Thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to lift and rejuvenate sagging or aging facial and neck skin. Unlike traditional facelift surgeries that involve extensive incisions and downtime, Thread Lift offers a non-surgical solution for individuals seeking facial rejuvenation.

This innovative technique utilizes dissolvable sutures or threads inserted under the skin to lift and tighten specific areas of the face.

Thread lift uses advanced Micro-Suspension Technology to give uplifting results. Threads have become a popular non-surgical alternative for lifting and tightening the skin. They not only work by physically lifting sagging skin but also by stimulating the body’s natural healing response. The increased collagen production achieved with this treatment not only helps to lift and tighten the skin but also combats the signs of aging by rejuvenating your skin from within.

One of the significant advantages of Thread Lift is its minimal invasiveness. The procedure is typically performed in a clinic setting under local anesthesia, and you can resume your normal activities relatively quickly after the treatment.

Additionally, Thread lift results in less bruising and swelling compared to traditional facelift surgeries, making it a popular choice for individuals who want to achieve a more youthful appearance without the extended recovery period.

Thread lift is suitable for individuals experiencing mild to moderate signs of aging and seeking subtle improvements in facial contour and firmness. However, it’s essential for patients considering Thread Lift to consult with a qualified and experienced practitioner.

A skilled professional can assess the patient’s specific concerns, discuss realistic expectations, and create a personalized treatment plan to achieve the desired results.

Thread Lift can be suitable for individuals in their late 30s to early 50sexperiencing mild to moderate signs of facial aging and seeking non-surgical solutions for facial rejuvenation. People with the following concerns may be candidates for the Thread Lift procedure:

Mild to moderate skin laxity: Thread Lift is effective for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity, particularly in areas such as the cheeks, jowls, and neck. It can help lift and tighten sagging skin, providing a more youthful appearance.

Fine lines and wrinkles: Thread Lift can be used to target fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. By lifting and tightening the skin, Thread Lift can reduce the appearance of these lines.

Facial sagging: Individuals experiencing sagging in the midface, lower face, or neck can benefit from Thread Lift. The procedure can help reposition sagging tissues, restoring a more youthful facial contour.

Nasolabial folds: Thread Lift can address nasolabial folds, which are the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. By lifting the skin in this area, Thread Lift can soften the appearance of these folds.

Jowls: Thread Lift can lift and tighten the skin in the jowl area, reducing the prominence of jowls and restoring a more defined jawline.

Facial volume loss: While not a replacement for dermal fillers, Thread Lift can provide subtle volume enhancement by lifting sagging skin, which can improve the appearance of areas affected by volume loss.

Yes, like any cosmetic procedure, Thread Lift can have potential side effects. While many patients do not experience severe side effects, it’s essential to be aware of the possible reactions that can occur. These side effects are usually temporary and subside within a few days to a couple of weeks.

Common side effects of Thread Lift may include:

1. Swelling: Mild to moderate swelling at the treatment site is common and typically subsides within a few days. Keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling.
2. Bruising: Bruising at the insertion points of the threads is a common side effect. The bruising usually resolves within a week or two. Avoiding blood-thinning medications and supplements before the procedure can help minimize bruising.
3. Discomfort or pain: Some patients may experience mild discomfort, tenderness, or pain at the insertion points. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage these symptoms.
4. Redness: Temporary redness or skin irritation at the insertion sites can occur. This usually resolves on its own within a few days.
5. Numbness or tingling: Patients might experience numbness or tingling sensations in the treated area, which typically resolve as the skin heals.
6. Visible or palpable threads: In some cases, patients might be able to feel the threads under the skin, especially during the initial healing period. Visible threads are rare but can occur. These issues can often be adjusted or corrected by the practitioner.
7. Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the insertion points. Signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If these symptoms occur, it’s crucial to contact the healthcare provider promptly.
8. Uneven results: Achieving perfect symmetry is challenging, and minor asymmetry might occur. Skilled practitioners aim for natural-looking results, but slight unevenness can happen.
9. Allergic reactions: Although rare, some individuals might have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the threads. It’s essential for patients to disclose any known allergies to the practitioner before the procedure.
10. Puckering or dimpling: In some cases, the skin might appear slightly puckered or dimpled at the insertion points. This is usually temporary and resolves as the threads settle.

Threads lift and stimulate collagen for skin tightening

The Thread Lift procedure involves the insertion of dissolvable threads under the skin. These threads, often made of materials like polydioxanone (PDO), have tiny barbs or cones that grip the skin.

A practitioner inserts the threads into the subcutaneous tissue of the skin using thin needles or cannulas. The threads are strategically placed to target specific areas of sagging or aging.

The threads have barbs or cones that grasp the skin, allowing the practitioner to gently lift and reposition sagging skin tissues. This immediate lifting effect provides visible results during the procedure itself.

Over time, the presence of threads under the skin stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing response. This response includes increased collagen production, a vital protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness.

As collagen production increases, the skin gradually tightens and becomes more supple. This natural skin rejuvenation process occurs as the body generates new collagen around the threads, enhancing skin texture and tone.

The new collagen fibers continue to support the skin even after the threads have dissolved. This ongoing collagen renewal sustains the improved skin tightness and firmness, providing long-term results.

Thread Lift mechanism involves immediate lifting and repositioning of sagging skin, followed by the stimulation of collagen production. This dual action results in visible improvements in skin tightness, texture, and overall facial rejuvenation, with the effects becoming more pronounced over time as the body naturally produces new collagen.

Silhouette Instalift is a dual cosmetic rejuvenation procedure for your face and focuses, primarily, on the mid-face area to your jawline with the help of a thread lift. This non-surgical procedure tightens the skin while stimulating fibroblast activation that generates proteins for your skin to recover. It also produces collagen that is known for naturally enhancing your skin without making it look artificial.

