Are Thread Lifts Worth It in 2025? Pros, Cons & Safer Alternatives
Thread lifts have gained attention as a quick, non-surgical way to lift sagging skin — often promoted as the “lunchtime facelift.” But as we enter 2025, patient expectations and aesthetic standards are higher than ever.
Are thread lifts still worth it today? Or are there more effective, safer options for facial rejuvenation?
As a consultant plastic surgeon practising in London, Doha, Dubai, and Beirut, Dr. Ali Soueid regularly sees patients who are either considering thread lifts or seeking to correct disappointing results from them. In this blog, he breaks down the facts to help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting temporary sutures (threads) beneath the skin to:
- Lift sagging tissue
- Stimulate collagen production
- Improve facial contours, especially in the mid-face, jowls, or neck
Most threads used today are PDO (polydioxanone), PLLA, or PCL, and they dissolve over time — typically within 6 to 12 months.
What Are the Claimed Benefits?
Thread lifts are often marketed with appealing promises:
- No incisions or general anaesthesia
- Short recovery time
- Immediate lifting effect
- Stimulated collagen for subtle long-term improvement
- A more affordable alternative to facelift surgery
However, real-world outcomes often vary significantly.
What Are the Downsides?
While some patients see temporary improvements, others experience inconsistent or underwhelming results. Common drawbacks include:
- Limited lifting power — especially in patients with moderate to severe laxity
- Short-lived results — most effects fade within 6–12 months
- Visible or palpable threads under thin skin
- Asymmetry or dimpling at thread entry points
- Thread migration or breakage
- Infection or inflammation — especially with poor technique or hygiene
Patients often return asking:
“Can I fix a bad thread lift?”
“Why does my skin look worse after threads?”
These concerns are becoming increasingly common in 2025.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Thread lifts may be appropriate for:
- Younger patients (30s–40s) with minimal sagging
- Those seeking very subtle lifting or contouring
- Individuals unwilling to undergo surgery, and who understand the trade-offs
They are not ideal for:
- Moderate to severe skin laxity
- Heavier tissue (e.g. jowls or neck fat)
- Patients expecting results similar to a facelift
Dr. Soueid believes in being transparent with patients: if a treatment is unlikely to meet your goals, you deserve to know before committing.
What Are the Better Alternatives in 2025?
If you’re considering a thread lift, it’s worth exploring alternatives that offer safer, longer-lasting, and more natural results.
Mini Facelift or Neck Lift
- Performed under local or general anaesthesia
- Repositions deeper tissues, not just the skin
- Long-lasting and customisable to your degree of ageing
- Can be combined with fat transfer or skin tightening for enhanced results
Dr. Soueid’s mini facelifts are tailored to each patient, providing natural improvement with shorter recovery compared to traditional facelifts.
Facial Fat Grafting
- Uses your own fat to restore lost volume
- Often performed alongside a surgical lift
- Long-term, natural-looking results
- Particularly effective in cheeks, jawline, and temples
Non-Surgical Skin Tightening
- Options like radiofrequency microneedling, ultrasound (Ultherapy), or RF energy can stimulate collagen
- Best for mild laxity, often in younger patients
- No threads, no scars, no implantable materials
Dermal Fillers (With Caution)
- Strategic filler placement can lift and contour the face
- Results are immediate but should be used conservatively
- Always performed by Dr. Soueid or a qualified injector in his practice
What If I’ve Already Had a Thread Lift and Don’t Like It?
If you’ve had a thread lift and are unhappy with the outcome, Dr. Soueid can offer:
- A detailed assessment of what went wrong
- Safe removal of migrated or visible threads, if needed
- A personalised treatment plan to restore natural balance and symmetry
- Surgical or non-surgical corrections depending on the case
Why Patients Trust Dr. Ali Soueid
Dr. Soueid is known for:
- Honest, evidence-based advice — no upselling or false promises
- Expertise in both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation
- Natural, refined results that respect your facial anatomy
- Safe, ethical care across London, Dubai, Doha, and Beirut
If you’re considering a thread lift, facelift, or another rejuvenation option, Dr. Soueid will guide you toward the treatment that will truly work for your goals and anatomy.
Book a Consultation Today
The best facial treatments are never one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re seeking subtle enhancement or structural lifting, book a private consultation with Dr. Ali Soueid to explore your safest and most effective options.
