Face Thread Lifts: Are The Effects Long Lasting?

by Dr Wan Chee Kwang
February 2, 2023

If your skin has been showing signs of ageing, such as sagging skin along with fine lines and wrinkles, you may be looking for anti ageing treatments to keep these signs at bay. More importantly, you may be looking for minimally invasive treatments to help regain your youthful appearance for much longer.

With many treatments available, from injectables to fillers, face thread lifts have been gaining popularity. However, how do face thread lifts work and are their results truly long-lasting? 

If you are contemplating getting a face thread lift in Singapore, here’s what you need to know.

What Are Face Thread Lifts?

Woman preparing for threadlift

Face thread lifts are a type of procedure used to correct areas of saggy or drooping skin on the face. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is perfect for those who prefer not to go under the knife.

This is done by using fine, thin threads inserted through small incisions in the skin and then pulled tight. The most common threads used for minimally invasive thread lifts are mono or PDO threads, which are produced from an absorbable polymer and are solid and flexible. Anchoring threads, also known as barbed threads, are another option typically applied in aesthetic procedures, especially to elevate the brows and cheeks.

This procedure helps restore firmness and elasticity to the underlying skin while minimising scarring.

A face thread lift:

  • Provides support for sagging skin
  • Reduces facial wrinkles 
  • increases blood flow and circulation in the area, which boosts the regeneration of collagen tissue
  • Requires minimal downtime
  • Achieves natural-looking contours, resulting in a youthful appearance 

What Is The Difference Between Face Thread Lifts And Facelifts?

The biggest difference between facelifts and face thread lifts is that a facelift is a surgical procedure, while a face thread lift is a minimally invasive option.

Facelifts, also known as rhytidectomy, require surgical techniques that often require general anaesthesia and skin incisions, which can start from the sides of the face to behind the ears. The underlying fats and tissues are then sculpted or redistributed to allow tightening and elevation of the facial contours.

As it takes roughly 3-6 hours, coupled with 4-6 weeks of recovery, facelifts are a major surgical procedure. While it is known to have permanent and long-lasting effects, it is only recommended for those who suffer from excessive skin laxity or fat in the targeted areas. 

In comparison, face thread lifts are non-surgical options for those with minimal signs of ageing who prefer a simpler procedure with a faster recovery time. A face thread lift procedure can take roughly an hour, and local anaesthesia may be applied to the affected area to reduce discomfort. Overall recovery can take up to a week, with results being visible by then.

Are The Effects Of Face Thread Lifts Long-Lasting?

Woman about to undergo Threadlift procedure

Other injectable lifting procedures, such as Botox or Dermal Fillers, are known to last around 1 -1.5 years. Thread lifts are known to last a lot longer than those options. A surgeon with 16 years of thread lift experience shared in a 2019 study that he has seen results last anywhere between 1 and 9 years. In general, they are known to last at least a year, anywhere from 15 months and above

With that said, facial thread lifts may require multiple sessions for maintenance, and the doctor will recommend a follow-up appointment 6-9 months after the procedure to determine this. Done correctly and with the proper care, some patients have even returned three years later to maintain their results.

Face Thread Lifts After Care To Prolong Its Effects

The procedure is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia or sedation. Once completed, your specialist should provide you with instructions for post-operative care, including how to apply compression therapy due to swelling, which may last for 24 to 48 hours. To keep the threads aligned on your face, it’s best not to exercise for at least 48 to 72 hours. 

Most people can resume their normal daily activities within a few days after the treatment. The threads will then heal in place after two weeks, and you should no longer be able to feel them or even suffer any limitations by then.

Are There Any Side Effects To Face Thread Lifts?

Most people who undergo thread lifts report few to no long-term side effects, although they do point out that the procedure can be uncomfortable.

There are some common side effects. The most common include pain and swelling at the surgery site, bruising, and soreness. Other effects, such as stitches, will dissolve over time. Some complications include puckering, protrusion and infection, but as long as the procedure is done by a professional, there is little to worry about.

If any of these symptoms persist or worsen after the stipulated time, however, it’s best to get that checked by your doctor to be sure there are no further complications. This includes side effects such as:

  • Green, black, brown, or red discharge at the insertion site
  • Swelling for more than 48 hours
  • Persistent headaches
  • Fever

How Much Do Thread Lifts Cost In Singapore

The cost of a face thread lift in Singapore generally depends on several factors, such as:

  • Brand and type of thread
  • Treatment area
  • Number of threads used
  • Doctor’s experience

Face thread lifts can cost from $1,000 and above, whereas body thread lifts can cost more, depending on your goals. These are some cost estimations and should be taken with a grain of salt. Thus, it is best to consult a doctor beforehand to determine the actual cost of a face thread lift in Singapore.


Are you looking to undergo a face thread lift here in Singapore?

Consult our aesthetic doctor, Dr Wan, who believes that every face is different, which doesn’t age as one homogenous object but as many dynamic components that are best analysed, restored, and replaced individually. Thus, your face thread lift procedure will be tailored based on the relative contribution of each structural layer of the face. Consult us today!

References

  1. Nast, Condé. “What Exactly Are Thread Lifts?” Allure, 24 Mar. 2022, www.allure.com/story/thread-lifts-procedure-side-effects. Accessed 14 Dec. 2022. 
  2. Wu WTL. Commentary on: Effectiveness, Longevity, and Complications of Facelift by Barbed Suture Insertion. Aesthet Surg J. 2019 Feb 15 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29474522/
  3. Watson, Kathryn, and Catherine Hannan (MD). “Thread Lift: What to Expect, Cost, Recovery, and More.” Healthline, 1 Apr. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/thread-lift. Accessed 14 Dec. 2022.
  4. Ansari, Dr Masood. "How Long Does a Thread Lift Last?" My Cosmetic Clinic, 15 October 2020, https://mycosmeticclinic.net/blog/how-long-does-a-thread-lift-last/ Accessed 5 January 2023

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