Thread lifting
A thread lift is a non-surgical aesthetic medicine procedure that improves skin firmness and lifts sagging tissues of the face, neck or body without incisions. It involves placing threads beneath the skin, most commonly PDO threads made of polydioxanone, which mechanically lift the tissues and stimulate collagen production as the material is gradually absorbed. Eligibility for the procedure is assessed during a consultation with Piotr Rak, MD, PhD.
Reception: Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Gdańsk, 15 Toruńska Street. LGBT+ friendly clinic.
| Method | PDO, absorbable threads |
| Anaesthesia | local |
| Procedure duration | approximately 60–90 minutes |
| Duration of results | 12–24 months, depending on the individual patient |
| Doctor | Piotr Rak, MD, PhD |
| Price | from PLN 5,000 |
polydioxanone — absorbable, stimulates collagen
outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia
surgeon, aesthetic medicine
individual consultation, LGBT+ friendly
What does a thread lift involve?
A thread lift is a procedure in which the doctor places special threads beneath the skin using a needle or cannula, without making incisions. The threads mechanically lift sagging tissues and anchor them in the deeper layers of the skin, helping to restore a more defined facial contour or improve the firmness of selected body areas. Alongside the mechanical effect, the gradually absorbed threads, such as PDO threads, stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen. This may help maintain the skin-firming effect for several months after the material has been absorbed.
The most commonly used type is PDO threads made of polydioxanone — a synthetic, absorbable surgical material with documented biocompatibility. Depending on the indications, the doctor selects the type and number of threads individually during the eligibility consultation.
A thread lift is an invasive procedure and, like any aesthetic treatment, may cause adverse effects. The doctor discusses these individually before qualifying the patient for treatment. The most common effects include swelling, bruising and tenderness, which usually resolve within a few days. Less common complications include asymmetry, visible or palpable threads beneath the skin, skin dimpling and irregularities, thread displacement and infection at the insertion site. Rare but more serious complications include damage to blood vessels or nerves. Results may differ from expectations. The doctor assesses individually whether the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Concerns addressed by a thread lift
Patients commonly seek treatment because of gradual age-related changes, including a sagging facial contour and jowls, loss of firmness in the neck and décolletage, deepening nasolabial folds and laxity around the cheeks and jawline. A thread lift may be considered when the changes are moderate and when the patient expects a subtle rather than dramatic correction.
The procedure does not replace a surgical facelift in cases of significant tissue laxity. During the consultation, the doctor determines whether a thread lift is the appropriate method or whether another treatment should be considered.
Who is a thread lift suitable for?
The procedure may be considered by people who:
- notice a loss of definition in the facial contour and want a non-surgical correction,
- have moderate skin laxity affecting the face, neck or body,
- are looking for an alternative or complement to fillers and botulinum toxin,
- are in good general health and have realistic expectations about the extent of the results.
A thread lift is not recommended in cases of significant tissue laxity requiring surgical correction or when active skin lesions are present in the treatment area. Eligibility is assessed individually by the doctor.
Contraindications
- active skin infection in the treatment area, such as acne, herpes or inflammation,
- pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- serious autoimmune diseases or uncontrolled diabetes,
- a tendency to develop keloids or impaired wound healing,
- use of potent anticoagulant medicines when they cannot be discontinued,
- unrealistic expectations regarding the extent and duration of the results.
How is the procedure performed?
The doctor takes a medical history, assesses the condition of the skin, discusses the patient’s expectations, explains the risks and limitations of the procedure and selects the type and number of threads.
The skin is disinfected and the treatment area is locally anaesthetised to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
The doctor places the threads beneath the skin using a needle or cannula. The threads are anchored to lift sagging tissues in the planned direction. The procedure usually takes approximately 60–90 minutes.
After the procedure, the doctor assesses the result and provides instructions regarding healing, activity restrictions and follow-up appointments.
Results and duration
The mechanical lifting effect is visible immediately after the procedure. The full result, including the collagen-stimulating effect of the absorbable threads, develops over 2–3 months. Results usually last approximately 12–24 months, depending on the type of threads used, individual predispositions, the ageing process and lifestyle.
A thread lift does not stop the ageing process. The procedure may be repeated later or supplemented with other methods. The doctor discusses a long-term treatment plan during the consultation.
