What Actually Happens in a Thread Lift?

If you’ve never had one before, it’s totally normal to wonder what’s involved.

Put simply, a thread lift is a cosmetic treatment that lifts and tightens sagging skin. What makes it so appealing for patients is that there’s no need for surgery.

It works by inserting fine threads just beneath the surface of the skin. These threads are gently pulled to lift the skin into a more youthful position. Over time, your body responds by producing more collagen around them, which helps keep everything looking firmer and fresher long after the threads themselves have done their initial job.

Step 1: Starting with a Consultation


Before we do anything, we always sit down with the patient for a proper consultation.

This gives them a chance to chat openly with one of our experts, tell us what they’re hoping to get out of thread lift treatment, and ask any questions they might have.

This also gives us a good opportunity to assess the patient. We’ll take a good look at facial structure, get a feel for the patients skin’s condition, and talk through medical history too.

Most importantly, we’ll give you honest advice about whether a thread lift is going to get you the results you want.

Step 2: Getting Yourself Ready


If you decide to go ahead, we’ll give you a few things to keep in mind before your treatment day.

We might suggest avoiding alcohol for a day or two beforehand, skipping certain medications (especially anything that could thin your blood), and just generally treating your skin with a bit of extra care.

Following NHS advice on preparing for medical procedures, we recommend avoiding alcohol and blood-thinning medications like aspirin before your thread lift to help minimise bruising and improve healing.

It’s nothing complicated — just a few simple steps that can make a big difference to your recovery.

Step 3: What Happens During the Treatment


When you come in for your thread lift, here’s roughly how it’ll go:

First off, we’ll use a local anaesthetic to numb the area we’re treating, so you’ll be comfortable throughout the whole procedure. Then, using a really fine needle or a small cannula, we’ll carefully insert the threads beneath your skin. Once they’re in place, we’ll gently adjust them to lift and reposition the skin exactly where it’s needed.

You might feel a bit of pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful.

Once everything’s positioned just right, the threads naturally anchor themselves into the tissue underneath. And that’s pretty much it — you’re done.

The whole procedure usually takes under an hour, and most people are surprised at how straightforward (and surprisingly relaxed) it all feels.

Step 4: What to Expect Afterwards


After your treatment, you might notice a little swelling, tenderness, or bruising — that’s completely normal. Most of the time, it settles down after a few days.

We’ll give you some easy aftercare tips to follow, like avoiding strenuous workouts for a week or two and trying to sleep on your back for a while, just to protect the treated area while it heals.

Most people are back to their normal routines pretty quickly — and you’ll be able to start enjoying your results almost straight away.

One of the great things about thread lifts is that you’ll see a difference straight away. Your face will look subtly lifted and more refreshed — but never “overdone.”

As the weeks go on and collagen starts kicking in, your skin will look even smoother and firmer.

How Long Do Thread Lifts Last?


Generally speaking, most people enjoy the results of their thread lift for around 12 to 18 months.

A few factors can influence exactly how long your results last. Things like your skin quality, age, lifestyle habits, and how your body responds to collagen stimulation all play a part. For example, if you smoke or spend a lot of time in the sun without protection, the results might not hold as long as they would for someone with a healthier skincare routine.

The good news is that thread lifts can be safely repeated or “topped up” once you feel the results starting to fade. Some people come back around the 12-month mark for a refresh, while others might go even longer between treatments.

If you’re looking for a way to maintain your results for as long as possible, we’ll always recommend a personalised skincare plan after your thread lift — little things like keeping your skin hydrated and protecting it from UV damage can make a real difference.

Are Thread Lifts Right for You?


Thread lifts aren’t for everyone — and that’s OK. If you have very loose skin, or if you’re looking for more dramatic changes, surgery might be a better fit. But if you want a natural, subtle lift without the downtime that comes with going under the knife, a thread lift could be a brilliant choice.

At The Peppermint Group, we’ll always give you honest advice about whether this treatment is the right match for your goals.

Interested in finding out more? Get in touch with us to book a consultation at our Glasgow clinic. We’d love to help you feel like the very best version of yourself.