Thread Lifts - What They are and What You Need to Know

As a person gets older, the face can start to show signs of the aging process including sagging or droopy skin. A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that gives the face a more youthful and rejuvenated look without the need for an invasive facelift. A thread lift tightens the skin through the insertion of medical-grade thread into the face that is then tightened so it “pulls” the skin for a more lifted appearance. Let’s take a look at how the procedure works and what patients can expect from the treatment.

Thread Lift – How it Works

A thread lift procedure works by threading a thin suture under the skin (that is dissolvable) so the surgeon is able to tighten the skin by pulling the suture around the forehead or neck. Invisible “barbs” that are painless will grab the skin to ensure the thread grips the underlying muscles and tissues as the thread is pulled tighter.

The healing response of the body is activated once the barbed thread is inserted into the targeted area. The body will be able to detect the sutures, and this stimulates the production of collagen in the impacted area. The collagen works to fill-in any gaps in the sagging skin and provide a greater amount of elasticity and youthfulness to the face. The procedure also gives the treated area a more structured look.

The procedure starts with the application of a topical anesthetic to the skin. A thin needle or cannula is used by the doctor to insert the threads under the skin, and this can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. Once the threads are inserted, the needle or cannula is removed, and the procedure will be completed.

Thread Lift – What Parts of The Body are Ideal Treatment Areas

The main reason most patients want a thread lift is to treat areas of the face that have lost some of its tightness and are starting to sag as a person ages. Some of the most commonly treated areas include the jawline, forehead, brow line and cheeks.

In addition, a thread lift can also be used to lift and tighten the breasts after a person has experienced an extreme weight loss or has undergone pregnancy.

Thread Lift Candidates

An ideal candidate for a thread lift is someone who is just starting to notice signs of aging in the face. These signs of aging include some sagging in the neck and face that does not need to be treated by an invasive surgery like a facelift. The person should not have heavy jowls or skin that is considered to be weak.

Thread Lift Risks

Even though a thread lift involves minimal recovery time, there are some possible risks that patients should know about:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain where the injection was made
• Bleeding
• Dimpling or pulling where the threads were inserted
• Infection
• Allergic reaction
• Migration of the threads that causes lumps or bulges

Thread Lift Recovery

The recovery period after a thread lift will include some swelling and bruising that will subside on its own. Patients should sleep with their head propped up to avoid rolling over onto the sutures that were just placed in the face.

Overall, a rejuvenated appearance to the face should be noticeable right away.

Thread Lift Costs

The cost for a thread lift can run anywhere from $1500-$4500. The cost depends on where in the country it is performed, fees that are charged by the facility or the doctor and how many areas on the face are targeted by the treatment.

The results do not last as long as a facelift so patients will need to spend additional money to have another thread lift or to have fillers like Botox or Juvéderm placed in the face to help maintain a youthful and rejuvenated look.

Thread Lift Results

The final results can last anywhere from one to two to three years. A thread lift does not give the same dramatic results as a facelift and the results are not permanent. Since the threads are dissolvable, they will eventually be absorbed by the tissue under the skin.

Thread Lift – How to Get Started

Anyone who is interested in having a thread lift should contact a doctor who is board-certified and experienced in performing a thread lift. The doctor will examine the current condition of the face and determine if the person is an ideal candidate for the treatment. In addition, the surgeon will discuss the type of results the patient can expect to see and decide if a thread lift, a facelift or dermal fillers are the best option for the moment. It is important for the surgeon to set realistic expectations so the patient will not be disappointed by the results they gain after the procedure. The thread lift can be scheduled and performed once the doctor and the patient agree that it is the preferred procedure of choice.

- MA