Threads can support tissue that has begun to sit lower.
Consultation-led aesthetic medicine · Brighton & Hove · By appointmentConsultation-led · Brighton
LIFT · CONTOUR · SUPPORT
Barbed ThreadsLift for cheeks and jawline.
For cheeks that sit a little lower or a jawline that has lost definition.A modest lift can bring some of that shape back.
At a glance
Lift & definition.
For cheeks and jawline.
Repositioning tissue can make the lower face look a little more defined.
Threads may be an option when the change comes from tissue that can be lifted.
The contour changes as swelling settles. How much lift remains, and for how long, varies.
Quick overviewYour appointment at a glance
- Consultation
- We discuss the change you want, examine how your tissue moves and agree the product, placement and number of threads.
- Appointment
- Local anaesthetic is used before placement. You may still feel pressure or tugging; tell me if you need a pause.
- Preparation
- Bring details of previous threads, fillers or facial surgery and your medicines. Do not stop prescribed treatment yourself.
- Recovery
- Swelling, bruising, tenderness, tightness or early puckering can occur. Written aftercare explains restrictions on pressure, exercise, mouth movements and dental work.
- Review
- Allow the tissues to settle over the following weeks before judging the result. Later treatment depends on what remains and whether further lift would help.
- Fees & booking
- After assessing the area, I explain the proposed treatment, total cost and what it includes before you decide. Start with a consultation.
The complete conversation
Your questions about
barbed threads
What barbed threads can lift, how long improvement may last, and how treatment differs from a surgical facelift.
odNOVA guide
- 1You
- 2Piotr
- 3Clinical
- 4In depth
Choose a question
What can Barbed Threads improve?Piotr answers
Piotr
Barbed threads can give a small lift to cheeks that have begun to sit lower and make the jawline look a little more defined.
If you are expecting the pronounced lift you can create by pulling your skin upwards with your fingers, threads are unlikely to give you that result. I would not recommend them for that goal.
At your consultation, I assess whether the change you notice comes mainly from tissue that has moved down, loss of volume or excess skin. That helps us decide whether threads would give you a worthwhile improvement, or whether another approach would be more suitable.
People call this a non-surgical facelift. Is it?Piotr answers
Piotr
Threads can provide a modest lift, but the effect is much more limited than with a surgical facelift. Surgery can remove excess skin and reposition deeper tissues in ways that threads cannot.
If you have more pronounced sagging or want a substantial lift, I would suggest a surgical opinion.[9]
How do Barbed Threads work?Piotr answers
Piotr
A barbed thread is a fine surgical thread with small barbs that grip the tissue beneath the skin. Its placement follows a planned direction to lift and support the treated area. The barbs provide the immediate mechanical lift; the tissue’s healing response develops around the thread afterwards.[1]
Threads differ in their material and design, so the proposed product forms part of the treatment plan.
Does the thread stay in my face?
I only use absorbable threads. They gradually break down in the body. The time this takes depends on the material and the particular product.
The time a thread takes to dissolve is different from how long the visible lift lasts. The effect can fade while the thread is still present.
What results have the studies found?Piotr answers
Piotr
Studies have found improvements in facial contour, although the amount of lift and how long it lasts vary. A review of 12 studies covering 818 people reported early improvement but found limited evidence about lasting results.[1]
One trial studied 151 people with moderate-to-severe folds running from the sides of the nose towards the corners of the mouth. At seven months, fold severity had improved by at least one grade on the study’s rating scale in 71.6% with one thread system and 62.7% with another. These figures describe the two systems used in that trial. They cannot predict your individual result.[4]
Findings on lasting lift were less encouraging in a study of 27 people in Thailand, with 25 completing follow-up. On photographic assessment, 40% were rated as having no visible lift at six months and 56% at twelve months, compared with before treatment. Patients’ own ratings and three-dimensional measurements were more positive. The results differed depending on how the effect was assessed.[2]
Research and results
Riopelle et al. · 2025
Systematic review, 2025
A review of 12 studies involving 818 people found improvement immediately after treatment. Some studies followed patients for up to two years, but the review found limited evidence about how long the lifting effect lasted.
Study details and original results
- Who was studied?
- Riopelle et al., 2025; systematic review of 12 studies involving 818 people and several absorbable thread systems.
- What this means
- Early improvement was reported, but the authors concluded that long-term efficacy data remain lacking.
- What limits the result?
- The studies support the possibility of an early improvement in selected patients. Evidence about how much useful lift remains, and for how long, is limited.
- About the study
- See the original publication for funding and disclosures.
Wanitphakdeedecha et al. · 2021
What happened by 6 and 12 months
On blinded photographic assessment, 40% were rated as having no lifting effect compared with before treatment at six months, and 56% at twelve months. Three-dimensional measurements and patients’ own ratings gave different results.
