By Professor Dr. Patrick Treacy (JCCP Key Opinion Leader)

Aesthetic medicine continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with minimally invasive treatments gaining increasing popularity. Among these, thread lifts have emerged as a powerful tool for non-surgical facial rejuvenation, offering an effective alternative to traditional facelifts. Originally introduced as a less invasive facelift alternative, thread lifts have now found a broader role in preventative anti-aging treatments. Thread lifts use biodegradable sutures to lift and tighten sagging skin while stimulating collagen production. This results in immediate lifting effects, with continued improvement over the following months as collagen regeneration strengthens the skin’s structure.

Patients in their 30s and 40s are increasingly turning to threads as a pre-emptive approach to facial sagging, avoiding the need for more aggressive interventions later in life. New innovations in thread technology, including barbed and cog threads, allow for more natural lifting effects and better tissue integration. Beyond facial applications, thread lifts are now being used for non-surgical body contouring, particularly in areas such as the abdomen, knees, and arms. With increased demand, however, regulatory oversight must keep pace to ensure patient safety and maintain high treatment standards. However, as demand grows, so too does the need for tighter regulatory oversight and standardisation. In this article, we will explore the effectiveness, safety, and best practices for thread lifts, examine how different countries regulate aesthetic procedures, and discuss what the UK can learn from international regulatory models to ensure patient safety and treatment excellence.

The effectiveness, safety, and best practices for thread treatments

Threads are best suited for mild to moderate skin laxity in the midface, jawline, neck, and brow areas. The results last between 12-24 months, depending on the type of threads used (PDO, PLLA, or PCL). They can be combined with fillers, PRP, or skin boosters to enhance results.

Common side effects include mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort, typically resolving in a few days. There are potential risks of thread migration, extrusion, infection, asymmetry, or nerve damage (rare). Best outcomes are achieved when performed by trained medical professionals using sterile techniques and high-quality thread materials.

A comparative analysis of global regulations on aesthetic procedures

Aesthetic regulations vary significantly across the world, with some countries leading the way in patient safety while others lack standardisation and oversight. In the United Kingdom (UK) no mandatory licensing is required for non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Organisations like the JCCP provide voluntary regulation and the CQC only register healthcare professionals, but enforcement is limited, and many unqualified practitioners operate freely, increasing risks of complications. The situation is different in the United States (US) where the FDA strictly regulates thread materials and medical devices. Only licensed medical professionals (MDs, RNs, PAs) can perform thread lifts, and each state enforces individual licensing laws, ensuring practitioner accountability. Things are stricter within the European Union (EU), as France & Germany require certified training and licensing before performing aesthetic procedures, while Spain, Ireland & Italy tend to be more lenient but require basic medical qualifications. EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) enforces strict quality controls on thread materials.

In South Korea often termed the aesthetic medicine capital of the world, Government-mandated training and certification ensure high treatment standards. The country is a global leader in innovation, with more advanced long-lasting thread technology and fewer side effects.

In the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) only licensed physicians can perform thread lifts. This is regulated by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Saudi FDA, ensuring strict compliance. In the Asia-Pacific (Australia, China, Japan) region most nations enforce strict regulations on aesthetic procedures. I was recently in China, which has dedicated aesthetic hospitals but due to rapid market growth, some places are inconsistent enforcement of safety protocols. In Japan there is high regulation with compulsory training programs for aesthetic practitioners.

To improve patient safety and standardise best practices, the UK must learn from successful global models and employ mandatory licensing & training. South Korea & the US require certified training before practitioners can perform thread lifts. The UK must move forward with the proposed tiered licensing, which allows only qualified medical professionals to perform complex procedures, including threads. The UK must also ensure strict product regulations apply and are enforced. The FDA and EU MDR for instance both enforce rigorous product safety standards. The UK should implement mandatory approval of thread materials to prevent the use of inferior products. Then it should emulate countries like France and Australia which both require practitioner liability insurance. The UK should establish mandatory malpractice insurance and a patient compensation system. The UK could adopt Australia’s AHPRA model, which strictly regulates advertising claims in aesthetic medicine. There are no doubt misleading social media promotions contribute to unrealistic patient expectations.

Thread lifts represent an exciting advancement in aesthetic medicine, but without proper regulation, patient safety is at risk. To ensure ethical, high-quality treatments, the UK must strengthen regulations by learning from successful global models.  Practitioners should seek advanced training and certification to ensure best practices. Regulatory bodies must establish compulsory licensing and product safety controls to protect public health. The JCCP plays a crucial role in advocating for higher standards in the UK. I encourage all practitioners to support its efforts in promoting safety and excellence in aesthetic medicine.

For more information, make sure you're JCCP registered to stay updated on regulatory developments in the industry.

 

Professor Dr. Patrick Treacy is a best-selling author and globally esteemed leader in aesthetic medicine, celebrated for his pioneering contributions and numerous international accolades. He holds the position of visiting professor of dermatology at Isra University in Pakistan and is a fellow in cosmetic surgery and medicine at the Australian College. Additionally, he has been awarded a Laureate in Aesthetic Medicine from the Azerbaijan College. In 2024, he received Ireland's "Man of the Year Award" for his humanitarian work. Dr Treacy was recognised as the "Top Aesthetic Practitioner in the World" at the MyFaceMyBody Global Awards in Las Vegas in 2019 and has been named "Doctor of the Year" in the UK and Ireland on three occasions. He has also received two Lifetime Achievement Awards, one from Ireland and another recently from China. His Ailesbury Clinic has been awarded "Top Clinic in Ireland" five times within the past seven years.

Dr. Treacy's innovative research has advanced patient safety by developing hyaluronidase protocols in aesthetic medicine. He has received global recognition for his work with stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and growth signalling factors for skin rejuvenation and treating necrosis due to vascular occlusion. He has been awarded the prestigious AMEC Trophy three times in Paris and Monaco. Dr Treacy has also held significant administrative roles, including Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Royal Society of Medicine Aesthetic Congress and Chairman of the Irish Association of Cosmetic Doctors. Additionally, he serves on the editorial boards of several international journals and has trained over 10,000 doctors and nurses worldwide, earning the title "Top International Aesthetic Trainer 2023" in Karachi, Pakistan.