A thread lift is a minimally-invasive treatment, designed to treat mild-to-moderate sagging or jowling in the lower face and neck. I use the Silhouette Soft™ range of threads. These threads produce a subtle lifting effect by gripping the undersurface of the skin, and pulling it in the desired direction. The thread material dissolves gradually over time, and prompts the body to produce its own collagen to support the skin.

Threads are a useful treatment option for patients who desire a subtle change in facial appearance, without undergoing surgery. They are often deliver optimal results when combined with other treatments such as prescription skin care, botulinum toxin injections, fillers, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing. Therefore, they are often used as part of an individualised overall treatment plan.

The procedure is done in the clinic setting. Following injection of a small amount of local anaesthetic, the threads are inserted via small puncture holes (made using a standard needle, such as one that would be used for taking a blood test). The thread is then carefully guided in the desired direction, before being tightened to the necessary degree by a gentle pull. Patients reports little to no pain with this procedure. There is often a “clicking” sensation for a few days afterwards, and there can be some bruising and dimpling of the skin, which settles quickly.

Threadlifts are suitable for people who want a subtle change, of limited duration. Because they create permanent changes in the treated areas, which may interfere with later surgical procedures, I recommend against having a thread lift procedure, if a surgical procedure such as a face/ neck lift. or brow lift (depending on the area treated), is something you would contemplate at a later date.