Thread Lift for Double Chin

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

Minimally invasive thread lifts can reduce or eliminate a range of facial cosmetic issues, from nasolabial folds and marionette lines to droopy eyebrows and forlorn cheeks. Often paired with dermal filler injections, this increasingly popular procedure is a lower-cost, lower-risk alternative to surgical facelifts.

Although it’s certainly not the most common use case, a thread lift procedure can help get rid of double chin too when used in conjunction with a focused weight loss program (and potentially other cosmetic treatments, such as laser lipolysis). If you’re contemplating this particular procedure, find out what to expect and how to determine if you’re a good fit.

Thread Lift for Double Chin: What to Expect

Here’s what to expect from a double chin thread lift treatment.

Type of Thread Used

A thread lift for double chin is generally a PDO thread lift — one that uses polydioxanone (PDO) threads to hold the skin in place. There are other types of medical-grade sutures, but PDO offer the best results and value for procedures like these.

Most double chin thread lift providers use barbed threads, rather than smooth threads. Barbed threads grip the skin and subdermal layers better, achieving more noticeable and longer-lasting lift with less material.

How the Thread Works

During the procedure, the provider uses a thin needle to insert PDO threads into the sagging skin under the chin and jawline. Each thread breaks the skin in two places, with the upper break serving as an anchor to lift the skin and reduce its visual impact. After each loop, the provider cuts and ties the thread, holding it in place.

Once in place, the threads get to work stimulating collagen and elastin production in the lower layers of the skin. This lends a tighter yet fuller appearance that’s every bit as natural as the double chin itself — and more visually appealing to those around you.

Results and How Long They Last

It's important to understand that the results of a double chin thread lift are not permanent. Over time, the threads will gradually dissolve and the skin will begin to sag again. Typically, the effects of a thread lift last between 12-24 months before the need for a repeat procedure arises.

To maintain their desired look, patients should be prepared to undergo additional thread lift treatments every 1-2 years. The exact timing will depend on factors like the individual's skin laxity, lifestyle, and aging process. Some patients may be able to extend the results for a bit longer, while others may need more frequent touch-ups.

To help prolong the longevity of thread lift outcomes, patients can consider complementary treatments like neurotoxin injections (e.g. Botox®) or dermal fillers. These can work synergistically with the thread lift by further smoothing wrinkles, lifting the skin, and restoring volume to the lower face. When used together, these non-surgical options can provide a more comprehensive and long-lasting anti-aging effect.

Ultimately, patients should have realistic expectations about the temporary nature of thread lift results and be willing to commit to ongoing maintenance treatments to sustain their improved facial contours over time. An experienced provider can help develop the optimal treatment plan for each individual's needs and goals.

Comparison to Other Double Chin Treatments

Thread lifts for the double chin can be a compelling alternative to other non-surgical treatment options. Let's take a closer look at how they compare:

Kybella Injections: Kybella is an injectable treatment that uses a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid to dissolve and eliminate fat cells under the chin. While Kybella can effectively reduce the appearance of a double chin, the results are gradual and may require multiple treatment sessions over several months. Thread lifts, on the other hand, provide more immediate skin tightening and lifting effects.

CoolSculpting: This non-invasive fat reduction procedure uses controlled cooling to freeze and destroy fat cells in the treatment area. CoolSculpting can be effective for reducing submental (under-chin) fat, but it does not address skin laxity. Thread lifts, in contrast, directly target the sagging skin to create a smoother, more defined jawline.

When compared to a traditional surgical neck or facelift, thread lifts offer several key advantages:

Invasiveness: Thread lifts are minimally invasive, requiring only small entry points for the sutures. Surgical facelifts involve more extensive incisions and tissue manipulation.

Recovery Time: Patients can typically return to normal activities within a week or two after a thread lift procedure. Surgical facelifts typically require 2-4 weeks of downtime.

Longevity of Results: While thread lift results are not permanent, they can last 12-24 months on average. Surgical facelifts provide longer-lasting improvements, but the results may start to fade after 5-10 years.

Ultimately, the best treatment option for addressing a double chin will depend on the individual's specific concerns, anatomy, and aesthetic goals. A skilled provider can help evaluate the pros and cons of each approach and recommend the most suitable solution.

Should You Get a Thread Lift for Double Chin?

A PDO thread lift is a fine choice for many people suffering from double chin: men and women, young and old, intimately familiar with cosmetic medicine or totally new to the field. As a temporary alternative to surgical treatment, it’s ideal for people who aren’t seeking dramatic results and those put off by the higher cost and risk of traditional plastic surgery.

Thread lifts for the double chin work best for patients who have mild to moderate skin laxity in the chin and neck area, rather than severe sagging or excess fat. The procedure is designed to gently lift and tighten the skin, so it's most effective for those in the earlier stages of facial aging.

Thread lifts are often a good option for younger patients, typically those in their 30s to 50s, who are just starting to see the first signs of jowls, sagging skin, and a double chin. At this stage, the skin still has good elasticity, allowing the threads to effectively lift and reposition it.

It's important that prospective patients be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the results they can achieve with a thread lift. While the procedure can provide a noticeable improvement, it's not as dramatic or long-lasting as a surgical facelift. Patients should understand the temporary nature of the results and be prepared to undergo repeat treatments to maintain their desired look over time.

Certain allergies and medical conditions may rule out PDO thread lifts for double chin, so be sure to provide a complete medical history to your provider.

Always choose a board-certified provider who has completed an accredited thread lift training course too. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof.