The Truth About Thread Lifts: Separating Myth from Reality
There is a quiet revolution happening in the world of facial rejuvenation, and it involves tiny, dissolvable threads. But if you listen to the loudest voices in the industry, you might think these threads are risky, unnatural, or even dangerous. The truth is far more nuanced. The misinformation is thick, and much of it comes from a place of surgical bias—surgeons, understandably, want you to choose surgery. But not all threads are created equal, and the right kind of thread lift can be a powerful, gentle tool for maintaining a youthful, natural appearance.
Let me take you through my own journey. As someone who has had hundreds of threads placed in my face over the years, I can tell you firsthand that they work. I am in my mid-fifties, and people consistently guess my age to be much younger. I don't say this to boast, but to show that the methods I use are effective. I would not continue to invest in something that didn't deliver real, visible results. The key is understanding which threads to choose and why.
Understanding the Different Types of Threads
Threads are made from various materials: PDO (polydioxanone), PCL (polycaprolactone), and PLA (poly-L-lactic acid). My personal preference is PDO threads. They are the same material used in dissolvable sutures—gentle, biocompatible, and safe. As they dissolve over time, they stimulate the body to build a natural collagen meshwork around each tiny thread. This creates a supportive lattice under the skin that lifts, plumps, and firms.
But not all thread lifts are the same. The ones that have given the procedure a bad name are the thick, robust lifting threads. These are inserted deep into the tissue using a large cannula, then pulled tight—sometimes even anchored outside the skin. You have likely seen images of faces with dimpling, puckering, or uneven lift after such procedures. These are the horror stories: threads breaking, one side lifting higher than the other, and an unnatural, distorted appearance. When a thread lift requires that level of aggression, it is often a sign that surgery might be a more appropriate option.
On the other hand, the threads I use are smaller, thinner, and placed more superficially. They include cog threads, screw threads, triple threads, multifilament threads, and mono threads. These threads do not pull or tug. They are gently inserted, create a web of collagen, and provide subtle but meaningful lift and support. They do not cause dimpling. They do not break and create asymmetry. And they do not interfere with any future surgical options. Instead, they act as a natural replacement for filler, plumping areas like the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and under-eye hollows.
Why I Choose Smaller Threads
Many people are pushed away from thread lifts because they see images of dimpling or hear surgeons condemn the procedure. But those surgeons are almost always talking about the heavy, deep-thread lifts. The smaller threads fly under the radar, yet they are extraordinarily effective for preventing and reversing early signs of aging. They are ideal for someone who wants to maintain a lifted, supported look without the dramatic change of a facelift. I personally have threads placed around my eyes, in my cheeks, and across my entire face. The result is a natural, refreshed appearance that people often mistake for being much younger.
Think of it this way: if you are looking for the dramatic, pulled-tight result of a surgical facelift, you will be disappointed by these smaller threads. They are not meant to compete with surgery. They are meant to prevent the need for surgery, or to delay it, by building a strong internal support system. Over time, as collagen accumulates, the skin becomes firmer and more resilient. For me, this is a maintenance strategy I repeat annually—sometimes every other year. The collagen persists for a long time, but annual reinforcement keeps the meshwork strong.
Addressing the Surgical Bias
There is a strong bias in the medical aesthetics industry, especially from surgeons. It is natural: surgeons are trained to operate, and they see threads as a compromise. But the reality is that threads and surgery serve different purposes. For someone with mild to moderate laxity, volume loss, and a desire for natural-looking improvement, smaller threads are a fantastic option. For someone with significant sagging who wants a dramatic, long-lasting lift, surgery is the better choice. The problem arises when people have the wrong expectations—or when they are sold the wrong type of thread for their needs.
I have seen viral images of celebrities, like Demi Moore, with indentations on their cheeks. While I cannot say for certain, those indentations are often the result of heavy thread lifts. The good news is that such outcomes are avoidable. By choosing the right kind of thread—thin, shallow, and collagen-stimulating—you can achieve a smooth, even result that enhances your natural beauty.
What to Look For in a Thread Lift
If you are considering threads, do your research. Talk to providers who have experience with different types. Ask about the thickness of the threads, the depth of insertion, and the expected results. Look for before-and-after photos that show smooth, natural outcomes—not dramatic pulls or dimples. The best candidates for smaller threads are those who want to prevent aging, support existing tissue, and replace the need for filler. They are also excellent for people who are not ready for surgery but want to see real improvement.
In my own practice, I have used threads on myself for years, and I continue to be a strong advocate. The key is to match the tool to the goal. If you want surgical facelift results, invest in surgery. But if you want a gentle, progressive, and natural-looking lift, with the added benefit of collagen stimulation, then the right kind of thread lift is a game-changer. Do not let the horror stories of heavy threads scare you away from a procedure that, when done correctly, can be one of the most valuable tools in your anti-aging arsenal.