Thread Lift Procedures

What Is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that lifts and repositions sagging facial tissue using specialized dissolvable sutures placed beneath the skin. Often described as a "lunchtime facelift," it offers a middle ground between injectable treatments (which add volume but do not lift) and surgical facelifts (which provide dramatic lifting but require significant downtime and recovery).

The appeal of thread lifting lies in its ability to produce visible lifting and tightening with minimal downtime, local anesthesia, and results that improve over time as the threads stimulate your body's own collagen production. For patients who are not ready for surgery but want more than what Botox and fillers can achieve, thread lifts fill an important gap in the treatment spectrum.

At Allure MD in Newport Beach, thread lift procedures are performed by Dr. James Rosing, whose surgical training and deep understanding of facial anatomy allow him to place threads with the precision needed for safe, natural-looking results.

How Thread Lifts Work

Thread lift procedures use biocompatible, dissolvable sutures — thin threads made from materials that the body safely absorbs over time. These threads are inserted beneath the skin using fine needles or cannulas, then carefully positioned and anchored to lift the targeted tissue upward and backward into a more youthful position.

The lifting effect comes from two distinct mechanisms:

Immediate mechanical lift. The threads have small barbs, cones, or cogs along their length that grip the underlying tissue. When the thread is gently pulled and secured, it physically repositions the sagging tissue, creating an immediate lifting effect that is visible as soon as the procedure is complete.

Delayed collagen stimulation. As the body recognizes the presence of the threads, it initiates a controlled healing response around them. This process generates new collagen — the structural protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. Over the following weeks and months, this new collagen scaffolding provides additional support and tightening that persists even after the threads themselves have dissolved. This is why thread lift results often look better at three months than they do immediately after the procedure.

Thread Materials

The most commonly used thread materials include:

• PDO (Polydioxanone) — A well-established surgical suture material used for decades in cardiac and orthopedic surgery. PDO threads dissolve over approximately 6 months and stimulate significant collagen production. They are available in smooth, twisted, and barbed configurations.

• PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) — The same biocompatible material used in Sculptra, a well-known collagen-stimulating filler. PLLA threads dissolve over 12 to 18 months and are known for robust, long-lasting collagen stimulation.

• PCL (Polycaprolactone) — A slower-dissolving material that can persist for up to 24 months, providing the longest duration of mechanical support and collagen stimulation among common thread types.

The choice of thread material, type (smooth vs. barbed), and configuration depends on the treatment area, the degree of lifting needed, and the patient's specific anatomy.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Thread lifts are best suited for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want noticeable improvement without the commitment of surgical intervention. The ideal candidate typically:

• Is between 30 and 65 years old, though the procedure can benefit patients outside this range in certain situations
• Has mild to moderate sagging in the midface, jowls, brow, or neck
• Has reasonable skin thickness and quality (very thin skin may show the threads, while very thick skin may be difficult to lift adequately)
• Is in good general health without conditions that impair wound healing
• Has realistic expectations — thread lifts produce meaningful improvement but do not replicate the results of a surgical facelift
• Wants to avoid or postpone surgical intervention

Thread lifts are not the right choice for patients with significant skin excess, heavy jowling, deep neck banding, or severe facial volume loss. In these cases, a surgical facelift — potentially combined with fat transfer or other procedures — will produce a more satisfactory result. During your consultation, Dr. Rosing will honestly assess whether a thread lift can achieve your goals or whether a different approach would serve you better.

Thread lifts can also be an excellent complement to other treatments. Many patients combine thread lifting with dermal fillers (for volume restoration), Botox (for dynamic wrinkles), or skin tightening treatments (for texture improvement) to achieve a comprehensive, non-surgical rejuvenation.

Common Treatment Areas

Thread lifts can address sagging and laxity in several areas of the face and neck:

Midface and cheeks — One of the most popular applications. Threads are placed to lift descended cheek tissue back toward the cheekbone, restoring the youthful cheek contour and reducing the appearance of nasolabial folds (the lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth).

Jowls and jawline — Barbed threads can redefine the jawline by lifting jowl tissue upward and backward, restoring a cleaner, more defined jaw contour. This is often one of the first areas where patients notice age-related changes.

Brow — A thread brow lift can elevate a drooping brow without the incisions of a surgical brow lift. This opens the eye area and reduces hooding of the upper eyelid.

Neck — Threads placed along the neck can address mild vertical banding and horizontal lines, creating a smoother, more youthful neck contour.

Lower face — Marionette lines (the lines running from the corners of the mouth downward) can be softened by lifting the tissue on either side of the chin.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A thread lift is performed in-office under local anesthesia, typically in 45 minutes to an hour depending on the number of areas treated.

