Thread Lifts

Tighten loose skin without undergoing surgery with one of the many types of thread lifts available. This procedure is a minimally invasive solution to achieve a youthful, lifted look for those that aren’t quite ready for a facelift. Results can last from 1-2 years and instantly improve the appearance of sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of volume.

What Is the Thread Lift Procedure?

Thread lifts are performed in the office under local anesthetic, so the patient is entirely awake. First, Dr. Rothaus marks the areas of the face and/or neck that need the most lift in order to prepare for insertion. Then these areas are injected with an anesthetic such as lidocaine to effectively numb the area so there is no pain felt throughout the procedure. Once the areas are numb, a small hole is made with a needle so the thread can be inserted underneath the skin to lift the skin back. The procedure itself takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on how much needs to be done. Once the treatment is finished, we apply ice to the areas which helps with any potential swelling.

Benefits of Thread Lifts

Thread lifts offer a minimally invasive alternative to traditional facelift surgery for patients experiencing early signs of aging. This non-surgical cosmetic procedure is designed to gently lift sagging skin while stimulating the body’s natural collagen production, resulting in progressively firmer, tighter skin over time. Because the threads are composed of absorbable sutures that slowly dissolve, results appear natural and improve gradually as the body’s healing response is activated.

Key benefits of thread lifts include:

• Minimal downtime
• A low risk profile
• A quick in-office procedure under local anesthesia

Who is a Candidate for Thread Lifts?

A good candidate for a thread lift is someone experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity who wants visible improvement without undergoing a surgical facelift. Thread lifts are ideal for patients noticing early signs of aging such as:

• Loose skin
• Sagging jowls
• Softened jawlines
• Developing nasolabial folds

Patients considering a thread lift should be in good overall health and understand that this cosmetic procedure is not a replacement for a traditional facelift in cases of advanced skin laxity. During a consultation, your healthcare provider will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a thread lift or if other treatments may be more appropriate for your goals.

How Do Thread Lifts Work?

Thread lifts are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment designed to lift and contour facial skin, giving you a refreshed and more youthful appearance. Utilizing specialized material that dissolves over time, this procedure stimulates collagen production, offering a natural lift that lasts. Developed with minimal invasiveness in mind, thread lifts provide an effective treatment option for those not wanting to undergo a surgical procedure.

Different Types of Thread Lifts

At Rothaus Plastic Surgery, we offer several different types of thread lifts depending upon your goals and individual needs.

Silhouette Thread Lift

Silhouette threads stand out for their unique structure and approach to lifting, making them distinct from other types of threads, such as PDO (Polydioxanone) threads. Silhouette threads have bidirectional cones that provide a better grip on tissues, giving a secure and sustained lift to the skin. They are also made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is biocompatible and gradually absorbed by the body. Over time, the PLLA stimulates collagen production, which helps improve volume loss as well as to further tighten the skin, with results lasting around 18-24 months. Silhouette thread lifts are safe when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner because they are gradually broken down by the body, minimizing the risk of an adverse reaction. The lift that is achieved appears subtle and gradual, avoiding an unnatural “tight” look.

PDO Threads

PDO threads are another popular option for non-surgical skin tightening. They are made from polydioxanone, a biodegradable polymer which is commonly used in the same material we use for surgical sutures or stitches. They’re designed to lift and tighten sagging skin by creating a subtle yet effective lifting effect, while also stimulating collagen production in the treated area. The threads can have tiny barbs or smooth textures, depending on the type, which helps them anchor within the tissue, creating a subtle lift. PDO threads are also considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. There are very minimal side effects from the procedure, and are well-tolerated by patients.

Thread Lift Treatment Areas

Loose Skin

Thread lifts are particularly effective for improving loose skin caused by aging, gravity, and collagen loss. As the threads stimulate collagen production, the skin becomes tighter and firmer over time, creating a refreshed and youthful appearance without surgery.

Folds and Wrinkles

Thread lifts can soften the appearance of folds and wrinkles by repositioning facial tissues and encouraging collagen stimulation. Unlike dermal fillers, which add volume, thread lifts focus on lifting action and structural support, making them a great option for facial rejuvenation without adding bulk.

Jawline

A thread lift can help redefine the jawline by addressing skin laxity and early jowling. Threads are strategically placed to lift and support the underlying connective tissues, resulting in a sharper, more contoured jawline.

Neck

Thread lifts can be used to tighten loose skin along the neck, improving crepiness and mild sagging without the need for a surgical facelift. By stimulating collagen production and lifting the treated area, patients experience a smoother neck contour without interruption to their normal routine.

Jowls and Lower Face

Sagging jowls and laxity of the lower face are common signs of aging that respond well to thread-lift procedures. The threads gather and lift facial tissues, improving definition and reducing heaviness in the lower face.

Eyebrow Lift

A thread lift can gently elevate the eyebrows, opening the eye area and creating a more refreshed, youthful appearance. This minimally invasive eyebrow lift avoids the risks and recovery associated with surgical procedures while delivering natural-looking results.

Before Your Thread Lift Treatment

Prior to your thread lift procedure, your plastic surgeon will review your medical history, aesthetic goals, and treatment plan in detail. Patients may be advised to avoid certain medications or supplements that increase the risk of bruising. On the day of treatment, a topical anesthetic and local anesthesia are used to ensure comfort; most patients report that the thread lift is not painful.

Recovery After Thread Lift Treatment

Recovery after a thread lift is typically quick and straightforward. Mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising in the treated area may occur, but severe bruising and early complications are uncommon. Most patients return to work immediately or resume their normal routine within a day or two. As the absorbable sutures dissolve safely over time, collagen stimulation continues, leading to progressive rejuvenation and long-lasting results with minimal recovery time.

Frequently Asked Questions