If you’ve started to notice a little softening along your jawline or cheeks but you’re nowhere near ready for surgery, a thread lift could be the middle ground you’ve been looking for. At By Oras Aesthetics in Willesden, North West London, we offer two types of thread treatment — COG lifting threads and collagen booster threads — to gently lift, tighten and refresh the face, with little downtime.
Here’s everything you need to know: how thread lifts work, the difference between the two types we offer, what they cost, and what to expect — so you can decide if it’s right for you.
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What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that uses fine, dissolvable PDO threads (polydioxanone — the same material used in surgical stitches for over 30 years) placed just under the skin. The threads do two things: they gently lift and support the tissue, and they stimulate your body’s own collagen production as they slowly dissolve. The result is a subtle lift now, and gradually firmer, better-quality skin over the following months.
Because there’s no cutting and no general anaesthetic, a thread lift is often described as a “lunchtime” alternative to surgery — though, like any aesthetic treatment, it should only be carried out by a qualified, insured practitioner after a proper consultation.
The two types of thread we offer at By Oras
Not all threads do the same job. This is the single most important thing to understand before booking — and something we’ll always explain clearly at your consultation.
1. Collagen Booster Threads (PDO mono threads)
Collagen booster threads — also called PDO mono threads — are smooth, fine threads with no barbs. They aren’t designed to physically lift; instead, they’re inserted in a mesh-like pattern to create a “scaffold” that stimulates collagen, tightening and improving the quality of the skin from within. They’re ideal for softening fine lines, improving skin texture and crepey skin, and treating early, mild laxity — for a fresher, smoother look rather than a dramatic lift.
Best for: skin tightening, texture and fine lines · early laxity · areas like the cheeks, under-eyes, neck and around the mouth.
At By Oras: collagen booster (mono) thread treatments start from £189 (10 fine threads), with medium and large options available.
2. COG Thread Lift (barbed lifting threads)
COG threads are the “lifting” threads. They have tiny barbs (cogs) along their length that gently anchor into the tissue, allowing us to lift and reposition areas that have started to sag — then hold them in place while new collagen forms around them. This is the treatment most people picture when they think “thread lift.” You get an immediate lift, which is then supported over the following weeks as collagen builds.
Best for: mild-to-moderate sagging · softening early jowls · defining the jawline · lifting the cheeks and mid-face.
At By Oras: a COG thread lift starts from £499 (4 threads) and ranges up to £799 (8 threads, or a neck lift), depending on the area and how much lift you need.
Which one is right for me?
As a simple rule of thumb: if your main concern is skin quality and tightening, collagen booster threads are usually the answer. If it’s sagging and loss of definition you want to lift, COG threads are the tool for the job. Many clients benefit from a combination — COG threads to lift, with collagen booster threads to refine the skin. The right plan for your face is something we’ll agree together at your consultation.
Not sure which threads you need?
Areas a thread lift can treat
- Cheeks and mid-face (lifting and support)
- Jawline and early jowls (definition)
- Neck (mild tightening)
- Brows and the outer eye area (a subtle, lifted “fox-eye” effect)
- Nasolabial folds (the lines from nose to mouth)
The benefits of a thread lift
- A natural-looking lift and firmer skin — without surgery or general anaesthetic
- Stimulates your own collagen for results that keep improving for a few months
- Quick — most treatments take 30–60 minutes
- Minimal downtime compared with a surgical facelift
- Can be combined with anti-wrinkle injections, fillers or Profhilo for a full refresh
What to expect during and after treatment
Your appointment starts with a consultation and facial assessment to plan exactly where the threads should go. We then numb the area with local anaesthetic for your comfort. Placing the threads takes around 30–60 minutes, and you may feel a little pulling or tugging — but it’s generally very tolerable.
Afterwards, some swelling, tenderness or mild bruising is normal and usually settles within a few days to a week (often called “social downtime”). You can typically return to your normal routine straight away, with a few simple aftercare steps below.
