Thread Lift

With the effect of advanced age and gravity, as the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin structure decrease, a prominent sagging and downward displacement occur in facial contours. These changes, which manifest themselves especially in the cheeks, jawline, and neck region, can give the person a more tired or sad expression than they actually have. Today, the thread face lift (face suspension) application is a modern aesthetic method that aims to reduce these effects without the need for surgical intervention. In this procedure, tissues are mechanically moved upwards and facial contours are reshaped through special medical threads placed under the skin.

The threads used are produced from bio-compatible materials that are compatible with the body and can dissolve spontaneously over time. In this way, the procedure offers both a safe and natural healing process. The threads do not only create a lifting effect (the effect of upward recovery and stretching of the face); besides this, they help the skin gain a tighter and more elastic appearance by supporting collagen production in the surrounding tissues. This process provides a long-term rejuvenation and vitality effect on the skin. Patients can generally return to their daily lives quickly after the procedure, which can be applied under local anesthesia in a short time.

Medical Aesthetics Specialist Dr. Lida Çiteli explained to which regions the thread face lift application, which aims to give the skin a more vigorous and youthful appearance without requiring surgical procedures, is performed, its advantages, and the points to be considered after the procedure.

What is Thread Face Lift (Face Suspension)?

Thread face lift (thread lift), also known as the French lift, is a minimally invasive medical aesthetic procedure applied without requiring surgical incisions, aiming to reduce the sagging and tissue laxity that appear on the skin due to the effect of the aging process and gravity. This method ensures that sagged tissues are mechanically moved upwards through biocompatible (body-compatible) threads placed under the skin that can dissolve spontaneously over time. At the same time, it is a non-surgical rejuvenation procedure that contributes to the formation of a tighter, more vibrant, and youthful facial contour by stimulating the natural collagen production of the skin.

How is Thread Face Lift (Face Suspension) Procedure Performed and How Long Does It Take?

The thread face lift procedure primarily begins with the sterilization of the areas to be treated and the application of local anesthesia for the patient's comfort. Then, entrance is made into the lower layers of the skin from points determined according to the treatment plan with the help of pre-prepared fine-tipped cannulas (small tubes). Through these cannulas, threads produced from biocompatible materials such as polydioxanone (PDO) and featuring small hooks called "cogs" on them are placed under the skin. This hooked structure contributes to the repositioning of the sagging regions in the desired direction by ensuring that the threads hold onto the soft tissues.

After the threads are placed in the correct position, a lifting effect is created on the skin and the facial contour is reshaped by applying a controlled stretching process by the physician. The procedure is completed with the removal of the cannulas; it generally does not require surgical incisions or stitches. Although the procedure time varies depending on the application area, it mostly takes between 30–60 minutes. In addition to the mechanical support effect created by the threads after the application, collagen synthesis developing over time contributes to the tightening of the skin and improvement in tissue quality.

What are the Thread Types Used in Thread Face Lift (Face Suspension) Procedure and How is the Durability Period?

The materials used in the thread face suspension procedure are divided into two. These are:

• Absorbable Threads: These threads, which maintain their permanence for up to one and a half to two years, are completely dissolved by the body after this period. Throughout the dissolution process, they increase skin quality by stimulating collagen fibers in the lower layers of the skin.

• Permanent Threads: Also known as the French Lift, these materials are componented with silicone and polyester. They are not dissolved by the body and provide a stronger, long-term suspension effect. Their permanence continues for five to seven years.

To Which Regions Can Thread Face Lift (Face Suspension) Be Applied?

Thread face lift (thread lift) is performed as a non-surgical recovery and tightening method in areas where sagging and looseness are observed in the face and neck region. In this application, effective results can be achieved for the following aesthetic procedures with the correct patient selection:

Lower Face and Jawline (Jawline Aesthetics)

It is one of the areas where aging symptoms are most commonly seen. Depending on gravity and volume loss, the sagging cheek tissue can be moved upwards, making the jawline more prominent and sharp. The appearance of lines extending downwards from the corners of the mouth (marionette lines) that make the face look tired or sad can be alleviated.

Mid-Face and Cheekbone Region

It plays a critical role in the youthful and dynamic appearance of the face. Deep lines extending from the edge of the nose to the corner of the mouth (nasolabial folds) can be softened by moving the tissues upwards. Sagging and volume loss in the cheekbone region can be recovered to gain a fuller, more balanced, and youthful appearance of facial lines.

Eyebrows and Around the Eyes

It is a sensitive region that directly affects the expression of the look. A low eyebrow structure can be brought to a more open and dynamic expression by moving the eyebrows and surrounding soft tissues upwards. By supporting the outer corner of the eye slightly upwards and outwards, a more slanted and prominent eye appearance (almond eye effect) can be achieved.

Neck and Jowl Region

It is one of the regions where aging can be noticed quickly. A clearer profile appearance can be achieved by recovering and supporting the loose tissues under the chin (jowl region). An improvement can be provided in the appearance of horizontal neck lines and slight sagging.

Nasal Tip Lifting

It is not a permanent and surgical rhinoplasty alternative. It can be preferred as a supportive application in selected patients. A slight lifting effect can be given to the nasal tip with the appropriate technique, improving the profile balance.

Do Thread Face Lift Results Differ According to Skin Type?

Thread face lift (thread lift) is not a method that is effective at the same level for every skin type. The success of the application varies depending on the skin structure, age, tissue quality, and degree of sagging. Generally, more successful and natural results can be achieved in individuals with mild and moderate skin laxity, whose skin elasticity has not yet been completely lost. It is a highly suitable option for patients who possess these features and want to avoid surgery risks or surgical interventions. The application is mostly preferred heavily by individuals in the 35 to 50 age range. Especially in skins with thin-to-medium thickness and good collagen production capacity, both recovery and an increase in skin quality are observed. In contrast;

• In cases where there is advanced sagging and prominent wrinkles, thread applications may not provide a sufficient lifting effect; surgical face lift may be a more suitable alternative for these patients.

