What are Threads and Thread Lifts?

Threads and thread lift treatments are quickly gaining in popularity across the U.S. and for good reason. Thread Lifts offer a non-invasive treatment for the mid-face that lifts and shapes the cheeks, jawline, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Experience instant lift, more volume, and results that last-with minimal downtime.

Thread Lifts pack a two-part, anti-aging punch: a lifting action that provides immediate, yet discreet results, and a secondary regeneration action for gradual and natural results. The best Thread Lift candidates are patients who are noticing laxity in their mid-face and jawline and have adequate volume, such as young patients who haven’t yet lost a lot of volume and want the lift and volume provided from the threads to maintain their youthful contours; or older patients who have been maintaining their youthful contours with fillers and Sculptra® but are still noticing laxity and desire more lift. Older patients who have not been maintaining their contours in some way and have significant wrinkles and laxity are not likely to get the results they seek with threads alone as their first rejuvenation procedure.

Older patients who have not had previous procedures can become excellent candidates for a Thread Lift procedure when they use threads in concert with injectable fillers, Sculptra®, and tissue tightening procedures for a completely rejuvenated outcome.

 

How Do Threads and Thread Lifts Work?

Thread Lifts use dissolvable sutures, typically made of polydioxanone (PDO), to lift and support sagging facial tissue. Inserted beneath the skin, these threads provide an immediate mechanical lift to areas like the cheeks, jawline, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. Over time, they stimulate collagen production, enhancing skin firmness and volume for a gradual, natural improvement. This dual-action approach—lifting and regeneration—makes Thread Lifts a powerful tool for mid-face rejuvenation.

The best candidates are those noticing laxity in their mid-face and jawline with adequate volume remaining. Younger patients who haven’t lost significant volume use Thread Lifts to maintain youthful contours, while older patients who’ve maintained volume with fillers or Sculptra® benefit from added lift. For older patients with significant wrinkles and laxity who haven’t had prior treatments, combining Thread Lifts with injectable fillers, Sculptra®, and tissue-tightening procedures can achieve a fully rejuvenated outcome.

Sculptra® also addresses volume loss in areas like the cheeks and temples. As we age, collagen depletion leads to sagging skin and hollowed features. Through a series of nonsurgical injections, Sculptra® encourages your body to produce new collagen, restoring fullness and improving skin quality for a naturally youthful look.

 

What Should You Expect During Treatment?

Thread Lift procedures involve inserting dissolvable threads beneath the skin using fine needles or cannulas, carefully placed to lift and contour targeted areas. The treatment is quick, often completed in under an hour, and many providers use local anesthesia or numbing techniques to ensure comfort. Our Epiphany team delivers precision and expertise, tailoring each session to your unique facial structure.

 

Threads and Thread Lifts FAQ’s

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

The procedure itself takes about an hour, uses local anesthesia, and feels like filler injections with comparable side effects such as bruising and swelling. In addition, there is a tight feeling and some temporary pulling which relaxes after about a week.

How Long Do Threads Last?

Results last about 2 years. Threads can also be utilized to lift the upper neck and other areas in conjunction with mid-face lifting.

Is there any downtime?

One of the key advantages of Thread Lifts is minimal downtime. You can resume normal activities shortly after, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, facial massages, or extreme facial movements for at least 24-48 hours. Minor swelling or bruising may occur but can be covered with makeup and typically fades within a few days.

Do I need a consultation?

A consultation is required prior to scheduling the procedure so that the treatment approach can be customized.