A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses dissolvable sutures with tiny cones or barbs to lift and reposition sagging facial tissue, providing a subtle lifting effect and stimulating collagen production. Often marketed as a 'lunchtime facelift', thread lifts offer facial rejuvenation with less downtime and lower cost than surgical facelifts, though results are more subtle and temporary. How thread lifts work involves thin threads made from biocompatible materials being inserted under the skin using fine needles or cannulas; the threads have small cones, barbs or cogs that anchor into tissue; the practitioner pulls the threads to lift and reposition sagging skin; the threads provide immediate mechanical lift; and over time, they stimulate collagen production around them before dissolving. Types of threads include PDO (polydioxanone) threads, which are the most common, smooth or barbed, lasting 6 to 12 months; PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) threads stimulating more collagen and lasting 12 to 18 months; and PCL (polycaprolactone) threads being the longest-lasting at 18 to 24 months. Thread lifts can effectively treat mild to moderate facial sagging; jowls and loss of jawline definition; sagging cheeks and midface; brow drooping; neck laxity; nasolabial folds and marionette lines; and overall facial contours requiring subtle lifting. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes performed under local anaesthesia, involves minimal downtime with most people returning to activities within days, and provides both immediate lifting from thread placement and progressive improvement over months as collagen develops around the threads.

In London the price of Thread Lifts typically ranges from around £480 to £3600. Local variation comes from the area treated, the number and type of threads used, treatment complexity and whether a course or single session is recommended, plus practitioner experience and clinic standards. If you want to know how much Thread Lifts costs in London or the price of Thread Lifts in London, request a consultation so clinics can give a personalised cost estimate. You can find the exact, up-to-date price for this treatment in the catalogue

Thread lift results typically last 12 to 18 months, with longevity depending on the type of threads used, the area treated, individual factors and the natural ageing process. While the threads themselves dissolve over time, the collagen stimulated by their presence can provide lasting improvement beyond the threads' physical duration. Duration by thread type shows PDO threads lasting 6 to 12 months as they dissolve; PLLA threads lasting 12 to 18 months with more collagen stimulation; and PCL threads lasting 18 to 24 months as the longest-lasting option. The results timeline shows immediate lifting effect visible after treatment; some swelling affecting appearance for the first week; optimal results at 2 to 4 weeks once swelling resolves; continued improvement over 2 to 6 months as collagen forms; maintained results for 6 to 12 months typically; and gradual softening as threads dissolve and effects diminish. Why duration is limited relates to threads being designed to dissolve over time; natural ageing continuing regardless of treatment; gravity continuing to affect facial tissues; and the lifting effect being mechanical rather than permanent structural change. Factors affecting how long thread lifts last include the type and number of threads used; your age and skin quality; lifestyle factors including sun exposure and smoking; facial expressions and movement in treated areas; individual healing and collagen production; and overall skin elasticity and thickness. To maximise longevity of results, follow all aftercare instructions carefully; avoid excessive facial movement initially; protect skin from sun damage with daily SPF; maintain healthy lifestyle supporting collagen; avoid smoking which accelerates breakdown; and consider maintenance treatments before results fully fade. Maintenance protocols typically involve repeat treatments every 12 to 18 months; some people needing more frequent touch-ups; and the procedure being repeatable when effects diminish. Compared to surgical facelift lasting 5 to 10+ years, thread lifts provide temporary improvement, but with significantly less cost, risk and recovery time.

PDO thread lift is a specific type of thread lift using threads made from polydioxanone (PDO), a biocompatible material that has been safely used in surgery for decades. PDO threads are the most commonly used threads for non-surgical facelifts due to their proven safety record and effectiveness. What PDO is involves polydioxanone being a synthetic absorbable polymer; it has been used in surgical sutures since the 1980s; it is fully biocompatible and safely absorbed by the body; it dissolves naturally over 6 to 9 months; and it stimulates collagen production as it breaks down. Types of PDO threads include smooth or mono threads being thin, smooth threads that primarily stimulate collagen with minimal lifting; barbed or cog threads having tiny barbs that grip tissue providing mechanical lift; and screw or twisted threads being PDO filaments twisted together for volumising effects. How PDO thread lifts work involves PDO threads being inserted under the skin with fine needles; barbed threads anchoring into tissue to lift sagging areas; the threads providing immediate mechanical support and lift; tissue naturally adhering to the threads; and collagen forming around the threads over weeks to months. The collagen stimulation process shows PDO triggering foreign body response; fibroblasts surrounding the threads; new collagen production being stimulated; and collagen continuing to develop even after threads dissolve. PDO thread lift benefits include immediate lifting effect from thread placement; progressive improvement as collagen develops; minimal downtime compared to surgery; procedure taking 30 to 60 minutes; local anaesthesia only required; and results lasting 12 to 18 months typically. Common treatment areas include jowls and jawline for definition; midface and cheeks for lifting; brow area for subtle elevation; neck for tightening; and nasolabial folds and marionette lines. PDO threads are considered the gold standard for thread lifts due to their extensive safety data, predictable results and proven collagen-stimulating effects.

