Neck Thread Lifts: Reviews, Before/After, Price, Results, and Precautions

The neck is an area where visible signs of aging can gradually appear: horizontal lines, loss of firmness, sagging under the chin, or a less defined jawline.

Among the aesthetic medicine solutions sought to treat mild to moderate sagging, neck thread lifts hold a special place.

This technique is sometimes presented as a "facelift without surgery." But what can one really expect from neck thread lifts? Are they effective? How long do the results last? What is their price? And what are the risks?

Here are the essential points to know.

What is a neck thread lift?

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

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes this technique as a minimally invasive procedure using absorbable, barbed sutures to create a lifting effect on certain areas of the face and neck.

The thread is therefore not simply placed on the skin.

It is introduced under the tissues, usually with a needle or cannula, under local anesthesia.

Why does the neck visibly age?

Neck aging is multifactorial.

Over time, several phenomena can alter its appearance:

• gradual decrease in skin elasticity;

• changes in collagen and elastin;

• repeated UV exposure;

• tissue sagging;

• evolution of subcutaneous volumes;

• appearance of horizontal folds.

It is therefore too simplistic to explain neck aging solely by the fact that this area is "less rich in collagen."

Neck sagging depends on several structures: skin, fat, muscles, and supporting tissues.

How do thread lifts work on the neck?

The principle is mainly based on two mechanisms.

1. Mechanical traction

Threads, especially when barbed, can exert traction on the tissues.

This can allow for moderate improvement in certain sagging areas.

2. Tissue response around the thread

Once implanted, the thread triggers a local healing reaction.

Studies on PDO threads implanted in facial tissues have observed collagen formation around the material.

However, it is important to be precise: this does not mean that the threads are "made of collagen."

Are thread lifts collagen threads?

No, not strictly speaking.

The term "collagen threads" is sometimes used commercially, but medical thread lifts are generally made from absorbable materials such as:

• PDO, or polydioxanone;

• PLLA, or poly-L-lactic acid;

• PCL, or polycaprolactone.

Recent work also compares the tissue responses of these different materials.

Collagen is produced locally by the tissues in response to thread implantation; it is not necessarily the constituent material of the thread.

Can thread lifts treat the neck?

Yes, certain thread lift procedures can be used for the neck and lower face.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that threads can be used to improve the appearance of certain sagging areas of the face and neck.

However, they are mainly suitable for mild to moderate sagging.

When sagging is significant or there is marked skin excess, a surgical procedure may be more appropriate.

Neck thread lifts before/after: what results to expect?

Searches for "neck thread lifts before after" are common.

The results can notably show:

• a more defined jawline;

• a slight improvement in sagging;

• a firmer-looking neck;

• a subtle improvement in certain contours.

But the effect generally remains moderate.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons emphasizes that thread lifts produce more subtle changes than a surgical facelift.

Are the results immediate?

Part of the effect can be visible quickly thanks to mechanical traction.

However, the final result should not be judged immediately.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that results become more apparent after a few weeks, as swelling and bruising subside.

It may therefore be more accurate to speak of:

initial result visible quickly, then gradual evolution over the following weeks.

Should one wait several months to see the collagen effect?

A tissue response around the threads can appear gradually.

Experimental and clinical studies have observed collagen formation around implanted absorbable threads.

But I would not recommend systematically stating that a maximum result appears precisely after "2 to 3 weeks" or "a few months" for all patients.

The timeframe depends on:

• the type of thread;

• the area;

• the number of threads;

• the skin;

• the technique used.

How long do the results last?

Cleveland Clinic states that the results of a thread lift are temporary and generally last 1 to 3 years.

This duration varies, however, according to:

• age;

• type of thread;

• skin quality;

• degree of sagging;

• technique used;

• natural aging.

Therefore, it is not appropriate to promise the same duration to all patients.

PDO, PLLA, PCL: what are the differences?

These materials are used in various absorbable devices.

PDO

PDO, or polydioxanone, is a widely used material in medical sutures.

It is also used in some aesthetic threads.

PLLA

PLLA is another absorbable polymer used in certain aesthetic medicine devices.

PCL

PCL has a different degradation kinetic.

Recent experimental research has compared the effects of PDO, PLLA, and PCL on collagen production.

However, it is not possible to state that one material is universally "better."

Permanent or absorbable thread lifts?

Current techniques frequently use absorbable threads.

Permanent threads also exist, but they should not be presented as a solution automatically reserved for significant sagging.

The choice depends on many factors:

• anatomy;

• indication;

• practitioner's experience;

• device used;

• risk tolerance.

A medical consultation is necessary to determine the appropriate technique.

Can thread lifts tighten the jawline?

They can help to slightly improve the appearance of certain areas of the lower face.

Thread lifts can notably target jowls, the jaw, and certain areas of the neck.

However, one should not promise a "perfectly redefined jawline."

The results generally remain more limited than with surgery.

Do thread lifts replace a neck lift?

No.

