Thread lift, also known as the French thread lift, is a modern non-surgical facelift technique designed to restore facial contours and achieve a younger, firmer appearance without invasive surgery. This advanced aesthetic treatment is suitable for both women and men who wish to reverse visible signs of aging such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
As we age, gravity and natural collagen depletion cause facial tissues to loosen, leading to drooping cheeks, jawline blurring, and deeper expression lines. At this stage, non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures such as thread lifting become an effective alternative to traditional facelift surgery.
At Op. Dr. Tuğba Dindar’s aesthetic clinic in Tekirdağ, Turkey—located just over an hour from Istanbul—personalized thread lift treatments are offered to both local and international patients seeking natural-looking facial rejuvenation. Many patients searching for “thread lift near Istanbul” or “non-surgical facelift in Turkey” prefer Tekirdağ for its calmer environment and easy accessibility from Istanbul Airport.
What Is a Thread Lift?
The French thread lift technique uses biocompatible medical threads that are safely absorbed by the body over time. These threads are carefully placed beneath the skin to lift sagging tissues, smooth wrinkles, and improve overall facial firmness.
Originally developed in France, the threads consist of a polyester core coated with silicone, ensuring compatibility with human tissue. This minimally invasive procedure is ideal for individuals who want visible anti-aging results without undergoing surgery.
Flexible threads allow precise lifting based on each patient’s facial anatomy and degree of skin laxity. In addition to cosmetic facial rejuvenation, thread lifting may also be used in selected cases of partial facial paralysis to restore symmetry.
Treatment planning is customized according to wrinkle depth, skin looseness, and individual aesthetic goals. The procedure is typically completed within a short time, requires no hospitalization, and allows patients to return to daily activities quickly—making it a popular option among medical tourism patients visiting Turkey for cosmetic procedures.
Possible Side Effects of Thread Lift
Thread lift procedures generally involve minimal and temporary side effects. Mild swelling, slight bruising, or localized tenderness may occur in the treated areas. Some patients may experience mild discomfort, depending on skin sensitivity and pain threshold.
These effects usually resolve within a few days and do not interfere with daily life. Long-term complications are uncommon. To reduce infection risk, preventive antibiotics may be prescribed when necessary.
Following post-treatment instructions carefully contributes to a smooth recovery process. During the first days after treatment, patients are advised to protect the treated areas from impact or pressure.
Can the Threads Be Felt Under the Skin?
One of the most common concerns is whether the threads are noticeable. The threads are inserted deep enough to avoid visibility or discomfort. They are extremely fine and cannot be felt by touch once properly placed.
Patients do not experience any disturbing sensation, and the threads remain completely unnoticeable during normal facial movements.
Is There a Risk of Thread Breakage?
The medical threads used in this procedure are specially manufactured for strength and durability. Although they are thin, spontaneous breakage is extremely rare.
Only severe trauma to the treated area may pose a risk. In such cases, corrective treatment can be performed if needed.
How Long Do Thread Lift Results Last?
The longevity of thread lift results depends on the type of threads used and individual skin characteristics. On average, results last around two years.
It is important to understand that thread lifting does not stop the natural aging process. Over time, gravity continues to affect the skin, and wrinkles may gradually reappear. While this treatment provides noticeable rejuvenation, it does not permanently halt facial aging.
Some sources claim results lasting up to 9–10 years; however, this is not accurate. For longer-lasting outcomes, surgical facelift procedures are required. Thread lift remains a non-surgical facial rejuvenation method.
Patients are encouraged to consult directly with Op. Dr. Tuğba Dindar to understand realistic expectations and determine the most suitable treatment plan.
Common Thread Lift Treatment Areas
Although placement may vary depending on facial anatomy and expression patterns, thread lift procedures are commonly applied to the following areas:
- Cheeks
- Jawline and under-chin area
- Cheekbones
- Facial oval contour
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Eyebrow region
- Neck
Treatment Process
Patients considering a thread lift often want to understand how the procedure is performed and what to expect on treatment day. The French thread lift is a minimally invasive aesthetic procedure carried out under local anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience without pain.
Depending on the treatment area and individual facial anatomy, the procedure typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. Since no surgical incisions are required, stitches are not necessary.
During facial thread lifting, the medical threads are carefully anchored within the scalp area just above the ear, providing stable lifting support while remaining completely invisible. When thread lifting is applied to body areas, the anchoring points may vary according to the region being treated.
One of the key advantages of this non-surgical facelift technique is the absence of hospitalization or recovery room stay. Patients are discharged shortly after the procedure and can return to their daily routine on the same day—making it especially attractive for international patients traveling to Turkey for aesthetic treatments.
At Op. Dr. Tuğba Dindar’s aesthetic clinic in Tekirdağ, located near Istanbul, each thread lift procedure is individually planned to achieve natural-looking rejuvenation while preserving facial expressions. This personalized approach ensures optimal lifting results with minimal downtime.
Aftercare and Recovery
Proper aftercare plays an important role in maintaining thread lift results and ensuring a smooth healing process. Although the French thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure, following post-treatment instructions carefully helps preserve the lifted appearance and supports optimal skin recovery.
Patients are advised not to massage or rub the treated areas. This helps prevent displacement of the threads during the early healing phase. To maintain facial lifting results, sleeping face-down should be avoided, especially during the first days after treatment.
When washing the face, upward motions are recommended to support the lifting effect. Allowing the skin to rest for several days after the procedure is also important. Excessive jaw movements, such as wide yawning or intensive chewing, should be minimized during the initial recovery period.
Visible results are often noticeable immediately after the procedure. However, the final outcome becomes more apparent approximately six weeks later, once the skin has fully adapted and collagen stimulation has progressed.
Most patients can return to normal daily activities within 2 to 5 days, depending on the extent of the treated area. Minor temporary restrictions may apply based on individual treatment plans.
At Op. Dr. Tuğba Dindar’s aesthetic clinic in Tekirdağ—conveniently located near Istanbul—international and local patients receive personalized aftercare guidance to ensure natural, long-lasting rejuvenation results. This structured recovery approach makes thread lift procedures in Turkey a preferred choice for patients seeking effective non-surgical facial rejuvenation with minimal downtime.
For more detailed information or to schedule a consultation, patients are welcome to contact the clinic directly. Achieving a younger, refreshed appearance is no longer a distant goal—take the first step today and request your appointment.
