Thread Face Lift
A thread lift is a non-surgical, non-invasive alternative to a facelift. Fine threads are placed beneath the skin to lift sagging areas, which commonly include the jowls, cheeks, and neck, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and tighten the skin. The treatment has none of the incisions, downtime, or risk that surgery brings.
At Dr BK Clinic in Reading, every thread face lift is carried out personally by Dr Bob Khanna, an internationally recognised facial aesthetics expert with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He combines the most advanced APTOS threads with lifting techniques that he teaches to clinicians around the world.
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift lifts and repositions sagging skin tissue using fine, dissolvable threads, without the need for a scalpel, general anaesthetic, or incisions. If you have sagging of the facial skin (for example around the jowl area) and would like a more lifted appearance, this sagging skin treatment gives you all the benefits of a facelift without the risk of surgery.
A thread lift at DrBK involves combining the most advanced APTOS threads with Dr Khanna’s own thread lifting techniques, which he teaches to clinicians internationally. The threads are carefully placed into the skin to lift the face, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and tightening the skin.
How does a thread lift work?
Before your treatment, the treatment area will be cleansed and prepared. A topical and local anesthetic will be used to keep any discomfort to a minimum, and the threads will then be placed using a fine cannula, which helps to limit swelling and bruising. Once they’re in position, the threads’ barbs will grip the underlying tissue and lift it. At the same time, the threads themselves stimulate the skin to produce new collagen over the following months.
The procedure typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Results will be visible immediately, and there’s usually no downtime following the treatment.
Why choose Dr Bob Khanna for your thread lift in Reading?
Dr Bob Khanna is a GDC-registered dentist and internationally recognised expert in facial aesthetics. Ever thread lift at DrBK is carried out by Dr Khannah himself, and he is one of a small number of practitioners in the UK who trains other medical aesthetic practitioners in this advanced thread lifting technique.
Dr Khanna’s background and experience gives him detailed working knowledge of facial anatomy, musculature, and bone structure – knowledge that’s directly relevant to placing threads accurately and safely around the face’s key structures.
Benefits of a thread face lift
✓ Lifts and tightens loose, sagging skin
✓ Stimulates collagen for a more youthful appearance
✓ Non-invasive with little-to-no downtime
✓ HA infused for improved skin quality
✓ Suitable for the full face, neck and more!
Thread lift before & after
Thread face lift cost
APTOS threads vs traditional PDO threads
Traditional thread lifting procedures are conducted using PDO (Polydioxanone) threads. At DrBK, we use the latest, most advanced threads in the world. Whilst PDO threads can offer a lifting effect, APTOS threads with their cutting-edge technology offer longer-lasting lifting results with added skin-rejuvenation and tightening benefits.
Stronger lift & better tissue support with multi-directional barbs
APTOS threads feature uniquely multi-directional barbs along their length, providing a more secure grip on the tissue compared to PDO threads, which typically have fewer barbs. This enhances the lifting effect and tissue repositioning, making the results more immediate and long-lasting.
Enhanced collagen stimulation & longevity
APTOS threads stimulate more collagen production than PDO threads, leading to longer-lasting skin rejuvenation. While PDO threads dissolve in about 6-9 months, APTOS threads last up to 12-24 months, offering extended results for over 2 years.
Hyaluronic acid infusion for improved skin quality
APTOS threads are the only threads in the world that are coated with hyaluronic acid. This enhances hydration, elasticity, and skin regeneration, resulting in a more youthful and natural appearance, rather than just a mechanical lift.
More versatility & customisation
APTOS multi-barbed threads are available in various types and configurations (e.g., spring, spiral, bidirectional), allowing for more tailored treatments based on patient needs. They can be used for both lifting and skin tightening, making them more adaptable for different aesthetic concerns.
Smoother procedure & faster recovery
Due to their advanced design and biocompatible materials, APTOS threads provide a smoother insertion process with less trauma and inflammation compared to PDO threads. Patients typically experience less swelling and a shorter downtime, making the procedure more appealing.
Ready to book your thread face lift in Reading?
