What is a Thread Lift and Can it Rejuvenate My Face Without Surgery?

A thread lift is a non-surgical aesthetic treatment that aims to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and neck. It uses special dissolvable threads placed under the skin to gently pull the skin upwards. This treatment offers an option for those seeking a more refreshed look without the need for traditional surgery.

This article focuses only on thread lifts and other non-surgical methods. A surgical facelift is a different procedure and is not covered here.

What is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift uses fine, absorbable threads, often made of polydioxanone (PDO), to lift and reposition sagging skin. A qualified doctor inserts these threads under your skin. The threads have tiny barbs or cones that grip the skin from within, creating a subtle lift.

This treatment can improve the appearance of mild to moderate skin laxity, such as sagging cheeks, jowls, or brows. It can also help to improve skin texture and firmness over time. What it cannot change is significant excess skin or very deep wrinkles; it does not replace a surgical facelift.

Who is a Thread Lift suitable for?

A thread lift is generally suitable for people who have mild to moderate sagging of the skin on their face or neck. They often have good skin elasticity and want to improve their appearance without surgery. People considering this treatment should have realistic expectations about the results.

A careful qualified doctor would turn away individuals with significant skin laxity, meaning a lot of loose skin. The treatment is also not suitable for those with very thin skin, active skin infections, or certain medical conditions, which are called contraindications. For example, people with bleeding disorders or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not have a thread lift. Your doctor will discuss all medical reasons that might prevent you from having the treatment.

How does a Thread Lift work?

Consultation

Before any treatment, you will have a consultation with a qualified doctor. During this meeting, you will discuss your medical history, your aesthetic goals, and whether a thread lift is the right treatment for you. The doctor will examine your skin and explain what results you can realistically expect. This is also the time to ask any questions you have.

The Appointment

On the day of the treatment, the doctor will first clean the treatment area. They will then apply a topical anesthetic, which is a numbing cream, to make you more comfortable. After the area is numb, the doctor will mark the points where the threads will be inserted and secured. Using a fine needle or a cannula, which is a blunt-tipped tube, the doctor will carefully insert the PDO threads under the skin. The threads are gently pulled to lift the skin into the desired position. The ends of the threads are then trimmed, and they remain under the skin.

After the Treatment

Immediately after a thread lift, you may notice some mild swelling and bruising at the injection sites. There might also be some discomfort or tenderness. Your doctor will provide you with specific aftercare instructions, which are what to do and what to avoid in the days after your treatment. This usually includes avoiding strong facial movements, strenuous exercise, and certain dental procedures for a short period. Most people can return to their normal daily activities after a few days, but the full downtime, which is the time before going back to normal activity, varies by patient.

How long do the results last?

The results of a thread lift are temporary. The PDO threads are designed to dissolve naturally in your body over time. As the threads dissolve, they stimulate your body to produce more collagen, a protein that helps keep skin firm. However, the lifting effect will gradually lessen as the threads are absorbed and as your skin continues its natural aging process.

The exact duration of how long the results last varies from person to person. Factors like your age, skin condition, lifestyle, and the number of threads used can all play a role. Your doctor can discuss when a top-up session, which is an additional treatment to refresh the results, might be beneficial for you.

What are the risks and limits?

Like all non-surgical aesthetic treatments, thread lifts carry some risks. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and tenderness at the injection sites. Some people might experience a feeling of tightness or pulling. Asymmetry, where one side of the face looks different from the other, can also occur.

Less common risks include infection, the threads becoming visible under the skin, or a nodule, which is a small firm lump under the skin, forming. In rare cases, thread migration, where the thread moves from its original position, can happen. It is important to contact your clinic immediately if you experience severe pain, unusual skin color changes, or any signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or pus.

The results of a thread lift are not as dramatic as those from a surgical facelift. The degree of lift and improvement in skin texture varies significantly by patient and depends on individual skin type and the extent of sagging.

Frequently asked questions

Is a thread lift painful?

During the procedure, a topical anesthetic, or numbing cream, is used to minimize discomfort. You might feel some pressure or a mild pulling sensation as the threads are inserted. After the treatment, some people experience mild soreness or tenderness, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

How much downtime is needed after a thread lift?

The downtime after a thread lift is generally short. Many people can return to light activities within a few days. You might have some swelling or bruising that lasts for a week or two. It is often recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and major facial movements for a short period to allow the threads to settle.

Can thread lifts be combined with other treatments?

Yes, thread lifts can often be combined with other non-surgical aesthetic treatments, such as botulinum toxin or dermal fillers, to enhance overall rejuvenation. However, it is essential to discuss this with your qualified doctor during your consultation. They will advise on the best treatment plan for your specific needs and how to space out different treatments safely.

What kind of threads are used?

The most common type of threads used in thread lifts are made from polydioxanone (PDO). PDO threads are fully absorbable by the body over several months. They are designed to not only lift the skin but also to stimulate the body's natural collagen production, which helps to improve skin quality over time.

What should I avoid after a thread lift?

After your thread lift, your doctor will give you specific aftercare instructions. Generally, you should avoid rubbing or massaging your face vigorously for several weeks. You should also try to sleep on your back for a few days to avoid putting pressure on your face. Strenuous exercise, excessive sun exposure, and visits to saunas or steam rooms are often discouraged for a short period after the treatment.