Ageing doesn’t mean surrendering to sagging skin. If you’re looking for a non-surgical way to redefine your facial features, the Thread Lift for Every Face approach offers a tailored solution whatever your face shape. This modern technique is especially popular in the UK for lifting the cheeks, sculpting the jawline, and refreshing tired skin — all with minimal downtime. What makes thread lifts stand out is their ability to be personalised for different face shapes. Whether you have a round, heart-shaped, or oval face, there’s a thread lift approach tailored to enhance your natural beauty.
What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging skin using temporary, dissolvable sutures placed beneath the skin. Unlike traditional facelifts that require surgery and significant recovery time, thread lifts offer subtle, natural-looking results with far less downtime — often called the “lunchtime lift.

How does it work?
During the procedure, medical-grade threads made of materials like PDO (Polydioxanone) are inserted under the skin using fine needles. These threads provide an immediate lifting effect and stimulate collagen production as they dissolve over time. The result is firmer, smoother skin that gradually improves for weeks after the treatment.
Types of Thread Lifts
There are several types of threads used depending on your skin goals and face shape:
- PDO Threads (Polydioxanone) – Most common and suitable for all skin types
- PLLA Threads (Poly-L-lactic acid) – Long-lasting, boosts collagen deeply
- PCL Threads (Polycaprolactone) – Newer, even longer duration
- Barbed Threads – Ideal for lifting cheeks and jawlines
- Smooth Threads – Better for fine lines and collagen stimulation
Each type is chosen based on your face shape and area of concern.
Benefits of a Thread Lift for Every Face Shape
One of the most powerful aspects of a thread lift is its ability to adapt to your unique facial structure. Whether your goal is to enhance cheekbones, lift sagging jowls, or contour your jawline, thread lifts can be customized based on your face shape. Below, we break down how this treatment works for different shapes—with tailored lifting strategies for natural results.
1. Round Face
People with round faces typically want more definition and lift in the cheek and jawline area. A thread lift for round faces uses barbed PDO threads to pull upwards from the cheeks toward the temples and lower jaw. This elongates the face and creates a more sculpted silhouette.
- Goal: Define jawline, slim cheeks
- Thread Type: Barbed PDO or PLLA threads
- Lift Style: Vertical cheek lift + lower jowl contour
2. Oval Face
Oval faces are well-balanced, and thread lifts are often used to maintain youthfulness rather than major correction. Threads are placed to gently lift the mid-face and slow down the natural descent of tissue with age.
- Goal: Preserve volume, subtle cheek lift
- Thread Type: Smooth + barbed PDO threads
- Lift Style: Gentle cheek and nasolabial fold lift
3. Heart-Shaped Face
For heart-shaped faces, the focus is on balancing a wider forehead with a narrower jaw. A thread lift for heart-shaped faces targets the lower third of the face, restoring harmony by lifting the jawline and adding subtle volume to the chin area.
- Goal: Enhance the lower face, correct the chin shape
- Thread Type: PDO or PLLA (long-lasting)
- Lift Style: Downward & outward pull near the jaw
4. Square Face
A square face has a stronger jawline and may need more lift in the lower third to soften lines and add vertical definition. Threads are placed along the jawline and chin to achieve a slimmer, more feminine appearance.
- Goal: Refine jawline, soften facial angles
- Thread Type: Barbed threads for strength
- Lift Style: Jawline contour + lower cheek pull
Before and After: What to Expect
A thread lift provides subtle yet noticeable results, particularly for sagging cheeks, jowls, or under-eye hollows. Here’s what you can expect throughout the process:
Before the Procedure
- Your specialist evaluates your facial structure and skin type.
- A local anesthetic is applied to reduce discomfort.
- Threads are selected based on your desired lift and face shape.
Immediately After the Treatment
- You may notice slight swelling or bruising — this is normal.
- Immediate lifting is visible, but final results settle in about 2–3 weeks.
- No stitches or incisions — minimal downtime.
Long-Term Results
- Threads gradually dissolve over 6–12 months.
- Collagen production continues even after threads are absorbed.
- Results can last up to 18 months, depending on lifestyle and skin health.
Benefits of Thread Lift for Each Face Shape
Thread lifts can be customized to suit different face shapes, enhancing your natural features while targeting common concerns unique to each shape.
1. Oval Face
- Balanced lift — maintains natural symmetry
- Enhances cheekbones and prevents sagging along the jawline
- Minimal threads needed for subtle definition
2. Round Face
- Slims the appearance by lifting the cheeks vertically
- Helps create a more V-shaped profile
- Highlights cheekbones and reduces puffiness
3. Heart-Shaped Face
- Focus on lifting the lower face and jawline
- Enhances chin contour without exaggerating a narrow jaw
- Balances upper-face volume
4. Square Face
- Softens strong jawlines with subtle upward lift
- Targets sagging in the lower cheeks
- Helps round out facial angles for a softer look
5. Long Face
- Adds horizontal lift to reduce elongation
- Boosts cheek volume for a fuller appearance
- A subtle lift at the brows can help shorten the face visually

Conclusion: Redefine Your Face, Redefine Your Confidence
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your jawline, lift sagging cheeks, or subtly enhance your overall facial symmetry, a thread lift is a transformative yet low-maintenance solution. Its ability to adapt to various face shapes makes it a popular choice for those seeking natural-looking, non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
From oval to square faces, thread lifts offer targeted benefits — redefining contours, promoting collagen, and restoring youthful lift. The beauty lies in customization, allowing each client to achieve results that complement their unique features without drastic changes or long recovery periods.
If you’re considering a thread lift, consult a certified UK aesthetic specialist — like DermDocUK — who understands the nuances of PDO thread lift placement for your face shape. Done right, this procedure can boost both your look and confidence — one thread at a time.
FAQs
1. How long does a thread lift take?
It usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the area. It’s quick, with minimal downtime — often called a “lunchtime procedure.”
2. What areas can be treated with a thread lift?
You can lift specific areas like the jawline, cheeks, eyebrows, and neck. It’s a versatile treatment, tailored to your face shape and goals.
3. Is a thread lift painful?
It’s not painful. A local anaesthetic is used, and you’ll only feel slight pressure or pulling. Mild swelling or tenderness may follow, but it fades fast.
4. How long do thread lift results last?
Results last around 12–18 months. Even after threads dissolve, collagen production helps maintain a lifted look.
5. Do Thread Lifts Involve Injections?
Yes, thread lifts use local anaesthetic injections to numb the area, but no fillers or Botox are used during the procedure.