What a thread lift may address
The procedure may be considered for selected people concerned about mild to moderate tissue laxity around the cheeks, jawline or lower face. It does not remove excess skin and cannot reproduce the scope of a surgical facelift.
The clinician should assess skin quality, facial anatomy, prior procedures and your expectations before discussing suture type, placement or number. There is no standard number of threads that is right for everyone.
Information to disclose
Tell the clinician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an infection or wound near the proposed treatment area, have a bleeding disorder or poorly controlled medical condition, form raised scars, or take anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines or supplements that can affect bleeding. Do not stop prescribed medicine unless the prescriber tells you to.
A typical consultation and procedure pathway
- AssessmentDiscuss your goals, medical history, medicines, previous procedures and facial anatomy.
- Plan and consentReview the proposed areas, suture approach, realistic limits, alternatives, recovery and complications.
- ProcedureThe skin is prepared and local anaesthetic may be used before sutures are placed according to the agreed plan.
- AftercareFollow the clinic’s individual instructions and keep the recommended review or urgent-contact information.
Aftercare
Instructions vary with the technique and treatment area. The treating clinician’s directions take priority.
- Avoid pressing, rubbing or massaging the treated area unless instructed
- Ask when it is appropriate to resume strenuous exercise, alcohol, heat exposure and facial treatments
- Use any prescribed medicine exactly as directed
- Contact the clinic if symptoms are worsening rather than improving
Risks and warning signs
Temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, tightness, dimpling or unevenness can occur. Other possible complications include infection, a visible or palpable thread, thread extrusion, persistent asymmetry, scarring or nerve-related symptoms.
Seek prompt medical advice for increasing pain, spreading redness or heat, pus, fever, a protruding thread, marked asymmetry, unusual numbness or any symptom that concerns you. Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent medical care.
Questions to ask
How many threads will I need?
There is no universal number. The plan should follow an examination of your anatomy, the area of concern and the limits of the procedure.
How long will the result last?
Duration varies with the material, technique, treatment area, tissue characteristics and individual healing. Ask the clinician for a range rather than a guarantee.
How much downtime should I plan for?
Swelling, bruising or visible irregularity may affect social plans. Ask for a recovery range based on the proposed technique and allow extra time before an important event.
Medical references
This page provides general information, not a diagnosis or a guarantee of results. Suitability, benefits, recovery and risks vary by person and procedure. A clinician must assess you before treatment. Confirm your appointment date, time and consultation language with the clinic before travelling.