PDO vs. PLLA vs. PCL Threads: Which Type of French Lift is Best for You?

If you have been researching non-surgical facelifts in Istanbul, you have likely encountered the famous المصعد الفرنسي (Fransız Askısı). It is the gold standard for lifting sagging jowls and eyebrows without a scalpel. However, the term “Thread Lift” covers a wide range of technologies, and not all threads are created equal. The success of your procedure depends largely on the المواد inserted into your face.

The aesthetic market is dominated by three main acronyms: PDO, PLLAو PCL. These materials differ significantly in how much they lift, how long they last, and how much collagen they produce. This guide breaks down the chemistry of these threads to help you decide which one belongs in your Medical Esthetics الخطة.

1. PDO Threads (Polydioxanone): The “Skin Rejuvenator”

PDO threads are the “first generation” of modern thread lifting and are the most commonly known. They have been used in surgery (as dissolvable stitches) for decades.

• العمر الافتراضي: They dissolve quickly, usually within 6 to 9 months.
• القوة: Moderate. They are excellent for fine adjustments but may not hold heavy sagging tissue for long.
• الأفضل لـ Rejuvenation rather than heavy lifting. PDO threads are famous for stimulating immediate collagen production (Neocollagenesis), improving skin texture and tightening fine lines. They are often used for the trendy “Fox Eye” lift or tightening the neck area.

2. PLLA Threads (Poly-L-Lactic Acid): The “Volumizer”

PLLA is the same material used in collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra. These threads are the “second generation.”

• العمر الافتراضي: They take longer to biodegrade, typically lasting 18 to 24 months.
• القوة: Stronger than PDO. The cones or barbs on PLLA threads are often more effective at anchoring into the tissue.
• الأفضل لـ Volume restoration. As the PLLA breaks down, it triggers a massive production of Type 1 collagen, which adds subtle volume to hollow areas like the cheeks while lifting the tissue.

3. PCL Threads (Polycaprolactone): The “Heavy Lifter”

PCL is the “third generation” and the closest relative to the permanent threads often associated with the classic French Lift.

• العمر الافتراضي: PCL is extremely durable. The threads can last من 2 إلى 3 سنوات or more before fully dissolving, with the lifting effect often persisting for up to 4-5 years due to the collagen structure formed around them.
• القوة: Very High. PCL has a high tensile strength and is more flexible than PDO or PLLA. This flexibility allows the thread to move naturally with your face, preventing the “stiff” look.
• الأفضل لـ Significant lifting. If you have heavier jowls or deeper nasolabial folds and want a result that mimics a surgical mini-facelift, PCL is the material of choice.

Research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirms that PCL threads induce a thicker and more durable collagen mesh compared to their predecessors.

Comparison Table: Which Thread Wins?

The “French Lift” Connection

In Turkey, when you book a “French Lift” (Fransız Askısı), clinics often use a specialized hybrid thread (polyester core with silicone) that functions similarly to PCL in terms of longevity and flexibility. Unlike simple PDO threads which are just inserted and left, the French Lift technique involves anchoring the threads deeply (often to the fascia of the temporalis muscle) to provide a powerful, suspension-like lift.

Why Choose Istanbul for Your Lift?

Using high-end PCL or French Lift threads requires advanced training. The thread must be placed at the precise depth; too shallow, and it ripples; too deep, and it doesn’t lift.

Istanbul is a global hub for this procedure because of Expertise and Volume. Turkish doctors perform thousands of these lifts annually, giving them an intuitive understanding of vector planning (the direction of the pull) that ensures a natural, “snatched” look rather than a wind-tunnel appearance. Moreover, accessing premium PCL threads in Istanbul costs a fraction of the price in Europe or the USA.

Conclusion: Match the Thread to the Goal

There is no “bad” thread, only the wrong thread for the wrong patient.

• Want a quick refresh for an event? Go for PDO.
• Need volume restoration in hollow cheeks? Choose PLLA.
• Want a serious, long-lasting lift that rivals surgery? Invest in PCL or the Classic French Lift.

To find out which material matches your facial anatomy, اتصل بنا today for a free virtual assessment.

الأسئلة الشائعة (FAQ)

1. Are PCL threads permanent?
   No, but they are very long-lasting. They fully dissolve after 2-3 years, but the collagen structure they create keeps the face lifted for even longer. The classic “French Lift” brand (Spring Thread) is technically non-absorbable (permanent) but acts similarly to PCL in flexibility.
2. Which thread is best for Fox Eyes?
   For the “Fox Eye” or “Cat Eye” look, PDO threads are often preferred because the skin around the brow is thin, and the result is usually intended to be a trend-focused aesthetic adjustment rather than a heavy lift.
3. هل العملية مؤلمة؟
   All thread lifts are performed under local anesthesia. You will feel pressure and tugging, but sharp pain is rare.
4. Can I combine threads with fillers?
   Yes. It is very common in Istanbul to combine a PCL lift with الفيلر الجلدي to both lift the tissue and replace lost volume in a single session.
5. What happens if the thread breaks?
   This is rare with PCL threads due to their high flexibility. If a PDO thread breaks (which is more brittle), it simply dissolves harmlessly, though the lift in that area may be lost.