Until recently, the only way to address problems caused by facial skin laxity – such as jowls and drooping cheeks – was facelift surgery. After all, while skin resurfacing treatments can help to restore some degree of firmness, once loose skin is present, only a scalpel can truly remove it.
However, while the approach of relying on injectable compounds and skin resurfacing until facelift surgery becomes absolutely necessary works for many patients, not everyone is willing or able to have surgery. If you're in this group, you'll be happy to know that a new type of procedure has been developed to fill in the gap between noninvasive facial rejuvenation and facelift surgery – the thread lift.
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a type of procedure wherein temporary sutures are used to produce a subtle but visible "lift" in the skin. Instead of removing the patient's loose facial skin surgically, the cosmetic surgeon simply suspends it by stitching up portions of it. This has the effect of pulling the skin back slightly and therefore lifting and tightening the face. In addition to being ideal for lifting the skin, threads combat aging in another way: by provoking the body's "healing response" and causing the body to direct large surges of collagen to treated areas. This is important because of the vital role collagen plays in the aging process.
Collagen helps support "growth factors" that greatly influences the condition of our skin. In addition to being used for wound healing, collagen helps to keep our skin strong, voluminous and supple. As we get older, our bodies gradually produce less and less collagen, which leads to an 80% reduction in skin thickness by about age 70. This loss of volume and strength is a large factor in the creation of excess skin and wrinkles. As the skin grows weaker, it's no longer able to support the tissues beneath it adequately, meaning that gravity pulls it downwards and stretches it. Infusing the skin of the face with fresh collagen when the signs of skin laxity are still mild can help to both reduce looseness (by thickening and hydrating the skin) and prevent it from getting worse (by strengthening the skin).
In other words, this process provides ongoing and progressive rejuvenation for the facial tissues. Patients who have a thread lift for the purpose of stimulating collagen will notice a gradual improvement in their skin's tone and firmness. While their threads are in place, the body's healing response will be constantly activated because the body will want to "heal" the sutured areas and expel the sutures. The body is biologically programmed to react this way when it senses any foreign object present within the dermis. Fortunately, because the threads placed under the skin during a thread lift are so small, the patient will not feel any of this happening. Most people cannot feel their sutures at all once the skin has healed around them.
What are the advantages of having a thread lift instead of a facelift?
For many patients, the biggest advantage of having a thread lift rather than a facelift is the greatly reduced recovery time associated with thread lifts. When a patient has facelift surgery, he or she must be heavily sedated; as such, the patient must arrange for someone to drive him or her home from the hospital. Most facelift patients also require around the clock assistance from a caretaker for at least three days after they have surgery. Furthermore, if the patient still has children at home, childcare aid may also be needed. Facelift patients usually need to take one to two weeks off of work, too, in order to heal.
Recovery from a thread lift, on the other hand, is comparatively easy. Thread lifts can be performed under local, rather than general anesthesia, meaning that thread lift patients can drive themselves home and look after themselves immediately after having their procedure. While some patients will experience a little bit of soreness, redness and swelling after having a thread lift and therefore wish to take the rest of the day off, most can return to work immediately. Strong pain medication is seldom needed after having a thread lift, making it easier for patients to return to their normal routine. This procedure is therefore ideal for people who have children at home or those who have busy, demanding careers.
While thread lift recovery is not particularly intensive, patients will still have to take a few minor precautions while healing. It's important to make sure that you don't rub your face vigorously while cleansing it or applying moisturizer for at least a week after having threads placed. You should also try to prop your head up slightly so that you don't roll over directly onto your face while sleeping.
Thread lifts are low risk, thanks to how noninvasive they are. There is virtually no risk of scarring, severe bruising, bleeding or other complications after having a thread lift. In rare cases, patients may experience irritation, infection or their sutures becoming visible under their skin. If this occurs, however, the sutures can simply be removed and the patient's face will return to its prior state.
Finally, because thread lifts are much easier to perform than facelift surgery, they are much more affordable.
Advantageous though thread lifts are, it's important for patients to maintain realistic expectations for this procedure. While thread lifts certainly produce visible changes, they will generally only lift the face by a few millimeters; as such, they create a more subtle and natural looking end result than facelift surgery. Thread lifts are therefore best suited to patients who are dealing with mild to moderate, rather than severe, signs of skin laxity.
The ideal thread lift candidate is usually in his or her late thirties to early fifties, whereas most patients over the age of about 55 will benefit more profoundly from facelift surgery. Thread lifts can, however, provide a facelift alternative for older patients who are unable to have surgery for medical reasons. Because thread lifts can be performed under local anesthesia, many people who have age-related conditions that make them ineligible for surgery (like high blood pressure, type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease) can safely have this treatment. If you have any outstanding health conditions, make sure to talk to your doctor about whether or not a thread lift might be right for you.
