Face Thread Lift in Singapore

Argent Plastic Surgery offers face thread lift treatment in Singapore, led by Dr Lee Hanjing, a fellowship-trained specialist plastic surgeon at Mount Alvernia Hospital. A facial thread lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses absorbable threads and has minimal downtime. PDO thread lift, PLLA thread lift, and nose thread lift are among the options available, each individually assessed.

What Is a Face Thread Lift?

A face thread lift uses biocompatible, absorbable threads inserted beneath the skin to mechanically lift sagging tissue and anchor it in a higher position. The threads carry small barbs or cones that grip the tissue and hold the lift in place. As the threads dissolve over the following months, they trigger the body's natural healing response, stimulating collagen production in the surrounding tissue and gradually improving skin firmness and elasticity.

Thread lifts use HSA-approved PDO, PLLA, or PCL absorbable threads inserted under the skin to lift sagging tissues and stimulate collagen production. No large incisions are made, and no general anaesthesia is required.

Types of Threads Used

Thread MaterialClinical Properties & FunctionExpected Absorption Timeline
PDO (Polydioxanone)• Highly flexible, traditional surgical material.

• Primarily focused on immediate mechanical lifting and localised tissue positioning.

Dissolves naturally via hydrolysis within 6 to 9 months.
PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)• Stronger mechanical hold.

• Acts as a potent chemical biostimulator, generating high volumes of localised type 1 collagen.

Degrades gradually over 12 to 18 months, providing extended support.
PCL (Polycaprolactone)• Highly durable, slow-degrading polymer structure.

• Offers prolonged mechanical tissue support while continuously stimulating local collagen.

Takes up to 18 to 24 months to be completely reabsorbed by tissue.

The appropriate thread type depends on the treatment area, degree of laxity, and individual anatomy, and will be advised on during consultation with Dr Lee Hanjing. The longevity of results varies by thread material and individual response, and realistic expectations are best discussed at consultation.

Areas That Can Be Treated with Thread Lift

Thread lifts can be applied to several areas of the face and neck, depending on where laxity or loss of definition has developed.

Jawline and Lower Face

Thread placement in the lower face can address sagging along the jawline and the development of jowls, where tissue has descended from its earlier position. The approach is individually planned depending on the degree of descent and the patient's facial structure.

Cheeks and Midface

Threads inserted in the midface can reposition cheek tissue that has descended with age, which may also reduce the prominence of nasolabial folds. The extent of repositioning depends on skin elasticity and the degree of descent present.

Brows and Forehead

Thread lift in the brow area can function as a non-surgical brow lift, repositioning a descended brow which may reduce the hooding effect over the outer upper eyelid. Whether brow descent is the primary cause of that hooding is assessed before any treatment is recommended.

Neck and Double Chin

Threads can address mild skin laxity in the neck, where tissue has begun to loosen but surgical intervention is not yet indicated. Where laxity is more advanced, a surgical approach may be the more appropriate option.

Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines

A nose thread lift uses threads inserted along the bridge and tip of the nose to lift, define, or slim the nose profile without surgery. It addresses specific, defined concerns rather than producing structural nasal reshaping, and the degree of change achievable is more limited than surgical rhinoplasty.

Thread Lift vs Surgical Facelift: Which Is Right for You?

A face thread lift and a surgical facelift address related concerns but are appropriate for different degrees of laxity and different patient priorities. The table below summarises the key differences; the appropriate option is determined at consultation.

Face Thread LiftSurgical Facelift
Procedure typeNon-surgicalSurgical
AnaesthesiaLocal onlyGeneral anaesthesia or sedation
Downtime1–3 daysMore significant recovery period
Degree of correctionMild to moderate laxityModerate to advanced laxity
Duration of effect12 months to 2+ years (material-dependent)Longer-lasting
RepeatableYesYes, with appropriate timing

For patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, a thread lift may be an appropriate non-surgical option; patients with more significant laxity may require a surgical facelift.

Both procedures are available at our plastic surgery clinic. Dr Lee Hanjing will assess which approach is more appropriate at consultation, and will explain the reasoning clearly, including where surgery is the more suitable option.

Who Is Suitable for a Face Thread Lift?

Thread lifts are generally most suitable for patients in their late 30s to early 50s who have early signs of facial ageing with mild to moderate skin laxity and reasonable underlying skin elasticity.

