There are few things more discouraging than experiencing signs of aging, especially when it comes to your skin. If you’re not getting the results you’re looking for from anti-aging products or injectables; you may want to consider treatments that provide more dramatic results.

A thread lift is one alternative to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. During the procedure, temporary sutures are used to pull skin taught across the face, giving the patient a lifted look. Yet, it requires minimal downtime compared to a facelift. In fact, most patients return to work the same day. Below, we discuss three well-known thread lifts and how to determine the one that’s right for you.

"Your face has different needs as your skin ages, and no one product or procedure can treat all types of aging,” says Ronald Sulewski, MD, Nebraska Medicine dermatologist. “A thread lift can be a bridging option for people who have had BOTOX® and other injectables but are not ready for a surgical facelift.”

What are PDO thread lifts?

Polydioxanone, or PDO threads, are a type of medical-grade thread commonly used in surgical procedures. Polydioxanone is incredibly strong and biodegradable, unlike other surgical threads, so it can safely dissolve into your body within a couple months. As the material disintegrates, it triggers your body’s natural healing process and increases collagen production. Still, the effects only last up to nine months, so more sessions may be necessary to achieve desired results.

What are NovaThreads?

NovaThreads were the first FDA-approved absorbable PDO sutures. The procedure uses the same technique as PDO thread lifts to create a refreshed, youthful look, but the effects are often longer lasting. Depending on your desired results, your dermatologist or cosmetic specialist may use barbed or smooth PDO threads. Barbed PDO threads are best for those looking to tighten skin. In contrast, smooth PDO threads may be more beneficial for those looking to stimulate natural collagen production. Your dermatologist or cosmetic specialist can help you determine the option that’s right for you.

What is Silhouette InstaLift?

Silhouette InstaLift treatments can also help tighten sagging skin and diminish the appearance of aging. Before the procedure, your dermatologist or cosmetic specialist will likely use injectable lidocaine to numb the area. Then, the specialist will insert sutures using a thin needle to help tighten the skin like a facelift. While the effects last significantly longer than PDO threads, the sutures do not stimulate natural collagen production. You may also experience more redness and swelling than other thread lifts since the procedure is slightly more invasive. Nevertheless, the recovery time is still minimal.

Where can thread lifts be used?

A thread lift can treat most parts of your face and neck that are experiencing signs of aging. The areas around your cheeks, jaw, neck and eyes are among the most commonly treated.

Are thread lifts like a lip flip or lip filler?

While thread lifts can provide similar effects to lip augmentation or dermal lip filler, they are entirely different procedures. Traditional lip fillers alter the lip size and shape, but threading is more about elevating the skin to define and raise the outline.

“When a patient asks for a lip flip or lip filler, typically they’re implying they want some BOTOX in that area to help their lips look fuller, but I don’t always suggest BOTOX right away,” says Dr. Sulewski. “To ensure patients are getting the results they’re truly after, I usually talk them through several options, including BOTOX, fillers and threads.”

How do I know which procedure is right for me?

As outlined above, not all thread lifts are alike. With any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to consult an experienced dermatologist or cosmetic specialist to determine what’s right for you.

Looking to reduce signs of aging?

Call 800.922.0000 to schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.