Do Thread Lifts Work for Marionette Lines?

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

Marionette lines are noticeable facial lines that run from the corners of the mouth down toward the chin. They often appear as extensions of nasolabial folds, which occur higher on the face. They’re among the many visible signs of aging on the skin of the face and neck.

Traditionally, treating marionette lines required invasive plastic surgery — a surgical facelift. But this is no longer the case. Patients now have several minimally invasive alternatives.

We’re going to focus on one particular alternative here: a thread lift for marionette lines. Read on to learn how this procedure works, its benefits, and who’s a good candidate.

Do Thread Lifts Work for Marionette Lines?

Yes, thread lifts work for marionette lines. The results are temporary, appearing immediately after the procedure and peaking within 3 to 6 months.

Depending on the original depth of the lines, the patient’s skin type, and other factors, results typically last for 12 to 24 months. At that point, a follow-up procedure may be required to restore a treated appearance.

What Is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is a cosmetic procedure typically performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or other trained medical provider. Using barbed threads and working with a fine needle, the provider physically lifts the skin, reducing the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles.

What Type of Thread Is Best for Marionette Lines?

The most common type of medical thread used in marionette line lifts is polydioxanone (PDO) thread.

PDO is a dissolvable medical thread that stimulates collagen production around the treatment area — a natural response to the procedure — and then slowly disappears. PDO thread lift procedures help tighten the sagging skin responsible for marionette lines.

Benefits of Thread Lifts for Marionette Lines

Should you get PDO threads for marionette instead of plastic surgery or one of the alternatives described below? Consider these benefits:

Few Side Effects: PDO thread lifts are recognized as relatively low risk. For best results, work with a board-certified provider who has completed advanced PDO thread lift training.

Quick Recovery Time: Though swelling and redness may persist for a few days, there’s no mandatory layup period after the procedure. You can return to work the same day if you wish.

Local Anesthesia Only: PDO thread lifts don’t require general anesthesia, only an injectable local anesthetic like Lidocaine.

Almost No Cutting: This procedure is virtually incision free. Traditional facelifts require extensive cutting, by contrast.

Immediately Noticeable Results: The lifting effect is immediately noticeable — don’t be surprised if people tell you you look different right away. Effects peak within 3 to 6 months.

Other Options to Treat Marionette Lines

A PDO thread lift isn’t the only option to treat marionette lines without a surgical facelift. Other popular treatment options include:

Botulinum Toxin A (Botox®): The most popular minimally invasive procedure in cosmetic medicine is the Botox injection, and one of many recognized indications for Botox is the treatment of marionette lines. However, results don’t last as long as threads — typically about 6 months.

Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are also injectable and relatively low-risk. Depending on the formulation, they may stimulate collagen production, smoothing imperfections in your facial contours (including marionette lines). They’re sometimes used in conjunction with PDO threads.

Topical Hyaluronic Acid: Don’t like needles? Try a topical hyaluronic acid serum instead. The results won’t be as noticeable, but your skin may look plumper and younger — and your marionette lines less obvious.