Thread Lift: The Non-Surgical Lifting Treatment to Redefine Facial Contours
Discover the thread lift: a minimally invasive treatment that lifts, firms, and rejuvenates the skin with natural collagen stimulation.
Over time, the skin naturally loses tone and elasticity: facial contours begin to sag, volumes change, and expressions may appear more tired.
Today, aesthetic medicine offers several options to counteract the effects of gravity—treatments that act gradually and precisely while preserving the natural harmony of the face.
Among these, thread lifting stands out as a minimally invasive, in-office procedure designed to gently lift the tissues and stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and texture over time.
The result is a smoother, more defined face with a natural, progressive rejuvenation effect that enhances the features without altering them.
What Is a Thread Lift?
Thread lifts, also known as suspension threads, involve the insertion of ultra-fine, biocompatible, and absorbable threads beneath the skin using blunt-tip cannulas (needles without a sharp edge).
Once placed, the threads anchor to the tissue and gently lift it upward, creating an immediate tightening effect.
Their action, however, goes beyond this mechanical lift: over the following weeks, the threads stimulate the surrounding tissue to produce new collagen and elastin, two key proteins that keep the skin firm, elastic, and youthful.
The outcome is dual — an instant lifting effect and a gradual improvement in skin quality.
What Are the Threads Made Of:
There are various types of threads, all made from fully absorbable and biocompatible materials, ensuring complete safety for the body.
The most commonly used are PDO (Polydioxanone) threads, a material successfully employed for decades in resorbable surgical sutures.
The idea of using PDO in aesthetic medicine originated from histological studies showing how tissues in contact with PDO sutures produced more collagen during absorption, resulting in a natural firming effect.
Later innovations made these threads “lifting,” by creating microscopic barbs or anchors that attach to the tissue once the guiding cannula is removed, allowing a true mechanical lift of the skin.
The selection of thread type depends on the patient’s features, treatment area, and desired outcome — the doctor determines the most suitable approach after a personalized evaluation.
Treatment Areas
Thread lifts are extremely versatile and can be used on both the face and body. The most common target areas include:
– Cheeks and cheekbones, to restore volume and lift sagging tissues.
– Jawline, to redefine contours and combat skin laxity.
– Eyebrows, for a more open, refreshed gaze.
– Neck and under-chin, to improve firmness and reduce sagging.
– Arms, abdomen, and inner thighs, in cases of mild skin laxity.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis — no hospitalization or general anesthesia is required.
After an initial consultation to mark the insertion points, a topical anesthetic cream is applied, followed by a small amount of local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
A cannula is first used to deliver an anesthetic solution through the tissues, which also facilitates the insertion of the threads.
The threads are then placed within the dermal layer through their cannulas. Once inserted, the practitioner adjusts the tissues in an upward direction — opposite to gravity — until the desired lifting effect is achieved.
A session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, after which patients can immediately resume their normal daily activities.
Mild swelling or small bruises may appear and usually resolve within 1–2 days.
After the Treatment: What to Expect
Results are immediate yet natural — the face appears lifted and more defined without affecting expressiveness.
Over the following weeks, collagen stimulation enhances the lifting effect, progressively improving texture and skin radiance.
To optimize results, patients are advised to:
– Avoid intense exercise or facial massage for about one week.
– Sleep on their back for the first few nights.
– Follow the specific post-treatment instructions provided by the doctor.
Duration of Results
The threads are naturally absorbed by the body within 6–12 months, but the aesthetic effect can last up to 18–24 months, thanks to the collagen remodeling process.
Result longevity depends on several factors such as thread type, patient age, lifestyle, and skin quality.
Many patients choose to repeat the procedure every 1–2 years to maintain firmness and contour definition, as gravity continues to affect the tissues over time.
Main Benefits
– Immediate and natural non-surgical lifting effect
– No scars or incisions
– Biostimulation of tissues
– Minimal downtime
– Customizable and progressive results
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Thread lifting is suitable for women and men who wish to improve skin tone and facial firmness without undergoing invasive surgical procedures.
It’s ideal for mild to moderate skin laxity, when the skin has lost elasticity but does not yet require a surgical facelift.
It is not recommended in cases of:
– Active skin infections
– Bleeding or coagulation disorders
– Pregnancy or breastfeeding
– Severe skin laxity requiring surgical intervention
Only a thorough medical consultation can determine whether the treatment is appropriate for each individual patient.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the treatment painful?
No, it is generally well tolerated. A topical anesthetic and a small amount of local anesthesia are used at the insertion points. An anesthetic solution is also spread within the tissues via the cannulas to enhance comfort during the procedure.
2. Are the threads visible or palpable?
No. Once inserted, the threads are neither visible nor palpable. In the first few days, patients may feel a slight tension or awareness of the threads during wider facial movements, such as smiling, which fades naturally within a few weeks.
A minor tissue fold may temporarily appear near the insertion points and will resolve spontaneously.
3. Can I wear makeup afterward?
Yes, usually after 24 hours, avoiding any pressure or massage on the treated area.
4. Are thread lifts safe?
Absolutely. All materials are sterile, biocompatible, and fully absorbable, and are naturally eliminated by the body while leaving the surrounding tissue firmer and more elastic.
5. Can thread lifts be combined with other aesthetic treatments?
Yes. They can be combined with hyaluronic acid fillers, botulinum toxin, biorevitalization, or chemical peels to enhance and complement overall results.
6. When are the final results visible?
Improvement is visible immediately, but the optimal result appears after 4–6 weeks, when new collagen formation becomes more evident.
7. How often can it be repeated?
Generally, the treatment can be repeated every 12–18 months, depending on the thread type and individual response.
