When told 'Thread lasts 2 years.' Four key points to discern in explanations

The number of years a thread remains in the body and the duration of the lifting effect are different things[1]In a Japanese compilation of 111,948 cases, the duration of Thread lift effects was approximately 6–12 months, and authors of prospective research have noted discrepancies between the 12–18 months claimed in advertising and peer-reviewed data[1][2]When you hear the figure '2 years,' verify whether that refers to the absorption period or the duration of effect, and what data supports that number.

Is that '2 years' the dissolving period? The duration of effect?

First, this is the distinction you need to make. The description that PCL thread remains for 2 years and promotes collagen production for an extended period appears in the background explanation of a paper presenting animal studies[3]In clinical reports using threads made from copolymers of PCL and lactic acid, the property of promoting collagen production has been cited in the introductory section of another paper, with effects continuing beyond 18 months[4]。

The duration for which the effect is visible on the actual face is reported to be shorter than that. A large-scale Japanese compilation indicates that depending on the material and treatment area, the effect lasts approximately 6–12 months, and PCL threads remain for about 12 months.[1]。Regarding the duration of lift after the threads dissolve, expert consensus documents also explicitly state that further research is needed.[5]。

In research, when does the effect start to reverse?

Around six months is when noticeable reversal is most commonly reported. In a prospective study of 3D cog threads, consideration was given to past reports showing that Sagging (skin laxity) reversal occurred within 6 months in half of cases, with 14% reverting by 8 weeks, and reports indicating that the pure lifting effect weakens by 6 months.[2]。The same consideration states that improvement peaks approximately within the first 6 months, and thereafter gradually declines.[2]。

A review summarizing Thread lift for the breast also notes that the effect begins to diminish at 6–12 months, and after 1 year, most cases return close to baseline.[6]。Although the treatment area differs, the view that Thread lift provides a temporary lifting effect is consistent.[6]。

How does the guideline position this?

It is positioned as a "temporary improvement." The Japanese Society for Aesthetic Surgery guideline classifies Thread lift for facial wrinkles and Sagging (skin laxity) as Recommendation Level 2 (weakly recommended), noting that while temporary improvement can be expected, the effect is not substantial and duration is short, requiring sufficient explanation.[7]。

Attention is also being paid to how the explanation is conveyed. The review states that communicating temporary effects without context or presenting them as equivalent to surgical solutions can compromise the quality of consent and damage trust. It emphasizes that you should communicate that results are temporary, that they may return, and that repetition will be necessary.[6]。

Who tends to be dissatisfied?

Older patients and those using a larger number of threads. An analysis of 1,500 people in Japan found that being 43 years of age or older and using more than 10 threads were independent predictive factors of dissatisfaction.[8]Here, dissatisfaction refers to returning for a follow-up visit due to feeling that the effect was insufficient.[8]。

Material reviews also state that Thread lift should be performed cautiously in elderly patients, as long-term satisfaction may decline.[9]The higher the age, the more valuable it is to receive a detailed explanation of durability.

Four points to confirm in the explanation

The first is the thread material name and the basis for the absorption period. The second is the expected duration of effect for your own face and what research it is based on. The third is potential complications and how they are managed. A meta-analysis of complications identifies five types: short-term symptoms, depressions or contour irregularities, sensory changes, infection or extrusion, and damage to surrounding tissue.[10]The fourth is what the next step will be if the results return to baseline.

The surgeon's experience also affects outcomes. In China, dissolvable threads were approved in 2014 and PCL and lactic acid threads in 2018, but reports indicate that relatively high complication rates were observed due to insufficient physician experience and skill.[11]How many cases the surgeon has handled is a fair question to ask.

What to verify in consultation

After asking the four points, ask the surgeon to visually assess your face and determine whether your Sagging (skin laxity) falls within the range that can be addressed by threads. Asking how the phrase "lasts 2 years" translates to your specific face is the most concrete confirmation you can get.

If the explanation ends with only numbers, ask more specifically where those numbers come from. Whether the surgeon can speak candidly about limitations becomes your basis for judgment.