Can thread lifts be used on the eyes?
The periorbital area (around the eyes) is one of the areas where we notice the passage of time most. Thread lifts for eyes offer a non-surgical alternative to rejuvenate the gaze, although with important limitations you should know.
Unlike surgical blepharoplasty, thread lifts don’t remove excess skin or fat, but they can:
- Slightly elevate the drooping upper eyelid
- Improve the appearance of mild under-eye bags
- Soften crow’s feet
- Open a tired gaze
- Improve periorbital skin quality
Important: The eye area is extremely delicate. This treatment should only be performed by doctors with specific experience in this area.
What can thread lifts correct in the eyes?
1. Drooping upper eyelid (mild ptosis)
Droopy eyelid with thread lifts can be improved when:
- The droop is mild to moderate
- There’s good skin elasticity
- There’s no significant excess skin
Technique: Fine threads are placed in the upper eyelid to create a tension effect that slightly elevates the skin.
Limitation: It doesn’t work for severe ptosis or when there’s a lot of excess skin.
2. Crow’s feet (periorbital wrinkles)
Thread lifts can:
- Soften wrinkles in “crow’s foot” shape
- Improve skin quality in the area
- Stimulate collagen for prolonged effect
Ideal combination: Threads complement perfectly with botulinum toxin for optimal results.
3. Mild under-eye bags
For under-eye bags caused by:
- Collagen loss in the area
- Mild skin sagging
- Skin thinness
Smooth threads can improve skin quality and reduce the appearance of under-eye bags.
Doesn’t work for: Pigmented dark circles, deep under-eye bags from volume loss, fatty bags.
4. Drooping eyebrows (“fox eyes” effect)
Although technically a different area, thread lifts for eyebrows have a direct impact on the gaze:
- Elevate the tail of the eyebrow
- Visually open the eye
- Create a natural “fox eyes” effect
What thread lifts CANNOT correct in the eyes?
It’s fundamental to understand the limitations:
- ❌ Eyelid bags: Excess fat requires surgery
- ❌ Severe excess skin: Needs blepharoplasty
- ❌ Muscular ptosis: When the levator muscle is affected
- ❌ Pigmented dark circles: Require specific treatments
- ❌ Deep static wrinkles: Can improve but not eliminate
The procedure: How is it applied in the eye area?
Special characteristics
The periorbital area requires:
- Finer threads: Generally PDO monofilament (smooth)
- More precise technique: The skin is very thin
- Greater care: High anatomical risk area
- Fewer threads: 2-4 threads are usually sufficient
Procedure steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Consultation | Area evaluation, photographs, planning |
| 2. Anesthesia | Anesthetic cream + very superficial local anesthesia |
| 3. Marking | Precise design of trajectories |
| 4. Insertion | Thread placement with microcannula technique |
| 5. Molding | Gentle adjustment without excessive tension |
| 6. Verification | Symmetry and result check |
Duration: 20-30 minutes approximately
Specific post-treatment care
In addition to general thread lift care, for the eye area:
- Apply local cold for the first 24 hours
- Sleep with head elevated for the first 3 days
- Avoid rubbing eyes for 2 weeks
- Don’t use eye makeup for 5-7 days
- Use sunglasses for sun protection
- Avoid contact lenses for 3-5 days
Thread lift prices for eyes
| Treatment | Approximate threads | Orientative price |
|---|---|---|
| Upper eyelids | 2-4 threads | $120 - $200 USD |
| Crow’s feet | 2-4 threads | $100 - $180 USD |
| Under-eye bags (smooth threads) | 2-4 threads | $120 - $200 USD |
| Eyebrows (fox eyes effect) | 4-6 threads | $200 - $300 USD |
| Complete periorbital rejuvenation | 6-10 threads | $300 - $450 USD |
Note: Prices are indicative and may vary according to each specific case.
Thread lifts vs. Blepharoplasty: Comparison
| Characteristic | Thread lifts | Blepharoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimal | Surgical |
| Anesthesia | Local | Local with sedation or general |
| Duration | 20-30 min | 1-2 hours |
| Recovery | 2-3 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Results | 8-12 months | Permanent (with natural aging) |
| Corrects bags | No | Yes |
| Corrects excess skin | Mild | Yes |
| Scars | No | Minimal (hidden) |
| Cost | $$ | \(\) |
Are you a candidate for thread lifts in the eyes?
Ideal candidates
- ✅ Mildly drooping eyelid
- ✅ Good skin quality
- ✅ Mild to moderate crow’s feet
- ✅ Under-eye bags from skin sagging
- ✅ No excess skin or fat
- ✅ Realistic expectations
- ✅ Age between 35-55 years (generally)
NOT candidates
- ❌ Prominent eyelid bags
- ❌ Significant excess skin
- ❌ Severe muscular ptosis
- ❌ Deep pigmented dark circles
- ❌ Active eye diseases
- ❌ Extremely thin skin
- ❌ Expectations of surgical results
Specific risks of the eye area
The periorbital area is especially delicate, so risks include:
Specific risks
- Bruising: More frequent than in other areas due to vascularization
- Visible irregularities: Very thin skin can show threads
- Asymmetry: Difficult to correct in this area
- Pain: The area is more sensitive
How to minimize risks
- Choose an experienced specialist in the periorbital area
- Use fewer threads than you think you need
- Avoid excessive tension
- Follow all post-treatment care
Combination with other treatments
For optimal results in the eye area, threads can be combined with:
Ideal complementary treatments
| Treatment | Benefit of combination |
|---|---|
| Botulinum toxin | Relaxes dynamic wrinkles, complements thread effect |
| Hyaluronic acid fillers | Restores volume in specific areas (cheek, tear trough) |
| PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) | Improves skin quality and enhances collagen |
| Fractional laser | Improves texture and pigmentation |
| Retinol creams | Maintenance of results |
Frequently asked questions about thread lifts for eyes
Is the treatment painful?
Local anesthesia is applied, so discomfort is minimal. The area is more sensitive than other facial areas, but the procedure is well tolerated.
How long do results last?
Between 8 and 12 months, depending on the thread type and individual patient characteristics.
Can the threads be felt?
During the first few days you may feel them slightly to the touch. Over time they integrate with the tissue and aren’t perceptible.
Can I wear makeup afterward?
You should wait 5-7 days before using makeup in the treated area to avoid infections.
When will I see results?
The result is immediate, although there may be inflammation the first few days. The final result is appreciated at 2-3 weeks.
Can I get a blepharoplasty after having threads?
Yes, threads don’t interfere with future surgery. In fact, they can serve as a “test” before deciding on blepharoplasty.
Do threads in the eyes affect vision?
No, threads are placed in the skin and don’t affect the eyeball or vision. However, temporary inflammation may cause slight visual discomfort the first few days.
How many sessions do I need?
Generally one session is sufficient. For maintenance, annual repetition is recommended.
Conclusion
Thread lifts for eyes are a valid option for rejuvenating the gaze in selected cases, especially when sagging is mild and there’s no excess skin or fat.
However, it’s fundamental to understand that they don’t replace blepharoplasty when there are more significant problems. The key is an honest, professional evaluation that determines if you’re an adequate candidate.
If you’re considering this treatment, I invite you to an evaluation consultation where I’ll assess your specific case and give you an honest recommendation about the best options for rejuvenating your gaze.
Want to learn more about this treatment?
Schedule a free consultation with our doctors and discover the ideal treatment for you
Schedule your treatment Available today * Limited spots this weekUpdated: February 2026
This article is for informational purposes and does not replace consultation with a medical professional. Each case is unique and requires personalized evaluation.
