Thread Types Guide: Every Thread Lift Design Explained

Medically reviewed by Sarah Bennett, Medical Aesthetic Educator · Updated September 2026 · 12 min read

Ask a thread lift trainer what separates good results from average ones, and the answer is rarely "which brand of thread" — it is which type of thread, in which area, at which depth. A 30G mono thread and a 19G cog thread are both "PDO threads," yet they do almost opposite jobs: one stimulates collagen along a fine channel, the other physically anchors and repositions tissue. Choosing the right thread type is the first technical decision in every thread lift protocol.

This guide explains every thread design used in professional practice — mono, cog, screw, tornado, molding, multi, double needle, fishbone, eye and nose threads — how each one works mechanically, what gauge and length ranges to expect, which materials they are available in, and how to match thread type to treatment goal. It is written for licensed practitioners and complements the Aesthetic Threads Knowledge Center, which covers materials and applications in parallel detail.

Why Thread Type Matters: The Two Jobs of Every Thread

Every aesthetic thread performs one or both of two jobs:

1. Mechanical action — physically holding, lifting, supporting or repositioning tissue (cog, molding, screw, fishbone, double needle designs).
2. Biological action — stimulating collagen production along the thread channel, improving skin quality over weeks and months (all designs, but mono and multi are purely biological).

The design of the thread determines the balance between these two jobs. That is why "which thread type" is a clinical question, not a catalogue preference: a brow ptosis needs anchoring (cog); crepey cheek skin needs stimulation (mono); a nasolabial fold needs support without pull (screw). Pick the wrong design and the technique fails even with perfect placement.

The Thread Type Families at a Glance

The rest of this guide goes family by family. For each design you will find the structure, the mechanism, the typical uses, the specification ranges, and the collection link where Auro publishes current sizes and pack sizes.

Mono (Smooth) Threads: The Skin-Quality Foundation

What they are. Mono threads are single, smooth filaments with no barbs, spirals or texturing. They are the classic skin-rejuvenation thread: fine, gentle and purely collagen-stimulating.

How they work. Without any anchoring structure, mono threads do not lift mechanically. Their entire contribution is biological: the filament stimulates collagen production along its channel, improving skin quality, firmness and fine lines over 4–12 weeks. The finer the gauge, the gentler the tissue response.

Typical uses. Fine lines and crepey skin, forehead and cheek texture, skin-quality improvement, and the finishing layer in combination protocols. Mono threads are also the safest first choice for patients who are new to threads or have thin skin.

Specifications to know. Mono threads typically range from 26G to 30G in 13 mm to 90 mm lengths — finer and shorter than lifting threads. Choosing a finer gauge reduces tissue trauma in delicate areas.

Common misconception. "Mono threads don't do anything." Their collagen effect is significant — they simply don't lift. They are not a weak cog thread; they are a different tool.

Browse the Mono Threads Collection for available sizes and packaging.

Cog (Barbed) Threads: The Lifting Workhorse

What they are. Cog threads — also called barbed threads — carry small, angled barbs along the filament that anchor into tissue and provide strong mechanical lifting. They are the primary tool for immediate, visible lifting.

How they work. After placement, the practitioner pulls the thread taut and anchors it. The barbs grip the surrounding tissue like small hooks, physically lifting and holding it in position. The lift is visible immediately and improves further as the tissue adapts and collagen forms around the barbs.

Cog thread variants.

• Unidirectional cogs — barbs face one direction; used for one-way lifting along a single vector.
• Bidirectional cogs — barbs face two directions from a central point; both ends anchor, offering two-directional lift from one thread.
• 3D cog threads — barbs arranged in multiple rows around the filament for stronger anchoring.
• 4D cog threads — multiple barb rows and planes for stronger, multi-directional anchoring; the standard choice for jawline and midface lifts.
• 6D cog threads — the most advanced cog configuration, with the highest barb density for maximum lift capacity and stability; used for heavier lifts such as the neck and lower face.

Typical uses. Brow, jawline, cheeks, midface and neck — the areas where sagging tissue needs to be physically repositioned.

Specifications to know. Cog threads are thicker — typically 18G to 25G in 38 mm to 140 mm lengths. Gauge selection matters: thicker cogs give stronger lifts but require more skill and cause more temporary swelling.

