Thread Lift.

Thread lift is the umbrella name for treatments in which self dissolving threads are placed under the skin, in a defined direction and with a defined tension, to lift tissue slightly upward. At his clinic in Nişantaşı, Dr. Levent Ünal assesses brow, eye area, mid face, jaw line and neck suspension options together with spider web threads aimed at supporting skin texture.

What a thread lift is and what it aims at

Over the years the supportive connective tissue of the skin loosens, the fat pads of the upper face shift downward, and a tired look appears at the cheek, jaw line and neck. A thread lift aims to recover part of that shift using threads placed under the skin through a fine cannula or needle, without any incision. The threads dissolve in the tissue over time, so the effect is temporary. It does not replace a surgical lift; it is considered as a measured option for mild to moderate laxity.

Treatments grouped under this heading

• Brow lift: gently supporting a descending brow tail and brow line.
• Fox eyes: orienting the outer eye corner and brow tail upward together, popularly known as the cat eye lift.
• Face thread lift: repositioning mild laxity of the cheek and jaw line.
• Neck thread lift: suspension aimed at looseness under the chin and along the neck line.
• Spider web threads: a mesh that supports skin texture rather than pulling tissue distinctly.

Who it is considered for

Thread lifting comes up for people with mild to moderate tissue laxity who are not considering surgery and want an option with a short recovery. Skin thickness, tissue elasticity, how volume is distributed across the face and the person's own expectations all shape the decision. When there is advanced drooping, marked excess skin, or a look driven mainly by volume loss, threads may contribute little and different approaches are discussed instead. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, an active skin infection in the treatment area, medication that increases bleeding tendency and certain systemic conditions call for a more careful assessment. Suitability is established only by a medical examination.

How a session goes

The visit starts with an examination. The face is observed at rest and in movement, and how much support each area can realistically take is discussed. Entry points and thread directions are then marked with symmetry in mind, the skin is cleaned with antiseptic and local anaesthetic is applied. Threads are placed under the skin along the planned path, the tissue is supported evenly in the chosen direction, and the thread ends are trimmed and settled. The procedure is carried out in an outpatient setting and you go home the same day.

Onset and duration of the effect

Most people notice the lift immediately after the session. Swelling and a feeling of tightness can affect the look in the first days, so a clear assessment is made a few weeks later. As the threads dissolve the supportive effect gradually fades, usually over a few months. How long it lasts depends on thread type, treated area, skin quality, smoking and sun exposure. Results vary from person to person, so no fixed duration or outcome is promised.

What to pay attention to afterwards

• Avoid face massage, pressure on the area and sleeping face down in the first days.
• Keep facial expressions gentle, avoid opening the mouth very wide and chewing hard foods for long periods.
• Postpone heavy exercise, sauna, steam rooms and tanning beds for the first week.
• Keep the entry points clean and dry and do not pick at any crusting.
• Contact the clinic if you notice unexpected pain, increasing swelling or redness.

Points that are often confused

A thread lift and a filler are not the same thing. Filler adds volume, while threads aim to reposition tissue you already have; in some people the two are planned together. Threads themselves are also often confused with one another: barbed suspension threads carry tissue, whereas smooth threads such as spider web threads focus more on structural support. Finally, threads do not create a permanent tightening. Their effect is temporary and any repeat plan is made after a fresh medical assessment.