Ultracol or Liquid Thread – A Collagen Stimulator for Skin Rejuvenation and Wrinkle Reduction

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Ultracol 200

Ultracol

Ultracol is a collagen-stimulating injectable designed to rejuvenate the skin from within — making it an ideal solution for those seeking a youthful, radiant appearance. By enhancing natural collagen production beneath the skin, it provides long-lasting improvement in skin texture, firmness, and wrinkle reduction.

As one of the most recognized innovations in aesthetic medicine, Ultracol helps restore skin vitality and supports long-term skin health. If you’re considering this treatment, here’s everything you need to know before starting.

Table of Content : Ultracol


What is Ultracol?

Ultracol is a Korean-made injectable collagen stimulator. It uses PDO (Polydioxanone) microspheres, a biocompatible and biodegradable material approved by the U.S. FDA. These particles naturally dissolve in the body without leaving residue.

In medical practice, PDO is commonly used as an absorbable suture in internal surgical procedures, a long-standing application that assures high safety standards.

For aesthetic treatments, Ultracol modifies the molecular structure of PDO into ultra-fine microspheres, enabling it to be injected. This is why it’s commonly referred to as a “liquid thread”.

Ultracol liquid thread

The standout benefit of Ultracol is its ability to stimulate the production of both Type I and Type III collagen in the dermis. This leads to increased skin density and firmness in the treated area, resulting in smoother, more lifted skin.

According to a clinical study¹, after three sessions of Ultracol injections:

  • Skin elasticity and dermal thickness improved by 34.36%
  • Wrinkle depth reduced by 13.33%
  • Skin brightness increased by 9.15%
Ultracol properties

Development Background of Ultracol

As previously mentioned, Ultracol is made from PDO — an absorbable suture material that has been used in surgical procedures for over 30 years across many countries.

Ultracol is an advanced innovation derived from traditional PDO thread lifting, which typically involves inserting dissolvable threads under the skin to lift sagging areas and contour the face. This technique has been widely used to address concerns such as facial sagging, jowls, and large jawlines, while also improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles.

Ultracol Nano Technology

To enhance convenience and reduce both discomfort and downtime compared to traditional thread lifting, a new form of PDO was developed using nanotechnology. This process transforms PDO threads into spherical micro-particles at a nano scale, resulting in a pearlescent white powder that dissolves in sterile water.

This injectable form of PDO is now known as Ultracol. It provides effective collagen stimulation and is considered highly safe for aesthetic use.

Is Ultracol Safe?

The safety of Ultracol is based on two key factors:

1. Product Safety

Ultracol is developed by Ultra V in collaboration with Seoul National University Hospital and Chung-Ang University Hospital — two of South Korea’s most respected medical institutions. Its safety profile has been documented and published in medical journals.

The product is U.S. FDA-approved, confirming its high safety standards. It naturally dissolves in the skin without leaving residue and has been widely used in Korea for over five years. Additionally, it has been certified by regulatory bodies including the Thai FDA, the Korea MFDS, CE (Europe), and China NMPA.

Ultracol also earned the prestigious IR52 Jang Young Sil Award in South Korea for its innovation, transforming PDO into ultra-fine microspheres and dissolvable powder form. This allows for subdermal injection to effectively trigger collagen production. Remarkably, one vial of Ultracol 200 is equivalent to 1,427 PDO threads in terms of collagen-stimulating potential.

2. Injection Procedure Safety

Ultracol must be administered by a trained and certified physician to ensure safety and effectiveness. Proper technique and precise injection depth are crucial to minimize side effects such as mild bruising, swelling, or temporary discomfort, which typically subside within a few days.

Verifying the authenticity of the product is equally important. Using genuine Ultracol from an authorized distributor ensures consistent quality. The procedure must be performed in a sterile, licensed clinic that meets medical safety standards.

How Is Ultracol Different from Other Thread Lift Procedures?