Study details and original results
- Who was studied?
- Wanitphakdeedecha et al., 2021; prospective evaluator-blinded study of 27 Thai patients, with 25 completing follow-up, using one absorbable barbed-thread system.
- What this means
- Non-response and loss of a visible effect are real possibilities, but this small single-system study cannot predict an odNOVA result or every product.
- What limits the result?
- Different outcome measures can tell different stories; no single figure should be transferred to an individual patient.
- About the study
- Threads were supplied by Menarini Thailand, which also paid the journal rapid-service fee; the authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Nestor · 2019
Measurable early lift, uncertain later lift
In a prospective study of 20 women, three-dimensional imaging measured early lift. Eleven women took part in the twelve-month follow-up, with ten evaluable for lift; the measured lifting differences at that point were not statistically significant.
Study details and original results
- Who was studied?
- Nestor, 2019; prospective masked study of 20 women, with a twelve-month extension involving 11 people and 10 evaluable for three-dimensional lift.
- What this means
- Patient satisfaction can remain even when objectively measured lift becomes uncertain.
- What limits the result?
- Satisfaction and sustained tissue repositioning are not the same outcome.
- About the study
- The study and medical writing were funded by Sinclair Pharma; the author reported consultancy, advisory-board and research-grant relationships with the company.
Jia et al. · 2026
Comparing two thread systems
At seven months, folds improved by at least one grade on the study’s rating scale in 71.6% with the new thread system and 62.7% with the comparison system. A grade is one step on the scale used to assess fold severity. The trial compared two thread systems and did not establish that the new system was better.
Study details and original results
- Who was studied?
- Jia et al., 2026; multicentre randomised evaluator-blinded comparison of a novel absorbable lifting thread with a marketed comparator in 151 people with moderate-to-severe nasolabial folds.
- What was found?
- At seven months, 71.6% of the experimental group and 62.7% of the comparator group improved by at least one WSRS grade in the full analysis set; difference 8.95 percentage points, 95% CI -6.06 to 23.97. The study met non-inferiority, not superiority.
- What this means
- The trial compared one thread regimen with another; it did not compare threads with no treatment or surgery.
- What limits the result?
- A defined product may improve a defined concern, but the result cannot be transferred to every thread, area or treatment plan.
- About the study
- See the original publication for funding and disclosures.
How long might it last?Piotr answers
Piotr
The lift is temporary. The visible effect may fade while the thread itself is still present, and studies do not establish one reliable duration for everyone.[1]
The settled result is assessed after the early swelling has subsided. If the lift later fades, the decision is whether another thread treatment would offer enough benefit or whether a different approach would suit you better.
Is it worth the cost?
Threads are not a treatment I routinely recommend. I most often provide them for patients who have had threads before, liked the result and understand their limitations.
I only offer treatment if you are a suitable candidate and understand that the improvement may be limited or short-lived. We discuss the likely benefit and total cost before you decide.
If paying for threads would put you under financial pressure, I would advise against this treatment. I would not want you to make a significant financial sacrifice for a result that may not feel worthwhile. We can explore other options, including leaving things as they are.
What other treatments could I consider?Piotr answers
Piotr
You can also choose to leave things as they are. If you would like treatment, the most suitable approach depends on what is causing the change you have noticed.
If the main issue is lost volume, dermal fillers or biostimulators may be more suitable. For rough texture or uneven colour, I would consider a treatment that addresses the skin itself.
Sometimes lost volume and tissue that has moved down both contribute to the change. In that situation, we can consider a combination of treatments. I explain what each could add, along with its limitations, risks, recovery and cost, so you can decide whether the overall plan is worthwhile.
If you have more pronounced sagging or excess skin, I would suggest a surgical opinion. We can discuss the likely benefit and limitations of each option before you decide.
Am I suitable, or should this wait?Piotr answers
Piotr
Suitability depends on the tissue we can support, your health and the change you want. Very thin skin, heavy or fixed tissue, or significant excess skin can make a useful result less likely.
I take any previous threads, fillers or facial surgery into account when assessing whether treatment is suitable for you. Please tell me what you have had, where and when. Your pre-treatment form asks about medicines and supplements, allergies, any problems with bleeding or healing, and current skin problems.
An active infection or inflammation needs attention before treatment. Do not stop prescribed medicines to prepare for this appointment.
Treatment is for adults. At the consultation I explain whether threads are a reasonable option and what may work better.
What happens at the consultation and treatment?Piotr answers
Piotr
The consultation starts with the change you have noticed and what you would like to improve. I examine your face at rest and in movement, taking previous treatments into account. The proposed plan sets out the areas, thread, realistic improvement, recovery, risks and total cost. You have time to consider it before deciding.[7]
If we proceed, I prepare the skin and use local anaesthetic before placing the threads. You may still feel pressure or tugging; tell me if anything feels painful so I can pause and reassess. The number of threads follows the plan for your face.
