Medical Encyclopaedia › Thread lift (short definition)
In brief: In a thread lift, fine threads with small barbs or cones are inserted under the skin in order to lift sagging tissue somewhat. In addition, the body’s reaction to the threads is intended to stimulate the formation of connective tissue. The procedure is smaller than a surgical facelift, but the effect is also much weaker and limited in time.
How does a thread lift work?
Today, threads that dissolve in the body over months are mainly used, for example made of polydioxanone, polylactic acid or polycaprolactone. Threads with barbs or cones anchor themselves in the subcutaneous tissue and pull it into a new position. Smooth threads without barbs hardly lift; they are mainly intended to trigger a tissue reaction and make the skin appear somewhat firmer. When the threads dissolve, the mechanical effect wears off; what remains is limited connective tissue formation. Threads for use in humans are medical devices.
Who is it suitable for?
A thread lift is most likely to be considered for mild to moderate sagging, for example in the area of the cheeks, jawline, eyebrows or neck, with still good skin quality. With marked excess skin, heavy tissue or pronounced sagging, the result is usually disappointing; surgical procedures are more effective here. Treatment should not be carried out in the presence of infections in the treatment area, active skin diseases, uninvestigated clotting disorders or during pregnancy.
Procedure
After information and planning, the area is disinfected and locally anaesthetised. Through small puncture sites, the threads are placed in the correct tissue layer with a cannula or needle, the tissue is lifted and the thread ends are trimmed. The treatment usually takes about half an hour to an hour. Sometimes a thread lift is combined with fillers or botulinum toxin; each combination also increases the number of possible side effects.
Course and durability
Swelling, bruising, a feeling of tightness and slight unevenness are common in the first days to weeks. Strong facial expressions, massage, sport and pressure on the face should be avoided for a few weeks. The visible lift is usually subtle and, according to the available studies, in many cases lasts only months to about one to two years. Systematic reviews criticise the fact that the studies are small, often have short follow-up periods and that results are mainly assessed subjectively.
Risks and side effects
- bruising, swelling and pain
- dimpling, dents and asymmetries
- visible or palpable threads, a thread working its way through the skin
- infections and inflammatory reactions, sometimes with nodule formation
- rarely, injury to nerve branches, salivary glands or vessels
- premature loss of effect if threads come loose
In the event of complications, threads sometimes have to be removed again, which is not always easy.
Costs and important to know
A thread lift is an aesthetic treatment paid for privately; in the event of complications, German health insurers can require insured persons to share the costs under Section 52 SGB V. Before treatment, realistic expectations, the thread material used, the experience of the practitioner, risks and alternatives should be discussed and time to reflect should be planned. Depending on the findings, alternatives are fillers, energy-based procedures such as radiofrequency or focused ultrasound, or a surgical facelift for more pronounced sagging.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Facelift, Filler, Skin ageing, Botulinum toxin, Collagen, Biostimulators, Haematoma, Radiofrequency microneedling, HIFU
Sources
- Gülbitti HA et al.: Thread-Lift Sutures: Still in the Lift? A Systematic Review of the Literature. Plast Reconstr Surg 2018
- Verordnung (EU) 2017/745 über Medizinprodukte (MDR)
- Deutsche Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen (DGPRÄC): Patienteninformationen zu ästhetischen Eingriffen
- Sozialgesetzbuch Fünftes Buch (SGB V), § 52 Leistungsbeschränkung bei Selbstverschulden
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, dentist or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.