Ageing is inevitable, but the way our faces show it does not have to be. In Pakistan, where beauty traditions meet modern aesthetics, many patients seek minimally invasive procedures to rejuvenate their appearance without surgery. Among these, the face threads lift (also called thread facelift, thread lift, or thread lifting) has emerged as one of the most effective and popular options.

In this article, I will explain:

1. What exactly is a face threads lift, and how it works.
2. Types of threads (PDO, PLLA, PCL, Cog, Screw, Mono, Double Arm etc.), and their pros/cons.
3. Which facial areas can be treated, and how thread lift addresses signs of ageing.
4. Risks, safety, recovery, and realistic expectations.
5. Cost of thread lifts in Pakistan (major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar) including detailed price table by facial area and thread type.
6. What to look for in a clinic and doctor, how to choose the best thread lift plan.
7. Aftercare and maintenance to maximize results.
8. FAQs.

By the end, readers will understand whether a thread lift is suitable for them, what results they can expect, and how to plan the procedure safely and affordably in Pakistan.

What Is a Face Threads Lift?

A face threads lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses absorbable sutures (threads) placed under the skin to provide lifting and tightening. These threads act both mechanically (lifting and repositioning tissue) and biologically (stimulating new collagen — the protein that gives skin firmness and elasticity). Unlike a surgical facelift, thread lifts do not require large incisions or extensive downtime.

Mechanism of Action

• Aesthetic doctor numbs the area using local anesthesia.
• Threads are inserted via fine needles or cannulas into defined layers under the skin (usually the superficial or deep dermis, or subcutaneous tissue depending on thread type and target area).
• For Cog or Barbed threads, the barbs (tiny hooks) grip the tissue, allowing mechanical lifting immediately.
• Mono or Smooth threads don’t lift much by mechanical pull; instead, they work mainly by collagen stimulation (“biostimulation”), improving skin texture, tightness, fine lines.
• Screw threads (twisted threads) can provide volume and firmness by their spiral design.
• Double Arm threads are generally used to anchor or lift heavier tissue or to secure more lifting power.

Over time (months), the threads are absorbed by the body, but by then a collagen scaffold has formed, helping to maintain the lifted effect even as the thread dissolves.

Types of Threads: Materials & Style

Knowing which thread type is best for your skin, age, and aesthetic goals is critical. Below are commonly used materials and styles, with advantages, disadvantages, and expected longevity.

*These are approximate, based on current clinical experience in Pakistan and published literature; individual results vary depending on skin type, age, lifestyle, thread design, and aftercare.

Styles of Thread Designs

• Mono / Smooth Threads: Smooth, no barbs. Mostly for skin tightening and biostimulation. Not strong for lifting heavy tissue.
• Cog / Barbed Threads: Have tiny hooks or barbs that grip tissue for mechanical lift. Good for lifting cheeks, jawline, jowls.
• Screw Threads: Twisted thread pattern; provides volume and firmness along its path. Useful in cheeks, marionette lines etc.
• Double-Arm Threads: Anchoring design from two ends; stronger tension for lifting; used in brow, jawline, or full-face lifts.

Which Areas of the Face Can Be Treated, and How Threads Address Signs of Ageing

Face thread lifts are very versatile. As a physician, the treatment plan is always tailored to the patient’s facial anatomy, skin laxity, age, and desired outcome.

Safety, Risks, Expectations & Ideal Candidates

Who Is A Good Candidate?

• Age: Typically 30-60 years, when skin still has some elasticity. But older patients may also benefit if expectations are realistic.
• Mild to moderate skin sagging. If sagging is very severe (excess skin) surgical facelift may be more appropriate.
• Good general health; no bleeding disorders; no uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes).
• Realistic expectations: thread lifts improve appearance, provide lift and tightening — but they don’t match the full effect of surgical facelifts.