If you’re ready to talk through whether a thread lift is right for you, you can book a full consultation. The team will put together a bespoke treatment plan for you to agree to before you commit to anything.
You can also take a look at our DrBK Facelift – our ultimate non-surgical facelift. It involves a combination of treatments (including thread lifting) for optimal results!
Thread Face Lift FAQs
How much does a thread face lift cost?
The cost of a thread face lift depends on the area that’s being treated. Our full breakdown can be viewed above, but as a guide, costs range between £1,500 to £2,500.
How long until I see results following a thread face lift
The beauty of this non-surgical procedure is that the effects are noticeable immediately after the procedure. Although the treatment itself is non-permanent, it's long-lasting and comes with very little downtime.
How long does a thread lift last?
At DrBK, we use the latest threads from APTOS, which last twice as long as standard PDO threads. Where PDO threads dissolve after 6 months, our threads dissolve after 18 months. Though the threads dissolve after this time, the threads encourage the tissues in your face to produce new collagen, extending the results for up to 2 years.
Does a thread lift hurt?
Most patients describe experiencing a mild discomfort rather than pain. A topical and local anaesthetic is used before the threads are placed, and any sensation during the procedure is usually minimal. Some tightness or tenderness is normal for a day or two after.
Are thread lifts safe?
When carried out by a suitably qualified, experienced practitioner, thread lifts are a well-established and minimally invasive procedure. At DrBK Clinic, treatment will be carried out by Dr Bob Khanna, an internationally-recognised medical aesthetics practitioner, using APTOS threads placed with a cannula technique designed to minimise trauma to the surrounding tissue.
Will a thread lift leave scars?
There is no visible scarring to be expected following a thread face lift. The threads are inserted through tiny entry points using a fine cannula or needle, not incisions, so there’s nothing to suture and no surgical scar to heal.
Are there any side effects of a thread face lift?
Most reactions are generally minimal and temporary. You should expect some swelling and you may have some slight bruising following the treatment however these reactions are expected to settle down within a couple of days. Most of our patients have little to no reactions following the treatment.
If you are concerned or feel you are having a reaction please do not hesitate to contact us or your GP.
What do I need to do after my thread face lift?
As with all facial aesthetic treatment, we advise you to avoid the following for up to 2 weeks;
- Beauty treatments (such as facials, facial massages etc)
- Saunas (and other extreme temperatures)
You will be invited to attend a review appointment 3 weeks later for any adjusting that may be necessary.
How do I know if a thread face lift is right for me?
If you are looking for anti-ageing or skin tightening treatments but are not sure which option is best for you, simply book a consultation with us and we'll work with you to create a bespoke treatment plan to match your desires.
Why choose a thread lift over a surgical facelift?
Thread lifts have become a popular alternative to traditional surgical facelifts, offering several advantages. Here are some of the pros:
Minimally Invasive: Thread lifts involve the use of fine threads inserted under the skin, typically with local anesthesia. This results in minimal scarring compared to a surgical facelift, which requires more extensive incisions.
Shorter Recovery Time: Since it's a non-surgical procedure, the recovery time for thread lifts is much shorter. Most patients experience minimal downtime and can return to their daily activities within a few days.
Less Risk: With thread lifts, there’s generally a lower risk of complications such as infections, nerve damage, or the need for general anesthesia that can be associated with surgery.
Cost-Effective: Thread lifts tend to be more affordable than traditional facelifts, which often involve hospital stays, anesthesia, and surgical fees.
Natural Results: The threads stimulate collagen production, giving the skin a lifted, tighter appearance over time, which can look more natural than some surgical facelifts.
Reversible: If a patient is not satisfied with the results, the threads can be adjusted or removed, offering a degree of reversibility that is not possible with surgery.
Gradual and Subtle Improvements: While a facelift provides more dramatic results, a thread lift offers gradual improvements that can look more subtle, making it ideal for patients seeking a less noticeable change.
No Need for General Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used for thread lifts, avoiding the need for general anesthesia, which can have more risks and a longer recovery period.
