Collagen Threads and Thread Lifts: Results, Price, Before/After, and Precautions

Collagen threads and thread lifts are increasingly sought after by individuals looking to improve the appearance of mild facial sagging without resorting to a surgical facelift.

However, it's important to be careful with the terms used.

In the medical field, a thread facelift involves inserting specific sutures under the skin to create a tissue repositioning effect. Some absorbable threads can also trigger a healing response around the material.

Therefore, it is not a simple cosmetic treatment applied to the surface of the skin.

What can one realistically expect from thread lifts? How long do the results last? Which areas can be treated? What are the risks? Here are the essential points to know.

What is a thread lift?

A thread lift is a suture introduced under the skin during an aesthetic procedure called a thread lift.

Cleveland Clinic describes a thread lift as a non-surgical cosmetic procedure in which threads are placed under the skin to create a smoother, slightly tightened appearance.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also specifies that this technique primarily uses absorbable sutures with small barbs to achieve a firmer effect on certain areas of the face and neck.

The term "non-surgical facelift" is therefore common, but it should not be understood as "non-invasive."

The procedure does involve:

• subcutaneous penetration;

• local anesthesia;

• the use of a needle or cannula;

• a recovery period, although generally short.

Collagen thread and thread lift: are they the same thing?

Not exactly.

The term "collagen thread" is sometimes used commercially to refer to threads that are supposed to promote collagen production.

But thread lifts are generally not made of collagen.

They can, for example, be made from absorbable materials used in medicine.

The documented mechanism is as follows: the presence of the thread in the tissues causes a local healing reaction that may be accompanied by collagen formation around it.

A 2023 study on PDO threads implanted in the face observed tissue changes and collagen formation around the threads. This concerns threads implanted under the skin, and not just collagen simply applied to the surface.

It is therefore more accurate to speak of:

thread lifts capable of inducing a local collagenic response

rather than presenting all thread lifts as "collagen threads."

How does a thread lift work?

The procedure primarily combines two mechanisms.

1. A mechanical effect

The threads can exert a slight pull on the tissues.

They can thus temporarily improve the appearance of certain areas with mild to moderate sagging.

2. A tissue response around the threads

The presence of the material triggers a natural healing reaction.

It is in this context that collagen production around the thread can be observed.

However, realistic expectations should be maintained.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that the changes achieved with a thread lift generally remain more subtle than those achieved with a surgical facelift.

Which areas can be treated with thread lifts?

Thread lifts are primarily used on certain areas of the face and neck.

Depending on the anatomy and the patient's objective, the procedure may include:

• cheeks;

• jowls;

• jawline;

• certain areas of the neck;

• eyebrows depending on the technique used.

However, the ideal area depends on the degree of sagging and morphology.

There is no single identical technique suitable for every part of the face.

Facial thread lifts: what results can be expected?

The best candidates generally present with mild to moderate sagging.

Cleveland Clinic indicates that this procedure is primarily for people who seek a subtle improvement and do not necessarily want to undergo cosmetic surgery.

Possible results include:

• a slightly better-defined jawline;

• a firmer appearance of certain areas;

• moderate tissue repositioning;

• an overall smoother appearance.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons nevertheless emphasizes that the effect achieved remains relatively subtle compared to that of a surgical facelift.

Neck thread lifts: is it possible?

Yes, certain thread lifts can be used for the neck or the lower part of the face.

However, they are more suitable for moderate sagging than for significant excess skin.

A true surgical neck lift remains a different procedure, intended to correct more pronounced sagging of the neck skin or jawline.

The choice should therefore depend on the degree of sagging and not solely on the desire to avoid surgery.

Can thread lifts be used around the eyes?

Certain techniques can be used to slightly alter the position of the eyebrows or some periorbital areas.

But speaking of an "eye thread lift" as a standard and risk-free technique would be too general.

The area around the eyes has a particularly delicate anatomy.

A procedure in this region must therefore be individually evaluated by a qualified professional.

Thread lifts before and after: what do the results really show?

Searches for "facial thread lifts before and after" are very common.

Photographs can indeed show:

• a more defined jawline;

• moderate repositioning of the cheeks;

• an improvement in certain contours.

But photos should be interpreted with caution.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicates that results gradually become more visible as swelling and bruising subside.

Therefore, it is ideal to compare photographs taken:

• in the same lighting;

• from the same angle;

• with the same expression;

• after the initial recovery period.

A photo taken immediately after insertion may be influenced by swelling.

Are the results immediate?

A change may be visible quickly, but the final appearance is not necessarily evaluated immediately.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, results may appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside, and complete healing can take several weeks.

It is therefore preferable to speak of an initial rapidly observable effect followed by evolution over the following weeks.

How long do thread lifts last?

Cleveland Clinic indicates that results are temporary and can last approximately 1 to 3 years.

The actual duration depends on:

• the type of thread;

• the treated area;

• age;

• skin quality;

• the initial degree of sagging;

• the natural evolution of the face.

It is therefore incorrect to promise the same duration to all patients.

Do thread lifts disappear after a few months?

Some threads are absorbable.

This means that the material is gradually degraded and absorbed by the body.

But it is important to distinguish between the duration of the thread's presence and the duration of the aesthetic result.

Cleveland Clinic states that results may continue to be visible after the gradual dissolution of the threads, even if they remain temporary.

Permanent or absorbable thread lifts?

There are different categories of threads, but I advise against presenting permanent threads as simply "stronger" or automatically intended for significant sagging.

The choice of material depends on:

• the technique;

• the area;

• the aesthetic objective;

• the practitioner's experience;

• the risk profile.

Many current techniques use absorbable threads.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes modern thread lifts as using barbed absorbable sutures.

PDO, PLLA: what's the difference?

