You catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and notice your cheeks don’t sit quite as high as they used to, and your jawline looks a little less defined. The early signs of aging show up slowly, but once you see them, it’s hard to ignore. Maybe you’ve considered a facelift, but the idea of surgery, recovery time, and the price tag keeps you from moving forward.

Thread lifts offer a different path. This minimally invasive procedure helps lift sagging skin, smooth facial contours, and trigger collagen production without the cost or downtime of traditional facelift surgery.

At Icon Aesthetics & Wellness in Pompano Beach, we specialize in natural-looking results that restore (not replace) your facial features. Led by board-certified PA Chad Van Horn, we focus on safe, subtle treatments that give you back what time has taken away.

What Is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is a nonsurgical facelift alternative that uses medical-grade, dissolvable threads to lift and tighten loose skin in the face and neck. It’s ideal for patients who aren’t ready for plastic surgery but want to address early sagging in areas like the cheeks, jowls, and jawline.

Instead of removing excess skin, the threads are inserted under your skin using a fine needle or cannula. These absorbable sutures anchor the skin in a higher position, creating an immediate lifting effect.

This minimally invasive procedure is done under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour.

How Does a Thread Lift Work?

There are two key benefits to this procedure:

1. Immediate lift: The barbed or smooth threads are placed underneath the skin and gently pulled to hold the skin in place. This creates a natural-looking lift across the treated areas.
2. Collagen stimulation: As your body reacts to the threads, it begins to produce new collagen in the area. This leads to improved skin texture and firmness over time, even after the threads dissolve.

The most commonly used threads are PDO (polydioxanone) threads, which dissolve naturally over 4 to 6 months. Even after absorption, the collagen your body produces can last for over a year.

Different types of threads may be used depending on the area treated: barbed threads for stronger lift, smooth threads for fine lines, and twisted threads for volume. Your provider will customize the procedure for your facial structure and goals.

Why Thread Lifts Are Popular in Pompano Beach

More patients in South Florida are choosing thread lifts because they want real results without the trauma of facial plastic surgery.

Here’s what makes them so appealing:

• Natural results: You won’t look overdone. The lift is subtle and enhances your natural beauty.
• Quick recovery: Most clients are back to their normal routine immediately following the procedure or within 24–48 hours.
• Custom facial rejuvenation: You can treat multiple facial areas like the mid-face, jowls, brow, or neck in one visit.
• Less invasive than a facelift: Thread lifts do not require incisions or general anesthesia.

Whether you’re in your late 30s and noticing slight sag or in your 50s dealing with deeper folds, a thread lift may be the perfect fit for your goals.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Thread Lift?

Thread lifts work best on patients who:

• Have mild to moderate sagging skin
• Are in their 30s to 50s
• Do not want or need traditional facelift surgery
• Are generally healthy and non-smokers
• Have realistic expectations

If you have excessively loose skin or want more dramatic results, you may be better suited for facelift surgery performed by a facial plastic surgeon.

That said, patients who are not ideal candidates for a thread lift can explore other lift options including:

• Ultrasound-based skin tightening
• Radiofrequency treatments
• Facial fillers for volume loss
• Botulinum toxin to relax dynamic lines

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Before your procedure, you’ll meet with Chad Van Horn, PA-C for a consultation. He will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend a plan based on your needs. You’ll also go over your medical history and any potential risk factors.

During the procedure, a local anesthetic is applied to keep you comfortable. Then, the threads are inserted under the skin and carefully pulled to lift sagging skin in the treated area. The entire process takes 30 to 60 minutes.

After treatment, you might experience:

• Mild bruising or swelling
• Temporary tightness or tenderness
• Slight asymmetry (which usually resolves as swelling subsides)

You’ll be sent home with post-care instructions. Most patients can return to work the next day.

Risks and Safety: Know the Facts

Before deciding on a thread lift, it’s important to understand both the common side effects and the rare complications associated with the procedure.

Common side effects include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Redness or mild discomfort

Rare complications may include:

• Infection
• Thread migration
• Thread extrusion or dimpling

The best way to reduce risks is to choose an experienced, qualified provider. Chad Van Horn is a board-certified physician assistant with extensive training in facial anatomy and thread lift techniques. His precision and attention to detail ensure safe, predictable outcomes.

For general safety data and complication rates, refer to this article by Healthline.

How Long Do Thread Lift Results Last?

Knowing what to expect in terms of results and longevity can help you plan your skincare goals more effectively.

How soon will you see results and how long will they stay?

• Immediately following the procedure, you’ll see an uplifted effect.
• Over time, collagen production continues to firm and improve your skin’s texture.
• Results typically last 12 to 18 months, depending on skin type, lifestyle, and age.

To extend results, many clients opt for maintenance treatments or combine their thread lift with Botox, facial fillers, or skin-tightening treatments.

Thread Lifts vs Other Rejuvenation Options

FAQs About Thread Lifts

1. What does a thread lift feel like?

You may feel slight pressure, but with local anesthesia, the procedure is generally well tolerated.

2. How long does the treatment take?

On average, a thread lift procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of threads and areas treated.

3. Can I go back to work right away after a thread lift?

Most patients return to daily activities within 1 to 2 days. Minor swelling or bruising is normal and temporary.

4. Are thread lift results natural-looking?

Yes. A properly performed thread lift should enhance facial features without looking obvious. At Icon Wellness, our goal is to help you look refreshed, not altered.

5. Can I combine thread lifts with other treatments?

Absolutely. We often combine thread lifts with fillers, Botox, or radiofrequency tightening to address both laxity and volume loss.

Why Choose Icon Aesthetics & Wellness in Pompano Beach

Led by Chad Van Horn, a nationally recognized aesthetic provider, Icon Aesthetics & Wellness offers you:

• Honest assessments with realistic outcomes
• State-of-the-art procedures in a relaxing setting
• Tailored treatment plans based on your goals and facial structure

We specialize in nonsurgical cosmetic treatments that lift and tighten facial skin while respecting your natural beauty. Whether you want to treat early signs of aging or refresh your look before a big event, we’ll help you choose the right plan.

Final Thoughts: Is a Thread Lift Right for You?

If you’ve noticed sagging skin, hollow cheeks, or early jowls but don’t want surgery, a thread lift may be the solution. It’s fast, safe, and delivers natural, long-lasting results without cutting corners or harming your skin.

Contact Icon Aesthetics & Wellness in Pompano Beach to schedule your consultation today. Let’s lift your confidence and bring out the best version of you.