What Is the Difference Between a Threadlift & a Featherlift?

Two nonsurgical types of facelifts that fall into the category of "lunchtime makeovers" are the featherlift and the threadlift. At one time, both procedures were considered media darlings because of the amount of attention they received. In both techniques -- which are almost identical -- cosmetic surgeons lift the skin tissues using threads and small sutures.

Threadlift

• In patients who get threadlifts, the doctor uses small threads or sutures to lift skin on the face and neck. The sutures have small hooks that pull back sagging skin, held tight using knotlike barbs. The patient is fully conscious throughout this procedure. Unlike traditional facelifts, the doctor does not remove any skin. The doctor makes very small incisions that are barely noticeable, and in some cases surgeons do not make any incisions at all.

Threadlift Results and Risks

• Most patients can see the results of their threadlift immediately -- although some see no results at all. It is important to choose a well-respected surgeon for this procedure to avoid negative results. Some patients who have received this procedure have noticed that the sutures placed under their skin were now visible. Other risks involved include infection and asymmetry.

Featherlift

• The featherlift, also called Russian threads, typically takes less than one hour. The doctor makes barely noticeable incisions -- in some cases, no incisions at all. The doctor gives patients local anesthesia, but not always. The doctor uses a material called polypropylene to make the incisions and injects local anesthesia into premarked areas on the face and neck. The doctor places threads in the hairline and anchors them under the skin with barbs, causing the threads to be unnoticed.

Featherlift Results and Risks

• Most patients instantly see positive results after this procedure, although several risks are involved. These risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry and scarring. Some patients have complained that they could see the sutures appearing from under the skin.