Thread Lift

Thread lift at ISCARE's dermatology department is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts biodegradable PDO (polydioxanone) or PLLA threads under the skin to mechanically lift sagging tissue in the face, neck, or jawline — and stimulate collagen production around the thread for a longer-lasting rejuvenation effect. At ISCARE Praha 9, thread lifts are administered by the dermatology team as a non-surgical alternative to facelift for patients with mild to moderate facial descent.

Thread lifting at ISCARE Klinické centrum uses fine biodegradable sutures — made from polydioxanone (PDO) or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) — inserted into the subcutaneous layer of the face using a fine needle or cannula, without incisions. The threads act in two complementary ways: immediately after placement they mechanically gather and lift ptotic tissue; over the following 3–6 months as they biodegrade they stimulate a fibrotic response that triggers new collagen deposition along the thread pathway, maintaining a lifting and firming effect after the thread itself has dissolved. Common treatment zones at ISCARE include: the midface (lifting descended cheeks and deepening nasolabial folds), the jowl and jawline (defining the mandibular border), the neck (improving laxity and vertical banding), and the brow (lifting lateral brow descent). The number of threads required varies from 4–6 for a focal correction to 20+ for a comprehensive face lift effect; thread count determines the final treatment price. The treatment session begins with topical numbing cream applied for 20–30 minutes, followed by local anaesthetic injection at the entry points. The dermatologist then inserts threads in precise anatomical planes. Each thread takes approximately 2–5 minutes to place. Mild resistance is felt as threads are tensioned; the effect is visible immediately. Total procedure time is 45–60 minutes. Post-procedure: mild swelling, bruising at entry points, and skin dimpling may appear for 5–10 days as threads settle. Patients should sleep on their back and avoid deep facial massage or high-pressure facial treatments for 3 weeks. There is no significant downtime — most patients return to work the following day. Results last 12–18 months for PDO threads and up to 2 years for PLLA. Thread lifts complement rather than replace surgical facelift for patients with moderate laxity, and can be repeated annually as a maintenance strategy. They are particularly popular as a first facial rejuvenation step before surgical intervention becomes appropriate.