column (e.g. in newspaper)
2025.09.23
Is thread lifting a waste of money? Why it's not a waste even if it fades in 3 months
My journey into aesthetic medicine stems from a desire to help enrich and beautify lives beyond simply treating illness. My specialties include hyaluronic acid, Botox, and thread lifts. I provide treatments that enhance each individual's unique qualities and bring out an elegant, natural beauty. For concerns around the eyes that are difficult to improve with dermatology alone, I also perform surgical procedures. By integrating dermatology and surgery, I holistically balance the entire face. With three periods of overseas study, I am also able to provide consultations in English.
Hello!
I am Ayuri Yokoyama, a plastic surgeon and cosmetic dermatologist.

Introduction
I had thread lifts done, but I feel like the effects wore off after just three months...
"I paid a lot of money, but it was money down the drain?"
Have you ever seen reviews like this on social media?
It's true that the immediate, sharply lifted state right after a thread lift doesn't last that long.
After a few months, you start to feel like you've settled in, for better or worse.
However, from a professional perspective,Even if the lifting effect of the thread lift “only lasted three months,” it is by no means a waste.
Because it's not just about the "immediate lifting effect,"Long-term benefits such as "tightening effect" and "slowing the progression of sagging"because there is.

Why Thread Lifts Also Serve as "Prevention"
・Through physical traction provided by threads, sagging skin and fat are temporarily lifted.
・During this period, unnecessary stress on the skin and ligaments is avoided, allowing the progression of sagging wrinkles to be slowed.
・Fibrosis (collagen production) around the suture thread helps maintain firmness even after the thread is absorbed.
👉 Even if the visible effects become less noticeable after three months,During those three monthsProgression of Saggingappliedhas medical value.
Differences by Type of Thread Lift
Actually, the effect also varies depending on the material and shape of the thread.
・PDO (polydioxanone)
→The most orthodox thread.
It is highly safe, as used in surgical sutures.
The material is neither too hard nor too soft, making it suitable for various areas of the face.
It also promotes collagen production.
On the other hand, it is absorbed relatively quickly (within six months to a year), so its duration is somewhat shorter and its effects are somewhat milder.
Minimize swelling and bruising as much as possible,Natural finishRecommended for those who like [something].
・PCL (polycaprolactone)
→ Like PDO, it is also used in medical institutions.Highly safe dissolvable sutures.
It takes longer to be absorbed into the body than POD (approximately 2 to 3 years).
This highly flexible thread is suitable for areas where subcutaneous tissue moves frequently.
It may be insufficient for lifting bulky tissues such as fat.
High collagen production capacity,Skin Texture Improvement + Lifting EffectGood for those seeking it.
・PLA (polylactic acid)
→ Soluble thread made from synthetic polymers (biomass materials).
The lifting force is stronger than PDO and PCL, making it the strongest among the three types.Most liftingYou can easily feel the effects.
As the material is relatively firm, there is a risk of discomfort such as pain or tightness after surgery.
Slowly melting within the skinLong-term induction of collagen regeneration。
It may also contribute to volume enhancement and skin texture improvement.
👉 For this reason,Not just a temporary lifting effect, but long-term sag prevention by utilizing collagen production.You can also expect it.
What about considering the cost?
Assuming the cost of thread lifts 200,000 yen Let's say.
sustained effect 6 months In that case, the prorated cost is as follows.
・6 months (180 days) of lasting effectiveness → 200,000 ÷ 180 days ≈ Approximately 1,110 yen per day
Looking at it this way, for the cost of one or two Frappuccinos,Lift Up Plus毎Preventing sun damageIt can be considered.
Furthermore, when PCL or PLA threads are used, collagen increases during the absorption process,Even after the threads are removed, skin elasticity tends to be maintained long-term.Therefore, the actual "preventive effect" can be said to be greater than the pro-rated calculation.
Why "Back to Square One in 3 Months" Doesn't Mean "Money Down the Drain"
1. Not only the immediate effect, but also physically in the long termDelay saggingBuying time
2.Depending on the type of thread, it promotes collagen production and furtherLong-term preventive effectcan be expected
3. Also useful as a buffer before committing to surgery
On the other hand, thread lifts are thread lifts. The truth is, the results can vary significantly depending on the doctor.
There are countless types of thread, designs, and ways to incorporate them.
At our clinic, we pay meticulous attention to each and every detail, providing a customized thread lift tailored to each individual.
If you're interested, please feel free to come in for a consultation.
We are also accepting monitor applications at any time!
Reservations can be made here.
Complete your reservation in 60 seconds ▶︎
https://reservation.medical-force.com/b/d7bb811e-ebd5-4b93-93f8-588864b24f15
【Profile】
Plastic Surgeon/Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Ayuri Yokoyama
Japan's Leading Clinic for Beauty and Health Regenerative Medicine|BIANCA CLINIC GINZA/OMOTESANDO
In my previous role, I was involved in establishing a clinic as a cosmetic dermatologist, from its inception to opening, and served as its director for three years.
Having worked with approximately 20,000 patients' skin and faces, contributing to the clinic's development.
To further expand the scope of treatment, I have now transitioned to BIANCA CLINIC, a leading aesthetic and regenerative medicine clinic in Japan.
We provide the latest aesthetic medical treatments for well-aging, encompassing not only cosmetic dermatology but also cosmetic surgery and internal medicine.
【Career】
2020 Graduate of the School of Medicine, Hiroshima University
2020: Worked at JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center and affiliated hospitals (National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital, Tokyo Yamate Medical Center)
2022: Joined ELM Medical Corporation Served as Director of Azabu Clinic
2025: BIANCA joins the company
【Professional Affiliations/Qualifications】
The Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Occupational Physician Certification
【SNS】
Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/dr.airi