Patients who tend to be appropriate candidates:

  • Mild to Moderate Skin Laxity: Patients with early to moderate descent of facial tissue, where a non-surgical approach can produce a meaningful improvement.
  • Good General Health: Patients without active skin conditions or medical contraindications in the treatment area.
  • Realistic Understanding of the Procedure: Patients who understand that a thread lift addresses mild to moderate laxity and produces gradual, subtle change rather than dramatic structural lifting.
  • Willingness to Consider Maintenance: Thread lift results are not permanent; patients who are open to reassessment and potential repeat treatment tend to have a more grounded experience of the procedure.

A thread lift is unlikely to be appropriate where:

  • Significant or Advanced Skin Laxity Is Present: Where laxity is more pronounced, a surgical facelift may be the more appropriate option and will be discussed at consultation.
  • Certain Skin Conditions or Medical Contraindications Exist: Active skin infection, autoimmune conditions affecting wound healing, or other relevant contraindications may make a thread lift unsuitable.

Dr Lee Hanjing assesses each patient individually. The consultation is the point at which suitability is determined.

What to Expect During a Thread Lift Procedure

Consultation

Dr Lee Hanjing begins with an assessment of facial structure, skin quality, and the specific concerns the patient wants to address, including whether combination treatments such as fillers, skin boosters, or laser treatments may be relevant.

During Treatment

Local anaesthesia is applied to the treatment area before the procedure begins; no general anaesthesia is required. Small entry points are made in the skin, threads are inserted and positioned to lift the targeted areas, and excess thread is trimmed before entry points are closed. The procedure typically takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes depending on the areas treated, and is performed as a day procedure with no hospitalisation required.

After Treatment

Some lifting effect is apparent after the procedure; skin continues to respond over the following weeks as collagen production is stimulated. Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may be present in the days following treatment, and a sensation of tightness or pulling is normal in the early recovery period. Most patients return to light daily activities within one to three days.

Recovery and Aftercare After Thread Lift

Recovery from a face thread lift is generally brief, though some activity restrictions apply during the initial healing period.

  • Days 1–3: Mild swelling, redness, or bruising is common, and most patients are able to return to light daily activities within one to three days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided during this period.
  • Weeks 1–2: Facial massage and vigorous facial movements should be avoided to allow threads to settle in position.
  • 2–3 Months: Collagen stimulation continues during this period, and the lifting and firming response develops progressively as the tissue responds to the threads.

Standard aftercare instructions include:

  • Avoid Facial Massage: Refrain from facial massage or manipulation for one to two weeks following the procedure.
  • Sleep Position: Sleep on your back to reduce pressure on the treated area during the initial recovery period.
  • Avoid Heat and Strenuous Exercise: Heavy exercise and heat exposure, including saunas, should be avoided for the first few days.
  • Sun Protection: Protect treated skin from direct sun exposure during recovery.
  • Skincare: Follow any skincare guidance provided at the post-procedure review.

Combining Thread Lift with Other Treatments

Thread lifts can be combined with other aesthetic treatments where individual assessment indicates it is appropriate.

  • Dermal Fillers: May be considered where volume loss has occurred alongside laxity in areas a thread lift alone does not address.
  • Skin Boosters and Injectable Skin Rejuvenation: Address hydration and surface quality, and may complement the structural effect of a thread lift in appropriate patients.
  • Skin-Tightening Technologies: Can be considered alongside thread lifts where additional collagen stimulation may be useful.
  • Laser or Chemical Peel Treatments: Address skin tone, texture, or surface clarity in a way that a thread lift does not.

Dr Lee Hanjing will assess whether combination treatment is appropriate based on individual anatomy and goals at consultation.

Face Thread Lift Cost in Singapore

Face thread lift cost in Singapore varies depending on several factors and is not a fixed figure.

  • Thread Type: PDO, PLLA, and PCL threads differ in material cost and duration of effect, and this is reflected in pricing.
  • Number of Threads: The number required depends on the treatment area, the degree of laxity, and the specific concerns being addressed.
  • Treatment Areas: Face, nose thread lift, and neck treatments involve different thread quantities and placements, which affects the overall cost.
  • Facility and Surgeon Fees: Procedures performed at an accredited hospital setting involve facility fees in addition to the surgeon's fee.

Face thread lift is a cosmetic procedure and is not Medisave-claimable. An individualised cost estimate is provided at consultation, after Dr Lee Hanjing has assessed the appropriate treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Face Thread Lift