Medically reviewed by DR. MED. DR. MED. DENT. HANS KREHN
Tightening rather than facelift promises
The term thread lift can raise false expectations. In Hans Krehn’s treatment philosophy, threads do not replace a surgical facelift. They are used for tightening, stabilisation, and support of selected tissue areas.
Which tissue layer is treated?
Threads are placed in a precisely planned subcutaneous plane depending on type and goal. Subcutaneous fat is not built up. Mechanical guidance and surrounding tissue response can support the tissue continuum.
Why not simply more hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid suits defined volume and contour goals. In very mobile, descended, or unfavourable layers, extra volume can look unnatural or migrate. Then tightening rather than filling may be the better concept.
Why CARA PDO threads?
Hans Krehn uses CARA threads. The manufacturer offers different PDO types such as mono, screw, and COG. Which type is used is decided after indication, skin and tissue quality, region, and desired mechanical effect.
What threads cannot do
Marked tissue excess or strong descent cannot reliably be corrected as with an operative facelift. Longevity and response are individual. Honest distinction from fillers, energy devices, and surgery belongs in counselling.
Risks and aftercare
Possible are swelling, bruising, pressure pain, asymmetry, palpable or visible threads, dimpling, infection, inflammatory reaction, migration, and rarely injury to nerves, vessels, or glands. Technique, sterile practice, follow-up, and early response to warning signs are decisive.
Frequently asked questions
Do threads replace a facelift?
At MEDIKUSS, thread treatments are primarily classified as tissue support and tightening — not as a substitute for a surgical facelift.
Is thread tightening a facelift without surgery?
No. It can support and tighten selected areas but does not reach the possibilities of a surgical facelift.
Are CARA COG or mono threads used?
CARA offers different thread types. Selection follows examination and the concrete goal.
Are threads placed in fat tissue?
Depending on technique they run in a defined subcutaneous plane. They do not increase fat; the aim is mechanical and biological support of the tissue continuum.
When are threads preferable to hyaluronic acid?
When tightening and tissue support matter more than added volume and hyaluronic acid would likely act unfavourably, threads can be an option.
Sources and clinical context
- CARA – manufacturer information on PDO threads →
- Systematic safety review of threads in the face and neck (PubMed) →
- Clinical study of PDO-COG threads in subcutaneous tissue (PubMed) →
Related topics
Personal consultation
Individual assessment after examination — by phone or appointment request.
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