Facial & Body Threads: Non-Surgical Facelift – Tightening

What Are Threads and How Do They Work?

Facial and body thread lifts (Thread Lift) are one of the most advanced, minimally invasive methods in modern aesthetic dermatology for the non-surgical treatment of sagging skin, tissue lifting, and skin tightening.

The technique involves inserting special, fully biodegradable, and absorbable threads beneath the skin's surface. These threads have a dual effect:

• Immediate Mechanical Effect: They provide immediate support and lifting to sagging tissues.
• Biological Effect (Collagenogenesis): As the threads are gradually broken down by the body, they stimulate the natural production of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid around their mesh, creating a natural “support structure” that maintains the skin’s firmness even after they are absorbed.

What are the main types of yarns?

Depending on the structure and purpose of the treatment, different types of sutures are used:

• Rejuvenation & Tightening Threads (PDO Mono / Screw): These are thin, smooth, or helical threads that are placed in a mesh pattern (support mesh) in the dermis. They do not provide a dramatic mechanical lift, but rather focus on deep tightening, density, and improving the quality of the skin.
• Lifting Threads (PDO COG / Barb / PLACL): These threads have microscopic barbs (spikes) along their length. They anchor into the underlying tissues and allow the dermatologist to lift and restore sagging facial features to their natural position.

In which areas are they applied?

Thread treatment is extremely versatile and can be used on both the face and the body:

Face & Neck:

• Restoring the jawline (oval).
• Lifting of the cheeks and cheekbones.
• Smoothing of the nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
• Brow Lift (Fox Eyes / Brow Lift).
• Tightening in the neck and double chin area.

Body:

• Tightening and firming of the décolletage, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, and inner thighs.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Yarns

Is it a safe treatment?

Yes, the treatment is completely safe. The materials used to make the threads (such as polydioxanone—PDO) have been used safely in surgery for decades. They are 100% biocompatible and fully absorbable by the body, breaking down into water and carbon dioxide without leaving any residue.

Is the procedure painful?

The procedure is very well tolerated. Before the threads are inserted, a local anesthetic is injected at the entry points, making the procedure virtually painless. The entire session lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the area.

When do the results become visible, and how long do they last?

With suspension threads (COG), the mechanical lifting effect is visible immediately after the procedure. The biological effect of collagen synthesis begins within the next 2–3 weeks and peaks at 2–3 months. Although the threads themselves are absorbed within 6 to 8 months, the new collagen that is formed maintains the tightening and lifting effect for 12 to 18 months.

Is there a recovery period or are there any side effects?

No hospitalization or prolonged absence from activities is required. Mild side effects such as slight irritation, mild swelling, a “tight” sensation, or small bruises at the injection sites are normal and subside within a few days.

What should I be careful about after treatment?

For the first 7–10 days after application, it is recommended that:

• Avoid strenuous physical activity and saunas.
• Avoid exaggerated facial expressions and rubbing your face.
• Avoid dental procedures or facial massages.
• Sleep in the supine position (on your back) with your head slightly elevated.

Responsible Care at Dermtherapy

Thread lift treatment requires an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy and a high level of technical skill to achieve a completely natural and symmetrical result. At the Dermtherapy dermatology clinic in Galatsi, Dermatologist and Aphrodisiologist Alexandros Soumalevris designs personalized thread lift protocols using certified, top-quality materials for the safe rejuvenation of your face and body.