Does TestLift Really Work? Expected Results and Limitations Revealed by Durability Research

With dissolvable PDO Thread lift procedures like TestLift, you can expect lifting immediately after insertion, but the duration varies by study, with many reports indicating the effect begins to weaken around six months. There is a gap between claims of "lasting over one year" and the research data, so it would be helpful to verify which figures are being cited. Within the scope of my search, I did not find long-term follow-up studies specifically tracking the mesh-pattern TestLift itself.

How long does the lifting effect last?

Many reports indicate the effect begins to weaken around six months. In a review summarizing Thread lift research, it was noted that the effect of lifting-oriented Thread lifts begins to diminish by six months.[1]. At the 12-month mark, reports indicate that all initial improvements in the jawline had been lost, and more than 80% of improvements in the cheeks had also been lost.[1].

. Another study reports that sagging (skin laxity) returned in half of cases within 6 months, with 14% returning as early as 8 weeks.[2]. A report summarizing over 100,000 procedures performed domestically states that the effect typically lasts 6–12 months, varying depending on the thread material and treatment area.[3].

Does increasing the number of threads make results last longer?

Increasing the number does not necessarily make results last longer. In a randomized controlled trial comparing different thread counts (a study where groups were divided by lottery), the lifting effect was not maintained at 60 days regardless of the number of threads.[4].

In a domestic study of 1,500 cases, more patients with over 10 threads and those aged 43 or older reported insufficient results and returned for follow-up treatment.[5]This suggests that the outcome is not determined by thread count alone.

After the threads dissolve, does collagen preserve the results?

This remains unclear. PDO threads are absorbed by the body in approximately 6 to 8 months.[2]In an experiment using mice, collagen around the threads increased during the first 12 weeks and then decreased.[6].

The authors of a trial in humans note that at least at the 60-day mark, newly formed collagen may not significantly influence the lifting results.[4]There is said to be no established standard measure for assessing the collagen-stimulating capacity of threads.[4].

How reliable is the claim that "it lasts over a year"?

Research shows variation in the numbers, so it is most reliable to ask for the evidence. One review summarized that the effects of PDO thread last approximately 12–18 months, and satisfaction often exceeds 85%.[7].

On the other hand, researchers examining 3D threads point out that marketing often cites 12–18 months, but peer-reviewed research figures are inconsistent.[2]How results appear varies greatly depending on which research and which thread type the numbers come from.

How do results change when combined with hyaluronic acid or other treatments?

Combination treatment is performed frequently, but comparative research is still limited in scale. A report of over 100,000 cases domestically found that more than 60% of patients also received hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin injection at the same time.[3].

In a research study following the combination of hyaluronic acid and PDO thread for 2 years, participants reported satisfaction with results around the cheeks; however, this is a preliminary study with a small sample size.[8]Minor complications, such as thread protruding through the skin, were reported to resolve when the thread was gently removed.[8].

What is still unclear from the research?

Long-term comparisons limited to mesh thread are still insufficient. The researchers examining 3D threads themselves have not compared directly with other thread types, so they note they cannot claim superiority.[2]Research on Thread lift for eyebrows is also limited, with only 29 participants, and it states that follow-up beyond one year is necessary.[9].

Although there are reports of over 100,000 cases, satisfaction rates, complications, and long-term results have not been compiled.[3]It is important to note that even reports with large case numbers do not directly demonstrate the durability of results.

What you should check before treatment

There are three benchmarks for judgment. The first is how long you expect results to last, taking into account the possibility that effects may weaken after around six months.[3][1]The second is that results may vary depending on age and the number of threads used.[5]The third is whether to use Thread lift alone or combine it with other treatments.[3][8].

How much change and durability you can expect for your own sagging skin cannot be determined from an article alone. Have a medical examination to evaluate skin thickness and the severity of laxity, and confirm the details.