In the world of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, thread lifts are taking center stage as a go-to solution for lifting and tightening sagging skin. They’re subtle yet powerful, quick yet effective, and the transformation from “before” to “after” is both aesthetic and structural. For those seeking facial rejuvenation without the commitment or downtime of surgery, thread lifts offer a middle path that’s hard to ignore.
But what exactly changes before and after a thread lift? How does the skin respond in the short term versus the long term? And what should you expect from this buzzworthy treatment?
Let’s break down the full picture of what happens before, during, and after a thread lift—with insights into the science, the results, and the benefits.
🧬 What Is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive aesthetic procedure designed to subtly lift and tighten sagging skin using absorbable threads. These threads are typically made of biocompatible materials such as:
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PDO (Polydioxanone)
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PCA (Polycaprolactone)
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PLA (Polylactic Acid)
They are inserted under the skin using thin needles or cannulas and act as a supportive framework that lifts the tissue instantly. Over time, the threads dissolve, but not before triggering your skin to produce more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—the holy trinity of youthful skin.
🧖♀️ Before the Thread Lift: What You Typically See
Before the procedure, clients often experience early to moderate signs of aging. These include:
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Loose or sagging skin on the cheeks, jawline, or neck
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Drooping eyebrows or eyelids
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Deepening nasolabial folds (smile lines)
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Marionette lines around the mouth
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Flattened or less defined cheekbones
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A general loss of firmness, elasticity, and facial definition
Many individuals at this stage feel they “look tired” or “worn out,” even if they feel energetic on the inside. While skincare and lifestyle can help to a degree, they often fall short when it comes to repositioning deeper tissues that have started to droop with age.
⚙️ What Happens During the Procedure?
Thread lifts are typically performed under local anesthesia and take between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the treatment area. Here’s what happens:
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Consultation & Mapping: Your provider maps out the insertion points and the direction of the lift.
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Numbing: A local anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort.
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Insertion: The threads are inserted beneath the skin using a fine needle or cannula.
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Lifting: The threads are pulled into place to lift the targeted tissues.
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Finishing Touches: Excess thread is trimmed, and the area is gently cleaned.
The treatment is often referred to as a “lunchtime lift” due to its speed and minimal downtime.
✨ Immediately After the Thread Lift: The First 48 Hours
Right after the procedure, you may notice:
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A visible lifting of sagging areas
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Smoother, tighter skin
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Subtle swelling or redness
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Minor bruising or soreness
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Slight dimpling or puckering (temporary)
Most of these side effects resolve within a few days. Clients often walk out of the medspa seeing a noticeable difference, especially along the jawline, cheeks, and mid-face.
📅 The First Few Weeks: Collagen Begins to Work
Over the next 4–6 weeks, the magic happens beneath the surface. As the threads begin to dissolve, they stimulate your body’s collagen production, resulting in:
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Firmer skin texture
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Improved elasticity
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Better hydration retention
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More youthful volume, particularly in areas that appeared hollow or saggy
By week 8, many clients report a more sculpted face and a visible “glow” from the inside out.
🧪 Long-Term Results: 3 to 18 Months After
Once collagen remodeling is complete, you’ll enjoy ongoing improvements in tone, structure, and contour. The full effects typically last 12 to 18 months, depending on:
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The type of threads used
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Your age and skin condition
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Lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, sun exposure)
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Skin care routine and maintenance
Some clients opt for touch-up threads at the 12-month mark to maintain results.
📸 Before vs After: The Visual Impact
Before:
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Loose skin on the jawline or cheeks
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Hollow areas that create a tired or aged look
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Uneven contours and diminished definition
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Static lines and folds that don’t improve with makeup or skincare
After:
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Sharper jawline and chin profile
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Elevated cheekbones and mid-face volume
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Softer lines and folds around the mouth and nose
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A refreshed, more alert expression
The goal isn’t to make you look like someone else—it’s to help you look like a rested, healthier version of yourself.
