NON-SURGICAL THREAD LIFT
THREAD LIFT
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that lifts and repositions sagging facial or body tissue using fine dissolvable threads inserted beneath the skin. It offers a meaningful improvement in facial contour and skin laxity without the recovery time or commitment of surgery — making it an increasingly popular option for patients who are not yet ready for a facelift or who wish to extend the results of a previous surgical procedure. Turkey offers thread lift treatments performed by experienced aesthetic surgeons in professional clinical environments.
Thread lift procedures in Turkey are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons and experienced aesthetic specialists using CE-marked and internationally approved thread systems. Istanbul's clinics offer a range of thread technologies — including PDO (polydioxanone), PLLA, and PCL threads — and tailor the approach to each patient's anatomy, degree of laxity, and desired outcome. Thread lift is frequently combined with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers for comprehensive non-surgical rejuvenation.
WHAT IS THREAD LIFT? A thread lift involves the insertion of fine, barbed or smooth dissolvable threads beneath the skin using a thin needle or cannula. Barbed threads physically grip and lift the tissue, repositioning it to a higher, more youthful position. Smooth threads stimulate collagen production in the surrounding tissue, improving skin quality and firmness over time without a mechanical lift. The most commonly treated areas include the mid-face and jowls, brows (non-surgical brow lift), neck, and jawline definition. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and takes 30–60 minutes. Recovery involves mild swelling and bruising for 5–7 days. Results are visible immediately and improve over 2–3 months as collagen stimulation takes effect, lasting 12–24 months depending on the thread material used.
AM I THE RIGHT CANDIDATE?
• You have mild to moderate facial sagging — particularly in the cheeks, jowls, or brow area — but are not ready for or do not require surgical lifting.
• You are in your late 30s to early 50s and seeking a non-surgical option to address early signs of laxity.
• You are in good general health with no active skin infections in the treatment area and no autoimmune conditions.
• You have realistic expectations — a thread lift provides meaningful but moderate improvement; it is not a replacement for a surgical facelift in patients with significant laxity.
BENEFITS OF THREAD LIFT
• Immediate lift with no surgery: Visible improvement in facial contour and position immediately following treatment.
• Collagen stimulation: Dissolvable threads trigger the body's natural healing response, producing new collagen that continues to improve skin quality after the threads dissolve.
• Minimal downtime: Most patients return to social activities within 5–7 days.
• Complements other treatments: Thread lift pairs very effectively with botulinum toxin and fillers for a comprehensive non-surgical rejuvenation.
HOW DO WE PROCEED?
Step 1 — Online Consultation: Share frontal and profile photos. Our specialist assesses the degree of laxity and recommends the most appropriate thread type and placement plan.
Step 2 — Treatment Plan & Quote: A personalised plan covering thread type, areas to be treated, and clear pricing is provided.
Step 3 — Travel Arrangements: Hotel and transfer arranged if combining with other treatments.
Step 4 — In-Clinic Assessment: A face-to-face assessment on arrival confirms the treatment plan and discusses any final questions.
Step 5 — Treatment: Performed under local anaesthesia; takes 30–60 minutes. Mild discomfort is normal and well-managed.
Step 6 — Follow-up & Aftercare: Post-treatment instructions are provided. A follow-up at 4 weeks assesses lifting and collagen response.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes Turkey a preferred destination for thread lift?
In Turkey, thread lifts are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons and experienced aesthetic specialists — not non-medical practitioners. This ensures correct thread placement, appropriate patient selection, and management of any complications, all of which require formal medical training.What types of threads are used?
We use CE-marked PDO (polydioxanone), PLLA, and PCL threads depending on the treatment goal. PDO threads dissolve in approximately 6 months and provide a lift and collagen stimulus. PLLA and PCL threads last longer (up to 18–24 months) and are chosen for patients seeking more sustained results.How long do results last?
Results are typically visible for 12–24 months, depending on the thread material, the area treated, and individual skin quality. Collagen stimulation continues after the threads have dissolved, which contributes to longer-lasting skin quality improvement.Is the procedure painful?
Local anaesthesia is administered before treatment. Most patients experience mild discomfort during and after the procedure that resolves within a few days.What is the recovery like?
Mild swelling, bruising, and a sensation of tightness are common for 5–7 days. Strenuous exercise, extreme facial expressions, and sleeping face-down should be avoided for 2 weeks.Can a thread lift replace a surgical facelift?
No. A thread lift is appropriate for patients with mild to moderate laxity and provides a moderate, temporary improvement. Patients with significant sagging, jowling, or skin excess will achieve better and more lasting results with surgical lifting.Can thread lift be combined with other treatments?
Yes — and this is very common. Thread lift combined with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers provides comprehensive non-surgical facial rejuvenation addressing laxity, dynamic lines, and volume loss simultaneously.Are there any risks?
Possible side effects include bruising, swelling, mild asymmetry, and in rare cases thread visibility or dimpling. These are minimised with correct technique and appropriate patient selection. Choosing a medically qualified injector is essential.How do I prepare?
Avoid blood-thinning medications if possible before treatment. Arrive with a clean face. Full guidance is provided at consultation.How do I get started?
Share frontal and profile photos via the contact form below or on WhatsApp. Our team will provide a personalised assessment within 24–48 hours.
DOCTOR'S NOTE Thread lift is a treatment I find genuinely useful for the right patient — and one I am equally honest about when it is not the right choice. The temptation in non-surgical aesthetics is to offer a minimally invasive option to every patient who asks, even when surgery would serve them better. I resist that temptation, because a thread lift performed on a patient who needed a facelift is not a good outcome for anyone. For patients in their late 30s to early 50s with early laxity and realistic expectations, however, thread lift can be a very satisfying treatment — producing a meaningful lift, stimulating collagen, and complementing other non-surgical treatments beautifully. I look forward to discussing whether it is right for you.