Risks & Complications

As with any medical procedure, thread lifts carry risks:

• Swelling, bruising at insertion sites
• Tenderness, discomfort for a few days
• Asymmetry if threads are placed unevenly
• Thread visibility or palpability if thread ends are shallow
• Infection (rare if sterile environment and good technique)
• Minor skin dimpling or irregularities

The majority of complications are minor and resolve with time. Proper patient selection, experienced doctor, and good aftercare are key.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• Duration: Usually between 30-90 minutes depending on areas treated.
• Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or numbing creams.
• Pain: Mild, controlled with anesthesia; some pulling/tightness during placement.
• Recovery: Minimal downtime; patients may have swelling, mild bruising; often resume normal work within 1-3 days depending on extent.

Realistic Results & Longevity

• Immediate visible lift after mechanical pull, more in barbed / cog threads.
• Skin tightness and smoothness improve over the next several weeks as collagen forms.
• Full result often visible around 1-3 months.
• Lasting duration depends on thread material, skin quality, doctor’s technique, and maintenance. As noted above, PDO ~6-12 months, PLLA ~12-18 months, PCL up to ~2-3 years in well-selected cases.

Thread Lift Pricing in Pakistan (Detailed Table by Area & Thread Type)

Below is a price table based on experience in Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Peshawar. These are realistic market ranges (2024-2025) in PKR, adjusted for thread type, area, number of threads, doctor’s expertise. Prices may vary.

Sources & Estimates

• Clinics in Lahore report PDO thread lift cost from PKR 50,000 to PKR 150,000, PLLA from PKR 70,000 to PKR 200,000, PCL up to PKR 250,000 for more extensive areas.
• In Islamabad & Peshawar, PDO threads may cost PKR 80,000-300,000 depending on extent and thread quality.
• Many clinics quote full face thread lift costs in the range of PKR 150,000-350,000 for high end material + experienced doctors.

Cost Factors: What Drives the Price in Pakistan

• Thread material & brand: Premium FDA / CE-approved threads cost more than generic abroad-imported ones. PCL usually more expensive than PLLA, and both more than routine PDO.
• Thread style: Cog, double arm, screw threads require more skill, more expensive thread designs. Mono / smooth threads are less costly.
• Number of threads & area size: Larger areas / more threads = higher cost.
• Doctor’s expertise & clinic reputation: Well-known dermatologists / plastic surgeons charge premium.
• Geographic location: Islamabad, Lahore tend to cost somewhat higher than smaller cities due to demand, rental, and prestige.
• Associated procedures: Some patients combine thread lifts with fillers, PRP, skin tightening (HIFU, RF), which adds cost.
• Aftercare, follow-ups, anaesthesia / materials: Good clinics include numbing, pain control, sterilization etc., which must be factored in.

Choosing a Clinic & Doctor: What to Look For

As a physician, I always advise patients that thread lift results depend heavily not only on thread type but on the skill and judgement of the doctor. Here are critical qualities to evaluate:

1. Credentials & Experience: Board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons experienced in thread lifts. Ask to see before/after photos, especially in your ethnicity / skin type.
2. Thread Quality: Use of certified threads (FDA, CE, or equivalent), known brands; not extremely cheap or “unknown” material (risk of adverse reactions).
3. Hygiene & Safety: Clinic should follow sterilization protocols; placement under local anesthesia in a proper setting.
4. Customized Treatment Planning: Doctor should evaluate your skin laxity, facial anatomy, expectations; may combine thread lift with other treatments if needed.
5. Aftercare & Support: Good clinic provides instructions, follow ups; handles complications if any.

Aftercare & Maintenance

After a thread lift, good aftercare can extend your results and reduce side effects.

• Keep head elevated first night; sleep on back for 1-2 days.
• Avoid heavy facial movements, strenuous exercise for at least 5-7 days.
• Ice/ cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Avoid sun/ tanning for first week; use sunscreen after that.
• Gentle cleansing; avoid facial massages or deep facial therapies for ~2 weeks.
• Maintain healthy lifestyle: good nutrition, hydration, avoid smoking, limit alcohol.
• Skin boosting treatments (light lasers, chemical peels, microneedling) may help maintain collagen.