It's important to understand that while no lifting technique can produce permanent results, facelift surgery will usually produce longer lasting results than a thread lift. The results of facelift surgery can last up to a decade, whereas a thread lift will generally last from one to three years. However, because the thread lift procedure is so low-risk, patients who like the results of their thread lift can usually opt to have a fresh set of temporary sutures placed once their old sutures are absorbed by the body.
Understanding different thread lift procedures: NovaThreads and Silhouette InstaLift
NovaThreads and Silhouette InstaLift threads have both been approved by the FDA for the purpose of lifting facial tissue. However, while these procedures rely on a similar mechanism of action and both produce excellent results, there are some key differences between them that patients need to be aware of. Below, we'll explore how these two procedures compare to one another.
NovaThreads
NovaThreads are sutures that are made from a biocompatible material called PDO, which has been specially designed for safe re-absorption by the body. NovaThreads remain in place for about four to six months, after which point they slowly dissolve. Patients can, however, expect to keep seeing the results of their NovaThreads lift for a year or more after their treatment. This long-lasting effect arises from the lingering improvement in skin condition that results from collagen infusion.
NovaThreads come in several different varieties: Barbed sutures, which are ideal for gathering skin (and therefore producing more lifting action) and straight or curved smooth sutures. Smooth sutures produce less of a lift, but they are excellent for collagen stimulation. Patients often have smooth sutures placed in strategic locations around their face (such as the corner of the mouth or along the brows) in order to target common problem areas where the signs of aging become particularly apparent. Barbed sutures, on the other hand, are placed near the hairline in order to gently pull back the skin and lift the cheeks and jowls.
Having NovaThreads placed is relatively quick and easy for the patient. First, local anesthesia will be used to numb the areas that are going to be treated, then a small instrument (a thin cannula or needle) will be used to insert the threads below the skin. This entire process usually takes just 30 to 45 minutes, and the patient is free to return to work afterward.
Silhouette InstaLift
Like NovaThreads, the Silhouette InstaLift relies on the use of biocompatible temporary sutures to lift the face. The Silhouette InstaLift is more focused on lifting the skin than stimulating collagen production (though it will accomplish both objectives, of course), so the threads used during this procedure are designed somewhat differently. Rather than being smooth or barbed, they contain a number of sutures interspersed with tiny "cones" that are adept at grabbing tissue. This allows the threads to gather more skin, producing a more noticeable lift to the cheeks and jowls. Silhouette InstaLift threads are designed to create fairly long-lasting results as well; patients can expect to enjoy the impact of their Silhouette InstaLift for one to three years.
Having a Silhouette InstaLift takes about 45 minutes on average and can be performed under local anesthesia. A specially designed thin needle is used to insert the threads into the skin, minimizing patient discomfort. Patients sometimes experience mild soreness and swelling for a few days after having this procedure, but it can usually be managed with over the counter pain relievers. As such, if you have a Silhouette InstaLift, you will probably be able to return to your normal activities immediately afterward.
Getting the most out of your thread lift
Because thread lifts are so low-risk and boast such a short recovery time, it's possible to combine them with other nonsurgical procedures in order to create more comprehensive, noticeable results. Once your skin has healed around the threads inserted during an "InstaLift," we recommend pairing your thread lift with a treatment like ultherapy.
Ultherapy uses gentle pulses of ultrasound energy to heat the connective tissues beneath the skin, thereby stimulating collagen production. Ultherapy, which is often referred to as being a "nonsurgical facelift," is safe enough to be applied to virtually any area of the face and neck. By combining this procedure with a thread lift, you can maximize the overall amount of skin firming you receive and create more even lifting by treating the neck as well as the face.
While thread lifts can tighten the skin effectively, they aren't designed to address blemishes on the skin's surface. As such, banishing the superficial signs of aging—like age spots, areas of uneven pigmentation and fine lines—will require a technique known as "skin resurfacing." During skin resurfacing, the top layer of the dermis is removed, stripping away the aforementioned blemishes. A new, more youthful-looking layer of skin then grows in its place.
By combining a number of different nonsurgical anti-aging treatments, patients can achieve a profoundly positive change in their appearance – without enduring the extended recovery time associated with surgery.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
FAQs
What is the downside of a thread lift? ›
Complications: Although thread lift is considered minimally invasive, some sutures and cuts are required. There is still a risk of complications such as bruising, thread breakage, thread extrusion, fever, and infection.