While both Ultracol and traditional thread lifting use PDO (Polydioxanone) as the base material, the procedures themselves are entirely different in terms of technique, application, and outcome.

PDO Thread Lifting
This procedure involves inserting PDO threads under the skin to physically lift and tighten sagging areas. The threads also stimulate collagen and tissue regeneration around them, leading to firmer skin and reduced wrinkles over time.

Popular areas for thread lifting include:

  • Face: for overall lifting and V-shape contouring
  • Nose: for creating a sharper, more projected bridge
  • Foxy Eye Thread Lift: for lifting the outer corners of the eyes to create a more elongated, lifted eye look — all without surgery
PDO thread lifting

There are also other types of threads made from materials such as PCL, mesh threads, mint threads, and collagen threads, each offering different benefits and longevity.

Because thread lifting involves inserting physical threads beneath the skin, some post-treatment swelling and bruising are expected. These are typically caused by the local anesthetic and subdermal bleeding, but they usually subside within 7–14 days.

Ultracol Treatment
Ultracol, on the other hand, is a liquid form of PDO (also called Liquid PDO) that is injected into the dermis. Unlike traditional thread lifting, this treatment doesn’t aim to pull or lift the skin. Instead, it focuses on stimulating collagen production evenly across the treated area, resulting in firmer, denser skin through natural regeneration.

Thanks to its liquid format, Ultracol disperses evenly under the skin, making it ideal for full-face collagen stimulation rather than localized lifting.


Can Ultracol Be Combined with Other Treatments?

Yes — Ultracol can be safely combined with other aesthetic treatments. However, timing and proper planning are essential to ensure the best results and minimize skin irritation. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Botox injections: can be done approximately 2 weeks after Ultracol
  • Dermal filler injections: should be spaced 3–4 weeks apart to allow the tissue to fully recover
  • Energy-based devices (such as laser or Thermage): wait at least 2–4 weeks to avoid irritation and ensure optimal results

Proper treatment planning helps maximize the benefits of each procedure. Consulting with a qualified doctor in advance ensures a personalized plan tailored to your skin condition and treatment goals.


How Does Ultracol Stimulate Collagen Production?

As mentioned in the previous section, other procedures should be spaced appropriately when combined with Ultracol. This is because its collagen-stimulating process is gradual and requires time for new collagen and elastin fibers to form.

How Ultracol works

Ultracol functions as a collagen biostimulator. Once injected into the dermis (the middle layer of skin), it triggers the immune response. The body sends macrophages (a type of white blood cell) to the area, where they surround and gradually break down the PDO microspheres.

During this process, the macrophages stimulate new collagen production, gradually replacing the Ultracol particles with natural collagen fibers. This strengthens and rebuilds the skin structure from within, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.


Who Is a Good Candidate for Ultracol?

Thanks to its ability to stimulate collagen, Ultracol helps improve skin firmness, elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, making it ideal for:

  • Individuals with wrinkles, deep lines, or mild-to-moderate skin laxity
  • Those with dull or uneven skin tone, pigmentation, or dark spots
  • People with uneven skin texture or visible roughness
  • Those seeking a lifting effect without thread lifting or surgery
  • Individuals who want a more defined facial contour
  • Anyone looking for natural-looking results and overall skin quality improvement

However, Ultracol may not be suitable for certain individuals, such as:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Those with bleeding disorders
  • Individuals with skin infections in the treatment area

Consulting with a qualified doctor is essential to assess suitability before undergoing treatment.


What Are the Benefits of Ultracol?

The main benefit of Ultracol is its ability to stimulate natural collagen production, specifically Type I and Type III collagen, within the dermis. This results in firmer, more elastic skin, achieved naturally without adding foreign volume.

Additional benefits include:

  • Can be injected into delicate areas where other biostimulators may not be suitable
  • Safe for all skin types, including sensitive or allergy-prone skin
  • Minimally invasive with no wounds or downtime
  • Quick recovery, allowing return to daily activities immediately

Where Can Ultracol Be Injected?

