What is it? A thread face lift involves the use of barbed threads, available with uni- and bi-directional cogs or barbs. It is a semi-invasive method of lifting sagging skin of the face. Areas treated with this method include the eyebrows, the cheeks, the jowls and the neck. Ease of use and a shorter downtime have made their the thread face lift popular.

Who can have it? The best candidates for a thread face lift are in their 30s to 60s who have relatively good skin tone. Most are beginning to experience sagging in their face or neck, but do not have excessively loose skin or drooping facial areas that might require more rigorous face lift surgery. If signs of aging are relatively minimal, a thread lift may be a good way to make aesthetic enhancements while avoiding face lift scarring and other potential side effects, which sometimes occur after more intensive surgical procedures.

Are there any contraindications? Contradictions to thread face lifts include multiple skin allergic reactions or infections, dandruff, hair lice, immunologically compromising diseases like cancer/ HIV etc., systemic diseases like diabetes and tuberculosis, etc.

What is the pain level? Generally, thread face lifts are not painful; however, this is a highly variable answer because some patients are more sensitive than others. Patients who are anxious can receive oral sedation with local anesthetics. 

How long does the treatment take? The thread face lift procedure can be performed in just 15-40minutes, often without or with topical anesthesia.

How long do the results last? Some patients report seeing a benefit for one year, and some say a year and a half. Some note immediate distortion and no results beyond a few months.

What else do I need to know? The operation involves placing a barbed suture under the skin and using is to pull up and back the face or neck. Eventually the sutures may break, get infected or cause distortion.