Thread Lifts: A Critical Analysis of Treatment Modalities

Background: Thread lifting procedure was developed to reverse the aging process and restore youthful appearance by retightening and lifting the skin. Different models of absorbable and non-absorbable threads are universally available and promise quick results with minimum downtime. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of the commonly used threads for facial lifting and rejuvenation using an evidence-based review. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was done using numerous databases (including Cochrane Collaboration, PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar). Thread lift for non-aesthetic purpose, open surgical procedure, animals or cadaver studies were excluded. 16 relevant studies were included. The extracted data included significant details related to the review question. Results: Several types of threads with different designs and properties are available for facial rejuvenation, provided by many companies all over the world. Higher quality evidence was found for Contour thread (III). Available studies for the other various threads were level IV. Thread lifting procedure was found to be safe and effective, with minor and mostly self-limited complications. The longevity of results varied from months to years, with more focus related to the technique and patient selection rather than the type of thread. Conclusion: Comparatively high quality long-term multicentre standardized studies are required to help aesthetic doctors to choose the appropriate thread type based on optimum aesthetic outcomes. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(4):413-417. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.3646.