Thread lifts have gained immense popularity in Singapore as a non-surgical alternative for facial rejuvenation. First introduced in the late 1990s, this minimally invasive procedure offers a solution for those wanting to combat the signs of aging without the downtime associated with traditional facelifts.
A thread lift creates a noticeable yet subtle “lift” in the skin using temporary sutures. Rather than surgically removing loose facial tissue, it suspends the skin by stitching up portions of it, effectively pulling back the skin and creating a tighter, more youthful appearance.
Read more: The Complete Guide to Facelift in Singapore
Beyond the physical lifting effect, thread lifts combat aging in another crucial way: by triggering the body’s “healing response” and stimulating collagen production in treated areas. This is particularly important because collagen plays a vital role in maintaining skin elasticity and youthfulness.
What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses medical-grade threads inserted beneath the skin to lift and tighten sagging tissues.
These threads often feature barbs or cogs that create a suspension effect on the overlying skin and subcutaneous fat layer, essentially “hooking” the skin upward and then “pinning” it in place.
The procedure creates both an immediate mechanical lifting effect and a longer-term regenerative effect as the threads stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity over time.
Benefits of Thread Lifts
Thread lifts offer numerous advantages, making them an attractive option for those seeking facial rejuvenation:
- Immediate visible results with continued improvement over time
- Rejuvenated skin for a more youthful appearance
- Lifting and smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles
- Enhanced skin elasticity and structure
- More defined facial contours, including a sharper jawline
- Stimulation of collagen and elastin production for long-lasting effects
- Natural-looking results without overpulling or dimpling
- Minimal downtime compared to surgical procedures
- Lower cost than traditional facelifts
- No scarring or visible marks
Types of Thread Materials
Thread lifts utilize different materials, each with unique properties and longevity. The three most common types are:
1. Polydioxanone (PDO)
PDO thread lifting has been established as a popular treatment in Korea and continues to grow in popularity worldwide. PDO threads:
- Last for 6 to 12 months
- Dissolve completely after six months
- Continue to stimulate collagen development for up to 12 months
- Are commonly used in surgical sutures
- Can enhance skin texture, reduce wrinkle visibility, and lift the forehead, neckline, and jawline
2. Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)
PLLA threads are designed primarily for skin rejuvenation:
- More efficient at stimulating collagen production than PDO
- Last approximately 12 months
- Release lactic acid into surrounding tissues during biodegradation
- Stimulate natural tissue revitalization and extend the aging cycle
- Break down into harmless compounds (lactate, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water)
3. Polycaprolactone (PCL)
PCL threads offer the longest-lasting results:
- Can last up to 2 years
- Have deeper and more complex chemical bonds and compositions
- Take longer to dissolve fully
- Primarily used in treatments where healing takes longer
- Very strong at stimulating collagen production compared to PDO or PLLA
- Continue improved collagen production for up to a year after thread dissolution
Different Types of Thread Lifts
There are three primary types of thread lifts, each with specific applications and benefits:
1. Mono Threads
Mono threads are smooth threads with no barbs that provide skin tightening:
- Often inserted in a mesh-line pattern
- Tightening effect improves as collagen forms around the threads
- Commonly used for necklines, neck sagginess, forehead, and under-eye areas
- Usually require 10-20 threads per treatment area
- Connected to an “anchoring point” on the scalp or face
- Often paired with cog threads for enhanced results
2. Screw or Tornado Threads
Screw threads can come as one or two intertwined threads:
- Significant influence on the volume of the skin’s sunken areas
- “Multi Screw” (two intertwined threads) has a greater impact than single screw threads
- Primarily used for general facelifting
- Help restore volume to hollow areas
3. Cog Threads
Cog threads are mono threads with barbs:
- Barbs attach to the underside of the skin, forming a support structure
- Lift sagging tissue effectively
- Don’t require anchor points unlike mono threads
- Stimulate collagen development around the threads and barbs
- Particularly effective for lifting and slimming the jawline
Read more: Types of Non-Surgical Facelifts in Singapore
Who is Suitable for Thread Lifts?
