For some, a subtle face thread lift is all that’s needed to restore youthful-looking skin without the longer recovery and higher risks of surgical alternatives.
Keep reading to see if this includes you as we explain the essentials of thread lifts in Malaysia, or skip the guide and say hi!
Let’s begin.
Table of Contents
- What is a face thread lift?
- Types of threads
- Thread lift prices in Malaysia
- Post-procedure recovery
- Potential side effects
- Thread lift vs facelift
- The ideal face thread lift candidate
- Make an appointment!
What's a face thread lift?
A face thread lift is a non-surgical procedure that tightens skin by inserting medical-grade sutures under the face and pulling them tight– think invisible strings holding everything in place.
Don’t worry – patients are placed under local anesthesia beforehand so they won’t feel a thing!
The sutures restore firmness to the skin in two ways:
- Instant lifting through (gentle!) physical repositioning.
- Gradual rejuvenation by stimulating the body's natural collagen production.
Though the threads are harmless, our body senses foreign objects and responds by increasing blood flow to the area and stimulating healing factors like collagen and elastin that restore skin elasticity and firmness.
This lifting effect can treat various parts of the face, including cheeks, jowls, brows, neck, or even all of the above for a full-thread facelift procedure!
Now you know what a thread lift is, let's look at the types of threads available.
Types of threads (⇧)
We typically categorise threads in two ways: absorbability and smoothness.
Non-absorbable vs absorbable threads
Non-absorbable threads are made of polypropylene sutures that can remain under the skin indefinitely for long-lasting physical tightening for up to two and a half years, which is why their use is also known as a permanent thread lift.
They do carry slightly higher long-term risks, including becoming visible on the surface.
You could tell people it’s a flesh-eating parasite 😀
However, tf the threads ever need to be removed, the process is very straightforward provided they were properly placed by the original surgeon.
Absorbable threads slowly dissolve after several months to years depending on the material, of which there are three common types:
- PDO (Polydioxanone) Threads – six to nine months
- PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) Threads – 12 to 18 months
- PCL (Polycaprolactone) Threads – 24 to 30 months
While physical lifting effects fade as the sutures dissolve, collagen production continues, keeping the skin firm for up to a year after the threads are gone
Barbed/coned vs smooth threads
Both absorbable and non-absorbable threads can come with tiny ‘cones’ or ‘barbs’ that grip onto tissue and are used for skin that needs stronger physical lifting.
Smooth threads don’t have barbs or cones are thinner with less lifting ability, and are mainly used when collagen stimulation is the focus.
How to choose the right thread
Skin that needs more lifting benefits most from non-absorbable barbed threads while skin that needs less intervention can benefit from absorbable smooth threads which are the least invasive.
Regardless of thread type, risks are minimal in the hands of an experienced surgeon, so the choice should always be tailored to a patient’s needs rather than choosing the ‘safer option’.
Thread lift prices in Malaysia (⇧)
Bad news: With thread lifts, a general market price just isn’t realistic! 😔
As of now, only 18 of 78 Malaysian thread lift providers on WhatClinic publicly list prices and the average thread lift estimate is RM4,300 with prices ranging from RM400 to RM20,000!
That’s a huge range, and the truth is there is so much variation in thread lifts between clinics compared to something like a facelift.
At our own clinic, thread lift prices typically start at RM2000, and go up based on:
- surface area of treated areas, and
- number of threads, and
- type of threads
Each clinic calculates estimates differently and uses different thread manufacturers, making direct comparisons impossible.
Post-procedure recovery (⇧)
Thread lifts are often called the ‘lunchtime facelift’ because the procedure is quick and recovery just as fast—blink twice, and you’re back to normal.
There's a great restaurant next to us—have lunch and a thread lift in one trip!
Most patients feel fine after just a couple of days and fully recover within a month, especially if following these best practices:
- First three days: Restrict facial movements around the treated area.
- First week: Avoid sleeping face-down by putting pillows on either side.
- First three weeks: No excessive mouth opening or massaging of the treated area.
Some minor swelling is normal and usually subsides within a week—ice packs are your friend!
Potential side effects (⇧)
Like any cosmetic procedure, thread lifts have potential side effects to prepare for, including.
- Mild to moderate swelling and bruising
- Some tenderness or soreness in the treated areas
- Slight skin irregularities such as depressions and dimples
- In rare cases, minor asymmetry may occur
- Mild redness and irritation
Most are temporary and disappear within a few days to a week.
Thread lift vs facelift (⇧)
Both traditional facelifts and thread lifts have a similar purpose: Restoring skin firmness and repositioning the soft tissue of the face higher
However, as the table below shows, they are opposites in terms of invasiveness and impact.
Feature Facelift Thread Lift Invasiveness High Low Incisions Extensive None Recovery Time 2-4 weeks 1-2 days Longevity 5-10 years 1-2 years Cost High Low Results Most dramatic Subtle
Facelifts have a far more significant and long-lasting cosmetic effect at the cost of longer recovery–and facelifts also cost quite a bit more!
As a non-surgical alternative, thread lifts cost less and have a shorter recovery period, but don't provide the degree of impact a facelift can.
Different nail, different hammer.
This is why thread lifts work best for younger patients who usually are only beginning to experience skin sag, and this effectiveness decreases as we age and our skin loses more and more of its elasticity.
Of course, genetics play a huge role in skin quality–older patients with minimal sagging may only need a thread lift to look 20 years younger–the best way is to ask a doctor 🙂
Ideal face thread lift candidates (⇧)
A thread lift could be an ideal procedure for someone who
- Has minimal to moderate signs of aging and needs just a small lift.
- Is aged between 35 and 55.
- Is experiencing a relapse from a previous facelift or neck lift and wants a touch-up.
- Wants a non-invasive procedure with minimal downtime and natural-looking results.
- Prefers a less invasive alternative to a surgical facelift.
- Wants to stimulate natural collagen production for firmer skin over time.
- Understand that thread lifts provide more subtle lifting effects and are okay with that.
- Is in good general health with no medical conditions that could affect healing.
If that describes you, time to make an appointment with us!
Make an appointment with Dr Soma
With over 25 years of experience and having served thousands of patients, Dr. Soma and his team have helped people from all over Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia achieve their aesthetic goals.