Ultracol is versatile and can be injected into both facial and body areas to address specific concerns:

  • Under-eye area: Diminishes dark circles and fine lines
  • Nasolabial folds: Smooths deep lines and restores volume
  • Jawline: Enhances definition and tightens facial contour
  • Forehead: Reduces horizontal wrinkles
  • Neck: Firms sagging skin and improves skin texture
  • Back of hands: Rejuvenates aged skin for a youthful appearance

There are two versions of Ultracol, designed for different treatment goals:

  • Ultracol 100: Ideal for skin booster treatments — improves skin texture, addresses acne scars, enlarged pores, and enhances glass-skin appearance
  • Ultracol 200: Designed for lifting and volume restoration, suitable for multiple target areas such as under-eyes, outer and inner eye corners, forehead, nasolabial folds, neck, and hands (including fingers, based on physician assessment)

How Much Does Ultracol Cost?

The typical cost of one vial of Ultracol ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 THB, depending on the clinic, the experience of the doctor, and the level of service provided.

If you come across an unusually low price in the lower thousands, it’s essential to verify what that price includes. Some clinics may quote the cost per 1 cc, while a full vial of Ultracol contains 5 cc. For optimal results and treatment safety, a full vial per session is recommended to ensure adequate dosage and product quality.

In some cases, extremely low prices may also indicate the use of counterfeit or substandard products.

Interested in collagen biostimulator injections at V Square Clinic?
Click to view our latest promotions.

Ultracol Promotion

How Should You Prepare Before an Ultracol Treatment?

Proper preparation is key to minimizing side effects and ensuring effective results. Before getting Ultracol injections, follow these guidelines:

  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements for at least 1 week, including: Aspirin, NSAIDs, St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, Primrose Oil, Garlic, Ginseng, and Vitamin E
  • Do not use exfoliating products or remove hair in the treatment area
  • Avoid laser treatments or facial massages for at least 3 days before your appointment
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours
  • Inform your doctor in advance if you have chronic health conditions or take daily medication
  • Disclose any allergies or previous adverse reactions to ensure a safe and tailored treatment plan

What Is the Procedure for Ultracol Treatment?

Once the doctor evaluates your skin condition and determines the appropriate dosage, the Ultracol injection procedure follows these steps:

  1. Cleanse the skin thoroughly
  2. Apply a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort
  3. Use a specialized injection technique to administer Ultracol into the planned areas beneath the skin

The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of treatment areas.


What Aftercare Is Required After Ultracol Treatment?

Proper post-treatment care is essential to maximize results, especially during the first 24–48 hours. Follow these instructions:

  • Do not press, massage, scratch, or pick at the treated area
  • Do not apply cold compresses, as this may cause the particles to clump and form nodules
  • Avoid applying cream on injection points for 1 night
  • Refrain from intense workouts or activities that cause facial flushing for 48 hours
  • Avoid all alcohol for at least 48 hours
  • Avoid deep-heating laser treatments (e.g., HIFU, Pico lasers) for 1 month (If performed on the same day, the laser session should be done before the Ultracol injection)

When Will the Results from Ultracol Become Visible?

Results are not immediate after treatment. Mild swelling during the first 1–3 days is common and will subside naturally.

  • Around week 2: The skin will begin to settle
  • From week 4 onward: Ultracol starts actively stimulating collagen production
  • By approximately 12 weeks: maximum visible results are typically achieved, as collagen continues to regenerate during this period

How Long Do the Results of Ultracol Last?

The results of Ultracol injections typically last around 6–8 months. To maintain long-term effects, follow-up sessions can be scheduled according to the doctor’s recommendations.

For those who complete a full course of 4 sessions within a year, the effects may last up to 1.5–2 years. After completing all sessions, a once-a-year booster is usually sufficient to sustain the results.

