Toward a firmer, sharper facial impression
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a treatment in which threads are inserted beneath the skin and used to lift it, supporting an approach to skin sagging, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.
The threads also stimulate fibroblasts, which may support collagen production and dermal activity for added firmness.
By reducing the gravitational load on the skin, the treatment may also support sagging prevention. At our clinic, we primarily select PCL threads, which tend to provide noticeable effect, support collagen induction, and offer a relatively long duration.
WORRIES — Recommended for those who
– Are concerned about sagging or considering prevention
– Want to address nasolabial folds or marionette lines
– Want to support a refined, sharper facial impression
– Are considering improvements in skin quality
– Are looking for a treatment with reduced downtime
FEATURE
Approach to lifting
After a thread lift, new collagen forms over about a month, gradually contributing to firmness. Our technique also focuses on supporting a noticeable lifting effect from immediately after the procedure.
Approach to sagging prevention
Maintaining firmness in the skin is thought to stimulate fibroblasts and help keep the skin youthful. In other words, sagging may further accelerate sagging. By having the thread lift bear part of the gravitational load on the skin, sagging prevention may also be supported.
Short downtime
Unlike a face-lift surgery that involves skin incisions, this procedure is performed through small needle entry points at the temples, so downtime is relatively short — about 5 days. We use blunt-tip needles to insert the threads, supporting reduced bruising risk.
PCL threads with longer duration
Common thread types used in thread lifts include PDO, PLLA, and PCL. Our technique primarily uses PCL threads, which offer a relatively long duration among these.
Important notes (risks, side effects, downtime)
| Procedure time | Approximately 20–40 minutes |
|---|---|
| Pain | The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Pain is generally limited. |
| Downtime | A feeling of tightness may be present for several hours to several days, settling in over about a week. Subtle dimpling or asymmetry can occasionally occur but typically improves over about three weeks. |
| Makeup | Permitted from the same day |
| Notes | Washing the face, showering, and bathing are permitted from the same day, but please avoid rubbing the area firmly. Long baths should be avoided. Alcohol and vigorous exercise should be avoided on the day of treatment. Hair salon visits and dental work should wait until 2 weeks after the procedure. Facial massage should be avoided for about a month. |
| Side effects | Although infrequent, possible effects include bruising, swelling, pain, tightness, asymmetry, infection, thread exposure, thread breakage, and nerve injury. Most resolve within about 10 days. |
| Duration | Results vary by individual; periodic treatment every 1–2 years is recommended as a general guide. |
*The above is a typical course; pain, downtime, and effects vary by individual.
*Procedure time does not include consultation time.
*Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should refrain from this treatment.
FLOW — Treatment process
We listen to your concerns and target areas, then propose a plan tailored to you. Please feel free to ask any questions or share concerns.
Patients typically remove their own makeup. If preferred, the procedure can be performed without removing makeup.
After local anesthesia, the physician inserts and lifts the threads. Treatment proceeds with attentive communication to support comfort.
Follow-up visits are generally not required. Periodic treatment is recommended at intervals of about 1–2 years, or whenever you feel it is needed.
Physician’s comment
About sagging
With age, the muscles loosen, the facial bones lose volume due to processes such as osteoporosis, and subcutaneous fat decreases. As a result, the supporting ligaments of the face can no longer remain taut, and the skin becomes less able to resist gravity. This stretches the skin, contributing to wrinkles and sagging.
By performing a thread lift, the threads can act as a substitute for the supporting ligaments, supporting a lifting effect.
Because the entire procedure is performed through small needle entry points at the temples, pain tends to be limited and downtime is small.
By helping to prevent the gravitational descent of subcutaneous fat, the treatment may support both an approach to existing sagging and prevention of further sagging.
Thread lifts are one of the more straightforward approaches for shaping a sharper facial impression, and we are pleased to offer them as one of the treatments available at our clinic.
Together Menu — Recommended combinations
Combining 1–2 syringes of hyaluronic acid filler may help further match your goals. Combination with Botox is also possible.
Q&A (FAQ)
- Can I receive treatment while pregnant?
-
No reports of issues from treatment during pregnancy have been identified, but as this is an aesthetic procedure, we ask pregnant patients to refrain as a precaution.
