Thread Lifts
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Book a consultationThread Lifts
A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses temporary, dissolvable medical-grade threads to lift and tighten mildly sagging skin on the face and neck. Unlike a surgical facelift, it requires no general anaesthesia, no large incisions, and most people return to normal routines within a day or two. The threads create an immediate physical lift and then trigger collagen production over the following months, which is why results continue to improve for a while after the procedure.
At TLC Skyn in Kollam, thread lifts are planned around each patient’s facial structure, skin quality, and the specific areas that bother them most. The clinic’s dermatology-led approach means the focus stays on natural-looking improvement rather than an over-pulled or artificial appearance.
What a Thread Lift Actually Involves
During a thread lift, fine needles or cannulae insert specialised threads beneath the skin. Barbed or cogged threads hook into the tissue and physically pull it upward, repositioning the skin right away. The threads are made from materials the body gradually absorbs, most commonly polydioxanone (PDO), poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), or polycaprolactone (PCL). As the threads dissolve over several months, they leave behind a lattice of fresh collagen that helps maintain some of the firmness.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes under local anaesthesia, which is why it is sometimes called a lunchtime lift. It addresses early to moderate skin laxity, particularly along the jawline, midface, cheeks, and neck. It is not a replacement for a surgical facelift, and it will not correct significant sagging, excess skin, or deep folds.
Who may benefit most:
- People in their late 30s to early 50s noticing early jowling or softening along the jawline
- Those who want a subtle lift without surgery or extended downtime
- Patients with good skin elasticity who understand the results are temporary
- People looking to refresh the midface, brow area, or neck contour
Treatment Options and Advantages
Treatment Options
TLC Skyn offers thread lift treatments tailored to the area being treated and the patient’s goals. The choice of thread material and thread type depends on whether the priority is a stronger immediate lift, longer-lasting collagen stimulation, or a combination of both.
PDO threads are the most commonly used. They come in smooth and barbed forms. Smooth threads focus mainly on collagen stimulation and skin quality, while barbed or cogged threads provide the physical lifting effect. PDO threads typically dissolve within six to nine months, with results lasting around one to two years.
PCL threads dissolve more slowly, often over a year or more, and are sometimes chosen when patients want a longer duration of effect. PLA threads are designed to stimulate collagen more aggressively over time, which can suit patients whose main concern is skin quality and volume support rather than a dramatic lift.
The treatment area also shapes the plan. Jawline and lower face threads target early jowling. Midface threads lift the cheeks. Brow threads can subtly elevate a heavy brow. Neck threads address horizontal laxity and crepey texture. A single session may combine thread types and areas, but the plan is always individualised after a clinical examination.
Treatment Advantages
- No general anaesthesia or large incisions, which means lower procedural risk than surgery
- Minimal downtime, with most people returning to work and daily activities within 24 to 48 hours
- Immediate visible lift that continues to improve as collagen builds over two to six months
- Results that fade gradually rather than changing suddenly, so the transition looks natural
- Reversible in the sense that threads dissolve over time and do not permanently alter facial structure
- Can be combined with other skin treatments, though this should only be done on professional advice
The trade-off is duration. Results typically last one to three years depending on thread type, skin quality, age, and lifestyle. Thread lifts also cannot remove excess skin or reposition deep facial fat pads the way surgery can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do plastic surgeons not like thread lifts?
Many plastic surgeons are cautious about thread lifts because the results are temporary, less dramatic than surgery, and highly dependent on technique and patient selection. Earlier thread materials had higher complication rates, which left some surgeons sceptical. Modern threads are safer and better designed, but the procedure still cannot match a facelift for significant laxity. A surgeon who mainly performs facelifts may see thread lifts as an incomplete solution, while a dermatologist focused on non-surgical options may view them as a useful middle ground.
Does a thread lift actually work?
Yes, when performed on the right candidate. The immediate lifting effect is real, and the collagen response is well documented. What varies is how noticeable the result is. Someone with mild laxity and good skin elasticity will usually see a clear improvement. Someone with heavy sagging or thin skin may see little change or a result that fades quickly. Honest expectations and correct patient selection are the two biggest factors in whether a thread lift “works.”
What is the average cost of a thread lift?
Cost depends on the number of threads used, the thread material, the areas treated, and the clinic’s location and expertise. Jawline and lower face treatments typically require more threads than a small brow lift. In Kollam, pricing varies between clinics, and a consultation is the only reliable way to get an accurate estimate. Patients should be wary of unusually low pricing, which may reflect fewer threads, less experienced practitioners, or lower-quality materials.
How long will a thread lift last?
Most thread lifts last between one and three years. PDO threads generally produce results for one to two years, while PCL and PLA threads may extend closer to three years in some patients. Age, skin quality, sun exposure, smoking, and lifestyle all influence duration. The threads themselves dissolve within months, but the collagen they stimulated can continue to provide support for a year or more after that.
Are thread lifts painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so most patients feel pressure or tugging rather than sharp pain. After the anaesthetic wears off, mild soreness, tightness, and occasional bruising are common for a few days. Most people manage this with simple measures and do not need prescription pain relief.
To understand whether a thread lift suits your facial structure and skin quality, book a consultation at TLC Skyn in Kollam. A clinical assessment will give you a realistic picture of what threads can and cannot do for your specific concerns.
