What Types of Thread Lifting Treatments Are Available?
As we age, many individuals — often starting in their mid-30s — begin to notice visible signs of facial aging: fine lines, reduced skin elasticity, and loss of definition in the jawline. Among the wide range of rejuvenation procedures available, thread lifting has gained recognition as a minimally invasive solution that restores youthful contours without surgery.
In Vancouver, thread lift treatments continue to rise in popularity due to their effectiveness and minimal downtime. Unlike a surgical facelift, thread lifting offers natural-looking results with fewer risks and recovery time. With proper technique, the outcome can last up to 18 months.
How Thread Lifting Works
Thread lifting involves inserting specialized threads into the deeper layers of the skin. These threads create a supportive framework that lifts sagging tissues and prevents further descent due to gravity. Importantly, modern thread materials not only provide mechanical support but also stimulate the body’s natural collagen and elastin production.
The effect occurs in two phases:
Immediate lifting from the mechanical placement of the threads
Gradual collagen remodeling over 2–3 months as the body builds a new structural network around the threads
This two-fold action makes thread lifting both corrective and regenerative.
Absorbable Threads: Features and Benefits
Absorbable threads are among the most widely used due to their safety profile and biocompatibility. They naturally dissolve in the body while maintaining long-term skin-tightening benefits.
Types of absorbable threads include:
Polylactic acid (PLA): stimulates fibroblasts and promotes regeneration
Caprolactone-based threads: improve skin elasticity and give a soft, natural look
Polydioxanone (PDO): provides firm anchoring and structural support
Hybrid threads: combine multiple properties for enhanced performance
Our Vancouver clinic specializes in absorbable threads for mid and lower face lifting, offering reliable and personalized outcomes.
Mesothreads: Gentle Stimulation for Early Aging Signs
Mesothreads are ultra-thin mono threads inserted into the upper dermis. Their goal is not physical lifting, but cellular stimulation and skin revitalization.
When placed correctly, they create a 3D mesh that supports tissues and promotes skin renewal. Though the effect typically lasts 8 to 12 months, mesothreads are ideal for early-stage aging and work well as a preventive measure.
Common indications include:
Mild skin laxity of the face and neck
Fine lines around the forehead and glabella
Early signs of ptosis
Dull or aging skin texture
Mesothread procedures are well-tolerated with minimal discomfort and downtime, making them a preferred option for first-time patients.
Threads with Barbs or Cones: Enhanced Lifting Power
For more advanced lifting, barbed or cog threads are used. These threads have microscopic hooks or cones that secure firmly into the tissue, providing a stronger mechanical lift compared to smooth threads.
These threads serve a dual purpose:
Mechanically reposition sagging tissues
Stimulate collagen production for long-term support
As the material gradually degrades, it is replaced by the body’s own collagen framework, reinforcing the lifted structure. Results typically last 12 to 18 months, depending on metabolism and skin condition.
Proper placement of barbed threads requires advanced technique and precision. When done by an experienced provider, the risk of asymmetry or irregularity is minimal.
Choosing the Right Thread Lift Method: A Personalized Approach
There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution in aesthetic medicine. The choice of thread type and technique depends on multiple factors:
Age and skin condition
Degree of tissue sagging
Facial anatomy
Desired outcome and expectations
During your initial consultation, your provider will evaluate all of these elements and design a customized plan. In some cases, thread lifting may be combined with dermal fillers, neuromodulators, or biorevitalization for enhanced rejuvenation.
Post-Treatment Care Is Key to Lasting Results
The success of a thread lift is not only determined by the procedure itself but also by how well post-treatment instructions are followed.
Typical recommendations include:
Limiting facial muscle activity (e.g., excessive smiling or chewing)
Avoiding saunas and steam rooms
Refraining from strenuous physical activity for 10–14 days
Following these guidelines helps ensure proper thread integration and a smooth, long-lasting aesthetic result.
Conclusion
Thread lifting offers a safe, customizable, and effective alternative to surgical facial rejuvenation. Whether you’re looking to correct early sagging or enhance skin firmness, today’s thread technologies provide solutions tailored to your needs — with natural-looking results and minimal recovery.
When considering thread lifting, clinic selection should be based on the qualifications of the medical team, not just price. Patients in Vancouver can book a consultation at our accredited clinic, where Dr. Aron Heroux provide individualized care using certified materials and globally recognized techniques.
Book your free consultation today — and take the first step toward confident, natural rejuvenation.