Facelift Treatments – One Stitch Lift, Thread Lift
The One Stitch Lift recreates a smooth and taut appearance, without complicated and invasive surgery. The procedure is a safe, quick and relatively simple and has the benefit of providing excellent results with a much shorter healing time than traditional forms of facelift surgery. A one stitch lift is not a substitute for a facelift; it provides a very subtle improvement in the cheeks and jaw line. The results can last up to one year however this can vary depending on a number of factors such as skin type, sun damage and diet.
This procedure takes about forty five minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic.
Small incisions are made at the hairline. Stitches are used to hold the tissue together and are then threaded and anchored as necessary in order to pull up the skin and smooth the areas being targeted.
Swelling and bruising is usually minimal and that patients are able to return to work the next day. You can walk around as usual, however  avoid bending or stooping down for one to two days after the procedure to reduce post-operative swelling and bruising. You can shower (avoid baths) and wash your hair the day after your surgery however avoid rubbing the wounds.
Consider sleeping propped up on a few extra pillows to help elevate your position at night and help you sleep on your back for comfort and to reduce swelling/bruising. Try to do this for at least the first week after your surgery. You will be given post-operative painkillers and a week’s course of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
The Modified One Stitch Lift is an improvement of the traditional One Stitch Lift similarly performed under local anaesthetic and takes around two hours.
| Operation Time | 45 mins |
| Anesthesia | local anaesthetic |
| Nights in hospital | 0 |
| Common Risks | bruising, swelling, temporary numbness, temporary skin irregularity |
| Uncommon Risks | infection, bad scarring, asymmetry, bleeding, permanent numbness, delayed wound healing, early resagging |
| Pain and discomfort | 1 day |
| Follow-up after surgery | 1 week, 3 months |
| Time off work | 0 – 3 days |
| Sports | 2 weeks – walking |
| 4 weeks – everything | |
| Result | 2 weeks until final result scars continue to improve over 18 months |
What happens at my first consultation?
During your consultation it is very important that you fully discuss the the pros and cons of your procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the procedure in full including any risks involved in addition to the likely outcome. Your surgeon will also discuss whether or not you are suitable for a one stitch or if there is an alternative depending on your desired outcome.
Who is the most suitable for one stitch lift surgery?
Patients who would benefit from a One Stitch Lift are those who are looking for an improvement but do not wish to undergo a major facelift with its associated longer term recovery and higher associated risk factors.
What should I look for when choosing a surgeon?
You should ensure that the surgeon has all the relevant qualifications and accreditation.It is also important to establish just how many procedures the surgeon has carried out. Our surgeon is UK accredited and is a fully-qualified GMC registered Consultant Plastic, Cosmetic Surgeon, he is a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) in addition to being a member of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). Our surgeon is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) and the British Association of Surgical Oncology (BASO). Our surgeon has also been awarded prestigious fellowships including Royal College of Surgeons of England FRCS (Eng), Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh (FRCSEd) and a specialist fellowship in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Our lead surgeon is fully trained, qualified and experienced and would be entitled to hold a substantive NHS Consultant Plastic Surgeon post in the NHS As well as the accreditation’s and qualifications it is also important that you develop a good rapport with your surgeon and that they understand fully what you hope to achieve from the operation and also your desired appearance following your one stitch lift surgery.
What support can I expect when making the decision to have surgery?
You can expect ongoing support and access to our surgeon if you  wish. Our partners The Wright Initiative can also offer psychological support.
What does the procedure involve?
A One Stitch Lift procedure is performed as a daycase with local anaesthetic operation occasionally with the use of a small amount of intravenous sedation enabling his patients to go home with a few hours of the procedure without the lingering effects of a general anaesthetic. The technique involves an incision made at the sideburns hairline edge that then passes down in the crease in front of the ear and well hidden by most hair styles.
What results should I expect?
See our before and after photos in this section.
Our cost for a one stitch lift is from £2,995, and our cost for a modified one stitch lift is from £4,995. The procedure is usually performed under a Local Anaesthetic at our specialist clinics.
