
Thread lift (face lift with tensor threads)
A thread lift is a non-surgical treatment for skin laxity that retightens the sagging areas of the face and neck using absorbable threads placed under the skin. Unlike a surgical facelift, it requires no incision: the lifting effect is immediate and expressions remain natural, as the muscles are not affected. At Maison Tóā in Lausanne, the indication is assessed during a consultation, towards a natural, harmonious result.
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Indications: mild skin laxity of the face and neck · jawline to redefine · brow arch and eyes to lift
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Anaesthesia: local anaesthesia
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Duration of the procedure: approximately 30 minutes
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Social downtime: 4 to 5 days
- Price: See our prices
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a non-invasive treatment that corrects skin laxity on the face and neck by placing absorbable threads under the skin, creating mechanical tension. It lifts the features, reshapes the cheekbones and redefines the contours, immediately and naturally, without an incision or any change to expressions.
Goal
To retighten the lax or sagging areas of the face and neck, restoring the firmness the jawline has lost over the years.
How it works
Barbed threads are inserted into the deep dermis along a path defined before the procedure, then anchored to achieve the desired traction and suspension. The face is then carefully sculpted to achieve the final result. Beyond the immediate mechanical effect, the threads stimulate the production of new collagen.
Method used
The treatment uses Silhouette Soft threads, with knots reinforced by cones that grip beneath the skin to maintain traction. They are absorbable threads: their effect lasts 6 to 18 months on average. The procedure has four steps: a small, discreet incision in the scalp, insertion of the barbed threads into the deep dermis, anchoring, then sculpting of the face.
Differences from other approaches
As an alternative to a surgical face and neck lift, tensor threads require no incision (only needle-sized entry points) and are placed under local anaesthesia. They are suited to mild laxity, whereas a surgical facelift durably corrects advanced sagging.
Indications and treatment areas
Tensor threads are intended for people with mild to moderate skin laxity, for whom surgery is not yet indicated.
Main indications
Sagging cheeks and jowls, a loosening jawline, tired-looking eyes, less defined facial contours. Eligibility depends more on skin quality and the degree of laxity than on chronological age.
Secondary indications
A thread lift is a cosmetic treatment; it is not covered by health insurance.
Treatment areas
The forehead, the brow arch, sagging cheeks and jowls (to redefine the jawline), as well as the neck.
Specific areas
Depending on the area treated, the procedure has a specific name: the brow lift raises the brow arch, fox eyes elongates and lifts the tail of the eyebrow to open up the eyes, and the jawline treatment redefines the contours and jowls.
Limitations
Tensor threads are indicated for people without significant laxity: when sagging is marked, surgery (mini facelift or full facelift) remains more suitable.
How does the session work at Maison Tóā, Lausanne?
Tensor threads are placed at the medical practice, in a single short session.
1 The consultation

The consultation assesses skin quality, the degree of laxity and the areas to be treated, and checks that surgery is not more appropriate. The path of the threads is defined before the procedure. Any combined treatments are discussed at this stage.
Read more2 The procedure

The threads are placed under local anaesthesia in about 30 minutes. After a small, discreet incision in the scalp, the barbed threads are inserted into the deep dermis along the planned path, then anchored to achieve the desired traction. Finally, the face is carefully sculpted to refine the result.
Read more3 Follow-up

