Thread Lifts
What is thread lift? What problems can it solve? Are there any side effects?
Thread lift is a lifting procedure that shows immediate results after the procedure, making it more prominent than other lifting procedures. The doctor has collected detailed information on thread lift, including some topics that many people don’t talk about. The main problems that thread can solve.
What face shapes are suitable for thread lifts? What face shapes are not suitable for thread lifts? What type of thread is the best? What problems might we encounter after thread lifts?
What is a thread lift?
Thread lifting is a non-surgical procedure that lifts and tightens sagging skin while stimulating collagen production. It involves inserting barbed threads under the skin in areas with skin laxity, then pulling them to achieve a lifting effect. Among non-surgical procedures, thread lifting provides one of the most significant lifting effects, with immediate visible results after the treatment.
The threads used are biodegradable and absorbable, meaning they naturally dissolve over time without leaving any residue in the body. However, for optimal results and safety, it is essential to have the procedure performed by an experienced doctor.
What Can Thread Lifting Help With?
Thread lifting is a procedure primarily designed to lift and tighten sagging skin, delivering immediate results after the treatment. It effectively corrects skin laxity, enhances firmness, and stimulates collagen production, making it a popular choice for addressing various concerns, including:
- Thread Lift for V-Shaped Face
- Thread Lift for Cheek Lifting
- Thread Lift for Nasolabial Folds
- Thread Lift for Lip Corner Lift
- Thread Lift for Fox Eye Lift
- Thread Lift for Double Chin Reduction
- Thread Lift for Nose Contouring
- Collagen-Stimulating Thread Lift
- Thread Lift for Buttock Firming
- Thread Lift for Breast Lift
Types of Thread Lifting: What Are the Differences?
There are many types of threads with various names, which can often lead to confusion about what they actually are. To make it easier to understand, doctors typically classify thread lifts into two main categories, which will be explained in detail below.
Lifting Threads
Lifting threads, also known as barbed threads, work by anchoring to the skin in sagging areas and pulling it upwards to create a lifting and tightening effect. These threads come in different designs, which impact their effectiveness and suitability for various concerns. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the specific problem being addressed.
Types of Lifting Threads in the Market
Currently, the market offers a variety of lifting threads under different names. To simplify understanding, these can be divided into two main groups:
- Marketing-Based Thread Names
These are custom names created by clinics for marketing purposes, such as Tornado Threads, Fishbone Threads, and Lock Threads. The downside of these names is that patients may not know the exact brand or type of thread being used. Additionally, the same name may refer to different threads at different clinics, leading to confusion about the actual product being used. - Brand-Name Threads Approved by Regulatory Authorities
These threads are categorized based on their actual brand name, such as Mint Threads (Mint) and Tesslift Mesh Threads (Tesslift). The advantage of this group is transparency, as patients can easily verify the exact type of thread being used in their procedure.
Collagen-Stimulating Threads
Collagen-stimulating threads are smooth, non-barbed threads that require multiple insertions typically at least 40-50 threads—to achieve noticeable results. Each thread is as thin as a strand of hair and is inserted into the superficial layers of the skin, unlike barbed threads that go deeper.
These threads are woven in a mesh-like pattern to stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer, tighter skin with a slight lifting effect. However, they do not provide the same degree of skin repositioning or lifting as barbed threads.
How Many Threads Are Needed for Each Concern?
One key factor in achieving long-lasting results from thread lifting is using the right number of threads—not too few and not excessive. The doctor will explain approximately how many threads are typically required per side of the face to address different concerns.One key factor in achieving long-lasting results from thread lifting is using the right number of threads—not too few and not excessive. The doctor will explain approximately how many threads are typically required per side of the face to address different concerns.
How Many Threads Are Needed for Each Concern?
One crucial factor in ensuring long-lasting results from thread lifting is using the appropriate number of threads neither too few nor too many for the specific concern being treated.
Important!
The number of threads mentioned is an approximate estimate and should be adjusted based on the type of threads used and the individual’s facial structure and concerns.
Is Thread Lifting Dangerous?
Thread lifting can pose risks or cause side effects such as facial twitching, numbness, or drooping of the mouth corners if low-quality, non-standardized threads are used, if the procedure is performed by an inexperienced doctor, or if thread lifting is used on a face that is not suitable for the procedure.
Who Is Not Suitable for Thread Lifting?
Thread lifting is a procedure that provides immediate skin-tightening results, making it stand out from other lifting treatments. However, some individuals may not be suitable candidates for thread lifting, as the procedure might lead to unsatisfactory results or potential risks, including:
- Active skin infection or inflammation at the thread insertion site
- Previous injection of liquid fillers in the area where threads will be placed
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Excess facial fat accumulation
- Enlarged masseter muscles (strong jawline muscles)
- Sunken cheeks, very slim face, lack of facial fat, or thin skin
These are only general recommendations. The best way to determine whether thread lifting is suitable for you is through an in-person assessment by a doctor. In some cases, alternative treatments like fillers or Botox may be more appropriate.
Side Effects After Thread Lifting
The side effects of thread lifting can be categorized into two types as follows:
Common Side Effects
These are normal side effects that may occur after the procedure but typically resolve on their own. With proper aftercare, recovery can be faster. If you experience any of the following after thread lifting, there’s no need to worry.
- Swelling along the thread insertion lines
- Bruising or discoloration
- Numbness, asymmetry (such as uneven lips, drooping eyebrows, or difficulty fully closing the eyes) due to anesthesia effects (resolves completely within 4-6 hours after the procedure)
- Thread tension marks
- Difficulty opening the mouth, tightness, or tenderness under the skin
Unusual Side Effects
The following side effects should not occur after a thread lift. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately for proper treatment.
- Swelling, redness, warmth, and pain with signs of infection
- Significant swelling on one side of the face, with a hard, painful lump caused by a hematoma (blood clot) under the skin
- Swelling after meals due to damage to the salivary gland
- Facial asymmetry, numbness, or twitching even after the anesthesia has worn off, caused by nerve injury
- Sharp pain when touching the face
- Threads becoming visible on the surface of the skin
- Threads protruding into the oral cavity
When Does Swelling Go Away After Thread Lifting?
- Days 3-7 Post-Procedure:
Swelling is at its peak during the first 3-7 days due to the inflammatory response under the skin. After this period, swelling, tenderness, and soreness will gradually subside.
- 2 Weeks Post-Procedure:
The face will start settling into its new shape. Some mild swelling or tenderness may still be present, especially around the cheekbones. Any lumpiness or firmness along the threads will begin to reduce.
4 Weeks Post-Procedure:
By this time, the face will be almost fully settled (nearly 100%), with no remaining visible swelling or pain. Some tightness may still be felt, but the skin will continue to tighten and firm up over the next few weeks, reaching optimal results around 12 weeks after the procedure.
Dr Donna
The Founder and CEO of MedConsult Clinic, Dr Donna is also the Medical Director. She is always available in the clinic for consultations and oversees the entire medical team. She has over 35 years of experience and has spent the last 25 years practicing in Thailand. She maintains excellent relationships with the top medical specialists in Thailand. She is fully bilingual and holds the Thai Medical Licences and the UK Medical Licenses. Patients often commend Dr Donna’s ability to diagnose the most complex on-going issues and appreciate her friendly, warming and caring bedside manner.