Thread lift prices in Switzerland

Lifting threads are absorbable threads inserted under the skin with a needle or cannula to slightly lift sagging tissue and stimulate collagen production. They are used for the jawline, cheeks, eyebrows, neck and sometimes the body. Their effect is immediate but temporary, lasting from a few months to two years depending on the type of thread and skin quality. Their price depends on the number and type of threads, the area and the doctor's experience. They do not replace a surgical facelift, but can postpone it in cases of mild sagging. For the technique, see our page on thread lifts.

The price of a thread lift depends on the number of threads, often two to four per side for the jawline, and on their type: barbed threads, which lift, cost more than smooth threads, which mainly stimulate collagen. The effect lasts from a few months to two years, so maintenance must be planned. Threads suit mild sagging; for marked sagging, a facelift is more effective and, over time, often better value.

Smooth threads, often made of polydioxanone, are placed in large numbers to stimulate the skin, without any real lifting effect. Barbed or cone threads grip the tissues and lift them. Materials also differ in how long they take to be absorbed. The price increases with the complexity and number of threads.

The jawline and cheeks are the most common areas, with a few barbed threads on each side. The eyebrow, for a more open look, requires fewer threads. The neck often requires numerous smooth threads or a few barbed threads. The number of threads largely determines the budget.

A jawline thread lift costs a little less outside Geneva; the breakdown by city and canton is presented here.

The threads are absorbed within a few months, but the supporting effect and collagen stimulation persist a little longer. Depending on the type of thread and the skin, the effect lasts from a few months to two years. To maintain it, new sessions are needed. Over five years, the cumulative cost can approach that of a surgical mini-facelift, whose effect is sharper and longer-lasting. See the price of a face and neck lift.

Threads suit people aged roughly thirty-five to fifty-five, with mild sagging and good-quality skin. In someone with marked sagging or very thin skin, the effect will be weak and the expense of little use. An honest doctor will then recommend surgery.

Slight swelling, small bruises and a feeling of tightness for a few days are common. It is advisable to limit large facial movements, sleep on your back and avoid vigorous facial treatments for one to two weeks. Small temporary dimples may appear and generally disappear on their own.

Check the type and number of threads, the brand, the area, the doctor's qualifications and the terms in the event of irregularity or a visible thread. Ask for photos taken several months after treatment.

A forty-year-old woman with early jowls: barbed threads along the jawline. A woman who wants a more open look: eyebrow threads. A sixty-year-old woman with distinct sagging: a facelift instead.

A few days of keeping a low profile, regular maintenance, possibly combined injections.

Threads lift, hyaluronic acid restores volume and botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles. These approaches are often combined for overall non-surgical rejuvenation, with an annual budget to plan for.

After careful disinfection and local anaesthesia at the entry points, the doctor inserts the threads under the skin, in a precise plane, using a needle or cannula. For barbed threads, the doctor then gently tensions the thread to lift the tissues and trims the excess. Placement often takes thirty minutes to an hour. The precision of the plane and tension determines the result and limits irregularities. This is why the doctor's experience matters as much as the price of the threads.

Polydioxanone, the most widely used, is absorbed within a few months. Other materials, such as polylactic acid or polycaprolactone, are absorbed more slowly and stimulate collagen more, at a higher price. The choice depends on the area, the desired effect and the budget.

Threads are sometimes used on the body, for the inner arms, knees or stomach, with a modest effect on slightly loose skin. More threads are needed there, which increases the price. For these areas, liposuction with skin tightening is often more effective. See the price of BodyTite.

For the medical side, the page Thread lifts in Switzerland answers questions about the procedure.

Other prices to consult

• Peel: prices in Switzerland
• MD Codes and facial harmonisation: prices in Switzerland
• Botulinum toxin injections: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Guide to aesthetic medicine in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

The points that come up most often in consultation.

Thread lift: your questions

Are the threads placed in a single session? Yes, generally.

Is a follow-up check planned? Often after two to three weeks.

Is the result immediate? Yes, then it becomes more refined over the following weeks.

Are threads suitable for the body? With a modest effect; other techniques are often preferred.

Which material lasts longest? Polylactic acid and polycaprolactone are absorbed more slowly.

Can threads cause an infection? Rarely; strict hygiene prevents it.

Can the threads be felt to the touch? Sometimes in the first few weeks.

Do threads improve skin quality? Smooth threads can improve it slightly.

Can threads be placed after a facelift? Yes, to maintain a result.

How is the price of threads calculated? According to the number and type of threads, and the area.

How many threads for the jawline? Often two to four on each side.

Do barbed threads cost more than smooth threads? Yes, generally.

What is the difference? Barbed threads lift; smooth threads mainly stimulate collagen.

How long does the effect last? From a few months to two years depending on the threads and the skin.

Are the threads absorbed? Yes, most within a few months.

Does it need to be repeated? Yes, to maintain the effect.

Do threads replace a facelift? No, the effect is more modest and temporary.

Who are they suitable for? For mild sagging, in people with good-quality skin.

Is placement painful? It is carried out under local anaesthesia.

How long does the session last? Often thirty minutes to an hour.

Do I need time off work? Rarely; a few days of keeping a low profile.

Can dimples appear? Sometimes, temporarily.

Can a thread be visible? Rarely; it can then be removed.

Is there a charge for removing a thread? Often.

Are threads covered by insurance? No.

Can the neck be treated? Yes, with suitable threads.

Can the eyebrow be lifted? Yes, that is the purpose of the fox eyes technique.

Can threads be combined with injections? Yes, often.

Are threads cheaper in Valais? Often slightly, as our tables show.

Should a very low price raise concerns? Yes, check the type of threads and the doctor.

Do I need a doctor? Yes, it is a medical procedure.

Do men use them? Yes, for the jawline and neck.

Can I exercise afterwards? It is advisable to wait one to two weeks.

Should I avoid yawning widely? For the first few days, large facial movements should be limited.

Tell us your canton: we will refer you free of charge to a doctor experienced in thread lifts.