Threadlifts for the face are minimally-invasive, non-surgical medical aesthetic procedures that can help to lift and tighten facial skin that has become “saggy”. This sagginess usually happens due to lost skin elasticity, collagen and lost or downward displacement of our natural facial fat and bone structure over time.
This procedure involves the placement of dissolvable threads beneath the skin, creating a supportive structure that lifts and repositions the tissue strategically. Threadlifts offer an alternative to traditional facelift procedures without the downtime and risks involved in a surgery.
How do threadlifts work?
The threadlift procedure involves the use of thin needles or cannulas to insert the threads beneath the skin. Once the threads are inserted, they act as a scaffold, lifting and supporting the sagging tissues. This immediate lifting effect provides noticeable improvements in the appearance of the treated areas.
Threadlifts are often used to lift and restore volume to the cheeks, improve laugh (nasolabial) lines and marionette lines and contour one’s jawline, jowls and neck. They can also be used for facial augmentation such as the commonly-requested nose threadlift where it gives the individual a higher and more defined nose bridge.
Threads used in face threadlifts can be made of different materials, including polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLA), or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). These are collagen-stimulating substances that have been used for decades in surgical suturing and found to be safe and compatible for use in medical aesthetics. This is why, in addition to the immediate lifting effect, face threadlifts are able to stimulate the production of collagen around the threads as part of the body's natural healing response.
Additionally, the threads used in face threadlifts may have different properties - some are smooth, some are barbed while some have structures called cones; these properties are designed for them to be more efficient at certain areas of the face, or for added lifting effect and anchorage to the tissue it is attached to. The threads used in face threadlifts typically dissolve over 6 months to 1 year on average. Over time, as the threads naturally break down, the newly formed collagen continues to contribute to the longevity of the lifted appearance, but eventually these effects will be taken over by the natural aging process; this is when one may choose to repeat the procedure.
A threadlift should be done to yield natural-looking results. We aim to enhance one’s features without creating an overly tightened or “fake” appearance. Threads are strategically placed to lift and support specific areas while allowing for natural facial expressions, including smiling.
What should I do after a face threadlift?
A minimally invasive threadlift procedure can often be completed in a clinic setting in a couple of hours. Threadlifts may be completed with the use of topical and local anaesthesia and general anaesthesia is usually not necessary. Post-procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort at the thread insertion site. There may be occasional small irregularities on the skin surface such as “bumps” or areas of “dimpling”. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with proper aftercare. In general, the recovery period for a threadlift is about a week, while a surgical procedure may commonly require two weeks or more of down-time.
There is a small risk of infection and scarring associated with any procedure that involves the insertion of needles or threads beneath the skin, although this is uncommon and strict adherence to post-treatment care guidelines can help minimize these risks. In rare cases, threads may migrate from their original placement site; this will need to be reviewed by your doctor and corrected in the clinic.
We routinely tell our patients to avoid touching or rubbing the treated areas for the first few days after the procedure; this helps minimize the risk of infection and ensures that the threads remain in their intended positions. You may also be asked to refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise or activities that may increase blood flow to the face for at least a week after the threadlift. Elevated blood flow can contribute to increased swelling and bruising. Other than specific basic after care, most patients can return to work and normal daily activities within a day or two from their procedure.
How do threadlifts compare to other procedures?
Threadlifts are often compared to other medical aesthetic procedures such as botulinum toxin, dermal fillers and plastic surgery.
Botulinum toxin primarily addresses dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, whereas face threadlifts focus on lifting and tightening sagging skin. Dermal fillers add volume directly by injecting a substance into specific areas, while threadlifts lift and tighten the skin using threads. When one understands the science behind each product/procedure and how it works, it is actually not surprising that these treatments can complement each other for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
One main difference between minimally-invasive threadlifts and surgical facelifts lies in the invasiveness of the procedures. While a surgical facelift provides more dramatic and longer-lasting results, face threadlifts offer a non-surgical alternative with reduced downtime and cost as well.
Our doctor’s personal anecdotes/ comments
Face threadlifts work by strategically placing dissolvable threads beneath the skin, creating a supportive structure that lifts and tightens sagging tissues. This immediate lifting effect is complemented by the stimulation of collagen production, contributing to long-term improvements in skin quality and appearance.
A threadlift procedure involves careful customization based on individual anatomy and aesthetic goals, and the overall result of the procedure will also vary depending on individual factors such as skin laxity, overall health, and specific treatment goals.
In my practice, I will consider these factors, including the patient's facial structure, skin quality, and desired outcomes to tailor the procedure accordingly. This customization helps me decide if I will recommend a threadlift, if at all, and aim for a result that complements one’s natural beauty.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Harold Ma and Dr. Joanna Chan.