What to expect, costs, recovery and more

A thread lift is a cosmetic procedure that offers a minimally invasive alternative to facelift surgery.

Thread lifts claim to tighten your skin by inserting medical grade thread material into your face and then “pulling” your skin up by tightening the thread.

Also called a suture lift, it aims to lift and sculpt the shape of your face or chest. A thread lift uses temporary, medical-grade suture material to “stitch” your skin so that it stretches.

There have been thread lifts since the 1990sbut innovations in the material used for thread lifting have led to an increase in popularity in recent years.

The typical candidate for a thread lift is in their late 30s to early 50s. A person who is in generally good health and is just beginning to notice the signs of aging may benefit most from the subtle effect of a thread lift.

Those who cannot have a surgical facelift due to medical conditions that make general anesthesia dangerous may consider a thread lift as a safer alternative.

The cost of a thread lift will vary greatly depending on where you live, the experience of your provider, and how many areas you will be targeting with your treatment.

A doctor estimated that a thread lift typically costs 40 percent of the cost of a traditional face lift. According to self-reported spending on RealSelf.com, the average cost of a lifting thread in the United States is $2,050.

Your forehead, corners, under-eye area and browbone are all parts of your face that can be considered for a thread lift. You can choose to target just one area or many at once, increasing the cost. A thread lift used to pull and tighten the breast can be more expensive.

A thread lift does not require general anesthesia, so you save money on the cost of sedation. You also don’t have to think about taking sick leave from work. Recovery is minimal — it can even be done on your lunch break.

Your plastic surgeon may recommend that you receive additional treatments or cosmetic procedures such as Botox or Juvederm to enhance the results of your thread lift. Make sure you are aware of any costs associated with these procedures.

The thread lifting process works in two ways.

The first one is quite simple. By passing thin, dissolvable sutures under your skin, your doctor can pull your skin tight around your forehead, neck, or torso.

Invisible, painless “rods” grip your skin and make sure the thread grips your underlying tissue and muscles as the thread is pulled tight.

Once a barbed thread is inserted, your body’s healing response is activated. Even if you are not injured by the threads under your skin, your body detects a suture material and stimulates collagen production in the affected area. Collagen can fill in the gaps in loose skin and restore a more youthful elasticity to your face.

A 2017 study of 100 people who had undergone a thread lift suggested that the main result of a thread lift procedure is that the skin appears tighter and more structured. After a year, this effect begins to diminish as the sutures dissolve. However, there was a side effect of “rejuvenation” that remained in place and was noticeable 3 years or more after the procedure.

A 2019 review of the literature on thread lift concluded that more research is needed to understand their long-term effects as the technology and methods of thread lift delivery continue to evolve.

The procedure for thread lifting may be slightly different depending on the area you are targeting as well as your provider’s preferences. The basic technique is usually the same.

1. You will be asked to lie down in the room where the operation is performed. Alcohol, as well as local anesthetic, will be applied to your skin as it is prepared for surgery.
2. A thin needle or cannula will be used to insert the threads under your skin. Thread insertion may take 30 to 45 minutes.
3. After the threads are inserted, the insertion method will be removed. You may feel slight pressure or tightness under your skin.
4. Within minutes of the needles being removed, your procedure will be complete and you will be free to go home or return to work.

Many people opt for a thread lift for areas of the face that “sag” or look less firm over time. These areas include:

• jaw and jaw
• eyebrow line
• area under the eyes
• forehead
• cheeks

Thread lifts are also used to lift and tighten the breasts, especially after pregnancy and weight loss.

A thread lift is considered a low-risk procedure with minimal recovery time, but there are side effects and risk of complications.

After a thread lift, it is not uncommon to experience the following:

• bruises
• swelling
• Bleeding
• slight pain at the site of thread injection

There is one 15 to 20 percent possibility of complications, including denting. Potential complications are minor and can be easily corrected.

Complications to watch out for include:

• allergic reaction to the components of the threading material
• bleeding as a result of the procedure that builds up behind your skin
• visible dent or pull where the threads are inserted
• migration or involuntary “movement” of the threads resulting in the skin appearing lumpy or swollen
• pain under your skin as a result of the thread being too “tight” or uncomfortable
• infection at the site of the procedure

Of all the risks of a thread lift, infection is the one to watch out for the most. Call your doctor immediately if you notice:

• green, black, brown or red discharge at the site of your procedure;
• swelling for more than 48 hours
• persistent headaches
• fever

If you are concerned about complications, it is best to return to the surgeon who performed the procedure.

Some people find that the appearance of their face after treatment is not what they expected. Be sure to talk to your surgeon before having this treatment so you know what to expect and always choose a licensed, qualified surgeon to perform the procedure.

Recovery after a successful thread lift is fairly minimal. Although there may be some visible swelling and bruising, you can return to work immediately if you wish.

Results should be visible immediately after the threads are placed, but you may notice more in the days and weeks immediately after the threads are placed as swelling and bruising begin to subside.

The results from a thread lift are not meant to be permanent. Successful results usually last from 1 to 3 years. Like other soluble dermal fillers such as Botox, the threads used in the procedure will eventually be absorbed by the tissue under your skin.

After a thread lift, you can resume your normal routine. Your provider may advise you not to rub your face vigorously and avoid sleeping on your side for the first few weeks after the procedure.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises you to skip your daily moisturizer for the first few weeks after a thread lift and sleep with your head elevated to avoid rolling over the newly placed stitches.

We will also advise you to avoid saunas and high intensity workouts for the first week or so after having a thread lift.

Here is an example of thread lifting result.

After you consult with your provider and make your appointment, you may be given some instructions on dos and don’ts to prepare for your thread lift.

A thread lift will not give you the same dramatic results as a surgical facelift. If you’re considering investing in this process, it’s important to have realistic expectations.

Thread lift is also not permanent. A facelift cannot completely stop the aging process, but the results last for many years. The noticeable results of a thread lift usually last about 2 years.

To make the results last longer, you may need dermal fillers or other treatments that cost extra time and money.

On the other hand, the risks of complications with facelift surgery are much greater. If you don’t like the results of a facelift, there’s not much you can do except have another invasive procedure. If you don’t like the result of a thread lift, you can simply wait for the threads to dissolve.

A thread lift is less expensive than a facelift. You can go right back to work after doing it, and recovery is minimal.

If you’re noticing signs of aging on your jawline or under your eyes, a thread lift is a low-risk way to see what a more permanent procedure might look like.

Finding a trained, licensed provider is key to a safe, effective thread lift. Potential complications are much less likely with an experienced surgeon.

You can find a provider in your area using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ search tool.