How Facial Thread Lifts Work and Who Should Avoid Them

Thread lifts offer a quick, minimally invasive way to refresh the look without surgery. This guide explains how the treatment works, the main thread types, safety considerations, and who should avoid it. If you’re considering this option for mild sagging or to refine areas like the brow and jawline, understanding the basics helps you make informed decisions with your clinician.

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What is a facial thread lift?

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A facial thread lift uses tiny threads placed under the skin to gently lift sagging tissue. The threads act as a scaffold to hold the skin in a higher position, while many threads also stimulate collagen and elastin production over time. The result can be a quicker, non-surgical lift and smoother skin texture, but it is best suited for mild to moderate aging signs rather than significant sagging.

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Thread types used for lifting

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Several materials are commonly used to make lifting threads. The most common options are:

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• Polydioxanone (PDO) threads — a traditional material used in surgery. They can boost collagen production, but the lifting effect tends to last about six months to a year.
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• Polylactic acid (PLA) threads — dissolving threads that stimulate collagen and elastin. They provide lifting and can improve skin texture over several months.
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• Polycaprolactone (PCL) threads — longer-lasting threads with slower resorption for a more extended lifting effect.
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How the procedure works

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The thread lift procedure typically lasts 45 minutes to one hour and is performed under local anesthesia. Here’s how it’s done:

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1. Small entry points are made in strategic areas of the face or neck; these sites should heal completely and leave no visible marks.
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2. A thin needle or cannula is used to insert the threads under the skin in the desired positions.
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3. Once in place, the threads are tightened to lift the tissues, creating an immediate lifting effect.
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4. The threads are anchored to tissues, providing ongoing support and forming a scaffold for the skin.
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After placement, the threads remain under the skin and gradually stimulate collagen production. Depending on the material, they may dissolve completely within 6–24 months, leaving behind a collagen framework that helps maintain the lift for about 1–3 years.

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Is a thread lift effective?

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Thread lifts can provide noticeable improvement right away, but how long the effect lasts depends on the thread type and aftercare. Dissolving threads generally offer temporary improvements that fade within a year. A 2019 study of 160 patients found that initial gains tended to diminish within 12 months. Outcomes vary with skin quality, age, and the degree of sagging. Younger patients with tight skin may see effects lasting 3–4 years, while older patients with more pronounced sagging may experience 1–2 years. Non-dissolving threads can last longer—often several years—but require high skill and are usually used in surgical settings.

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In practice, many clinicians combine thread types to achieve both an immediate lift and longer-term skin improvements.

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Safety and potential side effects

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Thread lifting is minimally invasive but may cause temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort that typically resolves within a few days. In the weeks after treatment, patients should avoid heavy cleansing, skip makeup and heavy creams, monitor facial expressions, and sleep in a semi-upright position. In some cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, since a foreign material is placed under the skin. If signs of infection appear, seek medical care promptly. Warning symptoms include high fever, persistent headaches, or swelling lasting more than 48 hours.

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Only a qualified physician (dermatologist, cosmetic doctor, or plastic surgeon trained in thread techniques) should place threads. Procedures performed at home or by non-medical providers carry higher risks, including infection and poor results.

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Who should not have a thread lift?

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Contraindications relate to overall health and local skin conditions. Do not undergo the procedure during active disease or skin infections in the treatment area, such as eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, or during a flu or herpes outbreak. People with autoimmune diseases (for example, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) or bleeding disorders should avoid the procedure. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for those with allergies to thread materials (for example, to PDO or PLA), for cancer patients, or for anyone under 18. Psychological conditions affecting body image may also be a reason to avoid treatment. Extremely thin skin or very little fat can make precise thread placement more challenging.

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Alternative approaches

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If thread lifting is not possible or desired, several options exist. Non-surgical options include radiofrequency microneedling and ultrasound-based SMAS lifting, which stimulate collagen and tighten deeper layers. Injectable options include mesotherapy and biorevitalization with vitamins and hyaluronic acid. Dermal fillers can restore volume and fill lines. Surgical options, such as eyelid surgery or a full facelift, remain the most definitive solutions for pronounced aging. The best choice depends on your health, goals, and expectations.

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Expert opinion

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Dr. Ouna Anganova, a dermatologist, notes that thread lifts use either dissolving or non-dissolving threads, with different mechanisms and timelines for results. Dissolving threads provide quicker lifting with a shorter duration, while non-dissolving options offer longer-lasting effects and require more specialized skills.

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Summary

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Thread lifts can deliver a noticeable quick improvement, but the longevity varies by thread type and aftercare. Dissolving threads tend to provide shorter, interim benefits, while non-dissolving threads can last longer but require a skilled surgeon. Many patients benefit from combining thread types and other treatments for a balanced, natural look. Always consult a qualified clinician to choose the best approach for you.

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Key takeaway: A well-chosen thread lift can refresh the face without major surgery, but its success depends on patient selection, technique, and aftercare. Realistic expectations and professional guidance are essential for a natural, balanced result.