Thread lifts are generally most beneficial for:
- Men and women over 30 who are trying to fight early signs of aging
- Individuals with mild to moderate skin sagging
- Those seeking outcomes with minimal downtime and natural-looking results
- People with sagging skin in the cheeks, eyebrows, eyes, jowls, or neck
- Individuals whose previous facelift or thread lift results are fading
- Those with weakened facial muscles causing sagging of the cheek and brow
Who Should Avoid Thread Lifts?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for thread lifts. You may not be suitable if you have:
- Very thin or fragile skin due to the aging process
- Heavy jowls or severe skin sagging (that would require more invasive procedures)
- Unrealistic expectations about the procedure’s results
Common Treatment Areas for Thread Lifts
Thread lifts can effectively address multiple areas of concern:
- Cheeks: Lifting and adding volume
- Eyebrows: Creating a more lifted, alert appearance
- Lower jawline (Mandibular area): Defining and contouring
- Neck: Reducing sagging and tightening loose skin
- Nose bridge: Enhancing height and definition
- Breasts: Lifting and tightening, especially after pregnancy or weight loss
Thread Lift Cost in Singapore
The cost of thread lifts in Singapore varies based on several factors:
- Brand and type of threads used
- Treatment area and number of threads required
- Doctor’s experience and expertise
Typically, face thread lifts in Singapore cost between $1,000 and $5,000, with prices starting from around $800 for nose thread lifts and $1,888 for face thread lifts at experienced clinics.
What to Expect During a Thread Lift Procedure
Initial Consultation
Your first consultation is crucial and should cover:
- Assessment of your suitability for thread lift
- Discussion of medical details, including pain management, medication, downtime, and recovery time
- Clear explanation of expected results, benefits, and limitations of the treatment
Preparation
To prepare for your thread lift:
- Consult with your doctor for a personalized action plan
- Avoid caffeine and quit smoking at least a week before treatment
- Stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or anti-inflammatories (under doctor’s guidance)
The Procedure
The thread lift process is relatively quick and straightforward:
- Local anesthetic is administered to numb the treatment areas
- The doctor uses a thin needle or cannula to insert the threads beneath the skin
- The threads are carefully positioned to create the desired lifting effect
- For a full face thread lift, the procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes
Aftercare and Recovery
Downtime
Thread lifts are non-surgical and minimally invasive, resulting in minimal downtime:
- Mild swelling and occasional bruising may occur
- Most symptoms resolve within 1-3 days
- Many patients return to normal activities immediately or within a day
Post-Treatment Care
For optimal results and faster recovery:
- Do:
- Take prescribed pain medications and antibiotics
- Keep your head elevated at a 45-degree angle when resting
- Apply ice to reduce swelling
- Get ample rest
- Don’t:
- Wash your face or hair in the first 12 hours
- Apply facial products or makeup in the first 48 hours
- Exercise vigorously for up to two weeks
- Consume alcohol or smoke for up to two weeks
- Pull down on your face or massage it for three weeks
Results and Longevity
Immediate Results
Most patients see instant results after a thread lift:
- Immediate lifting effect from the mechanical action of the threads
- Further improvement as swelling subsides
- Enhanced results as collagen forms around the threads
Long-Term Results
Thread lift results typically last:
- 1 to 3 years for face thread lifts
- 6 to 9 months for nose thread lifts
- Longer when combined with other treatments
While no lifting technique produces permanent results, thread lifts offer a significant improvement with minimal recovery compared to surgical facelifts, which may last up to a decade but require months of recovery.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Thread lifts are generally safe, but possible side effects include:
Minor (Common)
- Temporary soreness, especially when opening the mouth wide
- Temporary swelling
- Temporary bruising
- Temporary skin dimpling
Moderate (Less Common)
- Prolonged skin dimpling
- Skin irregularities
- Thread displacement
- Prolonged aching
Rare
- Infection
- Nodule formation
- Nerve injury
- Salivary gland injury
- Facial asymmetry
If you’re dissatisfied with the outcome, the threads will naturally dissolve over time, and you can consult with your doctor about alternative treatments.
