Thread Lift Benefits and Complications

A cheek that has settled a little lower or a jawline that looks less defined is the kind of small change that can send a person looking for a thread lift.

A thread lift sits between doing nothing and a facelift. The sections below cover what it is, the benefits, who it suits, how long it lasts, the complications and the recovery. Benefits and complications are kept together so neither is read alone.

What a thread lift is

Cleveland Clinic says that unlike a facelift, a thread lift is a nonsurgical procedure that creates subtle changes, and that it is often called a "lunchtime facelift" because it is such a quick procedure with minimal downtime.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes it as a minimally invasive procedure that works by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin to produce healthier, firmer skin. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also says it can mechanically lift tissues where the barbed sutures are placed. The society's page on thread lifts describes the procedure from the surgeon's side.

The benefits

Cleveland Clinic lists the benefits this way: it is a low-risk procedure, so most adults can have it, the threads stimulate the production of collagen and naturally improve skin elasticity, recovery is quick so you can return to your activities right away, and the plastic surgeon can remove the threads if you do not like your results.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says a thread lift offers immediate results without the downtime or scarring that occurs with a surgical facelift procedure.

"Immediate" and "low-risk" are strong words, and they are the descriptions of a hospital and a surgeons' society. Ask the clinician how they apply to your face, and ask what "subtle" will look like on you.

Who it suits

Cleveland Clinic says a thread lift is generally best for people who are experiencing early signs of aging and are in their late 30s to early 50s.

Cleveland Clinic adds that because a thread lift is a low-risk procedure, it is a good option for people with certain conditions who cannot have a traditional facelift, and says you can have a thread lift even if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.

"Early signs" matches the small change that started the search. If your concern is larger, ask whether a thread lift can address it or whether you are asking it to do a facelift's job. If a health condition is part of your situation, tell the clinician and ask them to confirm the answer for you.

How long it lasts

Cleveland Clinic says results from a thread lift are temporary, lasting from one to three years, and that over time the threads dissolve and your body absorbs them. Cleveland Clinic adds that if you like your results, you can have another thread lift procedure.

Temporary results turn one procedure into a recurring decision. Ask what a repeat would cost and how the clinic decides when it is time.

Complications to know about

Cleveland Clinic says thread lift complications tend to be uncommon and can include allergic reactions, bleeding, infection, and pulling or lumpiness.

Pulling and lumpiness are the smallest of the four and the easiest to dismiss. Ask what is normal in the first days and what is not, so you know which to report. Cleveland Clinic's page on what to expect, benefits and complications of a thread lift lists them alongside the benefits.

Recovery and signs to call about

Cleveland Clinic says that after a thread lift you may have some swelling and bruising for up to five days, and that most people can return to work immediately. Cleveland Clinic adds that your plastic surgeon may recommend waiting two weeks before resuming vigorous exercise or any other activity that may loosen the threads.

Cleveland Clinic says to call your healthcare provider right away if you have signs of infection, which include a fever, a headache that won't go away, or swelling that lasts longer than 48 hours.

Read those two statements together. Swelling for up to five days is described as something you may have, while swelling that lasts longer than 48 hours appears on the list of infection signs. Ask the clinician which applies to you and how to tell the difference, and get the answer in writing.

Weighing benefits and complications

A thread lift fits a small, early change and accepts temporary results. Weigh the benefits and the complications together, and from more than one source. The dermatology society's page on non-invasive skin tightening treatments lists other tightening options to compare.

Write your questions down before the consultation, and treat vague answers as information.