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Thread Lifts: What You Need to Know

An honest, doctor-led guide to thread lift procedures, their limitations, and the alternatives

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Reviewed by Dr Selena Langdon, Medical DirectorGMC 6159259

What is a thread lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves inserting dissolvable sutures (threads) beneath the skin to create an immediate lifting effect. The threads are placed using fine needles or cannulae and are designed to mechanically lift sagging tissue while also stimulating the body's natural collagen production around the thread material as it gradually dissolves. Thread lifts are marketed as a less invasive alternative to surgical facelifts, with shorter recovery times and lower cost.

The procedure gained significant popularity over the past decade, particularly with the introduction of absorbable thread materials such as PDO (polydioxanone), PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid), and PCL (polycaprolactone). Each material has different properties in terms of how long it takes to dissolve, how much collagen stimulation it produces, and how strong its lifting capacity is. Cog threads, which have small barbs or hooks along their length, are used for lifting, while smooth or twisted threads are used primarily for skin rejuvenation and collagen stimulation.

If you are researching thread lifts, it is important to understand both the potential benefits and the significant limitations of this procedure. At Berkshire Aesthetics, we have extensive experience evaluating the full range of non-surgical lifting technologies, and we believe patients deserve an honest, balanced perspective. This guide aims to provide that, along with information about alternative treatments that we believe offer better results and a more favourable risk profile for most patients.

How thread lifts work: types and mechanisms

Thread lifts work through two primary mechanisms: mechanical lifting and collagen biostimulation. The mechanical lifting effect comes from the thread itself, which acts as a scaffold beneath the skin. Cog threads, the type most commonly used for lifting, have small projections (barbs, cones, or hooks) along their length that anchor into the subcutaneous tissue. When the thread is pulled taut after insertion, it physically repositions the sagging tissue, creating an immediate visible lift.

The second mechanism is the body's inflammatory response to the foreign material. As the immune system recognises the thread as a foreign body, it mounts a controlled inflammatory response that includes laying down new collagen fibres around the thread. This collagen deposition continues as the thread dissolves, and proponents of the treatment argue that this new collagen provides ongoing structural support even after the thread material has been fully absorbed.

PDO threads are the most commonly used type and typically dissolve within six to nine months. PLLA threads last longer, dissolving over twelve to eighteen months, and are associated with greater collagen stimulation. PCL threads are the longest-lasting, taking up to two years to dissolve. The choice of thread material, the number of threads used, and the specific insertion technique all affect the outcome, which is one reason why results can vary significantly between practitioners and procedures.

Limitations and common concerns

While thread lifts can produce an immediate visible lift, there are several important limitations that patients should be aware of. The most significant is the duration of results. Because the threads dissolve over time and the mechanical lift relies on the thread's integrity, the lifting effect is temporary. Most patients see their results diminish significantly within twelve to eighteen months, and some report that the initial improvement begins to fade within just a few months. This means that maintaining results requires repeat procedures, which adds to the overall cost and carries cumulative risks.

The degree of lift achievable with threads is also limited compared to both surgery and some energy-based devices. Thread lifts work best on patients with mild laxity and good skin quality. For patients with moderate to significant sagging, particularly in the jowls or neck, the threads may not provide enough lifting force to produce a satisfying result. There is also the issue of predictability. Results can vary considerably depending on the practitioner's technique, the type and number of threads used, and the patient's individual tissue response.

Complications, while not common with an experienced practitioner, are a genuine concern. They include infection, thread migration (where the thread moves from its intended position), thread extrusion (where the thread works its way through the skin surface), asymmetry, skin dimpling or puckering, visible thread outlines, nerve damage, and persistent pain. Some of these complications can be difficult to correct and may require further procedures to resolve. The risk is particularly elevated when the procedure is performed by practitioners without adequate training in facial anatomy and thread insertion techniques.

Why we no longer offer thread lifts

After careful evaluation of the clinical evidence, patient outcomes, and the availability of superior alternatives, Berkshire Aesthetics made the decision to discontinue thread lift procedures. This was not a decision taken lightly; it was based on Dr Selena Langdon's assessment that the risk-to-benefit ratio of thread lifts is less favourable than that of other treatments we offer for the same indications.

Several factors informed this decision. The temporary nature of thread lift results means patients face the ongoing cost and risk of repeat procedures to maintain their improvement. The complication rate, while manageable, is higher than that of non-invasive alternatives such as Ultherapy and Morpheus8, which achieve tissue tightening and collagen stimulation without any implanted material. When a thread complication does occur, it can be distressing for the patient and difficult to resolve.

Most importantly, Dr Langdon concluded that the alternatives available at our clinic produce results that are at least comparable to thread lifts, with a significantly lower risk profile and, in many cases, longer-lasting outcomes. Ultherapy, for example, stimulates collagen at the SMAS layer without any implanted foreign body, and its effects can last twelve to twenty-four months from a single treatment. Morpheus8 remodels the skin and subdermal tissue through radiofrequency energy, producing tightening and textural improvement that builds over time. These treatments achieve their effects through the body's own biological response, without the risks associated with implanted materials.

