Thread Lift
A thread lift is a non-surgical medical aesthetic treatment that lifts mild to moderate sagging using absorbable threads placed beneath the skin.
Overview
With age, the supporting tissues of the face weaken: the cheeks drop, the jawline loses definition and the face looks more tired.
In a thread lift, medical threads that gradually dissolve in the body are placed beneath the skin using a fine cannula or needle. Small barbs on the threads gather the tissue upwards, and the threads also stimulate collagen production in the area.
The treatment is carried out under local anaesthesia, and most people return to their daily routine within a short time. Whether your sagging is suitable for a thread lift is assessed at the consultation.
- A non-surgical treatment under local anaesthesia
- Thread type and direction planned around your facial anatomy
- A quick return to your daily routine
- Can be combined with filler and anti-wrinkle injections if needed
What Is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a treatment that suspends sagging tissue upwards using absorbable threads placed beneath the skin, without any surgical incision.
The threads are made from materials that gradually dissolve in the body, such as polydioxanone (PDO), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL). Once the threads have dissolved, the collagen support formed around them helps the effect continue for some time.
Types of Thread Lift
Barbed (cog) threads
Small barbs along the thread grip the tissue and provide a lifting effect. They are used to lift areas such as the cheeks, jawline and brows.
Smooth (mono) threads
These have no lifting effect; they are placed beneath the skin in a mesh pattern to stimulate collagen production. They are chosen to support skin quality and firmness.
Twisted (screw) threads
Their intertwined structure provides mild support and fullness in the area where they are placed.
Which type of thread is used, how many and in which direction are planned after assessing your facial anatomy and the result you want.
Which Areas Can Be Treated With a Thread Lift?
- Cheeks and midface: lifting cheek tissue that has dropped
- Jawline: reducing jowls and sagging along the jawline
- Brows: a subtle lift of the tail of the brow
- Neck: supporting firmer skin on the neck
Who Is a Thread Lift Suitable For?
A thread lift is suitable for people with mild to moderate facial sagging whose skin quality is relatively well preserved and who want a firmer look without surgery.
In people with advanced sagging, significant excess skin or very heavy facial tissue, the effect of a thread lift is limited; in these cases a facelift may be a more suitable option.
It is not performed where there is an active infection or skin disease in the treatment area, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Bleeding disorders, the use of blood thinners and some immune system conditions are assessed separately at the consultation.
How Is a Thread Lift Performed?
First, the lines along which the threads will run are marked according to your facial anatomy. The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and numbed with local anaesthetic.
The threads are inserted through small entry points into the correct layer beneath the skin using a fine cannula or needle, and are tightened in the planned direction. The excess ends are trimmed; because the entry points are very small, stitches are usually not needed.
The treatment usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of threads and the area treated.
Aftercare Following a Thread Lift
In the first few days there may be mild swelling, bruising, a feeling of tightness and small dimples in the skin; these usually settle on their own within a short time. Most people return to their daily routine within 1–3 days.
- In the first week, avoid opening your mouth very wide, exaggerated facial movements and chewing hard foods
- For the first few days, do not sleep face down; sleeping on your back with your head raised is recommended
- Facial massage, sauna, strenuous exercise and dental treatment are postponed for as long as your physician advises
- Keep the entry points clean and use the skincare products your physician recommends
Possible Risks and Side Effects
Although a thread lift is minimally invasive, it can have side effects, and these are discussed at the consultation:
- Bruising, swelling and temporary tenderness
- Temporary dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Slight asymmetry between the two sides
- The end of a thread being felt beneath the skin or, rarely, working its way out
- Infection, which is rare
Placing the threads in the correct layer and direction is key to reducing these risks.
How Long Does a Thread Lift Last?
The lifting effect is visible straight after the treatment, while the improvement linked to collagen production develops over the following weeks. The threads dissolve over a period of months.
How long the effect lasts depends on the type of thread, your skin and your lifestyle. A thread lift does not stop the ageing process; if you wish, it can be repeated at intervals.
Thread Lift or Facelift?
A thread lift is a non-surgical option with a short recovery for mild to moderate sagging; however, its effect is not as pronounced or as long-lasting as a facelift.
For marked sagging and excess skin, a facelift, in which excess tissue can be removed, gives a longer-lasting result. Which approach suits you is assessed together at the consultation.
A thread lift can be planned alongside other treatments, such as filler for volume loss or anti-wrinkle injections for expression lines.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Thread Lift
The cost of a thread lift is calculated individually, based on the plan agreed at the consultation. The main factors are:
- The number of areas treated
- The type and number of threads used
- Whether another treatment, such as filler or anti-wrinkle injections, is added to the plan
- Any touch-up that may be needed at the check-up appointment
The information on this page is for general guidance only; diagnosis and treatment plans are decided individually after a physician's examination.
Treatment Process
Consultation and Assessment
The degree of sagging, skin quality and facial anatomy are assessed, and whether a thread lift is right for you is discussed.
The Treatment
The thread lines are marked and the threads are placed in the planned direction under local anaesthesia.
Recovery and Follow-up
Advice for the first few days is given, and the result is reviewed at the check-up appointment.
Who is it suitable for?
- People who have started to notice mild to moderate facial sagging
- Those who want a firmer look without surgery
- Candidates without an active infection or skin disease in the treatment area
- People with realistic expectations who are able to follow the aftercare advice
Quick Facts
- Duration: 30–60 minutes
- Treatment Model: Single session + check-up
- Recovery: Most people return to daily life within 1–3 days
- Method: Lift with absorbable threads under local anaesthesia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a thread lift painful?
Because the treatment is carried out under local anaesthesia, most people feel only mild pressure during the procedure. There may be tightness and tenderness for a few days afterwards, which is managed with the pain relief your physician recommends.
When can I return to social life after a thread lift?
Most people return to their daily routine within 1–3 days. If bruising occurs, it may take a few days to fade.
How long does the effect of a thread lift last?
It depends on the type of thread, your skin and your lifestyle. The threads dissolve over a period of months, and the collagen support that forms helps the effect continue for some time. You will receive personal advice at the consultation.
Can a thread lift replace a facelift?
It can be a non-surgical option for mild to moderate sagging, but it is not a substitute for a facelift where there is advanced sagging and excess skin.
Can a thread lift be combined with filler or anti-wrinkle injections?
Yes. Filler for volume loss and anti-wrinkle injections for expression lines can be added to the same plan; your physician decides the order and timing of the treatments.
What does the cost of a thread lift depend on?
It depends on the number of areas treated, the type and number of threads and whether other treatments are added to the plan. The exact price is set after the consultation.