A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses dissolvable sutures placed under the skin to physically lift and support specific areas of the face or neck.
While it’s not the same as a surgical facelift, the technique does involve some degree of structural change, and it’s important that you understand what it involves physically, as well as what to expect before and after.
Even though the procedure isn’t surgical, there are still important things to consider. From how the threads are placed, to what the recovery involves, and how long results might last, this blog will take you through the key things you should know.
How a thread lift works
The thread lift procedure works by using a special type of suture that’s placed just underneath the skin using a cannula or a fine needle. The threads are gently pulled to lift the targeted area.
Once the threads are placed and adjusted, they’re trimmed, and the entry points are usually closed with a small dressing. There are no large incisions involved, which is why some people consider it a less invasive alternative to surgery.
The material used to make the threads are absorbable, which means that the threads will gradually break down over time and be absorbed by the body. How long that process takes can vary depending on the type of thread used, but they don’t remain in the body permanently.
What areas can be treated?
Thread lifts are most commonly used on the mid and lower face, particularly the cheeks, jawline, and lower part of the face near the mouth. They can also be used in other areas, such as the neck or under the chin, and in some cases, to adjust the brow or forehead region.
Each thread is placed to target a specific area or direction of lift, and multiple threads are usually needed to achieve the desired changes. The number and placement of threads will depend on your face shape, the area being treated, and what your practitioner has planned for your procedure.
It’s important that you go into the procedure with a clear understanding of what it physically involves – essentially, the threads won’t replace volume or tighten muscle like some other procedures, but they may offer structural support the facial tissue.
What to expect during the procedure
Thread lifts are typically performed using a local anaesthetic, which means that you can expect to be awake throughout the procedure. After the area is cleaned and marked, a local anaesthetic is used to numb the region where the threads will be inserted.
A small entry point is then made, and the threads are inserted into place using a fine cannula. Your practitioner will then adjust the threads to create the intended lift, before trimming them and covering the entry point.
Depending on how many threads are placed and how many areas are being treated, the procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to just over an hour.
What is recovery like after a thread lift?
While the recovery after a thread lift is often shorter than a surgical procedure, there are still physical changes and aftercare considerations to be aware of.
Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the days after the procedure. It’s also not unusual to feel tightness in the treated area, especially when moving facial muscles.
You’ll likely be advised to avoid strenuous exercise, exaggerated facial movements, or any activity that places too much pressure on the area for at least a week. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated may also be recommended during the initial days after the procedure.
It’s important that you avoid touching or pressing on the area unnecessarily, as the threads need time to anchor in place. You will also likely be advised to avoid facial treatments for a certain period of time after the procedure.
Your practitioner will provide you with specific instructions, including how to care for the entry points and when to return for a follow-up.
What results to expect and how long they can last
Since the threads are physically lifting the tissue, some changes will be visible straight after the procedure, although this may be partially blurred by swelling in the early days. The final result tends to become more apparent over the first couple of weeks.
While results are long-lasting, they are not permanent. Results typically last between six to 24 months, depending on the type of threads used, the area treated, and individual factors.
You may be able to have additional threads placed in the future to maintain the result, but this would depend on your individual circumstances and what your practitioner advises.
Who might be suitable for a thread lift?
Thread lifts are often considered for people who are looking for a way to make changes without undergoing full surgery. That said, suitability will depend on multiple physical factors, including skin thickness, elasticity, and tissue structure.
If there is a significant amount of tissue that needs adjusting to meet personal expectations, then other procedures may be more appropriate. A thread lift is not a replacement for a facelift, and it doesn’t address all layers of the face, so it’s important that expectations are aligned with what the procedure can actually achieve.
During a consultation, your practitioner will assess your face and talk through what kind of changes are possible with threads. This is also when the type of threads, placement strategy, and number of threads will be planned.
Dr Attalla: Founder and Director of Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne
Dr Mark Attalla is an experienced cosmetic practitioner based in Melbourne and a respected Fellow of the Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery. He regularly performs different cosmetic surgical procedures, as well as minimally invasive procedures, including thread lifts.
To learn all about the thread lift treatment and get prepared, you’ll need to have a consultation with your practitioner. A consultation with Dr Attalla will allow you to receive all of the important information and instructions that you will need.
To discuss booking your consultation, please contact our team at Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne.
