What is the Thread Procedure with Regards to Blepharoplasty?

I would caution any patient considering Blepharoplasty to specifically avoid a "thread procedure" on the eyelids.  It is likely to be expensive, or marginal benefit, and questionable safety.

Most experienced surgeons recognize that there are often many good options for accomplishing what a patient needs or wishes.

That said, for upper blepharoplasty,  a "thread lift" is not generally considered a satisfactory option.

Mark Lucarelli, MD, FACS

Madison, WI

This is a common method of threading an upper eyelid. The problem with these methods, like almost all thread methods, is that they are not long lasting. The result tends to disappear as soon as the sutures break.

Thread procedures use sutres that are barbed to pull things up.  They’re not used for eyelid surgery.  They can be used to lift the brow and secondarily, the lid.  They are generally not good procedures because they don’t address the issue.  They pull and don’t necessarily create a natural look, nor do they last.  But, they do have very little downtime.  In this procedure, the doctor sticks a barbed suture underneath the skin (at the hairline to minimize the scar) and pull the tissue up laterally.  It generally causes a very unnatural pulled look and doesn’t hold.  It can often cause asymmetry so that one side droops and is really not a preferred procedure. 

As other eyelid surgeons have already stated, the thread procedure is a very poor option to rejuvenate the eyelid. A better option is a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery to help remove excess skin and tighten tissue. Speak with an eyelid surgeon. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can he/she help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki