Guide to Thread Lifts: Everything You Need to Know
As we navigate the natural aging process, we often notice a gradual loss of facial volume and the onset of skin laxity. While surgical interventions remain a gold standard for significant transformations, many patients seek effective, minimally invasive alternatives that offer rejuvenation with minimal downtime. At Oceanshore Aesthetics and Wellness, we are proud to offer the thread lift, a sophisticated non-surgical procedure that uses medical-grade thread material to lift, contour, and revitalize your facial features. We’ll dive into all you need to know about thread lifts.

What Is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that utilizes specialized sutures to “lift” sagging skin and stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Rather than removing loose skin surgically, the provider simply suspends it by stitching portions of it up. This results in an immediate mechanical lift and a long-term biological improvement in skin quality, often referred to as a face lift using threads.
Types of Thread Lifts
Depending on your unique anatomical needs, different materials may be used to achieve the desired tension and rejuvenation. The types of thread lifts include:
- PDO (Polydioxanone) – The most common type. There are lifting threads and smooth threads. While both stimulate collagen, they have different purposes. Lifting threads are thicker and are placed in a specific plane under the skin to gently lift. Smooth threads are very thin (like a strand of hair) and are placed superficially to strictly stimulate collagen. They will dissolve (smooth 1month, lifting 3-6 months). The beauty of the lifting theads is they get better with time, peak at about 7 months, and the benefits last over a year or more.
Benefits of Thread Lifts
- Immediate Results – You will notice a visible lift immediately following the procedure.
- Collagen Stimulation – The presence of threads triggers the production of new collagen, improving skin thickness and elasticity.
- Minimal Downtime – Most patients return to their normal activities within a few days.
- Subtle, Natural Enhancement – It refines your appearance without the “pulled” look sometimes associated with traditional surgery.
How Does a Thread Lift Work?
The science behind thread lifting is two-fold. First, the threads feature small “barbs” or cones that anchor into the subcutaneous fat, allowing the practitioner to physically reposition the tissue. Second, as the threads reside under the skin, they cause a controlled healing response. Your body perceives the threads as a “foreign object” and responds by flooding the area with collagen, which maintains the structural lift even after the threads naturally dissolve.
The Thread Lift Procedure
The process is streamlined and comfortable. After applying a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort, Dr. Lessig will use a cannula (skinny blunt tube) to insert the threads into the predetermined skin layers. Once placed, the threads are gently tensioned to achieve the desired lift. The entire session typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, making it a convenient “lunchtime” rejuvenation option.
Contact Oceanshore Aesthetics and Wellness
Oceanshore Aesthetics and Wellness is here for all your aesthetics and wellness needs. Our PDO threadlift offers a chance to boost confidence without surgery. A thread lift represents the perfect intersection of medical technology and aesthetic artistry. It provides an effective solution for those looking to combat early signs of aging and sagging skin without the risks or recovery time of major surgery. Call us today or book your consultation online.
FAQs
Are Thread Lifts Painful?
Patient comfort is our priority. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment areas, and most patients describe the sensation as a mild pressure or tugging rather than pain.
How Long Do Thread Lifts Last?
While individual results vary based on age and skin laxity, the visible effects of a thread lift generally last between 12 to 18 months. The longevity depends on the type of thread used and your body’s rate of collagen production.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Thread Lift?
The ideal candidate is typically in their late 30s to early 60’s with mild to moderate skin laxity. It is an excellent option for those who wish to address sagging in the cheeks, jowls, or neck but are not yet candidates for a surgical facelift.
What Aftercare Is Required Post-Procedure?
We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and sleeping on your side for the first week. No facials or face massages for 8 weeks. Detailed post-care instructions will be provided to ensure optimal healing and thread placement.