Thread lifts are moderately effective for providing subtle to moderate lifting of mild to moderate facial sagging, particularly when performed on appropriate candidates with realistic expectations. The treatment provides visible improvement but cannot replicate the dramatic, long-lasting results of surgical facelifts. What thread lifts effectively achieve includes subtle lifting of sagging jowls and improved jawline definition; elevation of drooping cheeks and midface; modest brow lift; reduction in nasolabial fold depth; neck tightening for mild laxity; and collagen stimulation improving skin quality over time. Evidence supporting effectiveness includes clinical studies demonstrating measurable lifting; patient satisfaction rates of 70% to 80% when expectations are realistic; histological evidence of collagen formation around threads; and proven mechanism of both mechanical lift and biological stimulation. Limitations of effectiveness show thread lifts cannot address severe sagging requiring surgery; results are subtle rather than dramatic; effects are temporary lasting 12 to 18 months; some people experience minimal lift; and outcomes depend heavily on practitioner skill. Factors affecting how effective thread lifts are for you include the degree of skin laxity, with mild to moderate responding best; skin thickness and quality affecting thread grip; age and natural collagen production; realistic expectations about subtle improvement; practitioner experience and technique; and the number and type of threads used. Thread lifts work best for people in their 30s to 50s with mild to moderate sagging; those wanting improvement without surgery; patients understanding temporary nature of results; and as a bridge to surgery or maintenance after surgical lift. Comparing effectiveness to alternatives shows thread lifts provide more lift than non-invasive treatments like HIFU or RF; less dramatic results than surgical facelift; temporary improvement unlike surgery; and may be combined with other treatments for enhanced results. For appropriate candidates with realistic expectations, thread lifts provide meaningful, worthwhile improvement in facial sagging and contours without surgical intervention.

Thread lifts can be good for the right candidates seeking subtle, non-surgical facial lifting, but their value depends on having realistic expectations, choosing experienced practitioners and accepting temporary results. They work well as a middle ground between non-invasive treatments and surgery. What makes thread lifts good includes providing visible lifting without surgery; minimal downtime with most people returning to activities within days; lower cost than surgical facelift, typically £1,000 to £3,000; immediate results with progressive improvement; stimulation of natural collagen production; reversibility as threads dissolve over time; and suitability for those not ready for surgery. Advantages for appropriate patients show thread lifts addressing concerns non-invasive treatments cannot; offering more than just skin tightening by repositioning tissue; providing natural-looking results when done well; having fewer risks than surgical procedures; and being repeatable when effects fade. Limitations affecting whether thread lifts are good include results being temporary, lasting 12 to 18 months; inability to address severe laxity; outcomes being subtle not dramatic; some people experiencing minimal lift; complications possible including asymmetry, dimpling or thread visibility; and significant variability in results between practitioners. Thread lifts are good if you have mild to moderate facial sagging; want improvement without surgical commitment; accept temporary results requiring maintenance; can afford the investment for temporary improvement; have realistic expectations about subtle enhancement; and choose experienced practitioners. They may not be good if you have severe laxity needing surgery; want dramatic, long-lasting transformation; cannot afford regular maintenance treatments; have very thin skin where threads may be visible; or have unrealistic expectations about non-surgical limitations. The verdict on whether thread lifts are good shows they work well for appropriate candidates; results depend heavily on practitioner skill; they fill a gap between non-invasive and surgical options; temporary nature is both advantage and limitation; and success requires realistic expectations. Most satisfied thread lift patients are those understanding temporary nature, appreciating subtle improvement, choosing experienced practitioners, and viewing treatment as maintenance or bridge to surgery rather than surgical replacement.

Thread lifts are not inherently dangerous and have a reasonable safety profile when performed by qualified, experienced practitioners, though like any medical procedure, they carry potential risks and complications. Understanding both the safety and risks helps make informed decisions. The general safety profile shows thread lifts being less risky than surgical facelifts; serious complications being rare with proper technique; most side effects being temporary; the procedure being reversible if threads need removal; and millions performed worldwide with generally good outcomes. Common temporary side effects include swelling and bruising lasting days to weeks; tenderness and discomfort at insertion sites; temporary dimpling or puckering of skin; sensation of tightness; mild asymmetry initially; and visible thread ends occasionally requiring trimming. Potential complications though uncommon include infection if sterile technique is not followed; thread migration or extrusion if not placed correctly; visible or palpable threads under thin skin; nerve damage causing temporary numbness or weakness; significant asymmetry requiring correction; facial distortion if too many threads or excessive tension; allergic reactions, though rare with biocompatible materials; and scarring at entry points. Serious complications are rare but include facial nerve damage; vascular compromise; persistent pain or discomfort; and need for thread removal. Factors affecting safety include practitioner experience and training being absolutely critical; proper patient selection for the procedure; appropriate thread choice and placement; sterile technique and infection prevention; realistic expectations preventing over-treatment; and proper aftercare compliance. To minimise risks, choose highly experienced practitioners specialising in thread lifts; verify proper training and credentials; ensure thorough consultation and assessment; discuss realistic outcomes and potential complications; follow all pre and post-treatment instructions; and report any concerning symptoms immediately. Thread lifts are dangerous when performed by inexperienced practitioners; placed incorrectly causing complications; done on unsuitable candidates; or when patients have unrealistic expectations leading to over-treatment. For most people treated by qualified professionals, thread lifts are relatively safe procedures with manageable risks.