These terms refer to different materials used depending on the devices and techniques.

PDO, or polydioxanone, is an absorbable material historically used in medical sutures.

Other materials can also be used.

However, it is not possible to state that one material is universally superior to another.

The result depends as much on:

• the device;

• the number and arrangement of threads;

• the anatomy;

• the indication;

• the practitioner.

Do thread lifts really stimulate collagen?

Yes, a local collagenic response has been documented around certain implanted threads.

A 2023 study on PDO threads used in the face showed tissue changes consistent with collagen production around the threads.

However, this does not mean that this stimulation permanently transforms the entire facial structure.

The primary effect of the procedure remains a combination of mechanical repositioning and local tissue response.

Do thread lifts replace a surgical facelift?

No.

They may be suitable when sagging is limited and a more subtle modification with generally shorter recovery is desired.

But a surgical facelift remains more powerful when significant sagging needs to be addressed.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicates that thread lifts typically result in only a few millimeters of change and are primarily intended for mild to moderate signs of sagging.

Cleveland Clinic also confirms that results are more subtle and temporary than a true facelift.

Thread lifts: is there social downtime?

Downtime is generally shorter than for surgery, but calling it "zero social downtime" would be excessive.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicates that initial recovery may include:

• swelling;

• bruising;

• irritation;

• discomfort.

It also indicates that many patients can be socially presentable in about 3 to 5 days, although complete healing takes longer.

What are the risks of thread lifts?

Thread lifts are not without risk.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons specifically cites:

• infection;

• swelling;

• bruising;

• persistent pain;

• thread extrusion;

• temporary difficulty opening the mouth;

• unsatisfactory aesthetic result.

Cleveland Clinic also mentions the possibility of bruising and swelling after the procedure.

This is why a prior consultation is important.

How is a session conducted?

According to Cleveland Clinic, a thread lift procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

The practitioner uses a needle or cannula to insert the threads under the skin.

The procedure can last approximately an hour, depending on the treatment performed.

After the procedure, the patient can usually go home the same day.

Who are thread lifts for?

Cleveland Clinic indicates that the best candidates are generally:

• people showing early signs of aging;

• often between their late thirties and early fifties;

• seeking subtle improvement;

• not wishing for more extensive surgery.

However, these are only general profiles.

The indication must be evaluated individually.

What is the price of thread lifts?

The price depends heavily on:

• the country;

• the practitioner;

• the number of threads;

• the material used;

• the areas treated;

• the complexity of the procedure.

I therefore advise against displaying a universal range of €250 to €800 per area without a recent study of the French market.

A price observed at a few practitioners does not allow for establishing a reliable national price.

Always ask for a detailed quote after consultation.

How to choose your practitioner?

Before a thread lift procedure, check for:

• medical qualifications;

• experience with the proposed technique;

• the exact type of thread used;

• realistic results;

• risks;

• the protocol in case of complications.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends discussing expected results, risks, type of anesthesia, and available options during the consultation.

Thread lift or hyaluronic acid injection?

These techniques do not have the same objective.

Thread lifts primarily aim to produce a slight lift and tissue repositioning.

Injectable hyaluronic acid is used to modify certain volumes or correct specific areas according to the indication.

A person may be a better candidate for one, the other, or sometimes a combination of techniques.

The decision therefore depends on anatomy and objective.

Thread lift or surgical facelift?

Thread lifts

• less invasive procedure;

• local anesthesia;

• generally short recovery;

• subtle results;

• temporary effects.

Surgical facelift

• surgical procedure;

• more significant recovery;

• ability to treat more pronounced sagging;

• generally more significant results.

It is therefore not accurate to say that threads simply offer "the same thing for less."

These are two different indications.

FAQ about thread lifts

Are thread lifts really effective?

They can produce a visible but generally subtle improvement in properly selected candidates. Cleveland Clinic indicates that the results are temporary and less significant than those of a surgical facelift.

How long do they last?

Cleveland Clinic indicates a general duration of results of 1 to 3 years, varying by individual.

Are the results immediate?

A modification may appear quickly, but the appearance then evolves as the swelling subsides. The final result can take several weeks.

Can the neck be treated with threads?

Yes, some thread lifts can involve the face and neck. The indication, however, depends on the degree of laxity.

Is it painful?

The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia. However, pain, sensitivity, or discomfort may appear after the procedure.

Are there any complications?

Yes. Infection, swelling, bruising, pain, thread extrusion, and unsatisfactory results are among the described risks.

Is it really non-surgical?

Yes, it is not a classic surgical facelift. But it is still an invasive procedure, since threads are introduced under the skin.

Conclusion: what to think about collagen thread and lifting threads?

Lifting threads are an aesthetic medicine option primarily intended for people with mild to moderate sagging and seeking a relatively subtle result without surgical facelift.

They can allow for moderate repositioning of certain tissues and cause a healing response associated with local collagen formation.

However, they should not be presented as:

• totally non-invasive;

• risk-free;

• without recovery;

• as powerful as a surgical facelift;

• or guaranteeing a spectacular result.

Cleveland Clinic summarizes their positioning well: the results are subtle, temporary, and generally last between one and three years.

Before any procedure, a consultation with a qualified professional is essential to assess your anatomy, your goals, and the benefit-risk ratio.

Sources

Cleveland Clinic — “Thread Lift: What to Expect, Benefits & Complications”.
Medical information on the procedure, duration of results, candidates, and after-effects of a thread lift.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons — “Thread Lift”.
Presentation of the procedure and absorbable sutures used for the face and neck.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons — “Thread Lift Risks and Safety”.
Possible risks and complications of the procedure.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons — “Thread Lift Results”.
Information on the evolution of results and the recovery period.