What Is a Barbed Thread Lift? How Long Does It Last?

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure to address signs of the aging process in the face, typically around the eyes.

One popular thread lift option is the barbed thread lift. This type of thread lift produces longer-lasting results than other common minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, including dermal filler and botulinum toxin injections. It has few side effects and a relatively quick recovery time, making it popular with patients who prefer to avoid invasive surgery and can’t afford long periods of restricted activity after the procedure.

What Is a Barbed Thread Lift?

Also known as a barbed suture lift, a barbed thread lift uses temporary medical threads to lift the skin of the cheeks, jowls, eyebrows, or forehead. These threads have tiny, painless barbs that help hold them in place and stimulate collagen production over time, similar to dermal filler injections.

The key difference between a barbed thread lift and a PDO thread lift is thread shape. PDO threads have a curved or smooth shape. Generally, barbed threads do better at lifting and tightening the skin. PDO threads are better at stimulating collagen production, adding volume around the procedure area and facilitating skin contouring.

Providers may recommend barbed thread lifts to address a variety of cosmetic complaints, including:

Deepening lines around the nasolabial folds
Lines and wrinkles in the soft tissue of the face
Sagging skin around the eyes and cheeks
Skin laxity in the face and forehead
Loss of skin volume around the face

How Long Does a Barbed Thread Lift Last?

A barbed thread lift procedure is a longer-lasting alternative to hyaluronic acid injections and other minimally invasive but temporary cosmetic procedures, such as Botox

According to recent research, the effects of barbed thread lifts last longer than common injectable facial rejuvenation procedures. The effects of those injectable procedures typically persist for 3 to 12 months, whereas the effects of barbed thread lifts last for 1 to 3 years.

Barbed thread lifts’ relative durability is due to the procedure’s dual rejuvenation mechanism. The initial insertion and lifting helps tighten and reinforce the skin, temporarily reducing the telltale signs of aging. Then, as the threads prompt the body to produce collagen over time, skin volume increases around the threads, resulting in a more youthful and healthy appearance.

Barbed Thread Lift Benefits and Risks

A barbed thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure with considerable benefits and relatively low risk to the patient.

What to Expect From the Barbed Thread Lift Procedure

The procedure itself typically takes no more than one hour to complete. It involves:

Prepping the procedure area with an alcohol swab
Using a thin needle to insert the threads and achieve the desired lifting effect
Removing the needle and winding down the procedure

Recovery Time and Other Considerations

The barbed thread lift procedure has a much shorter recovery time period than facelift surgery. Many patients are able to return to work on the day of the procedure, though some prefer to take a day or two off to wait out the minor bruising and swelling that may occur afterward.

Barbed thread lift side effects tend to be mild and temporary. Patients often experience a pinching or tightening feeling during the procedure. This may linger after it’s done, along with temporary swelling or bruising around the site.

Less common side effects include:

Dimpling of the skin around the procedure site
Lumpy or bulging skin
Persistent feelings of tightness under the skin
Allergic reaction to the suture material
Infection

Serious barbed thread lift side effects are very rare, but providers should nonetheless educate patients about the signs of allergic reaction and infection.