Recovery is easy, with very little discomfort. Swelling and bruising may appear, and the entry points heal quickly. Social downtime is 4 to 5 days on average.
Read moreResults: what to expect
A thread lift gives an immediately visible effect, complemented by a gradual improvement in skin quality.
First results
The result can be seen instantly: the features are lifted, the cheekbones reshaped and the contours redefined. Once the threads are placed in the dermis, the jawline regains the firmness it has lost over the years.
Stabilisation
The mechanical lifting effect is immediate. It is then complemented by the stimulation of new collagen production, which gradually improves skin quality from 4 to 6 months.
Duration
The effects of absorbable tensor threads, such as Silhouette Soft, last 6 to 12 months on average. This duration may vary depending on the type of threads used and the individual characteristics of the patient.
Maintenance
As the treatment is absorbable, a new placement can be considered at the end of the effective period to maintain the result. The maintenance schedule is agreed with the doctor according to how the skin changes.
Variability
Results vary depending on skin quality, the degree of laxity and individual characteristics. As with any treatment, results may vary from person to person.
Contraindications and side effects
At Maison Tóā in Lausanne, the indication is set after a careful examination, and the risks are explained during the consultation.
What are the contraindications?
Certain situations lead to the treatment being postponed or ruled out: active skin infection in the area, clotting disorders, pregnancy or breastfeeding, unstable general illness, or laxity too significant and better suited to surgery. These are assessed during the consultation.
Possible side effects
Complications are rare and may include infection, persistent pain or, more exceptionally, a visible or extruding thread. Early management leads to a favourable outcome in the vast majority of cases.
Prices
Thread lift prices:
At Maison Tóā in Lausanne, the price depends on the area treated:
- Brow lift (brow arch): CHF 1,500
- Fox eyes (eye area): CHF 1,500
- Jawline: CHF 2,500
- Surgical consultation: CHF 150, deductible from your first procedure if it is booked within three months of the consultation.
Payment
Payment is made at the clinic. Instalment payment options are available, subject to eligibility.
What’s included
The price includes the session, local anaesthesia, the threads used and follow-up.
Quote
The price depends on the area treated and the number of threads needed. A personalised quote is provided at the consultation.
A deposit of CHF 150 (the consultation fee) is required to confirm your appointment at Maison Tóā Clinic. If you cancel at least 48 hours in advance, this deposit will be refunded in full.
Alternatives and complementary treatments
Alternative treatments
When sagging is advanced, a surgical facelift (mini facelift or full facelift) remains the reference procedure. HIFU can also firm the skin without surgery by stimulating collagen, with a more gradual effect. The choice depends on the degree of laxity.
Combining with other treatments
Tensor threads are commonly combined with other procedures, such as hyaluronic acid injections or laser treatments, to optimise results. These treatments should be planned with the practitioner to avoid any interference between them.
Why choose a thread lift?
Tensor threads provide an immediate lifting effect, with no incision or long downtime, while stimulating collagen production. The treatment is performed in a clinic that brings aesthetic medicine and aesthetic surgery together — a decisive advantage for choosing the right indication: tensor threads when laxity is mild to moderate, surgery when it is advanced.
Trust our experts
At Maison Tóā, our team of specialized physicians embodies excellence and innovation in aesthetic medicine. Passionate about their craft, they put their expertise at the service of your beauty and well-being. Every treatment is performed with careful attention, using the most advanced techniques to ensure natural and personalized results.

Dr. Sophie Nordback
Dr. Alexandra Miles
Dr. Reda Bennani

Dr. Laetitia Guarino

Dr. Adnan Plakalo
Dr. Natalia Koltunova
Frequently asked questions
From what age can you consider tensor threads?
They are generally recommended from the first signs of skin laxity, often around 35 to 40. Eligibility, however, depends more on skin quality and the degree of laxity than on chronological age.
How long do the results last?
The effects of absorbable tensor threads, such as Silhouette Soft, last between 6 and 12 months on average. This duration varies depending on the type of threads used and individual characteristics.
Do tensor threads really tighten facial skin?
Yes: they are designed to tighten the skin without surgery. They create an immediate lifting effect through mechanical tension, while stimulating collagen production for lasting results. They are a suitable solution for mild to moderate sagging, particularly of the cheeks, jawline or neck.
Can tensor threads be combined with other aesthetic treatments?
Yes: they are commonly combined with hyaluronic acid injections or laser treatments to optimise results. These treatments should be planned with the practitioner to avoid any interference.
Is a thread lift painful?
They are placed under local anaesthesia in about 30 minutes. Recovery is easy, with very little discomfort; some swelling and bruising are possible.
How long before I can return to my social life?
Social downtime is 4 to 5 days on average after the threads are placed.
Do tensor threads change facial expressions?
No: the threads do not affect the muscles. Expressions remain natural and harmonious.
What is the difference between tensor threads and a surgical facelift?
Tensor threads require no incision, are placed under local anaesthesia and involve 4 to 5 days of recovery, but their effect is temporary (6 to 12 months) and suits mild to moderate laxity. A surgical facelift durably corrects advanced sagging by acting on the deep tissues.
Related articles
Medical consultation and booking
The choice between tensor threads and surgery depends on the degree of laxity and the quality of your skin. During the consultation, the doctor assesses your face, defines the areas to be treated and recommends the most suitable solution, in a safe medical setting. A personalised quote is then provided.




