What is a thread lift

A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive aesthetic procedure in which biodegradable threads made of polydioxanone are inserted beneath the skin to achieve a subtle lifting effect while promoting collagen production. This dual action helps restore firmness and improve skin texture over time, particularly in the midface, lower face, jawline, and under the chin. When performed by a skilled practitioner, the treatment can produce natural-looking, youthful results without the need for surgery.

In some cases, PDO threads are also used in a technique known as a cat eye or fox eye thread lift. This variation is designed to elevate the outer corners of the upper eyelids, creating an elongated eye shape as a nonsurgical alternative to canthoplasty.

Polydioxanone, the material used in these threads, is commonly found in surgical sutures. Due to its polysaccharide composition, some providers refer to this technique informally as a “sugar lift.” Depending on the type of thread, some may be textured with small barbs or cones to help anchor the thread in place and enhance the lifting effect. This design allows the threads to hold tissue in a more elevated position during the healing process. As these threads are gradually absorbed by the body over approximately six months, they stimulate a localized healing response that boosts collagen production and promotes skin tightening.

Often referred to as a “lunchtime facelift,” the PDO thread lift is known for being a quick procedure with minimal downtime compared to traditional facelift surgery. However, despite its non-surgical classification, it carries risks and should not be approached lightly. Complications can occur, and optimal results depend heavily on the experience and technique of the provider.

For safety and effectiveness, the procedure should be performed by a qualified medical professional—preferably a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist—who can assess candidacy, execute the treatment properly, and manage any potential side effects.

How is a thread lift performed

A thread facelift typically takes less than an hour and follows a relatively straightforward technique. The procedure begins with the practitioner marking the planned entry points for thread placement on the skin. To ensure comfort, a topical anesthetic and/or local injection is administered to numb the area. Once numb, the surgeon inserts a long needle or fine cannula—preloaded with the thread—into the skin and guides it beneath the surface. The thread is then pulled tight to create gentle tension and lift the underlying tissue. This step is repeated for each thread, with the number of threads varying depending on the patient’s specific aesthetic goals and the areas being treated. Once the threads are in place, the procedure is complete and most patients are able to resume normal activities and drive themselves home immediately afterward.

How much does a thread lift usually cost

In Australia, a thread lift procedure typically costs between $1,800 AUD and $6,000 AUD, with variations depending on the specific case and requirements. The cost can fluctuate based on the extent of the procedure, the number of threads used, the surgeon's fees, and the facility's charges. Some procedures, like those using PCL-containing threads, may be more expensive due to their durability, which can last up to 2 years. 

In the USA the range for this procedure is between $500 USD - $4400 USD. For more affordable treatments, many patients opt to travel to Mexico where this procedure can range from $250 USD to $1,800 USD, while in Turkey, it typically costs between $650 USD and $3,000. USD. The price variation depends on factors like the specific clinic, the type of threads used, and the area of the face being treated. 

Different types of threads available and their uses

Threads for this cosmetic procedure are typically made from polydioxanone (PDO), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), or polycaprolactone (PCL)—are biodegradable materials that stimulate collagen production while providing structural support. Depending on the type of thread used, the treatment can target a range of aesthetic concerns, including skin laxity, volume loss, and fine lines.

Types of Threads and Their Functions

Mono Threads are smooth and lightweight, primarily used for improving skin texture and overall rejuvenation. They promote collagen synthesis without offering significant lift, making them suitable for fine lines and mild sagging.

Screw or Twisted Threads are coiled to deliver greater volume and a moderate lifting effect. These threads are ideal for patients with deeper wrinkles or more prominent tissue laxity.

Cog or Barbed Threads are equipped with tiny barbs or hooks that latch into the tissue. When pulled tight, they provide a noticeable lift, especially in the midface, jawline, and cheek areas.

Long PDO Threads are barbed threads that extend deeper into the tissue to deliver stronger, more visible lifting results. These are often used to redefine facial contours in the cheeks and along the jawline.

Elasticum Threads are smooth threads known for their elasticity and durability. They offer flexible support and are frequently used in lifting and firming procedures.

Silhouette Soft Threads, composed of PLLA, provide both subtle lift and prolonged stimulation of collagen. These threads typically offer results lasting up to a year.

