Lip Thread Lifts: Costs & Results

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

A lip thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes dissolvable medical threads to temporarily raise the upper lip and stimulate collagen production around the lip line.

A lip thread lift is not to be confused with a lip lift, a type of minor cosmetic surgery. It’s also not to be confused with lip filler injections, which use hyaluronic acid to temporarily enhance volume and reduce fine lines around the lips, nor “lip flips,” which use Botox® to achieve a similar (and also temporary) lifting effect.

If you’re considering a lip thread lift, here’s what you should know about the cost, process, and results.

How Much Does a Lip Thread Lift Cost?

A lip thread lift is one of the most affordable cosmetic threading procedures, even when supervised by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has completed comprehensive thread lift training.

Average Cost of a Lip Thread Lift

Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 for a single lip thread lift procedure. Lip thread lifts use relatively few PDO threads and generally don’t include any hyaluronic acid injections, which add to the cost of thread lifts elsewhere on the face.

Lip Thread Lift Costs vs. Other Types of Thread Lifts

Lip threading is more affordable than most other types of thread lifts, such as PDO thread brow lifts. Depending on the area being treated, the extent of the lift, and other factors, other types of thread lifts can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 or more.

Lip Thread Lift Costs vs. Lip Fillers

Lip thread lift costs are in the same ballpark as lip filler costs, if usually a bit more expensive for a similar scope of work. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for a course of dermal fillers around the lips.

Lip Thread Lift Costs vs. Plastic Surgery

The cost of a lip thread lift is a small fraction of the cost of lip surgery. Depending on the scope of work and patient- and provider-specific factors, this procedure can cost anywhere from $15,000 to more than $30,000 — and is rarely if ever covered by health insurance.

Lip surgery’s effects last far longer than a single lip thread lift, so the cost difference falls over time. But many patients won’t ever close the gap.

Financing Options for Lip Thread Lifts

Despite the relatively modest cost, lip thread lifts can be pricey for patients without deep pockets. Fortunately, many providers offer low- or no-interest payment plans that spread the cost over two to five years.

Lip Thread Lift Results — What to Expect

You’re willing to pay for it. Now you need to know how a lip thread lift works and what to expect from the procedure.

How Long Does a Lip Thread Lift Take to Work?

The actual procedure occurs in-office and typically takes about 15 minutes, stretching to 30 minutes for more involved procedures.

Once it’s done, you’ll notice increased definition in the Cupid’s bow area (the curves of the upper lip) within hours or a few days at most. Collagen-enhanced volume takes longer to materialize, typically a few weeks.

How Long Do Results Last?

Expect the results of your lip thread lift to last six to 12 months. They’ll peak a few months after the procedure and slowly begin fading from there, at which point you can undergo another procedure or explore other lip enhancement options.

What Are the Side Effects?

Lip thread lift side effects tend to be mild and temporary. They may include soreness or mild swelling around the treated area, minor bleeding, itchiness, and visible threads. Consult your provider if any symptoms concern you or if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction.