So you've been exploring options for facial rejuvenation without the downtime of surgery, and you've come across the thread lift—a minimally invasive procedure often dubbed the “lunchtime facelift.” We remember these being heavily promoted in the early 2000's and they seem to have resurfaced again over the last few years. While it promises to lift sagging skin and stimulate collagen, the treatment has a checkered history that’s important to understand before you commit.
In this article, we’ll cover what a thread lift is, how it works, its benefits and risks, and why some doctors are now opting out of offering it.
What Is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses temporary, dissolvable sutures—usually made of PDO (Polydioxanone)—to lift the skin and stimulate collagen production. Threads are placed under the skin with a needle or cannula, then gently pulled to tighten sagging areas of the face and neck.
The procedure is often used to treat:
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Drooping jowls
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Laxity in the jawline
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Nasolabial folds
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Sagging cheeks
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Loose neck skin
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Low or uneven eyebrows
Unlike a traditional facelift, there's no cutting or removal of skin, which results in minimal downtime.
A Brief History of Thread Lifts
The first generation of thread lifts emerged in the early 2000s and used permanent barbed threads (e.g., Aptos threads). While they did produce lifting effects, they were plagued by complications like thread migration, visible threads, puckering, and infections. As a result, many practitioners stopped offering them, and the procedure lost popularity.
However, thread lifts resurfaced in the mid-2010s with improved technology:
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Biodegradable threads (e.g., PDO, PLLA, PCL)
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More refined techniques
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Better safety profiles
This revival promised safer, more natural results—but not without limitations.
Benefits of a Thread Lift
Many patients choose thread lifts for these reasons:
1. Quick Procedure with Minimal Downtime
Most treatments take under an hour and require only local anesthesia. Patients typically return to normal activities within 24–72 hours.
2. Immediate but Subtle Results
You’ll see an instant lift, with continued improvement over weeks as collagen builds.
3. Non-Surgical and Reversible
No incisions, no surface scars, and the threads dissolve naturally over time.
4. Collagen Stimulation
PDO threads trigger your body’s healing response, increasing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production.
❌ Risks and Limitations of Thread Lifts
Within our practice we've had conversations with clients that previously explored thread lifts and experienced complications such as thread detachment, facial imbalances and the unsettling feeling of the barbs under their skin. Thread lifts are not without downsides. Here’s what both patients and some doctors have raised concerns about:
1. Temporary Results
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Most thread lifts last 6 to 12 months. (unless the threads detach prematurely)
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Collagen effects may last longer, but structural lift is often short-lived.
2. Possible Complications
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Thread visibility or palpability (you can see/feel the threads under your skin)
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Skin puckering or asymmetry (an unbalance appearance)
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Thread breakage or migration
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Infection or granulomas (localized inflammatory nodules)
3. Underwhelming Results for Some
Patients with moderate to severe laxity may not see meaningful improvements and may ultimately require surgical intervention. While we are not huge advocates of surgical facelifts, given the choice between thread lifts or a traditional facelift, we would go the facelift route every time.
❌4. Some Providers Have Abandoned the Procedure
Many experienced practitioners offer thread lifts briefly before discontinuing them, citing:
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Inconsistent results
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High patient dissatisfaction
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Risk to practice reputation
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Thread Lift?
A thread lift may be appropriate for patients who:
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Are between 30–50 years old
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Have mild to moderate facial laxity
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Are not ready for or interested in surgery
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Understand that results are subtle and temporary
Those with thinner skin, advanced aging, or unrealistic expectations may be better suited for other treatments such as dermal fillers, energy-based skin tightening, or a surgical facelift.
Choosing a Qualified Provider
Because thread lifts are a semi-invasive procedure, selecting the right provider is crucial. Look for:
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A board-certified cosmetic or plastic surgeon
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Experience specifically with thread lift techniques
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Honest discussions about risks, longevity, and alternatives
Avoid clinics that aggressively market thread lifts as a "lunchtime procedure", miracle solution or “instant facelift”—the results are nuanced and not guaranteed.
📌 Final Thoughts: Are Thread Lifts Worth It?
Thread lifts offer an intriguing middle ground between non-invasive treatments and surgical facelifts for people researching options. For the right candidate, they can deliver modest improvements with minimal recovery. However, they’re not without risks, and their short-lived results may not justify the cost.