A thread lift is a type of procedure wherein temporary sutures are used to produce a subtle but visible "lift" in the skin. Instead of removing the patient's loose facial skin surgically, the cosmetic surgeon simply suspends it by stitching up portions of it. This has the effect of pulling the skin back slightly and therefore lifting and tightening the face.

As the skin grows weaker, it's no longer able to support the tissues beneath it adequately, meaning that gravity pulls it downwards and stretches it. Infusing the skin of the face with fresh collagen when the signs of skin laxity are still mild can help to both reduce looseness (by thickening and hydrating the skin) and prevent it from getting worse (by strengthening the skin).

In other words, this process provides ongoing and progressive rejuvenation for the facial tissues. Patients who have a thread lift for the purpose of stimulating collagen will notice a gradual improvement in their skin's tone and firmness. While their threads are in place, the body's healing response will be constantly activated because the body will want to "heal" the sutured areas and expel the sutures. The body is biologically programmed to react this way when it senses any foreign object present within the dermis.

Thread lift raises eyebrows, cheeks and neck. The method is effective in slightly or moderately but not in advanced relaxation which requires removal of excess skin (face lift).

It can be used even to correct congenital, post-operative or post-traumatic asymmetries of the face.

For many patients, the biggest advantage of having a thread lift rather than a facelift is the greatly reduced recovery time associated with thread lifts. Facelift patients usually need to take one to two weeks off of work, too, in order to heal. Recovery from a thread lift, on the other hand, is comparatively easy.

Threads are sutures that are made from a biocompatible material called PDO, which has been specially designed for safe re-absorption by the body. They remain in place for about four to six months, after which point they slowly dissolve. Patients can, however, expect to keep seeing the results of their threads lift for a year or more after their treatment. This long-lasting effect arises from the lingering improvement in skin condition that results from collagen infusion.

The procedure

Thread lifts is be performed under local or intravenous sedation. A thin needle will be used to insert the threads below the skin. This entire process usually takes just 30 to 45 minutes.

Recovery

Resume of daily activities is possible immediately