The process uses a thread lift, or the suture lift, to sculpt and lift the shape of your face. The thread used has the addition of bidirectional cones (superior and inferior cones). These cones allow for easier tissue fixation to the thread, lifting the deepest layer of the skin and providing more noticeable results.

The superior cone is responsible for immobile tissue on your cheekbones or the jawline. While the inferior cones suspend the mobile tissues of your face and give you an instant facelift. In addition, a thread lift rejuvenates your skin without making it look artificial.

The procedure is done under local anesthesia and is pain-free. However, you may feel slight discomfort during the process, which is absolutely normal.

Silhouette Instalift procedure uses a micro-suspension technology (also referred to as MST) that produces natural collagen to boost the natural volume of your face and therefore reduce the appearance of sagging skin.

1. The patient’s face or neck area is marked with the entry and exit points for the bio-degradable thread.
2. The area is then cleansed with a sterile solution.
3. Once the points are marked, the patient is given a local anesthetic. Lidocaine/epinephrine (2%) is then injected usually measuring around 18 G.
4. Sutures are then placed at the marked points. You will not experience any harsh strokes on your face, only gentle pull strokes. The process is repeated after all the required sutures are placed. This process usually takes up to 45 minutes.
5. Once completed, the patient may check their facial symmetry and request any needed adjustments.
6. If satisfied with the tissue repositioning, the sutures are cut at the surface and trimmed properly.
7. With upward strokes, the patient’s skin is cleaned thoroughly.

Wanting to look youthful as you naturally age is a goal that many of us strive for.

The early signs of aging begin with wrinkles around the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth. The Silhouette Instalift procedure makes aging gracefully a reality. This minimally invasive procedure gives immediate results without pursuing surgical options.

Sounds exciting, right? It is! Let’s take a closer look.

1. The patient’s face or neck area is marked with the entry and exit points for the bio-degradable thread.
2. The area is then cleansed with a sterile solution.
3. Once the points are marked, the patient is given a local anesthetic. Lidocaine/epinephrine (2%) is then injected that usually measuring around 18 G.
4. Sutures are then placed at the marked points. You will not experience any harsh strokes on your face, only gentle pull strokes. The process is repeated after all the required sutures are placed. This process usually takes up to 45 minutes.
5. Once completed, the patient may check their facial symmetry and request any needed adjustments.
6. If satisfied with the tissue repositioning, the sutures are cut at the surface and trimmed properly.
7. With upward strokes, the patient’s skin is cleaned thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

During a Thread Lift procedure, you can expect the following steps:

1. Consultation and evaluation: Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with your practitioner. They will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your concerns, and evaluate your suitability for the treatment. This consultation is crucial to determine the areas to be treated and the number of threads needed.
2. Preparation: On the day of the procedure, the treatment area will be cleansed, and local anesthesia will be applied to numb the area. The anesthesia ensures you are comfortable and minimizes any potential discomfort during the procedure.
3. Insertion of threads: The practitioner will use a thin needle or cannula to insert the threads into the subcutaneous tissue of the skin. The threads have small barbs or cones that grip the skin, allowing them to be gently pulled to lift and reposition the sagging skin. The number of threads used depends on the treatment plan and the specific areas being targeted.
4. Lifting and positioning: Once the threads are inserted, the practitioner will gently lift and position the skin to achieve the desired results. The threads provide immediate support, lifting sagging tissues and improving facial contour.
5. Completion: Once the threads are in place and the desired lift is achieved, the procedure is complete. The insertion points are usually very small and may not require stitches. Your practitioner might apply a topical antiseptic or antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

The level of pain experienced during a Thread Lift procedure can vary from person to person. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the treatment area, which helps minimize discomfort during the insertion of threads.

While some patients may feel a slight pulling or tugging sensation, it is generally well-tolerated.

After the procedure, mild discomfort or tenderness at the insertion points is common. Practitioners often recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any post-procedure discomfort. Overall, while some discomfort is expected, the use of anesthesia and pain management techniques helps make the procedure relatively tolerable for most individuals.

On average, results last up to 2 years. It’s essential to note that individual factors, such as aging, lifestyle, and skin quality, influence how long the results last. Regular maintenance sessions can prolong the effects and ensure continued skin improvement.

Consulting with a qualified practitioner can provide personalized information about the expected duration of Thread Lift results based on individual circumstances.

Yes, there is scientific research conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of thread-lift procedures. Researchers have examined various types of threads, techniques, and areas of application.

While many studies report positive outcomes and patient satisfaction, it’s important to note that the results can vary based on the skill of the practitioner, the type of threads used, and individual patient factors.

Additional studies are needed to better evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of this procedure (Abeer et al., 2019, Haepas et al., 2020).

Abeer A. Hodeib, & Dalia I. Abada (2019). Assessment of Efficacy and Safety of Thread Lift in Mid Face. The Medical Journal of Cairo University, 87(June), 2621-2629. doi: 10.21608/mjcu.2019.54880

Halepas, S., Chen, X. J., &Ferneini, E. M. (2020). Thread-Lift Sutures: Anatomy, Technique, and Review of Current Literature. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 78(5), 813-820. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2019.11.011

Healthline. (Apr 3, 2023). Thread Lift: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/thread-lift#how-it-works (Accessed Oct 23, 2023).

Cleveland Clinic. (Jan 7, 2023). Thread Lift: What to Expect. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24581-thread-lift#recovery-and-outlook (Accessed Oct 23, 2023).

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Thread Lift. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thread-lift (Accessed Oct 23, 2023).