Thread lift — questions for a specialist about the procedure, its results, and safety

Series: Questions for the specialist · Answers: editorial work based on medical knowledge and source materials · Medical consultation: Piotr Rak, M.D. — for authorization before publication · Publication: to be completed · Update: 09/07/2026

The article is educational in nature and does not replace a medical consultation. The doctor decides on the qualification for thread lifting, the choice of the type of thread, the number of threads, the technique of the procedure and post-treatment recommendations after examining the patient.

The most important information at a glance

• Lifting threads are used in selected patients with mild or moderate tissue sagging.
• The treatment involves inserting threads under the skin to mechanically support and lift the tissues.
• Some of the threads may additionally trigger a tissue reaction related to collagen remodeling, but the scope of this effect is individual.
• The effect may be partially visible immediately, but the final result should not be assessed in the first days after the procedure.
• Lifting threads do not replace surgical face lifting in cases of large excess skin or advanced laxity.
• Possible side effects include: swelling, bruising, pain, asymmetry, skin dimpling, thread sensitivity, infection, thread migration or unsatisfactory effect.
• The Q&A format works well for SEO and AI, but answers must be authorized, sourced, and medically prudent.

Does the "question to a specialist" form make sense for SEO?

Yes. The question and answer format responds well to the real intentions of patients: "what are lifting threads?", "do threads replace a face lift?", "how long do lifting threads hold?", "can threads leave unevenness?", "how to sleep after the procedure?". Such phrases are natural for search engines, AI Overview and conversations between patients and doctors.

For this form to be E-E-A-T compliant, you must show who is responsible for the content, who medically authorizes it, when it was updated and what sources it is based on. It is worth avoiding fictitious quotes. A better formula is: "editorially prepared answer, to be authorized by a doctor."

Doctor, what exactly are lifting threads?

Lifting threads are medical devices inserted under the skin to support, lift or reposition selected tissues. Depending on the type, they can be made of various materials, including: PDO, PLLA, PLCL, caprolactone or other polymers used in medicine. They can have different structures: smooth, twisted, equipped with hooks, protrusions or cones.

In practice, the patient is most interested not in the name of the thread itself, but in whether a given thread matches his problem: the degree of tissue sagging, skin thickness, facial expressions, asymmetry, age, expected effect and acceptable recovery time.

Are lifting threads the same as PDO threads?

NO. PDO threads are just one of the groups of threads used in aesthetic medicine. PDO stands for polydioxanone - a material used, among others, in surgical sutures. PDO threads can have various forms and various applications: from gentle biostimulation to threads with protrusions giving the effect of mechanical support.

There are also threads made of other materials, e.g. PLLA, PLCL or complex copolymers. They differ in absorption time, elasticity, strength, anchoring method and expected effect. So you can't say that one type of thread is "best" for everyone. The selection depends on the anatomy and purpose of the procedure.

How do lifting threads work?

Lifting threads work primarily mechanically. After being inserted under the skin, they are supposed to support tissues and change their arrangement in accordance with the planned vectors. In practice, this can improve the contours of the face, jawline, cheeks, eyebrow area, chin or neck - if the patient is well qualified.

The second element is the tissue reaction around the thread. In some patients, collagen is rebuilt and skin tension improves. However, this effect should not be presented as a guarantee of rejuvenation, because it is variable and depends, among others, on: on age, skin quality, lifestyle, diseases, smoking, technique and type of threads used.

What does the procedure using lifting threads look like?

The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. Its course depends on the area, technique, number of threads and type of product used.

1. Consultation: the doctor assesses indications, contraindications, anatomy and patient expectations.
2. Treatment plan: lifting vectors and thread entry points are determined.
3. Local anesthesia: the treatment area is anesthetized.
4. Thread introduction: the doctor inserts the threads using a cannula or a needle.
5. Tissue arrangement: tissues are gently modeled and stabilized.
6. Symmetry check: the doctor assesses the tension, positioning and initial effect.
7. Recommendations: the patient receives instructions on healing, facial expressions, sleep, activity and control.

The treatment time is variable. One fixed length of the procedure should not be promised, because a delicate correction of one area takes a different time than a multi-point face lift.

Does the procedure hurt?

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, but this does not mean that the patient does not feel anything. During the procedure, there may be pressure, pulling, stretching or discomfort related to the introduction of threads and positioning of tissues.