Thread Lift vs. Other Facial Rejuvenation Treatments
Thread Lift vs. Surgical Facelift
- Thread Lift: Minimally invasive, shorter recovery, less dramatic results, lasts 1-3 years
- Surgical Facelift: Invasive, longer recovery (3-6 months), more dramatic results, lasts 5-10 years
Thread Lift vs. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
- Thread Lift: Immediate results, may cause temporary bruising/swelling, mechanical lifting
- HIFU: Gradual results over 2-3 months, no bruising, stimulates collagen production more deeply
Thread Lift vs. Liquid Facelift (Fillers)
- Thread Lift: Physical lifting of tissues, stimulates collagen, lasts 1-3 years
- Liquid Facelift: Adds volume, no physical lifting, lasts 9-18 months, often complementary to threads
Advanced Thread Lift Options in Singapore
Silhouette Soft Thread Lift
Silhouette Soft uses PLLA threads with cones that create both lifting and volumizing effects:
- Immediate lifting through repositioning of soft tissue
- Progressive collagen regeneration for 3-6 months
- Results typically last 1-2 years
- Particularly effective for mid-face and cheek lifting
Nose Thread Lift
Nose thread lift is a popular non-surgical nose enhancement in Singapore:
- Enhances nose bridge height and definition
- Sharpens nose tip
- Immediate results with minimal downtime
- Alternative to more invasive rhinoplasty
- Results last approximately 12-18 months
Fox Eye Thread Lift
This specialized eye area thread lift:
- Creates a more almond-shaped, lifted appearance
- Opens up the eyes for a more awake and refreshed look
- Beneficial for those with hooded eyelids
- Can enhance overall eye contour without invasive surgery
Combining Thread Lifts with Other Treatments
For optimal results, thread lifts are often combined with:
- Dermal fillers: Add volume to complement the lifting effect
- Botulinum toxin (Botox): Reduce dynamic wrinkles
- Collagen stimulators (Sculptra, Profhilo): Enhance overall skin quality
- HIFU: Provide deeper tissue tightening for longer-lasting results
According to many Singapore aesthetic doctors, this combination approach often provides the best value and most natural-looking results.
FAQs About Thread Lifts in Singapore
How painful is a thread lift?
Most patients describe thread lifts as uncomfortable rather than painful. A local anesthetic is applied to make the treatment as comfortable as possible, though some tenderness is expected after the anesthetic wears off.
Is thread lift worth the money?
For many patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, thread lifts offer good value as they provide noticeable results without the cost and downtime of surgery. For optimal results and value, many doctors recommend combining thread lifts with other treatments like fillers and energy-based devices.
What is the ideal age for thread lifts?
For nose thread lifts, patients 21 and above are suitable. For face thread lifts, patients in their late 30s and up typically see the best results, though this varies based on individual skin condition and aging patterns.
Can a thread lift go wrong?
Like all medical procedures, complications can occur. However, with proper patient selection, technique, and aftercare, risks can be minimized. Choosing an experienced doctor is crucial for safe and effective results.
How do I know if my threads have broken?
Signs of broken threads may include visible or palpable threads under the skin, premature loss of the lifting effect, or thread extrusion (threads peeking through the skin). If you suspect broken threads, consult your doctor promptly.
Will I have difficulties moving my facial features after a thread lift?
Thread lifts are designed to provide natural-looking results while maintaining normal facial expressions and movement. You should be able to smile, frown, and make other expressions naturally after recovery.
Which thread type is better: PDO, PLLA, or PCL?
Each thread type has its advantages:
- PDO threads are excellent for immediate lifting and nose enhancement
- PLLA threads provide good lifting with longer collagen stimulation
- PCL threads offer the longest-lasting results but with potentially longer-lasting side effects
Your doctor will recommend the most suitable option based on your needs.
Can I drink alcohol before or after my thread lift?
It’s strongly advised to avoid alcohol for two weeks before and at least two weeks after your thread lift. Alcohol can dehydrate your skin, increase blood pressure, and slow the healing process.
How often should I have a thread lift?
For continued results, most doctors recommend touch-up treatments every 9-12 months, though this varies based on the type of threads used and individual factors. PDO threads typically dissolve within 6-9 months, while the collagen-stimulating effects can last up to a year.
What happens if I am not satisfied with the outcome?
If you’re dissatisfied with your thread lift results, you can wait for the threads to naturally dissolve (6-24 months depending on the type) and consult with your doctor about alternative treatments. In some cases, adjustments can be made to improve the outcome.
Conclusion
Thread lifts offer an effective and safe treatment to lift and rejuvenate the skin without surgery. With minimal downtime, immediate results, and natural-looking outcomes, they’ve become increasingly popular in Singapore for those seeking facial rejuvenation.
While not a permanent solution, thread lifts provide a significant improvement that can last 1-3 years, making them an excellent option for those not ready for surgical intervention. For best results, consult with an experienced aesthetic doctor who can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable thread type and technique.
Remember that the key to successful thread lift outcomes lies in proper patient selection, experienced practitioners, and realistic expectations. When these factors align, thread lifts can be a transformative treatment that helps you look and feel more youthful with minimal disruption to your daily life.