PDO vs PLLA vs PCL Threads: Korea’s Complete Thread Lift Guide

Korea is famous for its advanced thread lift techniques, but not all threads are the same.
The three most commonly used materials are:

• PDO (Polydioxanone)
• PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)
• PCL (Polycaprolactone)

Each offers different lifting strength, longevity, collagen stimulation, and suitability depending on your face shape and degree of sagging.

This full guide explains the differences and helps you understand which thread type works best for your goals.

1. PDO Threads (Polydioxanone)

⭐ Best for beginners & subtle lifting

⭐ Most commonly used thread type in Korea

PDO threads are the classic Korean lifting threads. They dissolve the fastest but are extremely versatile and safe.

How long PDO lasts:

• Dissolves in 6–9 months
• Lifting results last around 12 months

Benefits of PDO threads:

• Safe for almost all skin types
• Excellent for beginners
• Affordable compared to other materials
• Great for jawline sculpting and light cheek lift
• Strong collagen stimulation
• Many shapes available (mono, cog, screw, multi)

Best for:

• Early sagging
• Jawline blurring
• Mild cheek descent
• Younger patients (20s–40s)
• First-time thread lift users

Consider if:

You want natural, subtle lifting without long-term commitment.

2. PLLA Threads (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)

⭐ Stronger collagen stimulation

⭐ Longer-lasting

PLLA is the same material used in Sculptra. It's more durable than PDO and provides deeper lifting.

How long PLLA lasts:

• Dissolves in 12–18 months
• Lifting lasts around 18 months

Benefits of PLLA threads:

• Strong collagen regeneration
• Great for midface lift
• Longer-lasting structure
• Smoother, more elastic skin
• Suitable for moderate sagging

Best for:

• Midface heaviness
• Nasolabial fold support
• Patients in late 30s–50s
• Those who want a longer lift than PDO

Consider if:

You’re looking for a strong, durable lift and enhanced skin elasticity.

3. PCL Threads (Polycaprolactone)

⭐ Longest-lasting

⭐ Soft, flexible, premium thread material

PCL threads are the most advanced and longest-lasting option used in Korea.

How long PCL lasts:

• Dissolves in 18–24 months
• Lifting lasts 18–24 months or longer

Benefits of PCL threads:

• Superior lifting power
• Strong collagen AND elastin stimulation
• Soft but firm lifting support
• Ideal for deeper or heavier sagging
• Longer-lasting than PDO/PLLA

Best for:

• Lower face sagging
• Jowls
• Heavier skin
• Deep nasolabial folds
• Mature skin (40s–60s)

Consider if:

You want the longest-lasting and most structural lift.

Thread Type Comparison: PDO vs PLLA vs PCL

FeaturePDOPLLAPCLLift StrengthMildModerateStrongLongevity~12 months~18 months18–24 monthsDissolving Time6–9 months12–18 months18–24 monthsCollagen StimulationGoodStrongVery strongSkin Type SuitabilityAllMostMature / heavier skinBest ForBeginners, subtle liftMidface liftStrong, long-lasting liftComfort LevelHighModerateSlightly more tension

Which Thread Material Should You Choose?

✔ Choose PDO if you want:

• Starter thread lift
• Jawline definition
• Subtle lift
• Minimal risk
• Quick recovery

✔ Choose PLLA if you want:

• Midface elevation
• Longer-lasting results
• More collagen stimulation
• Balanced softness + lift

✔ Choose PCL if you want:

• Maximum lifting
• Strong support for heavy jowls
• Longest duration
• Mature or thick skin support

Which Thread Is Most Popular in Korea?

PDO remains the most popular due to safety and versatility,
but PLLA and PCL are rapidly increasing for patients who want more dramatic, longer-lasting lifting.

Many Korean clinics use hybrid thread lifts, combining multiple materials for the most natural, balanced results.

What About Pain & Downtime?

PDO:

Mild swelling; recovers quickly.

PLLA:

Slightly more swelling due to deeper placement.

PCL:

A bit more tension initially; longer lifting effect.

Costs in Korea (General Range)

• PDO: Affordable
• PLLA: Mid-range
• PCL: Premium

Exact pricing depends on the number of threads and complexity.



Choosing the right thread material is key to getting the lift you want.
Korea offers PDO, PLLA, and PCL threads with precise techniques designed for natural, long-lasting facial rejuvenation.

Quick summary:

• PDO = gentle + beginner-friendly
• PLLA = stronger + longer-lasting
• PCL = strongest + premium longevity