The thread lift procedure, particularly the use of Cog Threads, has become incredibly popular for offering an immediate and significant non-surgical lift to sagging facial contours. It provides a noticeable result without the extensive downtime or cost of surgery.
For anyone considering this investment in facial rejuvenation, the question is always: “How long do thread lift results last?” The longevity of your results depends on the material, your body’s response, and, most importantly, the proactive steps you take to protect your investment.
Understanding the Thread Lift Timeline
The thread lift works in two stages, which explains the lasting nature of the results:
Stage 1: The Mechanical Lift (Immediate)
Immediately after the Cog Threads are placed and anchored, they provide a physical lift and repositioning of the tissue. This visible lifting effect is the first benefit of the procedure.
Stage 2: The Biological Response (Long-Term)
The threads are typically made from Polydioxanone (PDO), a material that is safely and gradually absorbed by the body over a period of 6 to 9 months. As the thread dissolves, the body initiates a powerful healing response by building a scaffold of new collagen around the area where the thread once was.
This newly formed collagen network is what sustains the improvement long after the thread itself is gone.
The Longevity of Results
While the threads are absorbed within 9 months, the clinical results of a thread lift, supported by the new collagen, generally last between 18 and 24 months for most patients. In some cases, results can be maintained for even longer with proper care and maintenance.
Maximising Cog Thread Longevity: Essential Aftercare
To ensure your investment delivers the maximum possible duration, attention to aftercare is crucial:
Limit Facial Movement for the First 1–2 Weeks
For the initial period, excessive smiling, laughing, or chewing hard, sticky foods should be avoided. The threads need time to settle and anchor firmly into the tissue. Aggressive movement can displace the threads, compromising the final result and its longevity.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Side
During the first two weeks, it is essential to sleep on your back, keeping your head slightly elevated. Sleeping on your side puts direct pressure on the newly lifted areas, which can affect the placement of the threads and the establishment of the collagen scaffold.
Protect Your Collagen with High-Quality Skincare
New collagen is the foundation of your long-term result, and collagen is easily destroyed by UV rays and poor nutrition.
- Sun Protection: Strict daily application of a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable. Sun exposure is the number one cause of collagen breakdown.
- Topical Support: Integrate skincare products that support collagen production, such as those containing high-quality Vitamin C and Retinol/Retinoids, once your skin has fully healed and with the approval of your clinician.
Maintain Your Results with Strategic Treatments
To extend the Cog Thread longevity, consider preventative measures once the initial lifting effect begins to wane.
- Regular Skin Boosters: Treatments like targeted dermal fillers, or lighter collagen-stimulating procedures (like smooth PDO threads), can be used to support the collagen structure and delay the need for a full lift refresh.
- Annual Reviews: Schedule a review appointment around the 18-month mark to allow a professional to assess your remaining support and plan a maintenance strategy before the benefits fully disappear.
A thread lift offers a phenomenal return on investment, providing both immediate visual lift and long-term biological rejuvenation. By committing to careful aftercare, you can ensure your smooth, lifted contours last, giving you confidence long into the future. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation!
