Thread lifting, also known as a thread lift or a thread facelift, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to lift and tighten sagging facial tissues. It involves the insertion of dissolvable threads, typically made of materials such as polydioxanone (PDO) or polylactic acid (PLLA), into the skin to create a lifting effect. During a thread lifting procedure, the threads are inserted into the skin through small incisions made in strategic locations on the face. Once inserted, the threads are gently pulled to lift and reposition sagging skin and tissue. The threads have small cones or barbs along their length, which anchor them to the deeper layers of the skin and provide support for the lifted tissues. Thread lifting is often used to address sagging in the midface, lower face, jawline, and neck, making it an effective treatment for mild to moderate facial laxity. It can help improve the appearance of jowls, nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines (lines from the corners of the mouth to the chin), and sagging skin along the jawline and neck. One of the primary advantages of thread lifting is its minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional facelift surgery, which requires extensive incisions and downtime, thread lifting can be performed using local anesthesia and typically involves minimal discomfort and recovery time. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days after the procedure.
Thread lifting also stimulates collagen production in the skin, which helps improve skin texture and firmness over time. While the results of thread lifting are not as dramatic or long-lasting as those of a surgical facelift, they can last for up to 1-2 years, depending on the type of threads used and individual factors such as skin quality and aging process.