💡 Bonus Benefits You Didn’t Expect
Thread lifts come with more than just cosmetic results. You’ll also enjoy:
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Confidence boost from looking as vibrant as you feel
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Minimal downtime—most people return to work the next day
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No scarring, stitches, or heavy sedation
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Customizable treatment plans for subtle or dramatic improvements
❓ FAQ: Thread Lift Before and After
Q: How soon will I see results?
You’ll see an immediate lift right after the procedure, with collagen-building effects peaking around 6 to 12 weeks.
Q: Can I combine thread lifts with other treatments?
Absolutely. Many people pair thread lifts with Botox, fillers, microneedling, or skin resurfacing for more comprehensive results.
Q: How long do the results last?
On average, between 12 to 18 months. Maintenance treatments can extend the benefits.
Q: Is it painful?
Discomfort is minimal thanks to local anesthetic. You might feel slight pulling or pressure during the procedure.
Q: What’s the downtime like?
Most people resume light activities immediately, with some mild swelling or bruising lasting a few days.
📍 Final Thoughts: Is a Thread Lift Right for You?
If you’re noticing signs of aging but aren’t ready for surgery—or just don’t want it—thread lifts offer an exciting in-between solution. They’re fast, effective, and capable of delivering beautiful results that don’t look fake or frozen.
At SuVità Medical Aesthetics in Spring Lake, NJ, our trained specialists personalize every thread lift to fit your facial structure and goals. We believe in enhancing what makes you uniquely beautiful while helping your skin regain its youthful bounce.
✨ Ready for a Lift Without the Scalpel?
📞 Call us at (865) 236-0132
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Let us help you elevate your look—and your confidence.
🔍 Top 20 Frequently Asked Questions About Thread Lifts
1. What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses dissolvable threads to lift and tighten sagging skin, especially on the face and neck.
2. How does a thread lift work?
Threads are inserted under the skin and gently pulled to lift sagging tissue. They also stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture over time.
3. What areas can be treated with thread lifts?
Common areas include the cheeks, jawline, neck, eyebrows, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and even the knees or arms.
4. How long does the procedure take?
Most thread lifts take between 30–60 minutes, depending on the area treated.
5. Are the results immediate?
Yes, you’ll see an immediate lift, with continued improvements over the following weeks as collagen production increases.
6. How long do thread lift results last?
Typically, results last between 12 to 18 months, depending on your skin condition, lifestyle, and thread type used.
7. What are the threads made of?
They are made of biocompatible materials like PDO (Polydioxanone), PLA (Polylactic Acid), or PCL (Polycaprolactone), all of which dissolve naturally over time.
8. Is the procedure painful?
No, local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so most patients feel only minimal discomfort during the procedure.
9. What’s the downtime after a thread lift?
Downtime is minimal. Some patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness for a few days.
10. Can thread lifts replace a facelift?
Not entirely. Thread lifts are ideal for mild to moderate sagging. They offer a non-surgical alternative, but won’t achieve the same dramatic results as a facelift.
11. Who is a good candidate for a thread lift?
People in their 30s to 50s with early signs of aging and good skin elasticity are ideal candidates.
12. Are thread lifts safe?
Yes, when performed by a licensed and experienced professional, thread lifts are considered very safe.
13. Can I combine a thread lift with other treatments?
Absolutely. Many people combine thread lifts with Botox, fillers, microneedling, or lasers for enhanced results.
14. Will I feel the threads under my skin?
Most people don’t feel the threads once healed. Rarely, you may feel a slight tightness or bump temporarily.
15. How do I prepare for a thread lift?
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen a few days before the procedure to reduce bruising.
16. What should I avoid after the procedure?
Avoid strenuous activity, heavy facial movements, and sleeping on your side for at least a week post-treatment.
17. Can thread lifts cause scarring?
No, since no incisions are made—only small entry points—there’s no scarring when done properly.
18. Are there any risks or side effects?
Side effects are rare but can include bruising, swelling, infection, thread migration, or puckering. These are usually temporary and treatable.
19. How often can I get thread lifts?
You can have maintenance lifts every 12–18 months to keep your results fresh.
20. When can I wear makeup again?
You can typically resume wearing makeup 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, depending on your skin’s healing.
