What is a thread lift?

What happens, step by step

The doctor marks the entry points and gives local anaesthetic. Threads are then introduced through a fine needle or cannula along planned vectors and drawn gently to reposition the tissue. The lifting effect is visible during the procedure itself. The appointment is typically under an hour.

Nothing needs removing afterwards — the threads are absorbable and dissolve on their own.

What the threads are made of

PDO — polydioxanone — is the material most commonly used. It has been used for surgical stitches for decades and dissolves over roughly six months. The collagen laid down along the thread's path is what carries the result once the thread itself has gone. PLLA and PCL are longer-lasting absorbable alternatives.

Mono, cog and screw threads

They are not interchangeable, and the choice is part of the planning:

• Mono threads are smooth, with no barbs. They do not lift much on their own; they are used to stimulate collagen and firm an area.
• Cog threads (also called barbed threads) carry tiny barbs that grip the tissue. These are the lifting threads.
• Screw threads are twisted around the needle and used to add support and volume-like fullness in a specific spot.

A plan often uses more than one type in the same session.

How it differs from a facelift

A surgical facelift removes and repositions tissue under general anaesthetic and gives a large, long-lasting change with weeks of recovery. A thread lift gives a modest, temporary lift under local anaesthetic with days of recovery. They are not competing versions of the same thing, and the honest answer to "which do I need" depends on how much laxity you actually have.

How long it lasts

Generally several months to around a year, depending on the thread type, the area, your skin and your age. The collagen stimulated along the way can outlast the threads.

Is it right for you

Threads suit mild to moderate laxity where skin quality is still reasonable. Where the problem is lost volume rather than descent, fillers are the better tool; where it is skin tightening without anything placed under the skin, HIFU is worth discussing.

See what a thread lift achieves and the full thread lift page. Consultation ₹500, waived against treatment.