What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that lifts and tightens sagging skin by inserting special dissolvable threads under the skin using a fine needle. These threads pull the skin upward and stimulate collagen production, leading to a firmer and more youthful appearance.
While thread lifts are considered minimally invasive, they still cause intentional skin trauma beneath the surface, which can result in bruising, swelling, or even small wounds around entry and exit points.
Conditions Treated:
- Reduce sagging in the midface, jawline, neck, and brows
- Improve mild to moderate skin laxity
- Restore facial definition and firmness
- Act as a temporary alternative to facelift surgery
Types of Thread Lifts:
- Barbed Threads: Threads with tiny hooks that anchor into the skin to lift sagging areas.
- Smooth Threads: Often used for collagen stimulation rather than lifting.
- Screw Threads: Coiled threads used to create more volume or stronger lifting effects.
- PDO, PLLA, or PCL Threads: These are different types of dissolvable thread materials, each with different lifespans and collagen-boosting effects.
How the Wound Happens:
Even when done correctly, thread lifts involve puncturing the skin and threading material under the surface. This process naturally causes micro-injuries and inflammation as the body responds to the foreign material and starts healing.
If not performed properly or if aftercare is neglected, thread lifts can lead to:
- Skin dimpling
- Bruising and swelling
- Thread extrusion (threads pushing out through the skin)
- Infection at the entry/exit points
- Asymmetry or thread migration
What Happens If Not Treated:
If complications from a thread lift aren’t managed early:
- Infections may worsen and require medical intervention
- Visible scars or tissue damage can develop at the thread sites
- Thread rejection or exposure can lead to discomfort or visible protrusions
- Uneven skin texture or facial asymmetry may become long-term issues
- Delayed healing or prolonged inflammation can lead to chronic sensitivity
