What is thread lifting?
Thread lifting inserts dissolvable medical threads under the skin to do two jobs at once: mechanically pull sagging skin upward for an immediately visible lift, and stimulate the skin to build collagen around the threads over the long term. It sits in the middle ground between energy-device tightening and a surgical facelift.
What types of thread are there?
Threads differ along two main dimensions. The first is shape: smooth threads are used to stimulate collagen and firm up the skin, while cog (barbed) threads have tiny hooks that grip the tissue for genuine lifting. The second is material, which determines how long the thread supports the skin:
- PDO: flexible and the most widely used, but supports the skin for the shortest time — around 4–6 months
- PLLA: stronger, supporting for around 18–24 months, but more brittle
- PCL: the most flexible and longest-lasting of the three — commonly cited at around 2 years or more
How long do results last?
Overall results typically hold for around 4 months to a year or more, depending on the thread type, the number of threads, each person's cheek tissue and skin, and aftercare. Cog-thread lifts generally use around 3–10 threads per side based on the doctor's assessment, and using more threads gives a more stable, longer-lasting hold. In later rounds, skin that has already built collagen tends to grip the threads better too.
Does it hurt? How many days of downtime?
Local anesthetic is injected during the procedure, so it feels more like pulling tension than pain. Afterwards — unlike energy devices — this is a procedure with real recovery time: swelling and bruising can last several days up to a week, and the face may feel tight when opening the mouth or chewing at first. The key rules are to avoid opening the mouth wide, chewing hard foods, and facial massage during the first month, and to stop smoking and alcohol, both of which slow the settling and shorten the result.
The risks to know before deciding
Possible risks include skin dimpling or rippling along the thread line, asymmetry between the two sides, a thread end protruding, or inflammation and infection if instruments are not sterile. Almost all of these relate directly to thread-placement technique and the doctor's skill — thread lifting is one of the procedures where the doctor's hands decide the result the most, and it should only ever be done in a properly licensed medical facility.
Who is thread lifting right for?
It suits people whose cheeks and jawline have begun to sag noticeably, who want a visible lift immediately after the procedure, and who can accept a short period of swelling and bruising. People with very thin skin, little cheek tissue, or severe sagging should have a doctor assess whether another method would serve them better.
The bottom line
Thread lifting offers what energy devices cannot: an immediately visible mechanical lift. The trade-off is real recovery time and risks that depend directly on the doctor's skill. Before deciding, make sure you know exactly which thread type will be used, how many threads, and the reasoning behind the plan.