• In very thin skins with reduced elasticity, the holding capacity of the threads may be limited.

• In thick, oily, and heavy skin structures, since the gravity effect is greater, the results obtained may remain more limited.

Therefore, the thread face lift procedure is an application that requires a personalized evaluation. The most accurate approach should be determined by the specialist physician in line with the patient's facial anatomy, skin quality, and expectations.

What are the Advantages of Thread Face Lift (Face Suspension) Application?

Thread face lift (thread lift) is a minimally invasive method preferred as an alternative to surgery and offers many advantages:

• Does Not Require Surgical Procedure: It does not require incisions or stitches; in this way, tissue trauma is kept at a minimum and natural facial expressions are fully preserved.

• Application with Local Anesthesia: It is a procedure that can be completed in an average of 30-60 minutes under local anesthesia, without the risks and side effects of general anesthesia.

• Fast Healing Process: A large portion of patients can return to their daily lives within a short time after the procedure. Light bruising or edema generally resolves spontaneously within a few days.

• Absence of Scarring Risk: Since the threads are placed through micro-entrance holes, no permanent scars are formed on the skin surface.

• Instant and Gradual Effect: The lifting effect is observed immediately after the procedure; the results become even more prominent in the following weeks with the increase in collagen and elastin production.

• Customizable Design: It can be specially planned according to the sagging rate and asymmetry in the person's facial anatomy.

• Safe and Reversible: The medical threads used are bio-compatible and completely absorbed by the body. The fact that the results are reversible offers a more flexible revision possibility compared to surgical operations.

How are the Healing Process and Results Verified After Thread Face Lift (Face Suspension)?

• First Days: It is normal for a mild level of sensitivity to occur after the procedure. Minimal swellings or bruises formed after the treatment show spontaneous healing within a short time.

• After One Week: The formed edema and bruises are generally completely healed and the skin becomes calmed after this period.

• Maximum Effect: The first mechanical lifting effect begins to be seen immediately after the treatment. However, a period of approximately three months is needed for the clear and final results to be fully observed. This is because the activation of collagen production at the cellular level shows its real effects when this process is completed.

What Should Be Considered After Thread Face Lift?

The first weeks after the application are a critical process in which the threads are fully integrated into the tissue and collagen synthesis is triggered. For ideal results, the following rules should be considered:

Sleeping Position and Pressure

In order to minimize the gravity effect and prevent the threads from displacing during the first 3-5 days, one should lie on the back, using double pillows if necessary. The face region should not be rubbed, and the use of hard towels and facial massage should be avoided for the first 1 week.

Movement and Expression Control

Wide mouth movements such as excessive laughing, yawning, and shouting should be avoided for the first 1 week. Very hard foods (apples, tough meat, etc.) should not be consumed and chewing gum should be avoided for the first few days.

Heat Exposure and Hygiene Rules

Saunas, Turkish baths, solariums, and excessively hot showers should be avoided for the first 2 weeks. Heat can increase edema and affect the structure of the threads. Makeup should not be applied to the procedure areas and water should not touch them for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

Daily Activities and Treatment Process

Light walks can be done, but at least 10-14 days should be expected for heavy sports, movements where the head is tilted downwards, and high-tempo exercises. Since dental treatments stretch the jawline and cheeks, such appointments should be postponed for at least 3 weeks later.

Possible Side Effects and Management

In order to help control the mild swelling (edema) and bruising that may occur after the procedure, cold compresses can be applied at times and intervals recommended by the doctor. The skin can be more sensitive to UV rays while it is in the healing process; it is recommended to use a high-factor sunscreen to reduce the risk of pigmentation.

In Which Situations is Thread Face Lift (Face Suspension) Not Recommended?

Thread face lift (thread lift) is a medical aesthetic application that is not suitable for every patient and must definitely be planned by evaluating the individual health status. It is not recommended to be applied in individuals with an active infection or an inflammatory condition in the procedure area due to the risk of infection. In addition to this, the procedure should be examined with sensitivity especially in uncontrolled diabetes patients since delay in wound healing and the risk of complications may increase. It may also not be suitable in individuals who have bleeding or clotting disorders or use blood thinner medications due to the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.

The procedure is also generally not recommended in individuals with active and advanced-stage oncological disease and individuals with severe autoimmune diseases that affect the immune system balance. During pregnancy and breastfeeding periods, performing thread face lift is not preferred due to limited safety data. In addition, individuals who have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the thread materials used must definitely share this situation with their physician. The procedure may also not be deemed appropriate in patients whose general health status is not suitable or who do not have realistic expectations. Therefore, performing a detailed physician evaluation prior to the application carries great importance in terms of patient safety and achieving successful results.

How are Thread Face Lift (Face Suspension) Prices Determined?

The prices of the thread face lift application are not fixed and vary depending on many factors. The region to be treated and the width of the procedure area, the number of threads to be used, and the technical features of the threads are the determining factors in pricing for the targeted lifting level and the personalized treatment plan. In addition, the experience of the physician performing the procedure and the clinic conditions where the application is made are also among the important factors affecting the cost. Since every patient's facial structure and needs are different, the most accurate pricing can only be determined individually after a detailed examination.

In Which Regions Does Dr. Lida Çiteli Offer Thread Face Lift Services?

Providing services in her clinic in Istanbul, Medical Aesthetics Specialist Dr. Lida Çiteli offers personalized thread face lift (thread lift) applications to patients coming from all over Turkey and from abroad via health tourism.