Thread Lift in Pune: Lifting Mild Sagging with Dissolvable Threads
A thread lift places fine, dissolvable threads with tiny barbs or cones under the skin to lift mild sagging of the cheeks, jowls, brows or neck. It is done under local anaesthesia through needle entry points, without cuts or stitches. The lift is immediate but modest, and usually lasts around one to two years.
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift uses medical threads, similar to dissolvable stitches, to lift sagging facial tissue. Each thread has tiny barbs or cones along its length. Once it is passed under the skin with a fine needle or cannula, the barbs grip the tissue so that it can be gently pulled upwards and held in its new position.
Most threads used today are dissolvable, made of materials such as polydioxanone (PDO). They are absorbed over several months. As they dissolve, the body lays down collagen around them, which helps the tissue stay firmer for a while after the threads have gone.
Who may benefit, and how is suitability assessed?
A thread lift may suit you if you:
- have early or mild sagging of the cheeks, jowls, jawline, brows or neck;
- have reasonably good skin quality;
- want a modest lift with a short recovery, or are not ready for surgery;
- understand that the effect is temporary.
The doctor will examine how much the skin and deeper tissue have dropped, the skin’s thickness and how much volume has been lost. They will ask about keloids, autoimmune conditions, blood thinners and earlier facial treatments. Marked sagging or a lot of loose skin is usually better treated with a facelift; fat under the chin may need double chin correction.
What are the options for a sagging face?
| Option | What it can do | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Thread lift | Modest lift with little downtime | Temporary; dimpling or visible threads possible |
| Facelift | Stronger, longer-lasting lift; removes loose skin | Surgery and a longer recovery |
| Dermal fillers or fat grafting | Restore volume, which can give a lifted look | Do not lift loose skin |
| Botox | Softens lines; small lift of the brow tail | Does not lift the cheeks or jowls |
| Skin tightening and laser | Improve skin quality | Small lifting effect |
How is a thread lift performed?
- Marking: with you sitting up, the direction of lift and the entry points are marked.
- Local anaesthetic: the entry points and thread paths are numbed.
- Placing the threads: a fine needle or cannula carrying the thread is passed under the skin along each marked line, at the right depth.
- Lifting: the tissue is gently moved upwards so the barbs catch, and the result is checked for symmetry.
- Finishing: the thread ends are trimmed below the skin. The entry points need no stitches.
How should you prepare, and what should you ask?
- Avoid blood-thinning supplements, if your doctor agrees, and alcohol for a few days before.
- Plan about a week before social events.
- Have soft food available for the first few days.
Questions to ask:
- Am I a good candidate, or would surgery suit me better?
- Which threads will be used, and how many?
- How long can I expect the result to last?
- What happens if a thread shows or causes a dimple?
What is recovery like?
| Time | What to expect for most patients |
|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Swelling, tightness and soreness; possible bruising; sleep on your back with the head raised |
| Week 1 | Avoid wide mouth opening, chewing hard food, massaging the face and heavy exercise |
| Weeks 2-3 | Swelling and any small dimples usually settle |
| Months 1-3 | Threads begin to dissolve; collagen forms around them |
What are the risks of a thread lift?
Swelling, bruising and tightness are expected. Published reviews also report:
- Skin dimpling or puckering, usually settling within days to weeks.
- A thread that can be felt or seen, or one that moves, sometimes needing removal.
- Asymmetry.
- Infection, uncommon but sometimes needing antibiotics and removal of the thread.
- Nerve irritation or temporary numbness.
- A shorter-lasting result than hoped.
Contact the doctor for increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge or fever.
What results can you expect?
The face looks gently lifted straight away, with a more natural look once swelling settles over about two weeks. The effect is modest and gradually fades, often over one to two years. Treatment can be repeated or combined with fillers, Botox or skin treatments.
What affects the cost of a thread lift in Pune?
- Areas treated and number of threads needed.
- Type of thread used.
- Combined treatments, such as fillers or Botox.
- Follow-up visits.
Thread lifts are cosmetic and usually not covered by insurance.
Questions about thread lift
How long does a thread lift last?
The threads dissolve over several months, but the lift and the firmer tissue they leave behind often last around one to two years. Results vary with age, skin quality and the type of thread, and are shorter than a surgical facelift.
Is a thread lift better than a facelift?
They suit different people. A thread lift gives a modest lift with little downtime and suits mild sagging. A facelift removes loose skin and lifts deeper tissue, so it gives a stronger, longer-lasting result for moderate or marked sagging.
Does a thread lift hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used, so most people feel pressure and tugging rather than pain. The face may feel tight and sore for a few days, especially when opening the mouth wide.
Will the threads show under the skin?
They should not when placed at the right depth. Occasionally a thread can be felt or seen, or causes a dimple, especially in thin skin. Most dimples settle within days to weeks; a thread that stays visible can be removed.
Can a thread lift be combined with fillers or Botox?
Yes. Threads lift, dermal fillers restore volume and Botox softens expression lines. They are often planned together, sometimes in stages.
Who is not suitable for a thread lift?
People with heavy sagging and a lot of loose skin usually get more from surgery. Threads are also avoided with skin infection, some autoimmune conditions, a tendency to keloids and during pregnancy.
Consultation for thread lift
Consultations are in person at Dr Sushrut’s Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, Sayar Clinic, Ayodhya Complex, in front of Canara Bank, Bibwewadi, Pune 411037. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 5-9 pm.
Appointments are booked by phone call or WhatsApp on +91 98904 34447 (WhatsApp). Bring any previous reports, prescriptions and a list of your current medicines.
References
- A meta-analysis of complications of thread lifting. Zhou X et al., PubMed Central, 2026.
- Choosing who will do your cosmetic procedure. NHS.
