More and more people are looking for a facelift without surgery. One treatment that often comes up in this context is the thread lift. On social media and various websites, this treatment is presented as a simple way to lift sagging skin without surgery. However, Aepril Clinics has made a conscious decision not to perform thread lifts. Why? Because we believe that the potential benefits often do not outweigh the risks, complications, and the relatively temporary results. In this article, we explain why.
What is it?
What is a thread lift treatment?
In a thread lift, dissolvable sutures are placed under the skin. These threads contain small hooks or cones that gently lift the tissue.
The idea is that:
- the skin is lifted slightly right away;
- the threads stimulate collagen production;
- the results remain visible for several months to about one to two years.
A thread lift is often used for:
- jawline
- cheeks
- neck
- eyebrows
- nasolabial fold
Although it sounds appealing, the reality is often less predictable than the marketing suggests.
why not
Why We Don’t Offer Thread Lifts
At Aepril Clinics, safety is always our top priority.
After reviewing the scientific literature, the practical experiences of our colleagues, and the results we have observed in patients who previously underwent a thread lift elsewhere, we have decided not to offer this treatment.
Our main reasons are:
- the results are often limited;
- the effect is relatively short-lived;
- Complications are more common than many people expect;
- These days, there are safer alternatives that produce more natural-looking results.
complications
Possible complications of a thread lift procedure
Like any medical procedure, a thread lift also carries risks.
Possible complications include:
1. Asymmetry
The face may become lopsided when one side reacts differently than the other.
2. Pain and prolonged sensitivity
Some patients experience pain or a pulling sensation for weeks to months.
3. Visible or palpable wires
If the skin is thin, the threads may become visible or remain palpable under the skin.
4. Infections
Because a foreign material is being inserted into the body, there is always a risk of infection. In severe cases, the wires must be surgically removed.
5. Skin folds and irregularities
After treatment, dimples, creases, or an unnatural pulling sensation may occur.
6. Moving the wire
A thread may shift or come loose, causing the result to disappear or become asymmetrical.
7. Nerve irritation
Although rare, nerves can become irritated, which can cause temporary changes in sensation or muscle problems.
8. Difficult removal
When a wire causes problems, it is often difficult to remove it completely.
the truth
A Summary of Key Facts
How long does a thread lift last?
Many advertisements mention results that take two to five years.
In reality, we often find that the lifting effect is visible for a significantly shorter period of time. In many patients, the cosmetic results begin to diminish noticeably within just a few months. Although collagen stimulation may persist for longer, the visible lifting effect is usually limited.
As a result, repeat treatments are often necessary to maintain the results.
How long does a thread lift last?
A thread lift is not necessarily a dangerous procedure when performed correctly by an experienced doctor.
Still, it’s important to realize that this is a medical procedure with real risks. The risk of complications is higher than with many injectable treatments, such as biostimulators or skin boosters.
That is why we believe that patients should always be fully informed about both the benefits and the risks.
alternatives
What alternatives do we recommend?
When someone mentions during a consultation that they’d like a subtle lifting effect without surgery, we often recommend a treatment that improves skin quality and naturally supports the face.
Depending on the cause of volume loss or sagging skin, the following may be considered:
Radiesse Hyperdiluted
Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, making the skin firmer and gradually improving its appearance.
Suitable for:
- jawline
- neck
- cheeks
- skin firming
Sculptra
Stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen, gradually restoring firmness and volume to the face.
Recommended for:
- loss of volume
- sagging skin
- facial aging
Profhilo Structura
Developed for patients with reduced fat compartments in the face. This treatment supports the skin’s structure and provides a natural rejuvenating effect.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
When volume loss is the primary cause, fillers can be strategically placed to subtly enhance the jawline, cheekbones, or chin without the unnatural, tight-looking effect of a thread lift.
What now?
Our vision
At Aepril Clinics, we don’t believe in offering every treatment that’s popular.
We select only treatments that we are convinced are safe, scientifically sound, and produce predictable, natural results.
When we believe that a treatment does not offer sufficient added value relative to the risks, we make a conscious decision not to offer it. The thread lift is an example of this for us.
We prefer to recommend a treatment that improves skin quality over the long term rather than a temporary mechanical lift that carries a higher risk of complications.
Would you like to know which treatment is best for you?
Every skin ages differently.
During a personal consultation, our cosmetic doctor will assess what is causing the changes in your face and determine which treatment best suits your needs. Sometimes that’s a biostimulator, sometimes a skin booster, and sometimes a combination of treatments.
FAQ
A thread lift is a cosmetic procedure in which dissolvable threads are placed under the skin to temporarily lift sagging skin. The threads also stimulate collagen production. The procedure is often performed on the jawline, cheeks, neck, and eyebrows.
Possible complications include asymmetry, visible or palpable threads, skin folds, infections, thread displacement, prolonged pain, and, in rare cases, nerve irritation. Although serious complications are uncommon, it is important to be well-informed beforehand.
After a thread lift, swelling, bruising, tenderness, pain, and a pulling sensation may occur. These side effects usually subside within a few days to weeks.
The lifting effect is usually temporary. For many people, the visible results fade within a few months to about one year. The exact duration depends on the threads used, skin quality, and personal factors.
A thread lift is a medical procedure that is generally safe when performed by an experienced doctor. However, there are risks and potential complications. That is why a thorough consultation beforehand is important.
Removing a thread lift is often difficult. When a thread causes problems, it can sometimes be removed surgically, but this is not always easy or even possible.
Depending on your skin type and preferences, treatments such as Radiesse Hyperdiluted, Sculptra, Profhilo Structura, or strategically placed fillers can provide a more natural-looking result. During a consultation, the doctor will assess which treatment is best suited to your face.
In our opinion, for no one. These potential complications and side effects do not outweigh the temporary effect of the treatment.
At Aepril Clinics, we deliberately choose treatments that we are convinced are safe, predictable, and scientifically sound. Because we believe that the potential risks, complications, and relatively temporary results of a thread lift often do not outweigh the benefits, we prefer to recommend safer alternatives that improve skin quality and facial contours in a natural way.
