Can different thread brands be combined in one session?

Yes, combining thread brands is an advanced technique that Dr. Waleerat frequently employs. For example, Grand Diamond threads along the jawline for long-lasting structural lift combined with Emerald threads in the midface for collagen building creates a comprehensive result addressing multiple concerns.

Which thread is suited to first-time patients?

Onyx threads are often recommended for first-time thread lift patients due to their excellent lift-to-cost ratio, predictable PDO absorption, and proven safety profile. They provide a strong lifting result that helps patients understand what thread lifting can achieve before potentially upgrading to longer-lasting options.

How many threads of each brand are typically used?

Onyx typically uses 6-10 threads per session for full-face lifting. Emerald uses 4-8 threads due to its longer cog design. Grand Diamond typically uses 4-6 threads as each thread provides more lifting power per unit. The exact count depends on face anatomy and desired result.

Which thread brand has the least downtime?

All three cog thread brands have similar recovery timelines — 5-7 days of noticeable swelling with full social recovery by day 10-14. Grand Diamond may have slightly more initial tightness due to the larger thread diameter. Onyx and Emerald have comparable downtime profiles.

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Thread Comparison

Emerald vs Onyx vs Grand Diamond

Q: What is the difference between Emerald, Onyx, and Grand Diamond threads?

Emerald threads use a PLLA+PCL blend with molding cog design for collagen building plus lifting, averaging 73,000 THB. Onyx threads are PDO with powerful bidirectional barbs for strong jawline lifting, averaging 50,000 THB. Grand Diamond threads use premium Mint 170mm PCL cogs for the longest-lasting structural lift, averaging 111,000 THB.

Q: Which thread brand is suited to a round face?

For round faces seeking a V-line contour, Onyx or Emerald threads are often selected because their cog design excels at repositioning the lateral cheek and jawline tissue upward and inward. The strong bidirectional barbs provide the holding power needed to reshape a round face into a more defined oval or V-shape.

Q: How long does each thread brand last?

Onyx (PDO) threads provide mechanical support for 6-8 months with collagen benefits lasting 12-18 months. Emerald (PLLA+PCL) threads support lasts 18-24 months. Grand Diamond (PCL) threads provide the longest support at 24-36 months. All three continue stimulating collagen beyond their absorption timeline.

Q: Is Grand Diamond worth the higher price?

Grand Diamond is worth it for patients who prioritize longevity and minimal maintenance. At 111,000 THB average, it costs roughly twice as much as Onyx but lasts 3-4 times longer before needing maintenance. For patients who travel to Bangkok specifically for treatment, fewer visits can offset the higher per-session cost.

Which cog thread is right for your face shape? A side-by-side comparison of three premium thread brands, their strengths, and when to choose each one.

Dr. Waleerat April 2026 13 min read

Cog Thread Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Emerald	Onyx	Grand Diamond
Material	PLLA + PCL	PDO	PCL (Mint 170mm)
Cog Design	Molding cog	Bidirectional barbs	Premium cog
Absorption	18-24 mo	6-8 mo	24-36 mo
Lifting Power	Medium-High	High	Very High
Collagen Boost	Very High	Moderate	High
Avg Price	~73,000 THB	~50,000 THB	~111,000 THB
Ideal For	Lift + collagen	Strong, affordable lift	Long-lasting premium

Emerald: The Collagen-Building Lifter

Emerald threads combine PLLA and PCL in a single molding cog design. This dual-material approach delivers both immediate mechanical lifting and sustained collagen stimulation that continues for 18-24 months. The molding cog pattern allows the thread to adapt to facial contours during insertion, creating a more natural result.

Emerald is the balanced choice — patients who want more than basic PDO lifting but are not ready for the premium investment of Grand Diamond. Its PLLA component means results continue to improve for months after the procedure, similar to how Sculptra works over time.

Onyx: Pure Lifting Power

Onyx threads are PDO cog threads with an aggressive bidirectional barb design that maximizes tissue grip. They are engineered for one primary purpose: strong, visible lifting of the jawline and midface. The barb pattern provides excellent anchoring force per thread, making them efficient and cost-effective.

At approximately 50,000 THB per session, Onyx offers a value-focused lift-to-cost ratio. It is the workhorse of thread lifting — reliable, well-studied, and effective for patients who want clear, visible improvement without the premium price tag.