What should you not do after a thread lift? ›To ensure the best results, there are several things you must avoid after a PDO thread lift. These include sleeping on your stomach or side, wearing makeup, drinking alcohol, making extreme facial expressions, and receiving facials and facial massages.
How many years does a thread lift last? ›The results of facelift surgery can last up to a decade, whereas a thread lift will generally last from one to three years.
Do thread lifts cause sagging? ›Side effects plagued patients, including infections, breakage and, for pale patients, a visible blue thread beneath the skin. Even those who achieved lifted skin saw their faces sag after a few months due to everyday mannerisms like smiling. With time, techniques improved.
Is a thread lift worth the money? ›A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirms PDO thread lifts do work, stating thread lifts indisputably lift and shape facial soft tissues. Another study published by the NIH indicates this therapy yields around a 90 percent success rate.
Do and don'ts after thread lift? ›Do not take a shower or wash your hair for the first 24 hours. Avoid hot showers for one week. When washing face after 24 hours, gently wash the required area with cleanser (recommended by your injector) and water. It is fine to shampoo and wash over the entry point and to towel off the area.
What happens when thread lift wears off? ›When the sutures begin to dissolve, it is likely you will notice the gradual return of sagging features. However, there is evidence to support that collagen is produced in the tissues surrounding the threads, which can lead to a longer lasting effect.
Can I smile after a thread lift? ›Aside from coping with temporary swelling and tenderness, most clients are able to smile after a PDO thread lift.
Which is better filler or thread lift? ›- For an instant flash of youth, we'd recommend opting for fillers, with visible results within a week, rather than the PDO Thread lifts which can take slightly longer for the full results to show once the new collagen and elastin in the skin has formed.
Is it normal to have lumps after thread lift? ›Pain, bruising and swelling is normal and to be expected. It should dissipate within 2 weeks 2. Lumps and/or bumps may temporarily occur at/or along treatment sit(s). These will resolve with time and are seldom a cause of concern 3.
How long does dimpling last after thread lift? ›
Thread lifts do have dimples and indentations as documented complications. Most often, the unevenness will settle over 2-6 weeks. However, if the threads were made of permanent material (nylon), then the surface dimples maybe last longer.
How many times can I get PDO threads? ›How Often Should You Have Treatment? The results of this treatment can last for six to 12 months at a time, so how long the results of your treatment lasts will determine how often you should have treatment. Many patients opt to have regularly scheduled PDO thread lifts once or twice a year.
Do threads work for jowls? ›Your forehead, jowls, under-eye area, and eyebrow are all parts of your face that can be considered for a thread lift. You can choose to target just one area or several at once, increasing the cost.
Can you feel a PDO thread break? ›How can you tell if a PDO thread broke? You may feel the puncture points used to insert the threads for a few weeks as they heal. There may also be a feeling of tightness from the pulling of the skin. In some cases, the threads can migrate or move.
Can your body reject PDO threads? ›The Treatment is Safe
PDO thread lifts are approved by the FDA and polydioxanone has been widely used for cardiovascular surgery and other medical purposes for more than a decade. It is an inherently safe material that the body does not reject.
Potential PDO thread lift complications
Potential complications include: visible sutures (especially in people with thin skin) pain. minor bruising.
The threads may break due to excess facial movement, rubbing the skin, or exposure to moisture. When it does happen, breakage tends to be near the ends near the incision point. The broken thread poses no threat to you. The piece may migrate up until it extrudes from the skin.
Which thread lift is the best? ›To achieve effective lifting of facial tissue the bi-directional threads are preferred as they provide immediate anchoring to the tissue and the thread cannot move either way due to the two-way direction of the barbs.
How long do I need to sleep on my back after thread lift? ›You need to avoid this for about a week after your thread lift procedure. Try to sleep on your back with your head propped up on a pillow to minimize swelling after a thread lift.
How long does bruising last after thread lift? ›Following PDO thread lift, patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the suture sites. Over-the-counter medications can help these symptoms, which should resolve within about 3 – 5 days.
How many threads are used in a thread lift? ›
On average, patients require between 2 – 4 threads on each side of the face for a mid-face thread lift. An additional 2 – 4 threads may be needed for the lower face and/or neck.
Can thread lift damage nerves? ›A total of five cases of incomplete facial paralysis (2.6%) were reported immediately after thread lifting. In three of the cases, the unilateral eyebrows were weakened, and the temporal branch of the facial nerve was damaged.
What celebrities have had a thread lift? ›If you are looking for celebrities who have had a thread lift and why it has become so increasingly common it is because Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Gwyneth Paltrow have allegedly had it done (they look amazing).