Before the procedure, the treatment areas are marked while you are sitting upright, with careful attention to facial symmetry and the direction of lift. Local anesthetic is injected along the planned thread insertion paths to ensure comfort.

During the procedure, the threads are introduced through tiny entry points (often at the hairline or behind the ear for facial lifting) using a thin needle or blunt cannula. The barbed threads are guided beneath the skin along the planned trajectory, positioned at the correct depth within the subcutaneous tissue layer. Once in position, the thread is gently pulled to engage the barbs and lift the tissue. Your provider adjusts the tension to achieve natural, symmetrical lifting without an overdone or pulled appearance.

Most patients feel pressure and tugging during the procedure but minimal pain thanks to the local anesthetic. The entry points are tiny — typically no larger than a needle puncture — and usually do not require sutures to close.

Immediately after, you can see the lifting effect, though some initial swelling may temporarily obscure the full result. The entry points are covered with small adhesive strips, and you can typically return home within minutes of the procedure being completed.

Recovery and Aftercare

One of the key advantages of thread lifting is the minimal recovery period compared to surgical alternatives.

Days 1-3: Expect mild swelling, tenderness, and possible bruising along the thread paths. Some patients notice a slight pulling or tightness sensation, which is normal. Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated. Avoid excessive facial movements — no wide yawning, aggressive chewing, or vigorous facial expressions.

Days 3-7: Swelling and bruising begin to resolve. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 3 to 5 days, though some residual swelling may persist. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and facial massages.

Weeks 2-4: Most swelling has resolved. The initial lifting result has settled into a natural position. You can gradually resume all normal activities including exercise.

Months 1-6: Collagen stimulation continues to improve results. Many patients report that their lifting looks better at the 2-3 month mark than it did initially, as the new collagen provides additional structural support.

Aftercare guidelines include avoiding rubbing or pressing on the treated areas for the first two weeks, sleeping on your back, avoiding high-impact exercise for 7 to 10 days, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled.

How Long Do Results Last?

Thread lift results typically last 1 to 3 years, depending on the type of thread used, the treatment area, the patient's age, skin quality, and lifestyle factors. The timeline breaks down as follows:

• Immediate lift from the physical repositioning of tissue is visible right away
• Peak improvement occurs around 2 to 3 months as collagen stimulation adds to the lifting effect
• Sustained results continue for 12 to 24 months for PDO threads and potentially longer for PLLA or PCL threads
• Gradual softening occurs as the threads dissolve and the collagen matrix slowly remodels, though the skin does not return to its pre-treatment state — there is lasting improvement from the collagen that was produced

Many patients choose to have maintenance thread lifts at intervals of 12 to 18 months to sustain and build upon their results. Because the procedure is minimally invasive with quick recovery, this maintenance approach is practical and well-tolerated.

Thread Lifts vs. Surgical Facelifts

Thread lifts and surgical facelifts serve different patient populations and goals. Understanding the distinction helps you choose the right procedure.

| Feature | Thread Lift | Surgical Facelift | |---|---|---| | Anesthesia | Local | General or IV sedation | | Procedure time | 45-60 minutes | 3-5 hours | | Downtime | 3-5 days | 2-4 weeks | | Best for | Mild to moderate laxity | Moderate to severe laxity | | Results duration | 1-3 years | 7-10+ years | | Scarring | Virtually none | Behind ears and hairline | | Lifting power | Moderate | Significant | | Cost | Lower | Higher |

For many patients, thread lifts serve as either a bridge to eventual surgery or as a long-term maintenance strategy. Some patients start with thread lifts in their 40s and transition to surgical options later, while others find that regular thread maintenance meets their needs indefinitely.

Why Choose Allure MD for Thread Lift Procedures

The safety and effectiveness of a thread lift depend entirely on the skill of the provider. Improper thread placement can result in asymmetry, visible threads, dimpling, or inadequate lifting. Because the face contains critical nerves and blood vessels at various depths, understanding the anatomy of each treatment zone is essential.

Dr. Rosing is a Stanford-trained, FACS-certified plastic surgeon with over 14 years of experience in facial procedures — both surgical and non-surgical. His surgical background gives him a level of anatomical understanding that is critical for safe, effective thread placement. He evaluates every patient honestly, recommending thread lifting only when it can achieve meaningful results, and advising surgical options when a thread lift would fall short of expectations.

At Allure MD in Newport Beach, thread lift consultations are thorough and individualized. You will receive an honest assessment of what thread lifting can accomplish for your specific concerns, along with a clear explanation of the procedure, expected results, and alternatives.

To learn more about thread lift procedures or to schedule a consultation, contact Allure MD at (949) 706-7874.