A surgical neck lift is a different and more invasive procedure, capable of treating more significant sagging.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons specifies that neck surgery has its own indications and risks.

Thread lifts are more suitable for people seeking a more discreet improvement with a shorter recovery.

Is it really surgery-free?

Yes, it is not classic surgery with detachment and skin removal.

But the term non-surgical does not mean "non-invasive."

The practitioner introduces the threads under the skin.

It is therefore a minimally invasive procedure.

Is it painless?

Not necessarily.

Local anesthesia is generally used during the procedure.

After the session, some people may experience:

• sensitivity;

• tightness;

• mild pain;

• swelling;

• bruising.

It is therefore preferable to speak of a procedure generally performed under local anesthesia, rather than a "painless" technique.

Is there social downtime?

It is generally short, but not necessarily zero.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that many patients are socially presentable after approximately 3 to 5 days, although complete healing takes longer.

This means there may be a few days of:

• swelling;

• bruising;

• sensitivity;

• temporary irregularities.

What are the risks of neck thread lifts?

Thread lifts carry risks.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notably mentions:

• infection;

• swelling;

• bruising;

• persistent pain;

• thread extrusion;

• unfavorable aesthetic result.

Other complications may also depend on the technique and the treated area.

The practitioner's quality and patient selection are therefore essential.

What is the price of neck thread lifts?

The price depends on many factors:

• number of threads;

• material used;

• technique;

• practitioner;

• city;

• complexity of treatment;

• consultation and follow-up.

I cannot confirm a reliable national average of €400 to €700 from the medical sources consulted.

I therefore recommend not displaying a fixed range without a recent price study in France.

The most reliable way is to request a personalized quote after consultation.

How to choose a practitioner?

Before a procedure, ask specifically:

• what device will be used;

• what material the threads are made of;

• how many threads are planned;

• what results are realistic;

• what are the risks;

• how complications are managed;

• how many similar procedures the practitioner performs.

The practitioner must also determine if the threads are actually suitable for the level of sagging.

Are thread lifts suitable for everyone?

No.

They are primarily considered for people with relatively mild signs of sagging.

Cleveland Clinic describes candidates as people seeking subtle improvement and not necessarily desiring a surgical facelift.

A person with significant excess skin may be disappointed by the result of a thread lift.

Neck thread lifts or injections?

The techniques address different problems.

Thread lifts

They primarily aim for a traction and support effect.

Injectable hyaluronic acid

It acts more on volumes and certain hollows.

Botulinum toxin

It acts on muscle activity in certain indications.

Therefore, these techniques should not be considered interchangeable.

Before/after: how to properly evaluate photos?

A serious before/after should ideally be performed:

• with the same lighting;

• from the same angle;

• with the same expression;

• at a similar distance;

• after swelling has subsided.

Photos taken immediately after the procedure can be misleading because swelling and initial mechanical tension temporarily alter the appearance.

Are thread lifts a natural solution?

I advise against this term.

The procedure may use biocompatible and absorbable materials, but it remains a medical intervention using implanted devices.

"Natural" is therefore not an accurate description.

FAQ: Neck Thread Lifts

Do thread lifts really work on the neck?

They can subtly improve the appearance of mild to moderate sagging. However, the results are more modest than a surgical facelift.

How long do they last?

Cleveland Clinic generally states 1 to 3 years.

When do you see results?

An initial change may be visible quickly, but the result becomes clearer in the weeks that follow.

Do PDO threads stimulate collagen?

Collagen formation around implanted PDO threads has been observed in several studies.

Are the threads made of collagen?

No, not necessarily. PDO, PLLA, and PCL are commonly used materials in absorbable threads.

Is it painful?

Local anesthesia is generally used. Discomfort, bruising, or sensitivity may occur after the procedure.

Can I go back to work immediately?

Some people can, but the ASPS indicates that many patients are socially presentable after about 3 to 5 days.

What is the price?

It varies greatly. A personalized medical quote is more reliable than a general average.

Conclusion: what to think of neck thread lifts?

Neck thread lifts can be interesting for people with mild to moderate sagging who are looking for a less invasive alternative to a surgical facelift.

They can create a mechanical traction effect and lead to a tissue response around the threads, including local collagen formation observed for certain absorbable threads.

But one must have realistic expectations.

Thread lifts are not:

• risk-free;

• totally painless;

• without any recovery;

• equivalent to a surgical facelift;

• nor guaranteed for all forms of sagging.

The results generally remain subtle and temporary, with an announced average duration of about 1 to 3 years.

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

Sources

Cleveland Clinic — “Thread Lift: What to Expect, Benefits & Complications”, January 7, 2023.
Duration of results, how it works, recovery, and candidates.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons — “Thread Lift”.
Description of the procedure for the face and neck.

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

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

Lots T.C.C. et al., 2023 — “Effect of PDO facelift threads on facial skin tissues”.
Study on tissue changes and collagen formation around implanted PDO threads.