Thread Lift
Non-Surgical Facelift and Thread Lift Procedures in Istanbul – Turkey
What is thread lift?
Thread lift, which is also known as PDO/PLLA threading, is a non-surgical facelift method that corrects the signs of sagging, wrinkles, and aging in the skin that develop with age and restores the person to their youthful appearance. As we age, our skin loses elasticity due to a decrease in collagen production and a deterioration of elastin fibers. This can result in sagging skin, particularly around the eyes, which can make us look older and more tired. Thread lift offers a solution to this problem by rejuvenating the skin and activating blood circulation. By applying dissolving threads directly underneath the dermal layer, thread lifts can effectively tighten sagging skin and trigger collagen cell production. This results in the renewal of connective tissue and the shortening of elastin fibers. Thread lift is a non-surgical and comfortable procedure that can provide rapid recovery from sagging and initiate a self-repairing process in the lower layers of the skin. Over time, this results in a younger, brighter facial appearance.

How does thread lift work?
Thread lift is a non-surgical facelift procedure performed under local anesthesia, so there is no significant discomfort during treatment. An experienced physician inserts biodegradable PDO threads using fine cannulae at strategically chosen points in the dermal and subdermal layers. Precise placement is critical, as it directly determines the quality of the lift. Once positioned, the threads are gently adjusted upward, producing an immediate visible result. The entire procedure is completed in a single session lasting 30 to 60 minutes. Mild swelling or redness may occur afterward but typically subsides within a few hours to a couple of days.
What kind of threads are used in a non-surgical facelift?
Thread lift procedures use biocompatible, dissolvable suture materials. The three most common are PDO (polydioxanone), PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid), and PCL (polycaprolactone). PDO threads are the most widely used, dissolving within 6 to 8 months while stimulating collagen production. They come in three designs: mono threads for skin tightening, cog threads with barbs that latch onto tissue for mechanical lifting, and screw threads that restore volume in sunken areas. PLLA threads offer longer-lasting collagen stimulation with results lasting up to two years, while PCL threads have the longest absorption time and can maintain lifting effects for up to three years. The choice of material and design depends on the treatment area, degree of sagging, and the patient’s goals. During your consultation, Dr. Çiğdem Özden will assess your facial anatomy and recommend the most suitable option.
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How long does dissolving thread lift last?
The longevity of a thread lift depends on skin quality, age, lifestyle, thread material, and the physician’s expertise. PDO threads typically last 12 to 18 months, PLLA threads up to 2 years, and PCL threads up to 3 years. The collagen remodeling triggered by the threads continues even after they fully dissolve, extending the overall improvement in skin firmness. A consistent skincare routine and sun protection can help prolong results.
How much does thread lift cost in Istanbul - Turkey?
The cost of a thread lift procedure can vary greatly depending on where it is performed, the expertise of the provider, and the number of areas being treated. For detailed information and pricing, please contact us.
Which areas can be targeted in the thread-lift procedure?
According to the Healthline, Targeted areas can be:
- jowls and jawline
- brow line
- under-eye area
- forehead
- cheeks
Who is an ideal candidate for a thread lift?
Thread lift works best for individuals who are experiencing mild to moderate skin sagging and want visible improvement without undergoing surgery. The procedure is most commonly recommended for patients between their late 30s and mid-50s, though candidacy ultimately depends on skin condition rather than age alone. Good candidates typically share a few characteristics: they still have some degree of skin elasticity, they are in overall good health, and they have realistic expectations about what a non-surgical procedure can achieve. Thread lift is an excellent option for people who want a subtle, natural-looking lift, a more defined jawline, or a refreshed facial contour without the extended downtime that comes with surgical facelifts. Thread lift may not be suitable for individuals with significant skin laxity, very thin or fragile skin, active skin infections, or certain medical conditions that affect healing. In such cases, a surgical facelift or a combination of other treatments may be more appropriate.
Thread lift and combination treatments
One of the advantages of thread lift is that it can be combined with other non-surgical procedures to enhance and extend results. Many patients benefit from pairing thread lift with dermal fillers to restore lost volume in the cheeks or under the eyes, or with botulinum toxin injections to address dynamic wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. Combining thread lift with skin resurfacing treatments such as radiofrequency, microneedling, or laser therapy can further improve skin texture and tightness. A 2025 multicenter study reviewing over 110,000 thread lift procedures found that combination approaches, particularly pairing threads with complementary treatments, have become an increasingly common strategy in personalized facial rejuvenation plans. The timing and sequencing of combination treatments matter. Some procedures can be performed in the same session as a thread lift, while others are best scheduled a few weeks before or after.
Recovery Period of Thread Lift
The recovery period for a thread lift varies from person to person, but it typically ranges between 2 days and 2 weeks. However, it may take up to 1 month for the skin to fully adapt. The results of the procedure are immediately visible after the application and do not affect facial expressions, resulting in a natural appearance.


Frequently Asked Questions Asked about Non-Surgical Facelift
FAQ
Thread Lift in
Istanbul – Turkey

Can a non-surgical facelift be considered a safe procedure?
Thread lifts are a low-risk operation with a quick recovery period. However, common side effects include redness, bleeding, and swelling. It is important to have the procedure performed by an experienced doctor.
Is thread lift procedure meant to be permanent?
The effects of a thread lift are not meant to be permanent. The threads used in the process, like other dissolvable dermal fillers, will eventually be absorbed by the tissue under your skin.
You may continue your usual routine after the thread lift procedure.
Is it possible to remove PDO threads?
Unlike a surgical procedure like a facelift, a thread lift is reversible. In some patients, a facelift may be necessary after the threads are removed to achieve the same results as before the threads were removed.
Which thread lift lasts the longest?
PDO threads are the most popular and are made of a synthetic biodegradable material that has long been used in surgery. PDO threads are hydrolyzed and absorbed into the body over 6 months. That will cause fibroblasts to develop more collagen in a specific region.
What are the risks of non-surgical face lift?
Thread lifts are low-risk procedures due to their minimal invasiveness. Patients may feel inflammation, infection, or their sutures being evident under their skin in rare cases.
How many threads are needed for a thread lift?
The number of threads varies depending on the treatment area and the degree of correction needed. A typical treatment might use anywhere from 4 to 20 threads per area. For example, lifting the midface and jawline may require more threads than a brow lift. During your consultation, your physician will determine the exact number based on your facial anatomy and desired outcome.
Can thread lift be repeated?
Yes. Thread lift can be repeated once the previous threads have dissolved. Many patients choose to have maintenance sessions every 12 to 18 months to sustain their results. Repeat treatments can also build on the collagen stimulation from previous sessions, potentially improving outcomes over time.
Is there any downtime after a thread lift?
Downtime is minimal compared to surgical alternatives. Most patients return to their daily routine within 2 to 5 days. You may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive facial movements, and sleeping face-down for one to two weeks after the procedure. Some swelling and mild bruising are normal and typically resolve within the first week.
What is the difference between a thread lift and a surgical facelift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia with little to no downtime, while a surgical facelift involves incisions, general anesthesia, and a longer recovery period. Thread lifts are best suited for mild to moderate sagging and provide subtle, natural results. Surgical facelifts offer more dramatic and long-lasting correction for significant skin laxity. The right choice depends on the degree of aging, your goals, and your tolerance for recovery time.
Can a thread lift be combined with fillers or Botox?
Yes. Thread lift is frequently combined with dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Fillers can restore volume in areas like the cheeks and under the eyes, while botulinum toxin addresses dynamic wrinkles. Your physician will advise on the best timing and combination for your treatment plan.
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