How long does a thread lift last and are the results noticeable instantly?

Having seen many complications from patients who have had thread lifts in our community, I am not a fan of them. Facial asymmetries, facial nerve injuries and visible threads are some of the things that I have seen. Brow elevation can be achieved with BOTOX or surgery.Skin can be tightened with radiofrequency, ultrasound or lasers. Depending on the degree of laxity of the skin a skin tightening procedure such as a cheek lift or face lift may be appropriate.

No one knows exactly how long the results of thread "lifts" last as everyone metabolizes the threads differently and the threads are subject to different forces in different people and in various areas. But the time frame that seems to be suggested most often is about 1-5 years with the understanding that there are many variables when performing this procedure.The threads are slowly resorbed over time and the idea is that collagen replaces the threads adding volume and maintaining the "lift" effect.I find threading if done properly and in the right patient with realistic expectations to be an excellent alternative to more invasive procedures. I would recommend having a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss this among many great options that are out there for patients looking for facial rejuvenation. I hope this helps!

Hello and thanks for posting.
PDO barbed threads for lifting represents one of the most innovative and effective strategies for non-surgical facial lifting.

The lifting results are immediate, but the durability is variable. The barbs of the PDO thread attach to the deep dermis and produce the lifting effect. The PDO thread is absorbed over the course of several months and collagen is produced during this process. This leads to a lifting effect beyond the “life” of the thread. It typically is not a one and done procedure, but lifting results can be improved with additional thread placement. 

What about complications? These threads may be placed with needles or cannulas; in my experience threads deployed by a cannula are less traumatic.  The most common adverse events are bruising and pain. There may also be some visibility of the thread under the skin, especially in older patients with thin skin. If a thread is visible, there are strategies to camouflage it while it resolves.  Nerve injury is very rare and typically reverses with time.

The technology continues to evolve and improve. The PDO threads that we have available in the United States today are much better than the ones that we introduced several years ago.

I hope that this information helps and best of luck to you!