InstaLift (Thread Lift)

InstaLift is commonly used to address mild to moderate sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and lower face. It may help improve facial definition and soften the appearance of jowling, depending on your anatomy and treatment goals.

Once you are marked and numbed, your provider will make small puncture holes in the center of the area to be lifted. This is the entry point for the suture. Then Dr. Johnson inserts the thread and threads it underneath the skin to the bottom of the area to be lifted and brings it out. Then she takes the other end and threads it to the top of the area to be lifted and brings it out there. The two ends of the thread exit the skin at the top and bottom, and Dr. Johnson pulls on both ends like a pulley to lift the skin to the desired position.

Although it may sound uncomfortable, the layer of skin through which the thread is pulled doesn’t have many nerves, so it isn’t painful at all. Once the threads are in place, the tails that are sticking out of the skin are snipped and remain under the skin.

A surgical facelift can reposition deeper tissues and remove excess skin, producing more significant and longer-lasting correction. InstaLift does not remove skin and provides a more subtle improvement with less downtime. It is generally best suited for patients with early or moderate skin laxity who are not ready for surgery.

The entry point puncture sites take two to three days to heal, and you cannot wear makeup during the healing process. Otherwise, you may have some swelling and some bruising under the skin for up to a week, but once the holes are healed then you can wear makeup again. The swelling will likely only be noticeable to you. You want the threads to stay in place, so you need to avoid excess movement of the head and neck for one to two weeks.

Some lifting may be visible immediately after treatment. Results typically become more refined as initial swelling subsides, with additional improvement developing over the following months as collagen production increases.

Results vary based on age, skin quality, lifestyle, and the degree of laxity treated. Many patients enjoy improvement for about one to two years, although the collagen stimulated by treatment may continue to support the skin beyond that period.

Yes. InstaLift may be combined with dermal fillers, neurotoxins, or skin-renewing treatments when appropriate. A combined approach can address facial support, volume loss, wrinkles, and skin quality more comprehensively.

The best candidates generally have mild to moderate facial laxity, realistic expectations, and enough skin elasticity to support a subtle lift. Patients with significant loose skin may be better served by a surgical consultation or another treatment approach.