Photographs form part of your clinical record and help us compare the settled result. I also give you written aftercare and explain how to contact me during recovery.
A consultation does not commit you to treatment.[8]
Will my face look symmetrical?
Before treatment, I assess any differences between the two sides of your face and discuss them with you. I take these into account when planning treatment, but I cannot promise perfect symmetry.
Can I have threads at my first visit?
No. Your first appointment is a consultation. Treatment always takes place at a separate visit after a cooling-off period, giving you time to consider the plan, recovery and total cost.
A deposit is required to secure your treatment appointment.
How many threads will I need?
I decide that after examining your tissue and agreeing the change we are aiming for. The number depends on the product, area and placement; adding more threads does not necessarily improve the result.
What if I decide not to go ahead?
You can take more time, choose another approach or decide against treatment. I want you to feel comfortable with the decision.
Is thread treatment painful?
I use local anaesthetic to make placement more comfortable. You may feel a brief sting from the anaesthetic, followed by pressure or tugging as the threads are placed.
Tell me if anything feels painful. I check how you feel throughout and can pause to reassess. Tenderness and tightness can continue afterwards while the area settles.
What should I expect afterwards?Piotr answers
Piotr
Expect some swelling, bruising, tenderness, tightness or a pulling sensation after treatment. Small creases or dents can also appear in the skin. Some settle as the tissues recover, while others may need further treatment. We assess the result after the tissues have had time to settle over the following weeks.
Recovery involves temporary restrictions on pressure or massage to the face, strenuous exercise and wide mouth movements. You may also need to adjust your sleeping position. We discuss these practical changes before you decide on treatment, and you receive written aftercare tailored to the threads used.
Please tell me about planned dental work before your thread treatment. Some dental procedures involve keeping your mouth open wide, so we may need to plan routine appointments around your recovery. If you need urgent dental care, do not delay it; let your dentist know that you have had threads.
Tell me about work and important events before choosing a date. You can message me on WhatsApp if you would like your recovery checked. Increasing pain or other warning symptoms need prompt assessment.
What are the risks, and when should I contact the clinic?Piotr answers
Piotr
Swelling and bruising are common. Small dents in the skin that do not settle, an uneven result, or a thread you can see or feel may need further care. Other reported complications include infection, a thread moving or coming through the skin, inflammatory reactions, changes in sensation and injury to nearby structures.
Published complication figures vary with the threads, technique and follow-up. The safety studies below describe what happened in those groups. They cannot give you a personal risk figure.
Contact me promptly for increasing pain, spreading redness or heat, discharge, fever, marked swelling, new weakness or a thread coming through the skin. If you become seriously unwell or have sudden neurological symptoms, seek urgent medical help rather than waiting for a message reply.
How often were complications reported in studies?
Niu et al. · 2021 / Zhou & Zhuang · 2026
Two complication meta-analyses do not give one stable rate
Niu reported swelling in 35%, dimpling in 10% and threads that could be seen or felt in 4%. Zhou reported swelling in 34%, dimpling in 7% and threads that could be seen or felt in 10%. The main results varied substantially between the studies included in Zhou’s review.
Study details and original results
- Who was studied?
- Niu et al. (2021) and Zhou & Zhuang (2026) each reviewed 26 studies; Zhou & Zhuang included 2,827 patients.
- What this means
- The reviews reported different rates. Products, techniques, definitions and follow-up varied, so the figures should be read with that context.
- What limits the result?
- These pooled estimates are not a personal risk or a rate for every product used in practice. Study quality also limits how confidently they can be applied.
- About the study
- These pooled estimates come from two reviews and should be read separately, rather than combined into a single risk estimate.
Pham et al. · 2021
The wider safety picture
Many reported effects were temporary. Changes in contour, infection, inflammatory reactions and injuries to vessels or glands did not always settle on their own.
Study details and original results
- Who was studied?
- Pham et al., 2021; evidence-based systematic review of 59 reports covering 14,222 patients, most treated with barbed threads.
- What this means
- The review called for better studies to determine whether thread lifting provides long-lasting, safe and satisfying results.
- What limits the result?
- The review searched PubMed and included different thread types used on the face and neck. Its findings do not establish the risk for one particular thread system, technique or patient.
- About the study
- See the original publication for funding and disclosures.
What if the result is not right?Piotr answers
Piotr
Contact me so I can examine the area and work out what is causing the problem. Swelling, a poorly positioned thread and infection need different responses. Do not pull an exposed thread or try to massage it into place yourself.
Depending on the findings, treatment may involve observation, medication, adjustment, removal or specialist referral. Removal can be difficult once tissue has formed around the thread and may not restore the original appearance completely.