Technique note. Correct vector placement and anchoring are critical. Common errors — placing cogs too superficially (visible rippling) or with an incorrect vector (asymmetric lift) — are avoidable with training.

Browse the Cog Threads Collection, which includes 4D and 6D models.

Screw Threads: Support Without Pull

What they are. Screw threads have a twisted, spiral structure that increases the contact surface between thread and tissue, amplifying the collagen response while providing gentle structural support.

How they work. The spiral geometry does two things: it holds a small amount of volume in the tissue (a soft "filling" effect) and it maximizes the surface area for collagen stimulation. The result is subtle support plus meaningful skin improvement.

Typical uses. Cheeks (volume support), nasolabial folds, under-eye area and areas needing gentle support without a strong lift.

Specifications to know. Screw threads commonly range from 25G to 30G in 38 mm to 90 mm lengths.

How screw threads differ from mono. Mono threads only stimulate; screw threads add gentle structural support. For patients who need a little "lift in the tissue" without the strength of a cog, screw is the middle ground.

Browse the Screw Threads Collection for available sizes.

Tornado Threads: Maximum Stimulation, Gentle Support

What they are. Tornado threads have a twisted, tornado-like spiral structure that maximizes tissue contact — similar to screw threads but with a tighter, more energetic twist.

How they work. The twisted geometry creates a large contact surface that drives a strong biological response while offering subtle structural support.

Typical uses. Rejuvenation protocols where maximum stimulation and gentle support are wanted in the same thread.

Specifications to know. Tornado threads typically run at 26G to 27G, keeping them in the fine-to-mid range for stimulation-first work.

Browse the Tornado Threads Collection for available options.

Molding Threads: Lift Plus Volume Contour

What they are. Molding threads feature a 3D structured design that combines lifting and volume-restoring action in a single thread.

How they work. The three-dimensional geometry provides structural support that "molds" the tissue into a new position — stronger than screw threads, gentler in profile than heavy cogs — while stimulating collagen throughout the support period.

Typical uses. Cheek volume and midface contouring, where both lift and a soft volume effect are desired.

Specifications to know. Molding threads are typically supplied at 19G, with length selected to the contour being treated.

Browse the Molding Threads Collection for available options.

Multi, Double Needle & Fishbone Threads: Specialized Workhorses

Multi threads

What they are. Multi threads bundle several fine filaments into a single thread, increasing the total stimulation surface while keeping each filament delicate.

How they work. More filaments means more tissue contact and a stronger collagen response than a mono thread of similar gauge, while the individual filaments stay fine enough for delicate skin.

Typical uses. Skin rejuvenation where a stronger biological response is wanted without lifting — décolleté, face and neck skin-quality work.

Specifications to know. Multi threads typically run 21G to 23G. Browse the Multi Threads Collection.

Double needle threads

What they are. Double needle threads are supplied with two needles — one at each end of the filament.

How they work. The practitioner can anchor both ends of the thread independently, which improves placement control dramatically — useful for procedures that require precise two-point anchoring.

Typical uses. Brow lifts (where both ends can be positioned symmetrically) and nasolabial fold work (where the thread can be anchored above and below the fold).

Specifications to know. Typically 19G to 20G, including long configurations up to 400 mm for body work. Browse the Double Needle Threads Collection.

Fishbone (cone) threads

What they are. Fishbone threads feature a distinctive fishbone-shaped barb design — a central spine with angled barbs along both sides (cone-shaped barbs in the "cones" variant).

How they work. The fishbone geometry distributes tension evenly along the thread, providing strong, stable lifting with good anchoring in both directions.

Typical uses. Areas needing firm, even lift with secure anchoring — midface and lower-face contouring.

Specifications to know. Fishbone threads are among the strongest lifting designs, typically 18G to 19G. Browse the Fishbone Threads Collection.

Eye & Nose Threads: Purpose-Built for Delicate Zones

Eye threads

What they are. Eye threads are extra-fine threads designed specifically for the periorbital area — the thinnest skin on the face.

How they work. Their fine structure allows precise, gentle placement with minimal tissue trauma in an area where bruising and asymmetry are the greatest risks. They are used for subtle brow positioning and under-eye rejuvenation.

Typical uses. Brow tail elevation, under-eye skin quality, crow's feet region.

