Key takeaways
- Threads give a mild, immediate lift; they are not a non-surgical facelift.
- Moderate sagging with good skin quality responds better than heavy, severe sagging.
- Common dissolvable threads break down over months; how long the lift lasts is not well studied.
- Tenderness for one to two weeks and temporary dimpling are common side effects.
- Threads work on position, not volume or skin quality, so they are often one part of a plan.
How does a thread lift work?
See, what happens is, the face sags partly because the tissues slide down as their supports weaken. A thread lift tries to put a little of that tissue back.
Fine threads are passed under the skin through small entry points, usually under local anaesthetic. Many threads have tiny barbs or cones along them that grip the tissue. When the thread is gently pulled and anchored, the tissue moves up a little. Over the following months, the body forms some tissue around the thread as it dissolves.
The common modern threads are made of absorbable materials such as polydioxanone (PDO), a material also used for dissolvable surgical sutures. A report in MDedge on a talk at an aesthetics symposium describes PDO threads breaking down over roughly four to eight months.
Who is a good candidate?
According to the dermatologic surgeon quoted in that report, good skin quality is key: skin that is neither too thick and heavy nor too thin. People with moderate sagging are better candidates than those with severe sagging.
| Likely to suit threads | Less likely to suit threads |
|---|---|
| Early to moderate sagging at the jawline or mid-face | Heavy, loose skin and deep jowls |
| Reasonable skin thickness | Very thin, crepey skin or very thick, heavy skin |
| Wanting a subtle change with short recovery | Expecting a facelift result |
| Healthy, non-smoker | Active infection or skin problems in the area |
Normally, mild to moderate descent with decent skin is where I would even discuss it. If your sagging is significant, that is very important to understand: threads will disappoint, and an honest surgical opinion is better value.
How long does a thread lift last?
This is where I am careful. The MDedge report quotes the expert as saying some suspension threads "tend to last a year or 2, but there are no controlled studies to confirm that." The idea that threads build lasting collagen is plausible, but the evidence is weak. Studies tend to have short follow-up and no standard technique.
So I tell people: expect a modest lift that softens over months, and think of it as one step in a longer plan, not a fix that lasts for years.
What are the side effects?
From the MDedge report and general experience: - Tenderness for about one to two weeks, especially when chewing or yawning - Bruising and swelling, usually settling within days - Temporary dimpling or puckering of the skin, which often settles - A palpable or visible thread end, and occasionally extrusion, where a thread works its way out - Asymmetry, if one side settles differently - Infection, uncommon but possible with any procedure
There is a history here worth knowing. Earlier non-absorbable threads caused extrusion, migration, inflammatory lumps and prolonged pain, and the report notes the FDA withdrew approval of those earlier contour thread procedures in 2009. Modern absorbable threads are different, but it is a reminder that technique and product matter.
How does it compare with other options?
| Option | What it does | Recovery | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thread lift | Repositions tissue mildly, immediate | Days to a couple of weeks of tenderness | Subtle; duration uncertain |
| HIFU or radio frequency | Heats deeper layers to tighten over months | Little | Gradual, modest change; results take months |
| Hyaluronic acid fillers | Restore support and volume | Days | Do not tighten loose skin |
| Facelift surgery | Repositions deeper tissue and removes excess skin | Weeks | Surgery, cost, risk; but the most significant change |
The expert in the MDedge report describes the surgical facelift as the gold standard and a thread lift as "much more subtle." Energy-based tightening can take around six months to show its effect, while threads give a lift straight away. That is why some people combine them. I explain those devices in HIFU and radio frequency, and the face's support structure in how skin ages.
What does the procedure involve?
- Assessment of where tissue has moved, skin quality and whether threads are actually the right tool.
- Plan in writing: number and type of threads, price, aftercare.
- Local anaesthetic at entry points and along the path.
- Placement of the threads, then gentle adjustment and trimming.
- Aftercare for a couple of weeks: you will be asked to avoid strong facial movements, pressure on the face and certain activities. Follow your doctor's specific instructions.
Basically, plan it away from any event. Give yourself at least two to three weeks, so tenderness, bruising and any early dimpling have time to settle before photographs or travel.
How we approach this at Dr Tvacha
Thread lifts are among the treatments available at our centres in Thane, Andheri, Bandra and Dahisar, but they are not where I start. The Rs 499 face assessment looks at position, volume, skin quality and laxity separately. If threads fit your face and your five-year goal, we write the plan and price down first. If your sagging needs surgery, I will tell you honestly. Read about the Long Game Anti-ageing Plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is a thread lift the same as a non-surgical facelift?
No. A thread lift gives a mild, immediate repositioning of tissue. A surgical facelift repositions deeper layers and removes excess skin, and gives a much more significant change. Experts describe thread lifts as much more subtle. They suit moderate sagging with good skin quality, not heavy jowls or very loose skin.
How long do the results of a thread lift last?
Evidence is limited. Absorbable PDO threads break down over roughly four to eight months. Some longer-lasting suspension threads are said to last a year or two, but there are no controlled studies confirming that. I advise people to expect a modest effect that softens with time, and to see it as one step in a longer plan.
Does a thread lift hurt?
It is done under local anaesthetic, so most people feel pressure and some pulling rather than sharp pain. Afterwards, tenderness for about one to two weeks is common, especially when chewing, yawning or sleeping on the face. Your doctor will suggest pain relief and specific aftercare to follow during that time.
What if I see a dimple or feel a thread?
Temporary dimpling or puckering is a known side effect and often settles in the first weeks. A thread end you can feel, or one that starts to come through the skin, needs a review with your doctor. Do not try to pull or trim it yourself. Most of these issues can be managed in the clinic.
Can I combine threads with fillers or skin tightening?
Often, yes. Threads reposition tissue, fillers restore lost support and energy-based devices work on skin tightening over months. A combined plan, spaced sensibly over time, may suit some faces better than any single treatment. The order and timing should be planned at the assessment, not decided on the day.
Written by
Dr Amit KarkhanisAesthetic Physician · MBBS, Dip. Dermatology (UK) · Reg. No. 2001/02/1124Founder of Dr Tvacha, practising in Thane since 2005. Leads the weight loss and hair programmes.
Sources
- Thread lifts making a comeback, but long-term effects remain unclear (MDedge, 2019)
- The Science and Theory behind Facial Aging (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 2013)
- Noninvasive skin tightening: focus on new ultrasound techniques (Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015)
This article is for general education and does not replace a consultation. Medicines and treatments are prescribed only after a doctor's assessment. Last reviewed 25 October 2026.