Real Case Examples

(These are hypothetical but grounded in my clinical practice in Islamabad / Rawalpindi)

• Patient A: 35-years-old female, mild cheek sagging and jawline softening; chooses PDO Cog threads on cheeks + jawline (10 threads). Result: visible lift in cheeks, improved jawline contour; cost ~ PKR 100,000; effects lasted ~10 months before mild sagging re-appeared.
• Patient B: 50-year-old male, deeper nasolabial folds + jowls; chooses PCL threads with Cog + Double Arm across midface, jawline and marionette; ~20 threads; cost ~ PKR 200,000; visible lift lasted ~20 months with proper aftercare.
• Patient C: 40-year-old female, forehead and brow heaviness; opts for PDO Double Arm + Cog in brow + temple area; ~8 threads; approx PKR 80,000 – 110,000; recovery 2-3 days; lift good for ~9-12 months.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered by a Doctor

1. Does thread lift hurt?
   You will feel mild discomfort or pulling; local anesthetic / numbing creams are used. Many patients report only mild pain, more discomfort during insertion than afterwards.
2. Is it safe?
   When performed by a qualified doctor using certified threads and sterile technique, risks are minimized. Avoid clinics offering “thread lift” at very low cost with unverified materials.
3. Will threads show or be visible?
   Sometimes, particularly if placed too superficially, or in thin skin. Using correct depth, good gauge, and appropriate thread design helps avoid this.
4. How many sessions will I need?
   Often one session suffices for many; maintenance may require repeat in 1-2 years depending on thread material (especially PDO). PCL/PLLA may stretch that interval.
5. How long before I can apply makeup / return to work?
   Usually 24-48 hours for light makeup; swelling/bruising may persist for 1-3 days. Return to non-strenuous work often next day or within 1-2 days if only a small area.
6. Who should not get thread lift?
   Contraindications include: very heavy skin laxity needing surgical lift; certain medical conditions (bleeding disorders, uncontrolled diabetes); active skin infection; very thin translucent skin (risk of thread visibility).
7. What about combining thread lifts with fillers, botox, etc.?
   Combination treatments can enhance results: fillers to restore volume; botox to relax dynamic lines; skin boosters to improve texture. But timing and doctor’s plan critical to avoid over-treatment or complications.

Comparison: Thread Lift vs Surgical Facelift

Local Market Trends in Pakistan

From my practice and review of many clinics in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar:

• Premium threads (imported PCL / PLLA / Cog high grade) are less common but becoming more available in top clinics.
• Many clinics advertise PDO thread lifts as “quick fixes” at lower cost; some offer very low rates but compromise on thread quality or doctor’s experience.
• Demand is growing in Islamabad – Rawalpindi corridor, Lahore, Karachi. Patients are increasingly educating themselves about thread types, duration, risks.
• Pricing is also rising due to cost of import, fluctuations in dollar/rupee, regulatory requirements (some clinics now emphasize “FDA / CE approved threads”) and competition among high end aesthetic clinics.

Price Table (Revisited): Natural-Looking Price Variations by City

Below is a table showing approximate pricing in different cities for similar thread lift plans, to give you realistic expectations when choosing a clinic in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar.

Case Study: My Experience with PCL vs PDO Threads

Recently, I treated two patients of similar age (48 years) with sagging jawlines:

• Patient X: Opted for PDO Cog + Screw threads (10 threads), moderate skin laxity. Expected result: visible lift, cost ~ PKR 130,000. Results lasted ~10-12 months before renewal.
• Patient Y: Chose PCL Cog + Double Arm threads (12 threads), deeper sagging and mild neck laxity. Cost ~ PKR 220,000. Result was more pronounced and lasted ~18-24 months without need for major touch-ups.

This confirms that though PCL material is costlier, the longer duration and stronger lift can be more cost-efficient over time.

Summary: When Face Threads Lift Is The Right Choice

You might consider a face threads lift if:

• You have mild-to-moderate sagging and want improvement without surgery.
• You want minimal downtime.
• You are seeking natural-looking, but not extreme transformations.
• You are prepared to pay more for premium threads for longer results.
• You choose a qualified, experienced doctor and good clinic.

