Injectables
Thread Lift: what it is, what to expect and where to find it
What is Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive treatment in which dissolvable threads are placed under the skin to lift and support sagging areas of the face or neck. The threads are commonly made of polydioxanone (PDO), the same material used in some surgical sutures.
How Thread Lift works
Threads are inserted through small entry points using a needle or cannula. Some have tiny barbs or cones that grip the tissue so it can be repositioned and held. Over time the threads dissolve, and the body's response around them is intended to support collagen production. Smooth threads without barbs are used more for skin quality than lifting.
What to expect at the appointment
- A consultation that checks whether your degree of sagging suits threads.
- Local anaesthetic at the entry points and along the planned thread paths.
- Placement of threads, with the provider adjusting tension to lift the tissue.
- Instructions to avoid wide mouth opening, facial massage and sleeping on the face for a while.
Recovery and downtime
Swelling, bruising, tenderness and a slightly bunched look are common at first and usually settle over a week or two. Some people feel tightness when moving the face.
Safety and suitability
- Results are more modest than a surgical lift and depend heavily on the provider's skill.
- Possible complications include visible or palpable threads, dimpling, asymmetry, infection and thread migration.
- Thin skin and heavy sagging may make threads a poor choice.
- Ask what happens if a thread needs to be removed.
Questions to ask before you book
- What type of threads do you use, and how many do you expect to place?
- How many thread lifts has the person treating me performed?
- How do you handle a visible thread or uneven result?
- What should I avoid in the weeks after treatment?
Thread Lift FAQ
How long does a thread lift last?
The lift tends to soften over time as the threads dissolve and the face continues to age. How long it lasts varies with the threads used, the area and the person.
Is a thread lift the same as a facelift?
No. A facelift is surgery that removes and repositions skin and deeper tissue. A thread lift uses dissolvable threads through small entry points and gives a more modest, temporary lift.
What does recovery from a thread lift look like?
Most people have swelling and bruising for several days and some tightness when talking or eating. Providers usually ask you to avoid strenuous exercise and facial treatments for a few weeks.
This is general information, not medical advice, and results differ from person to person. This treatment should be prescribed or performed by, or under the supervision of, a licensed medical provider. Talk to a licensed provider about your health history before booking.
Written and fact-checked against our editorial rules (no prices, statistics or promised results) by the MedSpa Listings editorial team. Last reviewed 2026-11-03.
Where to find Thread Lift
City pages for Thread Lift appear once at least three listed clinics in a city name it on their own website. Browse med spas by state.
8 listed clinics name Thread Lift on their own website (MedSpa Listings service scan).