Thread Lift in Calgary: What to Expect

Quick answer: A thread lift uses fine, absorbable PDO threads placed under the skin to gently lift sagging tissue and stimulate collagen. At Arlo Medical we use Visage Excellence threads for the face and neck. Treatment takes about 45 to 60 minutes with minimal downtime, and results typically last 12 to 18 months as the threads dissolve and new collagen forms. It suits mild to moderate sagging, not a replacement for a surgical facelift.

As the face ages, skin and soft tissue gradually lose firmness and begin to sag, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. A thread lift offers a non-surgical way to lift and firm these areas, with far less downtime than surgery. At Arlo Medical in Calgary, we use Visage Excellence absorbable threads for facial and neck rejuvenation.

This guide explains how a thread lift works, what it can and cannot do, and what to expect from treatment.

What Is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive treatment that uses fine, absorbable threads placed just under the skin to gently lift sagging tissue and support it in a more youthful position. The threads used in Visage Excellence are made from polydioxanone (PDO), a material that has been used safely in surgery for decades and is gradually absorbed by the body.

How a Thread Lift Works

A thread lift works in two ways. First, the threads provide an immediate mechanical lift, repositioning and supporting the tissue as they are placed. Second, and just as important, the threads stimulate the body to produce new collagen along their path as they dissolve. This gradual collagen response continues to firm and support the skin over the following months, so results improve after the initial lift (Suh et al., 2015).

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Diagram - How a PDO thread lift lifts the face and stimulates collagen

What a Thread Lift Can Treat

Mild to moderate sagging in the cheeks and mid-face
A softening jawline and early jowls
Loose skin on the neck
Drooping brows
Loss of definition along the lower face

Thread lifts also pair well with other treatments. Many patients combine a thread lift with dermal fillers to restore volume, or with skin treatments to improve surface quality, for a more complete result.

Thread Lift vs Surgical Facelift

A thread lift is not a replacement for a surgical facelift. Surgery remains the most powerful option for advanced sagging and produces the longest-lasting results. A thread lift is best thought of as a middle option: more lift than injectables alone can provide, but less dramatic and less invasive than surgery. It suits people with mild to moderate laxity who want a subtle lift without incisions, general anesthesia, or extended recovery. If your laxity is significant, we will tell you honestly whether surgery is a better fit.

What to Expect During Treatment

A thread lift at Arlo Medical typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. The area is cleaned and a local anesthetic is used for comfort. The threads are inserted through a fine needle or cannula and positioned to lift the target area, then any excess is trimmed. You will see an immediate lifting effect once the threads are in place.

Downtime and Recovery

Downtime is minimal compared with surgery. Some swelling, tenderness, bruising, or a mild pulling sensation is normal for a few days to a week. Most people return to everyday activities quickly. For the first week or two it helps to sleep on your back, avoid heavy exercise and saunas, and avoid facial massage or wide mouth movements while the threads settle.

How Long Do Thread Lift Results Last?

The threads themselves dissolve over roughly six months, but the collagen they stimulate continues to support the skin after that. Most patients enjoy results for about 12 to 18 months, after which the treatment can be repeated. Results vary with age, skin quality, and the degree of laxity.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for a thread lift if you have mild to moderate sagging and want a non-surgical lift with minimal downtime. It is generally not suitable during pregnancy, with an active infection in the treatment area, or for very advanced sagging. A consultation is the best way to confirm whether a thread lift, or a combination of treatments, will achieve your goals.

Thread Lift Cost in Calgary

Thread lift pricing depends on the number and type of threads used and the areas treated, so it is quoted individually. Book a complimentary consultation at Arlo Medical for a personalized plan and transparent pricing.

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Non-surgical thread lift for face and neck at Arlo Medical Calgary

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a thread lift painful?

A local anesthetic is used, so discomfort is minimal during treatment. Afterward you may feel mild tenderness or a pulling sensation for a few days.

How soon will I see results?

You will see an immediate lift once the threads are placed, and the result continues to improve over the following months as new collagen forms.

Are the threads permanent?

No. The PDO threads are fully absorbed by the body over about six months, while the collagen they stimulate continues to support the skin.

Can a thread lift replace a facelift?

No. A thread lift suits mild to moderate sagging. For advanced laxity, a surgical facelift gives stronger, longer-lasting results, and we will advise honestly on the best option for you.