Thread Lift Fact Sheet

The objective

A thread lift (or ‘suture’ or ‘contour’ lift) is surgery that offers similar (though not as extensive) results as brow, face or neck lift procedures - aiming to tighten and smooth out ageing, wrinkled or loose skin in the facial areas. It involves different techniques from conventional anti-ageing procedures and offers a less invasive alternative. However, it cannot alter the appearance as dramatically as conventional surgery.

The procedure

The operation is normally carried out under a local anaesthetic and can take 1-2 hours.

The surgeon will use a guide needle and insert it under the skin to pass special ‘barbed’ threads through the dermal fat layer. The barb on the thread will hold the tissue in place and the threads are then pulled upwards and secured with a suture at the end, so tightening the loose skin. The number of threads used depends on the patient’s needs and requirements, and can range from 2-20.

The procedure is minimally invasive and shouldn’t leave any scars.

The outcome

Following surgery, the face may be swollen and bruised for a number of days. There may be some numbness or pain, though this is usually minimal.

Patients must follow protective instructions - such as avoiding too many facial expressions, chewing gum or hard food, facial massage and sleeping on your face - for three weeks after surgery to avoid trauma and disruption which might compromise the lift effect.

You should be able to leave the hospital within a few hours. You can normally return to work after 1-2 days and should avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks. If make-up is worn, this can usually be applied the next day.

After any swelling has eased, the face should appear firmer, less lined, and more ‘youthful’ in appearance. The effects are not permanent but should last for around 5-7 years, depending on the elasticity of the skin.

The risks

All local anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications particular to thread lifts include infection of the thread sites and a loss of facial symmetry or puckering of the skin where the threads are positioned.

Other complications may include being able to feel the threads which can be uncomfortable or can cause irritation. If removal is required because of infection, discomfort or an unsightly appearance, more extensive surgery will be required.

You may be unhappy with the results or hope for more dramatic changes.

The costs

Costs depend on how many threads are used. In the UK, expect to pay from around £1,500 - £3,500. Abroad, expect to pay from around £1,000 (Belgium).

The availability

Thread lift surgery is available at many private cosmetic surgery clinics within the UK and abroad.

The popularity

Thread lift procedures are very popular surgery amongst women and men in their 30s to 50s who want to look younger but do not want invasive cosmetic surgery with a general anaesthetic (and the complications associated). It is most suited to people who have moderate rather than excessive loose or wrinkled skin, or who desire more subtle effects than a conventional face lift would provide. It is not recommended for people with very thin or dry skin.