Results — and how long a thread lift lasts
With COG threads you’ll see an immediate lift, which then softens slightly as swelling settles before the collagen-building effect takes over. Skin quality continues to improve for around 8–12 weeks as new collagen forms. Most people enjoy their results for around 12–18 months, after which a top-up can maintain the effect. Collagen booster threads work more gradually, with skin looking smoother and tighter over the weeks that follow.
Results always vary from person to person depending on your skin, age and lifestyle — a thread lift improves mild to moderate laxity and isn’t a replacement for surgery where there’s significant sagging. We’ll always be honest with you about what’s realistic.
Thread lift aftercare
To protect your results, for the first 1–2 weeks we’ll usually advise you to:
- Avoid rubbing, massaging or applying pressure to the treated area
- Sleep on your back, slightly elevated, to reduce swelling
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and hot yoga for about a week
- Avoid alcohol and smoking, which slow healing and increase bruising
- Keep facial expressions gentle and avoid wide mouth movements at first
- Skip dental treatment and heavy facials for a couple of weeks
You’ll be given full, personalised aftercare instructions on the day.
How much does a thread lift cost in London?
Across London, thread lifts typically range from around £600 to £2,700 depending on the clinic, the number of threads and the area treated. At By Oras Aesthetics in Willesden, our thread treatments are:
| Treatment | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen Booster – 10 Fine PDO threads | Skin tightening, texture, fine lines | £189 |
| Collagen Booster – 10 Medium PDO threads | More noticeable tightening | £329 |
| Collagen Booster – 10 Large PDO threads | Firming for larger / laxer areas | £469 |
| COG Lift – Lower or Mid Face (4 threads) | Jawline, early jowls or cheeks | £499 |
| COG Lift – Mid & Lower Face (6 threads) | Fuller lift, multiple areas | £599 |
| COG Lift – Full Mid & Lower Face (8 threads) | Maximum lift | £799 |
| COG Neck Lift | Neck tightening & lift | £799 |
Your exact price is confirmed at your consultation, once we know the area and number of threads that suit your goals.
Ready to see what a thread lift could do for you?
Why choose By Oras Aesthetics for your thread lift?
Threads are a technique-sensitive treatment — who places them matters as much as the threads themselves. At By Oras, every treatment is carried out by Oras Aziz, who is BSc-qualified, GDC-registered and Level 7 qualified in aesthetic practice, with a focus on subtle, natural results. We’re fully insured, rated 5.0 on Google, and we always start with an honest consultation — if threads aren’t right for you, we’ll tell you. Our clinic is on Willesden Lane (NW6), welcoming clients from Willesden, Kilburn, Cricklewood and across North West London.
Thread lift FAQs
Got a question about thread lifts? Here are the ones we’re asked most often. Tap any question to see the answer.
Does a thread lift hurt?
Most people find it very tolerable. We use local anaesthetic to numb the area, so you may feel some pulling or pressure rather than pain.
How long does a thread lift last?
Typically around 12–18 months for COG threads, as the collagen-boosting effect supports the lift. Results vary with your skin, age and lifestyle, and a top-up can maintain them.
What’s the difference between COG threads and collagen booster threads?
COG (barbed) threads physically lift and reposition sagging tissue; collagen booster (smooth mono) threads don’t lift but tighten and improve skin quality by stimulating collagen. Many clients combine the two.
Is there much downtime?
Usually just a few days of “social downtime” — mild swelling, tenderness or bruising that settles within about a week.
Am I a good candidate?
Thread lifts work best for mild to moderate laxity — early jowls, a softening jawline, or skin that needs tightening. If there’s significant sagging, we’ll be honest that surgery may suit you better. Your suitability is confirmed at consultation.
How much is a thread lift at By Oras?
Collagen booster threads start from £189; a COG thread lift ranges from £499 (4 threads) to £799 (8 threads or a neck lift). Your exact price is confirmed at consultation.
Book your thread lift consultation in Willesden
If you’d like a natural lift and firmer, fresher-looking skin — without surgery — we’d love to help. Book a consultation with By Oras Aesthetics and we’ll create a thread plan tailored to your face.
📍 50-56 Willesden Lane, London NW6 7SX · 📱 +44 7540 144557