When do PDO threads stop hurting? ›The recovery period for a PDO thread lift is approximately two weeks; however, the majority of your restrictions and limitations will apply during the first 24 to 72 hours immediately following treatment. During this time, temporary soreness or face swelling can be expected, and it will fade quickly within the week.
How do I make PDO threads last longer? ›- Drink plenty of water each day.
- Wear quality sunscreen daily.
- Avoid smoking.
- Use a professional-grade skincare line.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Take vitamins and supplements that will support overall skin health.
You should refrain from washing, wetting and touching your face or the treated area for at least 12 hours after your procedure. Once you do start showering and cleansing the area, be careful not to massage or scrub with a washcloth for 3 weeks after your thread lift.
What is thread lift puckering? ›Thread Lift Puckering is when a thread is pulling the skin and dimples become apparent. This is quite common and not to be overly concerned about as it will settle quickly. PDO Thread Lift puckering, dimpling and visibility of threads are often the most troubling to patients and practitioners.
Are threads better than Botox? ›If you had to pick a winner, Botox is a phenomenal choice for those looking to treat fine lines and prevent future wrinkles. PDO Threads may be a better choice if you have deeper wrinkles and are searching for more intense results. Both Botox and PDO threads will improve skin tightness and reverse the signs of aging.
Is thread lift painful? ›Given threading face lifts literally thread sutures through the skin, you might assume that they're incredibly painful. However, according to NYC-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Shafer, threads are usually placed using local anesthesia, so patients typically don't feel much at all.
How long does it take for face threads to settle? ›You will probably see some initial firming and lifting right after your procedure, with your thread lift face results continuing to take shape over the next three weeks or so. As your body begins to naturally generate collagen, your tightened, lifted outcomes should continue to improve for the next few months.
Why can I feel my PDO threads? ›
Some patients, particularly those who have especially thin skin, can feel the threads if they press on the surface of the treatment area. But the threads dissolve over time, so even if you feel them early after your treatment, they won't be there for long.
How do I know if my PDO threads are infected? ›Although a low infection rate, threads may produce the classic signs of infection: spreading redness, increased tissue swelling, purulent drainage, elevated skin temperature, overall fevers, chills, and general malaise. If you have a concern, return to your treatment provider and discuss.
Can you do Botox after PDO threads? ›Some common treatments combined with PDO threading include: Wrinkle relaxers: Wrinkle relaxers, like BOTOX® and Dysport®, could be used in conjunction with a thread lift near the brow and eye area to reduce Crow's feet and frown lines, as the threads are often not suitable for those areas.
Why can I see my PDO threads under my skin? ›If you have the larger instalift threads, you may on occasion feel the cones under the skin for a few months. These are generally the area where the skin is the thinnest. The Nova threads come in different sizes. Some of the smaller sizes are smooth and these of course will never show bumps.
Can you do Botox after thread lift? ›As long as you feel fine, and you are healing well following your thread lift treatment, you should be fine to have Botox done one week following your thread lift. If you still have concerns don't hesitate to ask your provider for their recommendation.
How do I get rid of PDO thread bumps? ›By using a microcannula, we can undermine around the thread to loosen and help rid the pucker created by the thread. Swelling may occur with this minimally invasive procedure but will heal eventually.
How many threads are needed for jowls? ›The area that needs treating (jowls may need repositioning and require 6-8 cog threads per side).
Can you redo a thread lift? ›The threads will dissolve within about a year and a half, after which many patients may choose to have thread lifting performed again. However, many prefer these follow-up treatments compared to the downtime and cost associated with a facelift.
What's the difference between PDO and COG threads? ›PDO thread lifting is the most dramatic treatment option for PDO threads but is also the most difficult and managing patient expectations is critical. Lifting threads have barbs, also known as cogs along the length of the thread with the aim of affixing the skin in a position to give the appearance of a minor facelift.
Which is better ultherapy or thread lift? ›Answer: Ultherapy versus thread lift
Plus Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure while threading is minimally invasive and leaves foreign body under the skin. In essence, if you want more drastic and quicker results- threading is the option.
Where do you put the thread when lifting jowls? ›
Jowl and Neck Lifting with Nova Threads - YouTube
What is the best way to lift sagging jowls? ›There are several options for treating sagging jowls or reducing how saggy or droopy they appear. Surgical procedures, such as neck lifts, can tighten your skin and make it look less saggy. Nonsurgical procedures, such as thermage, lasers, and peels, can change the composition of the collagen in your skin.
