What Thread Lifts Work Best for Eyes?

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

If you’re just beginning to notice the telltale signs of aging in the skin around your eyes, such as sagging skin or wrinkles, a medical thread lift could be an effective, minimally-invasive solution.

Also known as a barbed suture lift, this minimally invasive procedure gently tightens the skin and stimulates collagen production in the delicate eye area. In fact, it can boost collagen production by up to 30%, which improves skin quality. Plus, it doesn’t require general anesthesia, has few side effects, and virtually eliminates post-surgical recovery time.

Medical thread lift procedures come in several varieties based on the type of thread used and the specific target areas of the face and body. Which one works best for the eyes?

Thread Lift for the Eyes: What Works Best?

A PDO thread lift is usually the best thread lift technique to address sagging skin, loose skin, or excess skin around the eyes. Utilizing polydioxanone (PDO) thread, a type of biodynamic suture that dissolves naturally over a period of months, it’s an effective, if temporary, alternative to traditional plastic surgery.

A PDO thread lift is a good fit for:

People with medical conditions that make them poor candidates for surgery requiring general anesthesia
People just beginning to notice problem areas around the eyes — if the issue is really noticeable or advanced, traditional canthoplasty or blepharoplasty (surgical lifting and tightening of the eye corners and eyelids) may be indicated
People who want to try a gentle, temporary solution before investing in a long-term or “permanent” procedure
People who can’t or aren’t willing to pay for traditional a traditional facelift or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

What to Expect From Your Thread Lift Eye Procedure

Considering a PDO thread lift procedure around your eyes? Here’s what you should know.

How Does the Procedure Work?

A thread lift eye procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and can be completed in an outpatient setting. The basic order of operations is:

The provider marks the thread insertion points
The provider or an assistant numbs the area with an injectable local anesthetic, like lidocaine
The provider inserts the threads, which have tiny barbs that cling under the surface of your skin
The provider gently pulls back the threads to achieve the desired look
The provider cuts back the threads so that they don’t protrude from the skin
If specified in your treatment plan, the provider or an assistant injects Botox® or dermal fillers to add volume and definition to the area

Once the procedure is complete, the PDO threads begin stimulating your body’s natural collagen production, further volumizing the area over a period of months.

Who Are Some Celebrities Associated with the Procedure?

Not all celebrities like to open up about their cosmetic procedures. That said, here are a few who likely have had the procedure:

Kendall Jenner: Supermodel Kendall Jenner is rumored to have undergone a PDO thread lift procedure to lift and tighten the skin around her eyes. This is believed to have helped achieve her signature "cat eye" look.

Bella Hadid: Similarly, Kendall's fellow model Bella Hadid is credited with popularizing the "cat eye" thread lift look. Her almond-shaped, lifted eyes are suspected to be the result of this minimally-invasive treatment.

Gwyneth Paltrow: Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has openly discussed her use of PDO thread lifts, including around the eye area, as part of her beauty regimen. She has praised the procedure for its ability to provide a subtle, natural-looking lift.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York: The Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, is another public figure believed to have undergone a thread lift procedure to address sagging or excess skin around her eyes. This helped tighten and define her brow area.

Thread lifts have become an increasingly popular, minimally-invasive option for celebrities looking to rejuvenate the delicate eye area without undergoing more extensive surgical procedures. The ability to achieve a subtle, natural-looking lift appears to be a key driver of this trend.

How Much Does It Cost?

PDO thread lift costs vary by provider and patient. A good rule of thumb is to expect your procedure to cost about 40% of the cost of a traditional face lift. This is in line with costs for other temporary facial rejuvenation procedures, such as combined Botox and dermal filler treatments.

What Is the Recovery Time?

PDO thread lift recovery time is minimal. If your provider says it’s okay, you should be able to resume normal activity immediately, though the provider may recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a week or two.

What Are the Risks?

PDO thread lift side effects are generally mild and temporary. They may include soreness or pain around the treatment area, swelling or bruising, visible threads, and minor bleeding.

To reduce the risk of undesirable effects and complications, work with a board-certified plastic surgeon or other provider who belongs to a recognized professional organization like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Make sure they’ve completed an accredited medical threads training course.

Overall, a PDO thread lift can be an excellent option for addressing early signs of aging around the eyes. By providing a gentle, temporary lift and stimulating collagen, it offers a middle ground between injectable treatments and more invasive facial plastic surgery.