Thread Lifts are a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses absorbable threads to lift and tighten sagging skin, enhancing facial contours and stimulating collagen production.
What PDO threads are and how they work
PDO stands for polydioxanone, a synthetic polymer also used in surgical sutures. It is biocompatible and biodegradable, absorbed by the body over three to six months without leaving residue.
Barbed threads have small projections along their length that catch the tissue and hold it in a lifted position when tension is applied. Smooth threads have no barbs and are used in a mesh-like pattern to create a collagen-stimulating scaffold rather than a mechanical lift. Most thread lift procedures use a combination of both types depending on the areas being treated and the patient’s goals.
After absorption, the collagen formed around the thread paths maintains much of the structural support the threads provided. The residual tightening effect is real and it extends the result well beyond the absorption period.
What thread lifts address
Early to moderate jowling, where the lower face has begun to lose its definition. Descent of the midface and cheeks, where the cheek pad has slid downward. Drooping brows. Loose skin along the jawline. Neck laxity that is not yet severe enough to need surgical correction.
Thread lifts are not a surgical facelift. Patients with significant skin excess, deep structural facial changes, or advanced descent need a surgical consultation. For patients in the right stage of the ageing process, threads are a genuinely effective non-surgical option.
How long thread lift results last
Results typically last 12 to 18 months. The combination of the mechanical lift effect during the absorption phase and the residual collagen produced during and after absorption determines the longevity. Patients who combine thread lifts with neurotoxins to relax the muscles pulling the skin downward, and appropriate fillers to address the volume deficit accompanying laxity, tend to see results that hold longer and look more complete.
“Thread lifts work best when they are part of a broader plan. The lift is one piece. You also have to address the muscle dynamics and the volume changes that go with laxity, otherwise the face looks lifted in one dimension but unchanged in others.” – Dina Wang, RN
What the procedure involves
Thread lift procedures at Promethean are performed under local anaesthetic. Dina marks the planned vectors and entry points on your face before any insertion begins, walking you through the plan and addressing any questions.
The threads are inserted using a thin cannula through small entry points and positioned along the planned vectors. The procedure takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on the number of threads and areas treated. Immediately after, you will see the lift effect. There will be mild swelling and bruising over the following five to seven days. Dimpling at entry points usually resolves within two weeks.
You will feel the threads initially, particularly with facial movement. This sensation fades as the tissue settles around them, typically within two to three weeks. Avoid facial massage, wide mouth opening for dental procedures, and sleeping on the treated side for the first two weeks.
have a question?
Common questions about thread lifts in Vancouver
How much do thread lifts cost in Vancouver?
Pricing depends on the number of threads used and the areas treated. A consultation with Dina will give you a specific plan and cost estimate. The pricing reflects the technical skill, time, and materials involved in a properly performed thread lift.
Can threads be removed if I do not like the result?
Barbed threads can be partially or fully removed in the early weeks after placement if needed. Smooth threads and threads that have been in place for several months are more difficult to remove. This is one reason why the planning conversation at consultation is thorough. We want you to understand what you are committing to before anything is placed.
