How Much Does a Thread Lift Cost?

The average cost of a thread lift is $2,044, according to 218 patient reviews on RealSelf, but prices vary: some say they paid as much as $4,400.

This minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedure can firm mild skin laxity, stimulate new collagen production, and reduce signs of aging like jowls, with no incisions and minimal downtime.

Threads are often marketed as a nonsurgical facelift, but realistic expectations are key: the results they deliver are nowhere near as dramatic or long-lasting as those of facelift surgery.

Read on to learn why face threading costs can vary and whether real patients think their results were worth the expense.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Thread Lifts

Is a thread lift worth the money?

Reviewers on RealSelf give thread lift treatments a 76% Worth It Rating. So while not everyone has a good experience, most patients say it’s money well spent.

Happy patients cite visible lifting, smoothing, and firming. Many say they’d opt for this skin rejuvenation procedure again, despite post-treatment discomfort and swelling.

Among those who deemed their thread lift “Not Worth It,” complaints include that the procedure was painful (even with local anesthesia) and results didn’t last as long as they expected. Some reviewers report complications, like broken or extruding threads and skin rippling.

One reviewer, who described her PDO thread lift result as “a complete disaster,” attributed her botched outcome to her nurse practitioner’s lack of training and improper thread placement.

A common theme among thread lift reviews: the quality of the results largely depend on the skill of the provider.

It’s also worth noting that while this minimally invasive procedure costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a surgical facelift, it also has a significantly lower Worth It Rating from reviewers on RealSelf.

If you have moderate to severe loose skin and more advanced signs of aging, and you’re looking for significant facial rejuvenation, you may want to consider a surgical procedure. Consult with an experienced provider who regularly performs both procedures and can help you weigh your options (and their respective costs).

Why do thread face lift costs vary?

These factors will determine your thread lift price.

1. The type and number of threads you get

The primary factors in your thread lift cost are the type of threads used and how many are placed.

“The treatment is customizable—not every patient needs the same number of threads,” says Dr. Dennis Gross, a dermatologist in New York City.

The type of threads used will depend on your treatment goals.

• Smooth PDO threads (made of polydioxanone) are commonly used to reduce fine lines and improve the elasticity and thickness of crepey skin. You may see them advertised as a “sugar lift,” since the dissolvable threads are made from a type of sugar. An FDA-cleared NovaThreads PDO thread lift costs just under $1,700, on average.
• Longer threads with barbs or cones are used to subtly elevate lax tissues of the brow, cheekbones, neck, or jawline, or to soften marionette lines and nasolabial folds. This type of thread lift—sometimes called a suture suspension lift—is typically more expensive because it requires more advanced training to perform it well. Silhouette InstaLift is one of the most popular barbed thread procedures. See its average cost.

During your consultation with a qualified provider, you’ll discuss your concerns, desired results, and budget. The provider will recommend a personalized treatment plan, detailing the thread number and placement. They should then provide an all-in cost quote.

Before you book your consult, ask whether the fee will be applied toward your procedure.

2. Your provider’s credentials and level of experience

It’s not surgery, but a thread lift procedure is still best performed by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. These experienced providers usually charge more for their expertise. But the cost can be worth it, to minimize the risk of side effects and get the best results.

They’ll also be able to assess whether you’re a good candidate for this facial rejuvenation treatment.

Placing threads just below the skin’s surface via a needle or cannula requires extreme skill. Threads are very difficult (sometimes impossible) to remove after placement, so this procedure requires a strong knowledge of facial anatomy, proper training, and threading experience.

Risks of thread lifts include visible skin dimpling at the entry points, facial asymmetry, and extrusion—almost always the result of poor technique, improper thread placement, or poor patient selection.

3. Their practice location

As you’d imagine, practices and med spas in high-rent areas of major cities charge more, to help cover their overhead expenses.

If cost is a major concern, avoid luxury plastic surgery practices and med spas in the most desirable areas and look for qualified providers with more modest offices.

4. Whether you have add-on treatments

Providers commonly augment thread lift results with injectables (like Botox and dermal fillers), skin tightening treatments, microneedling, and other nonsurgical procedures.

Factor these potentially pricey extras into your total thread facelift cost if they’re part of your treatment plan, and ask your provider if they offer a discount on add-ons.

Can you finance a thread lift?

Yes, most providers offer payment plans or accept third-party financing. For example, the CareCredit card is widely accepted by providers across the U.S., for both plastic surgery and nonsurgical procedures.

Thread lift costs in U.S. states

Browse average thread lift costs in U.S. states, according to recent RealSelf member reviews (as of July 2023). States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.

Thread lift costs in major U.S. metros