As we begin to age and our tissue weakens, we lose facial fat, and the underlying support structure starts to sag. The affected areas generally include the cheeks, around the eyes, the brows, jowls, and neck, creating a longer, older looking face. Younger people may begin to experience cheek and brow ptosis (a sagging from weakened muscles) as well. For them, a thread lift may be a good alternative to the more invasive procedures that older individuals may undergo.

A thread lift may also be an alternative to a secondary facelift, which is often required within twenty years of the initial facelift. It may also be performed as part of a primary facelift procedure. The thread lift uses sutures that lift sagging eyes, deep nasiofolds, or an aging neck. Using a thin needle, a surgeon inserts tiny threads under the tissues of the face. The barbs on one end of the thread grab and lift the sagging skin, and the teeth on the other end anchor the skin to the rest of the facial tissues. No incisions or stitches are required, and no scars are produced.

Your doctor will provide a complete post-operative instruction list that you must follow in order to reduce the risk of complications during recovery. These instructions may include an escort to drive you home and assist with daily activities for at least twenty-four hours, as well as diet restrictions (soft foods) for one week. Pain can be managed with oral medications. Your doctor may recommend elevating your head to reduce swelling. Normal activities can usually be resumed within seven days.