Alternatives that we recommend instead

For patients seeking the kind of lifting and tightening effect that draws them to thread lifts, we offer several alternatives that we believe provide better outcomes with fewer risks. Ultherapy is our primary recommendation for patients with mild to moderate facial laxity. It targets the deep SMAS layer using micro-focused ultrasound, producing a genuine lifting effect that develops over two to six months and can last one to two years. There is no implanted material, no incisions, and no downtime. Our Ultherapy vs Morpheus8 comparison can help you understand which option might suit your specific concerns.

Morpheus8 is an excellent option for patients who need both skin tightening and textural improvement. Its radiofrequency microneedling technology remodels collagen in the dermal and subdermal layers, producing a tightening effect that is particularly effective along the jawline and in the lower face. A course of two to three treatments typically produces results that last twelve to eighteen months, with minimal downtime compared to thread procedures.

For patients where volume loss is a significant contributor to facial sagging, dermal fillers can provide structural support that effectively “lifts” the mid-face, jawline, and chin. Strategic filler placement in the cheeks, temples, or along the jawline can restore the scaffold that supports the overlying skin, producing a natural-looking lift without any mechanical implant. Dr Langdon often combines energy-based treatments with fillers for a comprehensive approach that addresses both skin laxity and volume loss simultaneously.

Comparing outcomes: threads vs energy-based devices

When comparing thread lifts directly with treatments like Ultherapy and Morpheus8, several important differences emerge. Thread lifts produce an immediate visible result, which can be appealing to patients who want instant gratification. However, this initial result typically represents the peak of the improvement, with the effect diminishing over time as the threads dissolve. Energy-based devices, by contrast, produce results that build gradually as new collagen forms, meaning the improvement at three to six months is often better than the appearance immediately after treatment.

In terms of longevity, a single Ultherapy treatment typically provides results lasting twelve to twenty-four months, which is comparable to or better than most thread lift outcomes. Morpheus8 results, from a course of two to three treatments, are similarly long-lasting. When you factor in the lower complication rate, the absence of implanted foreign material, and the additional benefits to skin quality that energy-based devices provide, the overall value proposition favours the non-invasive approach for the majority of patients.

It is also worth considering the practical implications. Thread lifts carry specific restrictions during the healing period, including limitations on facial expressions and physical activity for several weeks. There is bruising and swelling that can last one to two weeks, and a risk of visible dimpling during the recovery phase. Ultherapy, by contrast, has essentially no downtime, and Morpheus8 requires only two to five days of social recovery. For patients who cannot afford extended recovery periods, non-invasive alternatives offer a significant practical advantage.

Making an informed choice

If you have been considering a thread lift, we would encourage you to explore the alternatives before making your decision. A thorough consultation with a doctor who offers multiple modalities, and who does not have a financial incentive to steer you towards one particular treatment, is the best way to ensure you receive genuinely impartial advice. At Berkshire Aesthetics, Dr Langdon will assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, and degree of laxity, and recommend the approach that she believes is most likely to achieve your goals safely and effectively.

We understand that the decision about how to address facial ageing is personal and often involves balancing multiple factors including budget, downtime tolerance, and desired outcomes. If you are still interested in thread lifts after reading this guide, we would advise choosing a provider who is a qualified medical doctor with specific training in thread insertion, who operates in a CQC-registered clinical environment, and who can demonstrate a track record of managing complications should they arise.

For those who would like to discuss non-surgical lifting options with our team, we welcome you to book a consultation at our Maidenhead clinic. Dr Langdon will take the time to understand your concerns, explain the options available, and help you make a decision that you feel confident about. There is no pressure to proceed with any treatment, and if a non-surgical approach is not appropriate for your level of laxity, she will say so honestly. You can learn more about our recommended alternatives on our Ultherapy and Morpheus8 pages.

Related treatments & reading

UltherapyMorpheus8Dermal FillersUltherapy vs Morpheus8Non-Surgical Face Lift GuideForma Skin Tightening

Why we start with a consultation

Every treatment begins with a medical assessment. We need to understand your medical history, current health, skin condition and concerns before prescribing any procedure. This protects your safety and ensures the treatment is clinically appropriate for you.

During your consultation, your clinician will explain what the treatment can realistically achieve, any risks specific to you, and whether an alternative might be more appropriate. Consultations are carried out by our doctors or advanced aesthetic practitioners, depending on the treatment or concern being assessed.

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Doctor-led approach

  • Treatment suitability is assessed by our doctors or advanced aesthetic practitioners during a clinical consultation, depending on the treatment
  • Prescribing responsibility sits with Dr Selena Langdon (GMC 6159259)
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual suitability for any treatment is assessed during a consultation. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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Page last reviewed: April 2026

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