Grand Diamond: The Premium Standard

Grand Diamond uses the Mint 170mm PCL thread — one of the longest and most advanced cog threads available. The 170mm length provides exceptional coverage per thread, reducing the total number of insertion points while maximizing the lift zone. PCL material means the thread supports your face for 24-36 months before full absorption.

At approximately 111,000 THB, Grand Diamond represents a premium investment. It is well suited for patients who have experience with thread lifting, want the longest possible result, or are international patients who prefer fewer treatment sessions over time.

"I choose Grand Diamond for patients who say: I want this to last as long as possible, and I do not want to think about maintenance for two to three years. It is the closest thing to a set-and-forget thread lift, though I still recommend annual check-ups."

— Dr. Waleerat Thaweebanchongsin, VERZO CLINIC Founder

Face Shape Matching Guide

Round Face

Onyx or Emerald

Goal: V-line contouring

Strong bidirectional cogs reposition lateral tissue inward. Emerald adds collagen density to slim the cheek area over time.

Oval Face

Emerald

Goal: Maintain contour, prevent sagging

Balanced lift with collagen building preserves natural oval shape while preventing age-related descent.

Square/Angular Face

Emerald or Grand Diamond

Goal: Soften jawline, lift midface

PLLA/PCL collagen building softens angular features while maintaining structural integrity.

Heart/Diamond Face

Onyx or Grand Diamond

Goal: Jawline definition, lower face lift

Strong lifting along the jawline balances a naturally wider upper face.

Long Face

Emerald + Ruby No.5 combo

Goal: Midface volume, lateral lift

Combination of cog lift in midface with mono thread firming creates a horizontally fuller appearance.

Expected Longevity per Type

Emerald

Mechanical lift: 18-24 mo

Collagen benefit: 24-30 mo

Maintenance interval: Every 18-24 months

Onyx

Mechanical lift: 6-8 mo

Collagen benefit: 12-18 mo

Maintenance interval: Every 10-14 months

Grand Diamond

Mechanical lift: 24-36 mo

Collagen benefit: 30-48 mo

Maintenance interval: Every 24-36 months

Pricing at VERZO CLINIC

Emerald

~73,000 THB

PLLA+PCL Molding Cog

Onyx

~50,000 THB

PDO Bidirectional Cog

Grand Diamond

~111,000 THB

PCL Mint 170mm Premium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Emerald, Onyx, and Grand Diamond?

Emerald uses PLLA+PCL blend for collagen building plus lifting (~73K THB). Onyx uses PDO with powerful barbs for strong jawline lifting (~50K THB). Grand Diamond uses premium 170mm PCL for the longest-lasting lift (~111K THB).

Which thread brand is suited to a round face?

Onyx or Emerald are often selected for round faces seeking V-line contour. Their cog designs excel at repositioning lateral cheek and jawline tissue upward and inward.

How long does each thread brand last?

Onyx (PDO): 6-8 months mechanical, 12-18 months collagen. Emerald (PLLA+PCL): 18-24 months. Grand Diamond (PCL): 24-36 months.

Is Grand Diamond worth the higher price?

For patients prioritizing longevity, yes. It lasts 3-4x longer than Onyx. For international patients, fewer return visits can offset the higher per-session cost.

Can different brands be combined?

Yes. Grand Diamond along the jawline combined with Emerald in the midface is a common advanced protocol for comprehensive results.

Which is suited to first-time patients?

Onyx threads are often recommended first due to excellent lift-to-cost ratio, predictable PDO absorption, and proven safety profile.

How many threads are typically used?

Onyx: 6-10 threads. Emerald: 4-8 threads. Grand Diamond: 4-6 threads. Exact count depends on face anatomy.

Which brand has the least downtime?

All three have similar 5-7 day swelling recovery. Grand Diamond may have slightly more initial tightness due to larger diameter.

Not Sure Which Thread Brand Is Right for You?

Dr. Waleerat will assess your face shape, discuss your goals, and recommend the optimal thread brand and combination. Free consultation, no obligation.

Book Free Consultation via LINE WhatsApp

VERZO CLINIC, Sukhumvit Road near BTS Ekkamai. Open daily 10:00-19:00.

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Numbness, visibility, and what is normal after thread lift.

Medical Disclaimer

Results vary depending on individual skin and body conditions.

Please consult a physician before treatment.

Results are not guaranteed.