After the procedure, tenderness, pain when making facial expressions, a feeling of tension, bruising, swelling or temporary asymmetry may occur. The severity of symptoms depends on the scope of the procedure and the patient's individual response.

When can you see the effect of lifting threads?

Some of the mechanical effect may be visible immediately after treatment, but the first appearance is not the final result. In the first days and weeks, swelling, bruising, tissue tension, temporary asymmetry or skin tightening may affect the assessment of the effect.

The final effect is assessed after healing and tissue alignment. During the consultation, the doctor should explain when the result can be realistically assessed in a given case and when to go for a check-up.

How long does the effect of lifting threads last?

The duration of the effect is individual. It depends on the type of threads, technique, number of threads, patient's age, skin quality, facial expressions, tissue weight, weight changes, smoking, sun exposure and the natural aging process.

In some patients the effect lasts for several months, in others it lasts shorter or longer. It is worth talking about the approximate scope after consultation, and not about the guaranteed duration of action. The threads do not stop aging and do not protect against further loss of skin elasticity.

Can the threads be visible or felt under the skin?

Correctly selected and inserted threads should usually not be visible in everyday use. However, it must be honestly said that visibility, palpability, skin wrinkles, recesses, pulls or asymmetry are among the possible side effects.

Some unevenness is temporary and improves over time, but some problems may require inspection, correction, treatment of infection, and less often, removal of the threads. Therefore, after the procedure, recommendations and the ability to contact a doctor are important.

Who can benefit from thread lifting?

The best candidate is usually a patient with mild to moderate tissue sagging, no major excess skin, with realistic expectations and the understanding that the effect is temporary. It is not age alone that determines qualification, but the quality of the skin, anatomy, degree of sagging and general health.

Threads can be discussed for issues such as:

• mild or moderate sagging of the cheeks,
• deterioration of facial contours,
• prominent "hamsters",
• laxity of the jaw area,
• mild drooping of the neck skin,
• gentle lifting of selected tissues without adding much volume,
• the need for minimally invasive correction while accepting the limitations of the method.

When may lifting threads not be enough?

The threads may not give a satisfactory effect in patients with large excess skin, advanced tissue sagging, very heavy skin, significant volume loss or the expectation of an effect similar to that after face lifting surgery. In such situations, your doctor may suggest a different method or staged treatment.

It is also important to distinguish between problems. Sometimes a patient asks about threads, and a better solution may be eyelid surgery, eyebrow lift, lip lift, skin quality treatment, filling volume losses or surgical lifting.

Can threads be combined with other treatments?

In selected patients, yes, but not always during one visit. Threads may be part of a plan combined with botulinum toxin, fillers, skin improvement treatments, plasma, fibrin, laser therapy or other procedures. Proper order and safe spacing are key.

Too many procedures performed at the same time may increase swelling, risk of infection, difficulty in assessing the effect or risk of thread disruption. Therefore, a combination plan should be determined by the doctor after assessing the patient's skin and goals.

How to care for your skin after the procedure?

Post-treatment instructions may vary depending on the technique and area, but usually include limiting activities that may dislodge the threads or worsen swelling.

• Do not massage the treatment area without your doctor's permission.
• Avoid intense facial expressions and wide opening of the mouth for the time recommended by the doctor.
• Sleep in the position recommended by your doctor, often with limited pressure on your face.
• Do not use the sauna, swimming pool, solarium or intensive training until your doctor consents.
• Do not schedule facial massages, laser, cosmetic or dental treatments in the treatment area without discussing with your doctor.
• Use any medications, dressings or preparations recommended after the procedure according to the instructions.
• Report urgently if you experience increasing pain, fever, purulent discharge, increasing swelling, sensory disturbances, or severe asymmetry.

Are lifting threads safe?

Safety depends on the patient's qualifications, type of thread, knowledge of anatomy, insertion technique, hygiene of the procedure and compliance with recommendations. It's not fair to say that a procedure is "safe" in the sense of having no risk - it's a minimally invasive procedure, but it's still medical.

Possible side effects and complications include:

• swelling, bruising and tenderness,
• pain, pulling or tightness
• temporary or permanent asymmetry,
• dents, folds or pulls in the skin,
• palpability or visibility of the threads,
• thread displacement,
• infection, inflammation or abscess
• reaction to a foreign body or granuloma,
• vessel or nerve damage, rare but possible
• unsatisfactory, too weak or too strong effect,
• the need for correction, treatment of complications or removal of threads.

