Is a Thread Lift The Answer to Sagging, Crepey Skin? Experts Weigh In

Don't get tangled up in the wrong procedure. Experts offer a clear thread.

Adequate skin care can go a long way toward promoting a youthful glow , but it can admittedly only go so far. If you’re experiencing skin sagging in your face that’s affecting your confidence, you may be considering professional treatments and procedures.

Thread lifts are one such option—a cosmetic procedure that uses physical threads to create a subtle lift of the skin. The procedure has minimal downtime and can be a great choice for certain patients.

We spoke to three cosmetic experts about the benefits and drawbacks of thread lifts. Here, you will find a guide with everything you need to know. You will find information on what thread lifts are and how they address signs of skin aging, so you can decide if a thread lift is right for you.

Related: Shape Editors Are Skincare Experts: These Are the 16 Best Firming Neck Creams That Lift and Tighten Drooping Skin

So, What Exactly Is a Thread Lift?

On the most basic level, a thread lift is a beauty technique used to elevate and lift the skin to give you a youthful appearance, says Tracy Evans, MD, MPH , a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology. In practice, the process is a little more complex and has to be done by a trained expert.

“A thread lift involves placing threads, which are dissolvable stitches, under the skin,” explains Leah Totton, MBBS (DIST) , founder of Dr. Leah Cosmetic Skin Clinics and Dr. Leah Skincare. “The threads are barbed or etched and hooked onto the deep tissue which has sagged and mechanically stitches it into a lifted position.”

While a thread lift mechanically moves the skin to give you a lifted appearance, it simultaneously helps to stimulate the skin’s production of collagen and elastin. This helps to tighten and firm the complexion, according to Dr. Totton.

A thread lift is usually done along the temples, midface (cheek area), and along the jawline to create a lift, says Nigar N. Ahmedli, MD , director of the Division of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.

How Is a Thread Lift Done?

During a thread lift, the patient is awake and under local anesthesia to ensure minimal pain throughout the procedure. A tiny incision is made, and threads are pushed under the skin, says Dr. Totton.

Once the threads are in the desired position, the practitioner cuts the ends. The procedure should take between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the healthcare provider's experience, says Dr. Totton.

What Are the Benefits of a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is great for those who don’t want to be out of order for weeks after the procedure since it’s performed in the office under local anesthesia with minimal bruising, pain, and downtime, says Dr. Ahmedli.

The procedure is a good choice for lifting certain areas of the face, such as the cheeks and jowls, the neck, or even the arms, and has the benefit of instant results, explains Dr. Totton. It will also result in quite a natural and subtle change in your appearance , which is perfect for those who don’t want a drastic makeover.

“Thread lifts are also suitable for those with skin sagging [because] of weight loss,” says Dr. Totton.

What Are the Drawbacks?

Although a thread lift may seem like a great way to get subtle results, it's not for everyone. According to Dr. Evans, the natural results and minimally-invasiveness that are selling points for some may be a drawback for others. "Some patients can feel underwhelmed. It also can be difficult to have perfect symmetry and patients can feel one side is better.”

Another disadvantage of thread lifts is that they can be very costly, but don’t last that long, says Dr. Ahmedli. “Thread lift results are subtle and temporary (last about one year). They also create scar tissue formation under the skin, which makes future facelift and neck lift surgery more challenging.”

And though the side effects from a thread lift are considered minimal, that doesn’t mean there are none, says Dr. Totton. “Puckering and swelling will occur and typically resolve after seven to 10 days. More serious side effects are less common but include hematoma, infection, abscess, granuloma, nerve pain, or allergic reaction."

If you do decide to try this procedure, do your research. You want to choose an experienced healthcare provider to perform the procedure.

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Is a Thread Lift Right for You?

Unlike facelifts, thread lifts aren’t usually suitable for older patients. Instead, they are better suited for younger patients with limited skin redundancy and laxity, says Dr. Ahmedli. “Older patients with excess skin will not see a major improvement in the jowls especially and will form pleats or folds in the skin.”

Though this isn’t a hard and fast rule, thread lifts may be best for people 35 to 55 with mild to moderate sagging skin, says Dr. Totton. However, those with excessive sagging may not benefit. In this case, cosmetic surgery is a better option. If you’re outside that age bracket, you can still consult a healthcare provider to determine if you should have a thread lift.

Alternatives

If after reading the above, you believe a thread lift may not be right for you but you still want a lifted, firm, youthful glow, there are a handful of other in-office treatments a healthcare provider may recommend for you.

“The results of a thread lift tend to be less aggressive than what patients desire and very temporary,” says Dr. Totton. “For older patients, I recommend surgical intervention, such as a temporal brow lift and facelift with neck lift. There is too much excess skin to redistribute without surgery. For younger patients, radiofrequency microneedling can be very effective to tighten the skin, melt some underlying fat, and tighten the muscle.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Totton says other alternatives include non-invasive ultrasound energy treatments such as Ultherapy and Morpheus8, which combine micro-needling and radiofrequency. Morpheus8 can be used with a thread lift as well for enhanced results.

Related: The 10 Best Skin Tightening Creams for Firmer-Looking Skin

A thread lift can provide a subtle skin lift that makes you feel and look more youthful. Before making an appointment for a consultation, do your research and find an experienced, qualified practitioner who has performed many thread lifts to ensure you’re in the best hands. They also can let you know whether a thread lift is the best approach for your particular skin and situation.

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