What is a thread lift?

A thread lift is an in-office, non-surgical procedure that lifts mild skin laxity and smooths out early signs of aging in the mid-face and jawline areas. It works by placing dissolvable sutures beneath the skin, giving you a naturally refreshed look.

How does a thread lift work?

Silhouette InstaLift® refreshes your look by using tiny dissolvable threads equipped with soft micro-cones. These threads are carefully placed in the deeper layers of your mid-face skin, where they gently lift and reposition your tissue for a more youthful contour. Over time, they also encourage your body to create new collagen, so your skin gradually looks even firmer and smoother. The threads are made from a medical-grade, biodegradable material called PLGA, which your body naturally absorbs over time.

Before we get started, one of our aesthetic professionals will map out exactly where the sutures will go, using a marking pen to plan everything carefully.

We’ll apply a local anesthetic to make sure you’re completely comfortable. Then, the sutures are placed under your skin and gently adjusted to create the desired lift. The bi-directional cones work by holding your skin in its new, more youthful position.

The number of sutures used depends on your unique needs and goals. The whole treatment usually takes about 45 minutes!

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Thread Lift Aftercare

After your treatment, it’s normal to experience a bit of swelling, tenderness, or slight bruising around the treated areas. These effects are part of your skin’s natural healing process and actually help kickstart collagen production. You might notice small irregularities in the skin texture at first, but don’t worry—these usually smooth out on their own within a few days!

Downtime is minimal. Most swelling and bruising fade within 24 to 48 hours, and you can get back to your normal activities right away. You’ll leave the office with an immediate lift in your cheeks, and the bonus is that your skin’s texture and firmness will continue to improve over time as your collagen rebuilds.

We’ll send you home with detailed aftercare instructions to help you get the best possible results.

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Is a thread lift right for me?

If you’re starting to notice mild to moderate sagging and want to freshen up your look, but you aren’t ready to commit to surgery, a thread lift could be a perfect fit. It’s ideal for people with good skin quality who are looking for a subtle yet significant lift without the downtime of a traditional facelift.

Are there any side effects of threads?

Right after your InstaLift®, you might experience some swelling or bruising, and that's totally normal. Rarely, side effects like infection, temporary nerve irritation, or slight asymmetry can happen. We’ll go over all the risks during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Complications are very rare, but if you notice anything unusual, reach out to us right away.

Should I get a thread lift or facelift surgery?

If your skin has mild to moderate sagging, and you’re looking for a quicker recovery and lower cost, a thread lift might be the perfect choice. The dissolvable threads instantly lift your skin and stimulate collagen, with recovery typically around 3–5 days.

If you have more significant sagging or want a more dramatic transformation, a surgical facelift is a better option. Facelift surgery is more invasive, requires a longer recovery time, and costs more, but it offers the most comprehensive and long-lasting results. It’s great for restoring facial volume and tightening loose skin, though you should be prepared for possible side effects like bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness.

We’ll help you figure out the best option during your consultation!

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How often will I need to touch up my results?

Most people enjoy their InstaLift® results for about 18 months before considering a touch-up. Because the treatment boosts your body’s natural collagen, results tend to be durable, and maintenance treatments are easy to schedule when you’re ready.

Is the procedure painful?

We use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, so you’ll stay comfortable throughout the procedure. You might have a little soreness or swelling afterwards, but it usually goes away quickly and can be easily managed.

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