It might be less suitable if:

• You have very heavy sagging or excess skin: surgical facelift might be better.
• You want permanent solution and are okay with surgery.
• Skin is extremely thin or scarred, making threads visible or risky.

Conclusion

Face threads lift has earned its place among the best non-surgical options in Pakistan for facial rejuvenation. As a doctor, I can assure patients: when done correctly, with the right thread material, style, and aftercare, thread lift delivers visible lift, tighter skin, and renewed contours — all without surgical risks and long recovery.

However, success depends on good planning — choosing the correct thread type (PDO, PLLA, PCL etc.), selecting the right facial areas, realistic expectations, and choosing a reputable clinic with skilled hands.

If you are considering a face threads lift in Pakistan, get a consultation, ask to see before/after photos, understand cost transparency, check thread quality, and make sure you understand aftercare. Done right, you may enjoy youthful radiance, confidence, and a refreshed appearance for 1-3 years, depending on your choices.

The cost of fat-dissolving injections, such as those containing deoxycholic acid (e.g., Kybella) or phosphatidylcholine (commonly used in mesotherapy). It can vary widely depending on several factors, including the clinic or medical facility, the specific treatment area.

The number of sessions required, and the individual provider’s pricing structure. Additionally, prices may change over time. So it’s important to contact local providers for the most up-to-date information on pricing.

For accurate and current pricing information for fat-dissolving injections in Pakistan, I recommend the following steps:

Contact Local Clinics:

Reach out to medical and cosmetic clinics in your area. Many clinics have websites or contact information listed online. You can call or email them to inquire about the cost of fat-dissolving injections and schedule a consultation.

Consultation:

It’s essential to schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your specific needs, the areas you want to target, and the number of sessions required. During this consultation, you can also discuss the cost and payment options.

Multiple Quotes:

Consider obtaining quotes from several different providers to compare pricing. And ensure you are comfortable with the provider you choose.

Beware of Unrealistically Low Prices:

While cost is an important factor, be cautious about providers offering extremely low prices. As this can sometimes indicate substandard or unregulated practices. It’s essential to prioritize your safety and the quality of the treatment.

Ask About Package Deals:

Some clinics may offer package deals for multiple sessions, which can sometimes be more cost-effective in the long run.

Insurance Coverage:

Fat-dissolving injections are typically considered cosmetic treatments and are not covered by health insurance. Be prepared to pay for these treatments out of pocket.

Please keep in mind that pricing for medical treatments can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned earlier. As well as regional differences. Always choose a reputable and qualified healthcare provider for any cosmetic or medical procedures. To ensure your safety and achieve the desired results.

The frequency of glutathione injections can vary depending on the purpose for which they are being used, the dosage, and the individual’s specific needs. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that has been used for various purposes, including skin lightening, detoxification, and overall health support.

How often Should You Get Glutathione Injection

1-Skin Lightening:

Glutathione injections are sometimes to used for skin lightening and reducing skin pigmentation. If you are considering glutathione injections for this purpose, the recommended frequency can vary widely.

Some individuals may start with weekly injections and gradually reduce the frequency to once or twice a month as they achieve their desired skin tone. It’s essential to work with a qualified healthcare professional. Who can monitor your progress and adjust the treatment schedule as needed.

2-Detoxification and Health Support:

Glutathione use for its detoxification and health-promoting properties. In this case, the frequency of injections can vary depending on your specific health goals. and the recommendations of a healthcare provider.

Some people may receive glutathione injections periodically, such as once every 1-3 months, as part of a broader health regimen.

It’s crucial to emphasize that glutathione injections should only be to administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Such as a physician or a nurse, in a clinical setting. Self-administration of glutathione injections is not be to recommended.

Before starting any glutathione injection regimen. Consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your specific needs, medical history, and goals. They will provide guidance on the appropriate dosage and frequency based on your individual circumstances.

Additionally, they can monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary to ensure your safety and achieve the desired outcomes.