What should you not do after a thread lift? ›To ensure the best results, there are several things you must avoid after a PDO thread lift. These include sleeping on your stomach or side, wearing makeup, drinking alcohol, making extreme facial expressions, and receiving facials and facial massages.
What happens if PDO threads are too deep? ›Depth of PDO Insertion:
Placed too deep and they would pose a greater risk of damage to arteries, veins, the facial nerve and causing other structural damage.
Answer: Threads
Threads are inserted along the subcutaneous plane just below the skin. The important nerves that you refer to, are much deeper below the fatty layer in this region. Therefore nerve damage is extremely rare especially when done by a trained physician.
Side effects plagued patients, including infections, breakage and, for pale patients, a visible blue thread beneath the skin. Even those who achieved lifted skin saw their faces sag after a few months due to everyday mannerisms like smiling. With time, techniques improved.
What is a lower face thread lift? ›A thread lift, sometimes referred to as a "lunchtime lift," uses absorbable, barbed sutures to offer a tighter, more youthful aesthetic appearance to the face and neck. This minimally invasive procedure works by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin in order to produce healthier, firmer skin.
What happens when thread lift wears off? ›When the sutures begin to dissolve, it is likely you will notice the gradual return of sagging features. However, there is evidence to support that collagen is produced in the tissues surrounding the threads, which can lead to a longer lasting effect.
Can your body reject PDO threads? ›The Treatment is Safe
PDO thread lifts are approved by the FDA and polydioxanone has been widely used for cardiovascular surgery and other medical purposes for more than a decade. It is an inherently safe material that the body does not reject.
Pain, bruising and swelling is normal and to be expected. It should dissipate within 2 weeks 2. Lumps and/or bumps may temporarily occur at/or along treatment sit(s). These will resolve with time and are seldom a cause of concern 3.
What are the pros and cons of facial threading? ›
Pros - This highly popular method of hair removal is generally fool-proof and is extremely cost-effective. Cons - Like shaving, threading removes hair only from the surface which means it needs to be repeated regularly (usually monthly). Pain differs from person to person but it can sting quite a bit on sensitive skin.
Is thread lift better than Botox? ›If you had to pick a winner, Botox is a phenomenal choice for those looking to treat fine lines and prevent future wrinkles. PDO Threads may be a better choice if you have deeper wrinkles and are searching for more intense results. Both Botox and PDO threads will improve skin tightness and reverse the signs of aging.
Can thread lift damage nerves? ›A total of five cases of incomplete facial paralysis (2.6%) were reported immediately after thread lifting. In three of the cases, the unilateral eyebrows were weakened, and the temporal branch of the facial nerve was damaged.
What celebrities have had a thread lift? ›If you are looking for celebrities who have had a thread lift and why it has become so increasingly common it is because Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Gwyneth Paltrow have allegedly had it done (they look amazing).
What is the downside of PDO threads? ›Potential PDO thread lift complications
Potential complications include: visible sutures (especially in people with thin skin) pain. minor bruising.
How can you tell if a PDO thread broke? You may feel the puncture points used to insert the threads for a few weeks as they heal. There may also be a feeling of tightness from the pulling of the skin. In some cases, the threads can migrate or move.
Can you smile after thread lift? ›We are advised not to make extreme facial expressions and movements for the first 2 weeks to avoid the tiny cones being dislodged from the tissues which gives the initial mechanical lift. So I was super careful not to smile or open my mouth too much.
How long does dimpling last after thread lift? ›Thread lifts do have dimples and indentations as documented complications. Most often, the unevenness will settle over 2-6 weeks. However, if the threads were made of permanent material (nylon), then the surface dimples maybe last longer.
How long does bruising last after thread lift? ›Following PDO thread lift, patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the suture sites. Over-the-counter medications can help these symptoms, which should resolve within about 3 – 5 days.
When can I wash my face after a thread lift? ›You should refrain from washing, wetting and touching your face or the treated area for at least 12 hours after your procedure. Once you do start showering and cleansing the area, be careful not to massage or scrub with a washcloth for 3 weeks after your thread lift.
Do threads damage your face? ›
Thread lifts do have complications including a small risk of permanent dumpling or irregularities and sometimes recovery that is long as a facelift. they do leave scar tissue which makes future surgery more challenging especially for the less experienced surgeon.
How painful is face thread lift? ›PDO Thread Lifts are relatively painless compared to more invasive cosmetic procedures, requiring little recovery time. Before the procedure, the area will be numbed using local anesthesia eliminating any pain during the procedure.
Do threads work for jowls? ›Your forehead, jowls, under-eye area, and eyebrow are all parts of your face that can be considered for a thread lift. You can choose to target just one area or several at once, increasing the cost.