- What is the minimum number of threads needed?
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Lifting in a three-dimensional manner tends to produce a more natural finish, so we generally recommend at least 3 threads per side (6 total).
Why patients choose us
I’m interested in thread lifts, but I’ve heard some people felt their results weren’t very visible — I’m a bit unsure.
Stronger lifting can increase the risk of dimpling, so the threads may sometimes be lifted more conservatively. At our clinic, we focus on careful technique to provide a clean and visible lift in line with each patient’s goals.
Self-pay treatment / thread disclosure (details)
– About self-pay treatment
This treatment is not covered by Japanese national health insurance. All listed prices are tax-included. For pricing details, please refer to the “Pricing” page.
– Main risks / side effects
Bruising, swelling, pain, tightness, asymmetry, infection, thread exposure, thread breakage, nerve injury, surface irregularities, thread visibility, allergic reaction, and so on. Effects and side effects vary by individual.
– About the threads used
The PCL (polycaprolactone) thread-lift threads used at our clinic are medical devices that have not been approved under Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. They are obtained via personal-import by the physician. Use falls outside the coverage of Japan’s Pharmaceutical Side Effects Relief System.
– Use overseas
The threads are approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Approval status under the US FDA and European CE varies by product. We are not aware of any reports of serious adverse events at this time.
– Patients who cannot receive treatment
Pregnant or breastfeeding women; keloid-prone skin; active infection or inflammation in the treatment area; history of autoimmune disease; bleeding disorders; among others.
Thread Lift
PRICE
*This pricing is currently available because we do not invest in paid advertising such as listing ads.
Set pricing available upon request.
| Thread Lift | Number of Threads / Price |
|---|---|
| Super-absorbable Thread Lift (PDO / 1 year) | 2 threads bilateral: JPY 70,000 4 threads bilateral: JPY 140,000 6 threads bilateral: JPY 210,000 8 threads bilateral: JPY 280,000 10 threads bilateral: JPY 350,000 12 threads bilateral: JPY 420,000 → Campaign price: JPY 25,000/thread |
| Super-absorbable Thread Lift (PCL / 2 years) | 2 threads bilateral: JPY 85,000 4 threads bilateral: JPY 170,000 6 threads bilateral: JPY 255,000 8 threads bilateral: JPY 340,000 10 threads bilateral: JPY 425,000 12 threads bilateral: JPY 510,000 → Campaign price: JPY 30,000/thread |
| T-Lift (thick PCL with bidirectional cogs / 2.5 years) | 2 threads bilateral: JPY 100,000 4 threads bilateral: JPY 200,000 6 threads bilateral: JPY 300,000 8 threads bilateral: JPY 400,000 10 threads bilateral: JPY 500,000 12 threads bilateral: JPY 600,000 → Campaign price: JPY 35,000/thread |
*All prices include tax
Our Doctors
Chief Medical Director / Aesthetic Surgeon
Yuki Takamido, MD
Specialties
Aesthetic surgery / Oculoplastic surgery
Career
2014: Graduated from Mie University School of Medicine
2015: Meitetsu Hospital
2017: Fujita Health University Hospital — Assistant Professor
2020: Founded Flamingo Aesthetic Clinic
2021: Branch director, Shiromoto Clinic Aesthetic Surgery
2021: Co-founded Viviage Clinic (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
2022: Ace Clinic (Ichibikai Medical Corporation)
2023: Director, Sakae Aesthetic Clinic — Sakae branch
Currently: VIVIAGE ZONNE CLINIC (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
Areas of expertise
Hyaluronic acid filler, thread lift
Eyelid surgery (lower-eyelid fat removal for dark circles, transcutaneous & transconjunctival Hamra technique, midface lift, double-eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis surgery)
Aesthetic dermatology procedures
Society memberships
Japanese Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Days available
Wednesday, Friday (10:00–17:30)
Every other Saturday (please call to confirm)
Director
Minoru Horisawa, MD
Book a Consultation / Contact Us
If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Our consultation, including the doctor’s examination, is available free of charge.
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00–17:30 (Closed Thu, Sun)
T.O Building 4F, 3-33-30 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya — about a 4-minute walk from Yabacho Station