Side Effects Information
※ This article is for general informational purposes only. ※ This article has been written in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act. ※ Individual results may vary for all procedures/treatments, and side effects (swelling, bruising, pain, foreign body sensation, asymmetry, nodules, thread protrusion, nerve damage, infection, etc.) may occur. ※ Nodules (hard lumps at the insertion site) and thread protrusion may be difficult to recover from and are more likely to occur with barbed threads. ※ If adverse reactions persist for more than 2 weeks or are accompanied by thread protrusion or fever, medical consultation is required. ※ Results may vary depending on individual conditions (skin thickness, elasticity, degree of sagging, age, and lifestyle).
Info
