Thread Lift in Burnaby: Instant Lifting Without Going Under the Knife
Gravity doesn't take a day off — and neither does collagen loss. If your jawline is softening, your cheeks are dropping, or jowls are starting to form, you've probably wondered whether anything short of a facelift can actually help. The answer is yes: thread lifts deliver real, visible lifting on the same day as treatment, and the results keep improving for months.
At SkinArtMD near Burnaby Metrotown, we specialize in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation — and thread lifts are one of the most exciting tools in our repertoire.
What Is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses medical-grade, dissolvable threads inserted under the skin to physically lift sagging tissue and stimulate collagen production. Think of it as a scaffolding system: the threads create an immediate lifting effect, and then your body builds new collagen around them for lasting improvement.
The threads are made of biocompatible materials (PDO, PLLA, or PCL) that have been used safely in surgery for decades. They dissolve naturally over 6-12 months — but the collagen they stimulate persists much longer.
Aptos Threads vs. InstaLift (Silhouette Soft): Which Do We Use?
At SkinArtMD, we work with multiple thread systems to customize results for each client:
Aptos Threads
- Origin: Developed by Dr. Sulamanidze in Georgia; globally renowned
- Design: Barbed threads that grip tissue at multiple points
- Best for: Mid-face lift, jawline definition, brow lift
- Material: PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) — stimulates collagen for up to 2 years
- Unique advantage: The barb pattern provides stronger anchoring and more dramatic lift
InstaLift (Silhouette Soft)
- Origin: FDA-cleared by Sinclair Pharma
- Design: Bidirectional cones along the suture for even tissue redistribution
- Best for: Mid-face volumization + lift, subtle jowl reduction
- Material: PLGA (poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid) + PLLA cones
- Unique advantage: The cone design redistributes volume while lifting, creating a natural fullness
Which Is Right for You?
| Goal | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Maximum lift (jawline, jowls) | Aptos |
| Lift + volume restoration | InstaLift |
| Brow lift | Aptos |
| Subtle mid-face refresh | Either |
| Neck tightening | Aptos (smooth + barbed combo) |
During your consultation, the SkinArtMD team evaluates your anatomy, skin laxity, and goals to recommend the ideal thread type, quantity, and placement.
What Can a Thread Lift Treat?
- Sagging cheeks (mid-face descent)
- Jowls and jawline laxity
- Nasolabial folds (deep smile lines)
- Marionette lines (downturned corners of the mouth)
- Brow ptosis (drooping eyebrows)
- Neck laxity (early "turkey neck")
- Overall facial contouring — sharpening angles that have softened
The SkinArtMD Thread Lift Experience
Consultation (Complimentary)
We photograph your face from multiple angles, discuss your concerns, and map out a custom thread placement plan. You'll know exactly how many threads, what type, and the expected outcome before any treatment.
Day of Treatment (60-90 minutes)
- Local anesthesia: We numb the treatment areas — you're awake and comfortable the entire time
- Entry points: Tiny punctures (no incisions) are made at strategic positions, typically hidden in the hairline or natural creases
- Thread insertion: Using a thin cannula, threads are guided under the skin to the planned positions
- Lifting: Once placed, the threads are gently pulled to lift tissue into the desired position
- Trimming: Excess thread is trimmed flush with the skin surface
- Assessment: We evaluate symmetry and may make fine adjustments
You can watch the lifting happen in real-time with a mirror — it's one of the most satisfying moments in aesthetic medicine.
The "Wow" Moment
Most clients see 50-70% of the final result immediately after the procedure. The remaining improvement develops over 2-3 months as collagen builds around the threads.
Recovery & Downtime
Thread lifts have significantly less downtime than surgical facelifts:
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Mild swelling, tenderness at entry points, slight asymmetry (normal — it settles) |
| Day 3-5 | Swelling subsiding, possible minor bruising |
| Week 1 | Most clients return to normal social activities |
| Week 2 | Entry points fully healed, bruising resolved |
| Month 1-3 | Collagen remodeling — results continuing to improve |
Key recovery rules:
- Sleep on your back for 2 weeks (elevated head position)
- Avoid extreme facial expressions for 1 week
- No high-impact exercise for 2 weeks
- No facial massage or aggressive skincare for 3-4 weeks
- No dental work for 2 weeks
How Long Do Thread Lift Results Last?
- Immediate lift: Visible from day one
- Peak results: 2-3 months post-treatment (collagen maturation)
- Duration: 1-2 years depending on thread type, quantity, and individual collagen response
- Maintenance: Single-thread touch-ups at 12-18 months can extend results further
Compared to a surgical facelift (which can last 8-10 years but requires 2-4 weeks recovery), thread lifts offer a compelling middle ground for clients who want noticeable improvement without surgery.
Thread Lift Cost at SkinArtMD Burnaby
| Treatment | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Mini lift (4-6 threads per side) | competitive pricing (discussed at consultation) |
| Mid-face lift (8-12 threads total) | competitive pricing (discussed at consultation) |
| Full lift (jawline + mid-face, 12-16 threads) | competitive pricing (discussed at consultation) |
| Brow lift (4-6 threads) | competitive pricing (discussed at consultation) |
| Touch-up session (6-12 months later) | competitive pricing (discussed at consultation) |
Thread count and type affect pricing. Your consultation includes a detailed cost breakdown with no surprises.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates:
- Age 30-60 with mild to moderate skin laxity
- Good skin quality (some elasticity remaining)
- Realistic expectations — threads lift, they don't replace a facelift
- Not ready for surgery or don't want surgery
- Wanting a "refresh" with minimal downtime
Not ideal for:
- Severe skin laxity (may need surgical intervention)
- Very thin skin (threads may be visible)
- Active skin infections in the treatment area
- Unrealistic expectations of surgical-level results
Combining Thread Lifts with Other Treatments
Thread lifts pair beautifully with:
- Dermal fillers — restore volume that threads can't replace (cheeks, temples, under-eyes)
- Neuromodulators (Botox/Dysport) — relax muscles that pull against the lift
- Skin tightening (Sylfirm X, Thermage) — improve skin quality and enhance thread results
- PRP/Exosomes — accelerate collagen production around threads
At SkinArtMD, we often create combination treatment plans that deliver far more dramatic results than any single treatment alone.
Why SkinArtMD for Thread Lifts
Thread lift results are highly technique-dependent. The difference between a natural-looking lift and an obvious, pulled look comes down to:
- Understanding facial anatomy in 3D
- Choosing the right thread type and quantity
- Precise placement angles and depths
- Artistic eye for facial balance and proportion
The SkinArtMD team brings medical precision and aesthetic vision to every thread lift procedure. Our Burnaby Metrotown clinic is equipped with the latest thread systems and we maintain ongoing training in the most advanced techniques.
Book Your Thread Lift Consultation
Curious if a thread lift could refresh your look without surgery? Book your complimentary consultation at SkinArtMD Burnaby. We'll show you exactly what's possible.
SkinArtMD — Medical Aesthetics, Elevated. Burnaby Metrotown, BC. Serving Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Metro Vancouver.