No, thread lifts are not permanent. The threads used are designed to dissolve naturally in the body over time, with results typically lasting 12 to 18 months before repeat treatment is needed. Understanding the temporary nature is essential for realistic expectations and planning. Why thread lifts are not permanent relates to threads being made from absorbable materials designed to dissolve; PDO, PLLA and PCL threads all being biodegradable; the mechanical lift disappearing as threads dissolve; natural ageing and gravity continuing to affect tissues; and the treatment being designed as temporary enhancement. The dissolution timeline shows PDO threads breaking down over 6 to 9 months; PLLA threads lasting 12 to 18 months; PCL threads persisting 18 to 24 months; and threads being fully absorbed and eliminated by the body. What happens as threads dissolve includes the mechanical lifting effect gradually diminishing; collagen formed around threads providing some lasting benefit; tissues gradually returning toward pre-treatment position; and the need for maintenance treatments to sustain results. The temporary nature has advantages including allowing adjustments as your face ages; no commitment to permanent alteration; ability to try the treatment without permanent consequences; and flexibility to discontinue or change approach. Disadvantages of non-permanence include ongoing costs for maintenance treatments; cumulative expense over years; need for repeated procedures; and psychological adjustment to temporary enhancement. Permanent alternatives to thread lifts include surgical facelift providing lasting results of 5 to 10+ years; implants for permanent augmentation; and fat grafting offering long-lasting volume, though these involve surgery with associated risks, costs and recovery. Making peace with temporary results involves understanding thread lifts as maintenance not permanent solution; planning for ongoing treatment costs; viewing repeated treatments as skin health investment; and accepting that no non-surgical treatment provides permanent facial lifting. Most people choosing thread lifts appreciate the temporary nature, preferring non-permanent enhancement that allows adaptation as they age rather than committing to permanent surgical changes.

Before thread lift treatment, people typically have mild to moderate facial sagging affecting contours; jowling and loss of jawline definition; sagging cheeks and midface descent; drooping brow making eyes appear tired; neck laxity with visible bands; nasolabial folds and marionette lines deepening; and overall loss of facial definition and youthful contours. These concerns often prompt people to seek lifting without the commitment, cost or recovery of surgery. After thread lift treatment, once swelling has resolved and results have developed (typically 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment with continued improvement over months), most appropriate candidates experience noticeable improvement. Common results include lifted, more defined jawline with reduced jowling; elevated cheeks and midface; subtle brow lift; improved neck contour; softened nasolabial folds and facial lines; and overall more defined, youthful facial contours. The improvement timeline shows immediate lifting visible after treatment though masked by swelling; during days 1 to 7, significant swelling affecting appearance; during weeks 1 to 4, swelling resolving and true lifting results becoming apparent; during weeks 4 to 12, continued improvement as collagen forms around threads; and optimal results at 2 to 6 months. The degree of improvement depends on your baseline degree of sagging; skin quality and elasticity; age and collagen production capacity; number and type of threads used; practitioner skill and technique; realistic expectations about subtle improvement; and individual healing response. Typical improvements from thread lifts include lifting of 2 to 5mm in treated areas; visible improvement in jowl and jawline definition; subtly elevated cheeks and brow; improved overall facial contours; and natural-looking enhancement rather than dramatic change. Before and after expectations should be realistic: thread lifts provide subtle to moderate improvement, not dramatic transformation; results are visible but not as dramatic as surgical facelift; effects are temporary lasting 12 to 18 months; some asymmetry or irregularity may occur during healing; and maintenance treatments are needed to sustain results. Factors affecting satisfaction with results include having realistic expectations about non-surgical limitations; accepting temporary nature requiring maintenance; choosing experienced practitioners; understanding that results develop progressively; and viewing thread lifts as enhancement not replacement for surgery. Most satisfied thread lift patients are those with mild to moderate sagging, realistic expectations about subtle improvement, appreciation for non-surgical approach, commitment to maintenance treatments, and understanding that thread lifts provide meaningful but temporary enhancement in facial contours and definition.