Thread Lifts: The Non-Surgical Way to Lift Sagging Skin

Facial aging is an inevitable part of life, but today’s aesthetic treatments offer exciting opportunities to address these changes without invasive surgery. One of the most buzzworthy options in our toolkit is the thread lift—a minimally invasive treatment that can help lift and contour the face. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether threads can truly deliver results, how the procedure feels, or if it could help you postpone a facelift, you’re not alone. In this blog, I’ll explore these common questions and share why we’ve chosen to offer Instalift Threads as part of our comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. After eight years of helping patients combat the signs of aging with neuromodulators, dermal fillers, Sculptra, and PRP microneedling, I’ve found the lower face—particularly the jawline and jowls—to be a uniquely challenging area. For this reason, thread lifts have become a valuable tool for me in addressing sagging skin, down-turned smiles, and jowls. 

Threads vs. Fillers: When Threads Are the Better Choice 

One of the most common and frustrating facial changes as we age is the loss of jawline definition, sagging skin, and the appearance of jowl fat pads. While chin and jawline dermal fillers can help restore structure in some areas of the lower mandible, their ability to lift and tighten is often limited. For those seeking a more noticeable reduction in jowls and significant lower face lifting, Instalift threads are my top recommendation.

Threads before and after photo of a woman with sagging skin and jawline that has been corrected Instalift threads are absorbable sutures with small, strategically placed cones along their length. The suture resembles a fine thread attached to a needle, much like a needle and thread used in sewing. During the procedure, the needle is carefully inserted through a tiny entry point in the skin, allowing the suture to be precisely positioned beneath the surface. Once in place, the specialized cones along the suture engage and lift sagging subcutaneous tissue, helping to hold it in a more youthful and elevated position.

Over the past few years, I’ve performed many Instalift thread treatments, and through experience, I’ve refined patient selection and technique to maximize results. 

Who is a Good Candidate for Instalift Threads?


before and after instalift photo showing the lifitng capacity of Instalift threads

 

For threads to be most effective there needs to be some degree of tissue mobility in the lower face.  Typically we see this in patients in their mid to late 40’s and beyond.  At this age the lower face tissue is often less robust and thus easier to suspend; there is also more significant fat pad descent and the appearance of jowls has worsened. overall, the key factor I look for in a prospective patient is tissue mobility. The greater the mobility, the more dramatic the lifting results can be. For younger patients with early signs of aging but limited tissue mobility, Sculptra or dermal fillers are often better alternatives.

Are InstaLift Threads Effective?

Yes, Instalift threads can deliver noticeable and meaningful results when performed with proper technique on the right patient. This treatment effectively lifts sagging facial tissues, reduces jowls, enhances jawline definition, and minimizes marionette lines. Additionally, by repositioning superficial fat pads that have shifted downward with age, patients often see improved cheek volume and a refreshed under-eye appearance.

In my honest opinion, I view thread lifts as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation strategy. For optimal results, I often combine threads with a touch of dermal filler in the mid-face or neuromodulator to the depressor anguli oris (DAO’s) to further refine and enhance the overall rejuvenating effects. 

 

 

How Many Instalift Threads Do I Need for a Non-Surgical Lift?

diagram of 10 thread placement for instalift threads For most patients, the ideal candidate is typically over the age of 45 and has significant tissue mobility, as stated above. Based on this, we recommend using 10 threads in total—five per side—for optimal results. Over the years, we’ve compared outcomes between using 6 threads versus 10 threads in total, and the results are consistently far superior with 10 threads. 

This approach allows us to effectively target multiple areas, including lifting the midface, enhancing jawline definition, and reducing a “turkey neck” or sagging chin. The difference in improvement with 10 threads is so significant that we’ve adopted this model exclusively for all thread lift treatments to ensure patients receive the best possible outcome without the risk of undertreatment or disappointment.

 

 

Are Thread Lifts Painful?

Thread lifts are a more intricate and potentially uncomfortable procedure compared to dermal fillers, as they essentially function as a non-surgical facelift. To ensure your comfort, we use lidocaine at the thread entry and exit points and prescribe prescription-strength medications to help minimize anxiety and discomfort during the procedure. Additionally, you’ll receive a few pain relief pills to ease any soreness during the initial days of recovery. With these measures in place, most patients report feeling relaxed and comfortable throughout the treatment and recovery process.

What Is the Downtime After a Thread Treatment?

skin dimpling after a thread lift treatment Thread lifts are a more involved treatment than many other aesthetic procedures, and the recovery reflects this. We recommend patients take it easy for the first 3–5 days following treatment, avoiding strenuous activities and impact exercises like jogging for about two weeks.

Mild swelling and temporary skin irregularities, such as waviness or dimpling (as seen in the photo), are common during the initial recovery period and typically resolve within a few days. For this reason, it’s best to schedule your thread lift when you can allow yourself some downtime to rest and recover comfortably.

How Long Do the Results From Instalift Threads Last?

before and after photo of woman in her 50's post a Instalift thread liftInstalift threads stand out due to their innovative design and molecular composition, delivering a two-fold benefit. First, they provide a mechanical lift to reposition and support sagging tissue using their advanced cone technology. These cones have a larger surface area compared to PDO threads, allowing them to grip and hold tissue more effectively.

Second, the threads are made of poly-L-lactic acid co-glycolic acid, a material known to stimulate new collagen production—similar to the mechanism of Sculptra. This dual action offers an immediate lifting effect from the cones, followed by a gradual, secondary improvement in skin strength and texture as collagen is naturally produced.

Patients love the ongoing enhancement, as results typically improve over the following months. The overall effects of InstaLift threads can last between 18 to 36 months, making them a long-lasting and effective option for facial rejuvenation.

 

Are Instalift Threads a Substitute for a Face Lift?

The easy answer here is no.  A face lift is an invasive surgical procedure in which ligaments are often cut and tissue is resuspended and sutured into place.  The results of a face lift will likely be much more significant than the results from a thread treatment.  However, a facelift is an invasive procedure with associated risks of general anesthesia, a prolonged recovery time, and significant expense.  

On the other hand, thread lifts are a minimally invasive option with a lower risk profile, shorter recovery period, and more affordable cost. While they may not provide the same dramatic results as a facelift, thread lifts can still create a noticeable improvement in facial aging and may help you delay or avoid the need for facelift surgery.

before after results picture from instalift thread treatment by Dr. Brigham

At Aluma Aesthetic Medicine, we specialize in safe, effective treatments designed to refresh your natural beauty and help you feel confident at every stage of life. If you’d like to learn more or determine whether thread lifts are the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nathaniel Brigham MD at Aluma Aesthetic Medicine in Portland, OR. 



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