Who shouldn't have a thread lift?

Contraindications are always assessed by a doctor, but they require special caution:

• active skin infections or inflammation at the treatment site,
• pregnancy and breastfeeding,
• coagulation disorders,
• taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs,
• unregulated chronic diseases,
• some autoimmune diseases or active inflammatory diseases,
• active cancer process or oncological treatment, if it affects the safety of the procedure,
• tendency to develop keloid scars or improper healing,
• previous complications after threads, fillers or procedures in the same area,
• unrealistic expectations, peer pressure or suspected dysmorphic disorder.

Are you considering a thread lift?

First, qualification is needed: assessment of the skin, the degree of tissue sagging, expectations, contraindications and possible alternatives.

Lifting threads at the Friendly Medicine Island in Gdańsk

At the Island of Friendly Medicine, thread lifting is performed by, among others: Piotr Rak, MD, PhD. The consultation allows you to assess whether threads are the right method or whether another plan would be better: improving skin quality, botulinum toxin, fillers, lip lift, eyebrow lift, blepharoplasty or a surgical procedure.

The current scope of the treatment, type of threads used, cost and post-treatment recommendations should be confirmed during registration or consultation.

See the treatment page Aesthetic medicine price list

What to ask your doctor before a thread lift?

• Are lifting threads the right solution in my case?
• What effect can I realistically expect?
• What effect cannot be achieved with threads?
• What type of thread will be used and why?
• Where will the thread entry points be?
• How long may swelling, tenderness or asymmetry last?
• What are the possible complications and what to do if they occur?
• What should you not do after the procedure and for how long?
• Will another treatment or staged treatment be better in my case?

FAQ - lifting threads

Do lifting threads replace surgical face lifting?

NO. Threads can help with mild or moderate tissue sagging, but they will not replace a surgical facelift in patients with large excess skin or advanced laxity.

Are PDO threads and lifting threads the same thing?

Not always. PDO is a material from which a specific type of thread can be made. Lifting threads can be made of various materials and have different structures, e.g. smooth, twisted or with protrusions.

Is the effect of the threads visible immediately?

Some of it may be visible immediately, but the initial appearance may be disturbed by swelling, bruising, tissue tension or temporary asymmetry. The final effect is assessed after healing and tissue alignment.

How long does the effect of lifting threads last?

The durability of the effect is variable. It depends on the type of thread, technique, skin quality, age, facial expressions, lifestyle, weight changes and the natural aging process.

Can threads cause skin irregularities?

Yes. Dimples, folds, pulls, asymmetry or threads may be felt. Some changes disappear over time, but some require control or treatment.

Can lifting threads be combined with Botox or fillers?

In selected patients, yes, but the order and intervals between procedures should be determined by the doctor. Not all treatments should be performed during one visit.

When can you return to work after a thread lift?

It depends on the scope of the procedure, swelling, bruising and the nature of the work. Some patients return to daily activities quickly, but visible healing symptoms may persist for several days or longer.

Who performs lifting threads on the Friendly Medicine Island?

On the website of Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej it is indicated that thread lifting is performed by, among others: Piotr Rak, MD, PhD. The current scope of the treatment and availability must be confirmed during registration.

Sources for medical and editorial verification

• Google Search Central, Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content
• Google Search Quality Rater Guidelines, YMYL and medical expertise: https://guidelines.raterhub.com/searchqualityevaluatorguidelines.pdf
• Island of Friendly Medicine, lifting threads: https://www.wyspamedycynyPrzyjaznej.pl/pl/nici-liftingujace-gdansk
• Island of Friendly Medicine, Dr. Piotr Rak: https://www.wyspamedycynyPrzyjaznej.pl/pl/dr-piotr-rak
• Thread Lifting Materials: A Review of Its Difference in Terms of Technical and Mechanical Properties, PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11086642/
• Facial Thread Lifting Complications in China, PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8447984/
• Complications of thread lift about skin dimpling and thread extrusion, PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7507174/
• Facial thread lifting with suture suspension, PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9449186/
• The Science of Absorbable Poly(L-Lactide-Co-ε-Caprolactone) Threads for Soft Tissue Repositioning of the Face, PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7812524/
• Aesthetic Concept, APTOS - description of types of threads and materials: https://www.aestheticconcept.com.pl/kategoria.php?cat_id=121