Why they matter. The periorbital skin cannot hide a standard thread — visible rippling and prolonged bruising are the predictable result. Dedicated eye threads are engineered for this anatomy: typically 30G in 25–38 mm lengths (W-cannula designs).

Browse the Eye Threads Collection for available sizes.

Nose threads

What they are. Nose threads are short, purpose-built threads for non-surgical nose refinement.

How they work. Placed through a short L-cannula entry, they lift the nasal tip and refine the bridge without surgery. Subtle by design — nose threads refine, they do not reshape.

Typical uses. Drooping nasal tip, mild bridge irregularity.

Specifications to know. Typically 19G in 38 mm and 60 mm lengths. Browse the Nose Threads Collection.

How to Choose: Match Thread Type to Treatment Goal

The decision framework has three steps: define the goal, match the design, then confirm the material and gauge.

1. Define the primary goal

2. Confirm the material

Thread type and material are independent decisions that multiply:

• PDO — the standard for most designs; immediate lift, 6–12 month results, most forgiving.
• PCL — same designs in a longer-duration material; cog and screw PCL threads extend results to 18–24 months.
• PLLA — mainly mono and screw designs for gradual remodeling; not for mechanical lift.

See PDO vs PCL vs PLLA Threads: Differences, Longevity & How to Choose for the full material comparison.

3. Match to the treatment area

• Brow — fine cogs (23–25G) at the lateral edge for lift; 27–29G mono for skin quality. Learn more in Threads for Brow.
• Jawline — cog 4D and molding threads along the lower border.
• Cheeks & midface — screw, tornado or molding for volume support; PCL versions for longer duration. Learn more in Threads for Cheeks.
• Nasolabial folds — screw and mini cog screw threads placed parallel to the fold.
• Neck — molding or 6D cog for the lift, mono for texture; PCL for long duration.
• Nose — dedicated nose threads (19G L-cannula).
• Under-eye — 30G eye threads only.
• Forehead — fine mono threads; avoid cogs in the mid-forehead (rippling risk).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mono and cog threads? Mono threads are smooth and purely collagen-stimulating; cog threads carry barbs that physically anchor and lift tissue. The same material, two different jobs — which is why protocols often combine both.

Which thread type gives the strongest lift? Cog threads (especially 4D/6D and fishbone designs) provide the strongest mechanical lift. Molding threads add volume contour; screw threads provide support without strong pull.

Can thread types be combined in one treatment? Yes — combination protocols are the modern standard: a cog thread for lift plus a mono or screw thread for skin quality, staged in one session.

What gauge should I use for delicate skin? Finer gauges (26–30G) for thin skin and delicate areas; thicker gauges (18–23G) for lifting in thicker tissue. Gauge is an anatomical decision, not a preference.

Are all thread types available in PDO, PCL and PLLA? No. PDO is available across the widest range of designs; PCL covers the main lifting and screw families; PLLA is concentrated in mono and screw designs. The material comparison guide covers availability in detail.

Next Steps

Thread type is the first decision; material and gauge complete the protocol. Start from the Thread Types section of the Aesthetic Threads Knowledge Center for the quick reference, then compare materials in PDO vs PCL vs PLLA, and check candidacy and aftercare checklists in the Thread Lifting FAQ.

Every Auro Thread product is CE-Marked, medical-grade, sterile and single-use, with batch documentation shipped with each order. Browse the PDO Threads Collection, PCL Threads Collection and PLLA Threads Collection to compare specifications and pack sizes directly.

For clinics and distributors, wholesale pricing and OEM options are available — contact our team for bulk inquiries.

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Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational purposes for licensed medical professionals. It does not constitute medical advice, training, or a treatment protocol. Practitioners are responsible for completing appropriate training, confirming candidacy, and following applicable regulations in their jurisdiction. Auro Threads products are CE-Marked medical devices intended for professional use only.

Sarah Bennett, Medical Aesthetic Educator
Sarah Bennett is a medical aesthetic educator with over 12 years of experience in non-surgical procedures, specializing in thread lifting and collagen biostimulation. She has trained practitioners across North America and Europe, and writes the clinical education content for Auro Threads, in collaboration with the Auro Medical Education Team. All articles are reviewed against current clinical literature and intended for licensed medical professionals.