Study recommends against thread lifts

May 19, 2009 They involve placing threads under the skin and then tightening them to pull up on drooping facial tissues. One such system lost approval from the FDA after reports of problems but similar products are still available.

A study in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery says the thread lifts produce poor results and carry a risk of complications including visible knots and dimpling of the skin.

Investigators also claim the threads can cause extensive scarring making them difficult to remove.