PDO Mint Threads are a branded form of PDO threads engineered for enhanced tensile strength and lifting capacity. They are commonly used in nose reshaping treatments.

PCL Threads are composed of polycaprolactone, a material that dissolves more slowly than PDO or PLLA. This slower absorption leads to longer-lasting results and is ideal for patients seeking prolonged lift and collagen stimulation.

Common Aesthetic Applications

Thread lifts can serve a variety of aesthetic goals depending on the type and placement of threads. For lifting and tightening, barbed threads such as cog, long PDO, and Elasticum are often chosen to reposition sagging tissues and restore youthful definition. For skin rejuvenation, mono or smooth PDO threads are favored for their ability to enhance skin tone and texture through collagen stimulation.

Threads are also used in targeted volumizing treatments, especially in areas where the face has lost volume due to aging. Twisted or screw threads are effective in plumping these regions. The treatment areas may vary but commonly include the cheeks, jawline, neck, brows, and even off-face areas such as the chest or buttocks, depending on the desired outcome and the thread type.

How to prepare for a thread lift procedure

As a thread lift is noninvasive procedure, there isn't too much in terms of preparation required. A successful treatment starts with scheduling a consultation with a qualified provider to discuss your goals and medical history. Avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and smoking for a few weeks before the procedure, and arrange for someone to drive you home afterwards. On the day of the procedure, arrive with clean, makeup-free skin. 

What are the risks and possible side effects of a thread lift

After a thread lift, it’s common to experience mild and temporary side effects. Bruising and swelling frequently occur and usually resolve within one to two weeks. Some individuals may report mild to moderate discomfort at the insertion or exit points of the threads, which is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Occasionally, threads can migrate from their initial position, leading to visible irregularities or facial asymmetry. In such cases, repositioning or removal may be necessary. Infections, while uncommon, can develop at the insertion sites and may require antibiotic treatment or thread removal if severe. Skin irregularities—such as dimpling, puckering, or visible thread outlines—can arise if threads are placed too close to the surface or if the patient has thin or lax skin. Temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation can also occur in the treated areas.

Less Common but More Serious Risks

In rare cases, more serious complications may develop. Some patients may experience allergic reactions to the thread material. There is also a minimal risk of facial nerve damage, which could lead to temporary or even permanent facial weakness or paralysis. Salivary gland injury is another uncommon risk, as is the development of granulomas—small inflammatory nodules that may form around the threads.

How long is recovery and how soon can you see results from a thread lift

Following a thread lift procedure, patients may notice an immediate improvement in skin tightness and facial contour. However, much of this initial enhancement can be attributed to swelling that occurs as a normal part of the healing process. As the swelling subsides, the true outcome of the treatment begins to emerge. The full benefits of the thread lift become more visible around the one-month mark, with optimal results typically reached within three months. This gradual improvement reflects the natural stimulation of collagen production and tissue remodeling initiated by the threads over time.

How long do results from a thread lift last

The long-term effectiveness of thread lifts continues to generate discussion within the aesthetics community. While many practitioners highlight the collagen-stimulating benefits of polydioxanone (PDO) threads during the six to nine months it takes for them to naturally dissolve, the degree and duration of visible lifting remains modest. Supporters suggest that results may persist for up to a year or longer, particularly when barbed or coned threads are used to enhance tissue anchoring. However, most available evidence—including professional experience and peer-reviewed studies—suggests that thread lifts yield subtle, short-lived results. The initial lift often diminishes within six months, largely due to the mechanical limitations of threads compared to the structural changes achievable with surgical facelifts. A 2018 study in Aesthetic Surgery Journal reported noticeable but temporary improvements using barbed threads, with results largely fading by the one-year mark. Similar conclusions were drawn in a broader review of thread lift literature published the same year, which found limited durability in nearly all studies analyzed—apart from two industry-sponsored reports. More recently, a 2023 literature review noted a lack of rigorous clinical research supporting PDO thread use for facial rejuvenation, pointing to significant gaps both in procedural methodology and in the tools used to assess treatment outcomes. As such, while thread lifts may offer short-term enhancement, their long-term reliability remains uncertain and should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified provider.