Combining a thread lift with other procedures
A thread lift may be combined with other aesthetic medicine procedures to achieve a more comprehensive result. Examples discussed during a consultation with Dr Rak include:
- hyaluronic acid — restoring volume in areas such as the cheeks or lips,
- botulinum toxin — smoothing dynamic wrinkles,
- facial mesotherapy — improving skin hydration and texture.
The decision to combine procedures and the treatment schedule are determined individually with the doctor. Not every combination should be performed at the same time.
Recovery
During the first few days after the procedure, swelling, bruising, mild temporary asymmetry and a sensation of tightness around the threads may occur. These symptoms usually subside within 3–7 days. Post-treatment recommendations include:
- avoid intensive physical activity, saunas and hot baths for 2 weeks,
- avoid facial massage and pressure on the treatment area for 2–4 weeks,
- sleep on your back for several days to reduce pressure on the face,
- follow the doctor’s individual recommendations.
Most patients can return to their usual daily activities after several days, although complete healing and stabilisation of the results take several weeks.
Doctor performing thread lift procedures
A surgeon and aesthetic medicine practitioner. He performs thread lift procedures, removal of skin lesions, surgical biopsies and other aesthetic and surgical treatments. He carries out a detailed eligibility assessment and discusses an individual treatment plan during the consultation. LGBT+ friendly clinic.
Thread lift in Gdańsk — from PLN 5,000 · eligibility consultation
Skin assessment and discussion of expectations and risks — the first appointment with Piotr Rak, MD, PhD.
Frequently asked questions — thread lift
What risks and complications are associated with a thread lift?
The most common adverse effects include swelling, bruising and a sensation of tightness, which usually subside within a few days. Less common complications include asymmetry, visible or palpable threads beneath the skin, skin dimpling, thread displacement and infection at the insertion site. Rare complications include damage to blood vessels or nerves. The doctor discusses the complete risk profile individually before the procedure and assesses whether the patient is a suitable candidate.
How long do thread lift results last?
The mechanical lifting effect is visible immediately. Results usually last approximately 12–24 months, depending on the type of threads used, individual predispositions and the ageing process. Collagen stimulation caused by the absorbable threads may prolong the skin-firming effect. The procedure does not stop the ageing process.
Does a thread lift replace a surgical facelift?
No. A thread lift is intended for moderate tissue laxity and produces a subtler result than surgery. In cases of significant tissue sagging, the doctor may recommend a surgical consultation as a more appropriate option. The indications are assessed individually during the eligibility consultation.
How long is the recovery period?
Most patients return to their usual daily activities after a few days. Swelling and bruising usually subside within 3–7 days. Intensive physical activity, saunas and facial massage should be avoided for 2 weeks. Complete stabilisation of the results takes several weeks.
Can a thread lift be combined with hyaluronic acid or Botox?
Yes. In many cases, a thread lift is combined with fillers or botulinum toxin to achieve a more comprehensive result. The schedule and order of treatments are determined individually with the doctor. Not every combination should be performed at the same time.
How much does a thread lift cost and what does the price include?
The price of a thread lift starts from PLN 5,000. The final cost depends on the scope of the procedure and the type and number of threads used. It is determined individually during the consultation. The full aesthetic medicine price list is available on the aesthetic medicine price list page or by telephone.
Aesthetic medicine — related procedures
Wrinkle filling and volume restoration.
Details →Smoothing dynamic wrinkles and lifting the eyebrows.
Details →Skin hydration, revitalisation and texture improvement.
Details →Eligibility assessment, treatment planning and discussion of procedures with Dr Piotr Rak.
Details →Telephone, WhatsApp and online booking — Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Contact →Thread lift in Gdańsk — aesthetic medicine · from PLN 5,000
Piotr Rak, MD, PhD · Gdańsk, 15 Toruńska Street
Eligibility consultation · individual treatment plan · Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. A thread lift is an invasive procedure. The extent and duration of the results and the risk of complications vary between patients and are discussed with the doctor during the eligibility assessment. The procedure is not recommended in cases of significant tissue laxity requiring surgical treatment. Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, 15 Toruńska Street, unit AU1, Gdańsk. Tel.: 600 006 913.
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