Keep a record of the threads used and where they were placed. If you consider a surgical facelift later, share this with your surgeon. Threads can leave internal scar tissue (fibrosis), which may make surgery more complex and affect the surgical plan.[11]
How do I book a consultation for thread treatment?Piotr answers
Piotr
Start with a consultation. The assessment establishes whether threads are suitable for the change you have in mind and what degree of lift is realistic. Your proposed treatment, recovery and total fee are discussed at that appointment.
Question index
All your questions,
by topic.
Open a topic and choose a question to go straight to its answer.
Browse all 20 questions
Possible changes and alternatives3 questions
How threads work and how long they last3 questions
Research and results1 question
Suitability1 question
Planning, consultation and cost7 questions
Comfort and recovery2 questions
Risks and an unwanted result3 questions
References & sources
Open a reference to read the publication behind a result or recommendation.
About the evidence
The outcome studies and safety reports use different threads and methods. Read each result alongside its population, follow-up and limitations.
View all 11 references
- Riopelle AM, Geisler AN, Eber A, Dover JS. (2025). Update on Absorbable Facial Thread Lifts. Dermatologic Surgery. 51(5):509–514. Systematic review; 12 studies, 818 participants; immediate improvement reported, long-term efficacy data lacking. PMID: 39662017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39662017/
- Wanitphakdeedecha R, Yan C, Ng JNC, Fundarò S. (2021). Absorbable Barbed Threads for Lower Facial Soft-Tissue Repositioning in Asians. Dermatology and Therapy. 11(4):1395–1408. Prospective evaluator-blinded study; 27 Thai patients, 25 completing follow-up; one product and protocol. Threads supplied and rapid-service fee paid by Menarini (Thailand); authors declared no conflicts. PMID: 34218425; PMCID: PMC8322220. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8322220/
- Nestor MS. (2019). Facial Lift and Patient Satisfaction Following Treatment with Absorbable Suspension Sutures: 12-Month Data from a Prospective, Masked, Controlled Clinical Study. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 12(3):18–26. Initial study n=20; extension n=11 with 10 evaluable for 3D lift at twelve months; single system; all enrolled participants were women. Study and medical writing funded by Sinclair Pharma; author relationships disclosed in the paper. PMID: 30988869; PMCID: PMC6440704. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6440704/
- Jia D, Song K, Ting W, et al. (2026). Absorbable Micro-Aesthetic Lifting Thread for Nasolabial Fold Correction: A Multicenter, Randomized, Evaluator-Blinded, Parallel-Controlled Clinical Trial. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Product-to-product non-inferiority trial; 151 participants; not a no-treatment or surgical comparator. PMID: 42380313. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42380313/
- Niu Z, Zhang K, Yao W, et al. (2021). A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Incidences of Complications Following Facial Thread-Lifting. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 45(5):2148–2158. Twenty-six studies; pooled complication and satisfaction estimates with material, age and study heterogeneity. PMID: 33821308. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33821308/
- Pham CT, Chu S, Foulad DP, Mesinkovska NA. (2021). Safety Profile of Thread Lifts on the Face and Neck: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review. Dermatologic Surgery. 47(11):1460–1465. Fifty-nine articles, 14,222 patients; product, indication and study-design heterogeneity. PMID: 34699439. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34699439/
- NHS. Choosing who will do your cosmetic procedure. Prior consultation, practitioner qualifications and insurance, aftercare, complication planning, cost and time to decide. Displayed last review 23 June 2023 and next review due 23 June 2026; accessed 7 October 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/advice/choosing-who-will-do-your-procedure/
- NHS. Is a cosmetic procedure right for me? Expectations, alternatives, lack of pressure and cooling-off. Displayed last review 9 May 2023 and next review due 9 May 2026; accessed 7 October 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/advice/cosmetic-procedure-right-for-me/
- Kaya KS, Cakmak O. (2022). Facelift Techniques: An Overview. Facial Plastic Surgery. 38(6):540–545. Reviews how facelift techniques use different depths and extents of dissection, including SMAS and extended approaches. PMID: 35709719; DOI: 10.1055/a-1877-9371. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35709719/
- Zhou X, Zhuang S. (2026). A meta-analysis of complications of thread lifting. Frontiers in Surgery. 13:1769458. Twenty-six studies, 2,827 patients; pooled estimates with substantial-to-high heterogeneity. PMID: 41988336; PMCID: PMC13076318; DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2026.1769458. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41988336/
- Yordanov YP. (2025). The Facelift After Thread Lifting: Surgical and Aesthetic Complications. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 49(22):6234–6239. Retrospective series of 10 patients, all with two or more previous absorbable thread-lift procedures before facelift; fibrosis and tissue distortion observed. PMID: 40775188; DOI: 10.1007/s00266-025-05091-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40775188/