Ultracol protocol injection

However, longevity may vary depending on individual lifestyle factors, post-treatment care, age, and baseline skin condition.


Frequently Asked Questions About Ultracol

When Can I Return to Work After Ultracol?

You can resume work and daily activities immediately after your Ultracol session — there’s no downtime. However, avoid vigorous exercise or activities that could stress the skin (e.g., facial massage or rubbing) for the first 48 hours.

Is Ultracol Painful?

Before the injection, a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the skin and reduce discomfort. The injection itself uses a very fine needle, so it’s generally not painful.

Some patients may feel slight tightness or mild swelling afterward, but this usually resolves on its own without concern.

What Age Is Suitable for Ultracol?

Ultracol is suitable for anyone who wants to improve skin elasticity and firmness. If you’ve started noticing sagging or loss of volume, this treatment can help. It’s generally recommended from age 25 onward, when early signs of aging, like fine lines or reduced skin firmness may appear.

Do I Need Repeat Treatments? How Many Vials Are Needed?

Yes, maintenance treatments are recommended. Here’s a typical schedule:

  • Initial plan: 1 full vial per session, repeated every 2 months for 1–3 sessions
  • Maintenance: every 6–8 months thereafter

The number of vials required depends on the treatment area and skin concerns. For full-face treatments, most patients require around 1–2 vials per session.

When Can I Wear Makeup After Ultracol?

You can apply makeup 24 hours after your Ultracol treatment to reduce the risk of infection. When cleansing, use gentle skincare products and avoid rubbing or applying pressure on the treated areas.

Can I Shower or Wash My Face After Ultracol?

Yes, you can shower and wash your face normally after 24 hours. However, to avoid irritation or infection, avoid using hot water and refrain from scrubbing the treated areas, especially during the first day after treatment.

How Long Does Swelling Last After Ultracol?

Mild swelling is normal after an Ultracol injection because of the needle entry points. It usually subsides on its own within a week and doesn’t require special treatment.

Will There Be Any Visible Wounds After Ultracol?

Ultracol treatment doesn’t leave scars. Right after the procedure, you may notice tiny needle marks, which your doctor will cover with a small plaster. You can usually remove it within an hour.


Where Should You Get Ultracol? What Should You Consider?

When it comes to any aesthetic treatment — including Ultracol injections — safety should always be the top priority. Consider the following factors before making a decision:

  • Choose a certified clinic with a valid 11-digit license number. The clinic’s registration can be verified on the Ministry of Public Health website:
    https://hosp.hss.moph.go.th/
  • Ensure that the injecting doctor is experienced. Since Ultracol is a newer treatment with specific injection techniques, the doctor should be properly trained and certified to perform it confidently and accurately.
  • Confirm that the clinic uses genuine Ultracol, which is FDA-approved in Thailand. For peace of mind, check if the clinic is listed as an authorized provider through the official distributor: Ultra V Medical Aesthetic (Thailand) Co., Ltd

Conclusion — Ultracol: A Non-Surgical Solution for Youthful Skin

If you’re experiencing loose, sagging skin and want to rejuvenate your appearance without surgery, Ultracol is an excellent option. It helps stimulate natural collagen production, leading to firmer, more lifted, and youthful-looking skin.

Still unsure whether Ultracol is right for you? At V Square Clinic, our experienced doctors specialize in facial contouring and offer a range of collagen biostimulator options. Every patient receives a personalized consultation to assess skin condition and select the treatment that delivers the most effective and natural-looking results.


Reference

  • Biostimulatory effects of polydioxanone, poly-D, L lactic acid, and polycaprolactone fillers in mouse model.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;1-7.
  • Bio-characteristics and Efficacy Analysis of Biodegradable Poly Dioxanone Dermal Filler in a Mouse Model and Humans. in vivo 37: 1093-1102 (2023)
  • The efficacy of powdered polydioxanone in terms of collagen production compared with poly-L-lactic acid in a murine model.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019:1-6.

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