A string face lift, or thread face lift, is a non-invasive face lift procedure that can help delay the signs of aging as they first begin to appear. String lifts often take about an hour to perform and require about seven days of recovery time. Plastic surgeons typically perform the string face lift by using a needle to thread barbed sutures beneath sagging facial tissues. The barbs beneath the skin form a supporting structure that lifts the tissue.

The typically thread lift candidate is between the ages of 35 and 45. The string face lift is recommended for younger patients, because it can help delay the signs of aging. As time goes by, surgeons can usually tighten the barbed sutures threaded beneath the skin to help maintain the results of the surgery. The string face lift is typically performed on those who are showing only the first signs of sagging skin.

Small incisions are typically used for the string face lift procedure, through which the surgeon inserts the barbed sutures. The barbs not only lift the skin, but they encourage the body to produce more collagen in specific facial areas. There are numerous techniques for performing a string face lift, but they are usually performed in either an open or closed fashion. Open string lifts allow the surgeon to place the barbs beneath the skin with the help of surgical instruments. Closed string lifts require the surgeon to mold facial tissue over the barbs until they catch in an ideal place to improve appearance.

String face lifts are typically performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure usually takes about one hour to perform. General anesthetic is not typically required. Patients remain awake, and are treated during the procedure with local anesthetic and oral sedative medication. Many surgeons allow patients to give feedback when the threads are pulled back to lift the sagging skin, so the string face lift can give many patients more control over their results.

Recovering from a string face lift takes about seven days. Many patients may need help with daily activities for the first 24 hours after treatment, and a soft-food diet may need to be eaten for the entire seven days. Oral pain relievers like acetaminophen can generally relieve the pain associated with string face lift recovery. Swelling and bruising may not completely recede for up to three weeks following the procedure.