A subtle lift, precisely placed.
“Notched tension wires” usually means barbed or notched threads that are put under the skin to gently lift and support soft tissue. They are not a surgical facelift, and they are not meant to take the place of one. Instead, they give patients who want better definition and a little lift without cuts, scars, or a long recovery time a middle option.
The “notches” (or barbs) are meant to catch the tissue so that the thread can move and hold it in place. The thread acts like a support structure inside the body once it is in place. As time goes on, the body reacts to the thread, which can help keep the contour smooth as it heals.
Dr. Kevin Haddad cares about two things: the right tissue layer (too shallow looks uneven, too deep doesn’t work) and the right direction of lift (vectors). These two things mostly decide if the result looks natural or obviously “threaded.”
Notched threads work best when you want to define something and move it gently, not when you want to tighten it a lot. Dr. Kevin Haddad usually uses them to sharpen the edges of the face that have started to soften, while still letting the person move and express themselves naturally.
When the skin is still a little stretchy, threads work best. If you have a lot of extra skin, surgery may be a better option. Dr. Kevin Haddad will be honest with you about this so you don’t waste your money on a treatment that won’t work.
Patients who want a visible but subtle change are usually the happiest. Threads may not seem like enough if you want a big change or a permanent fix. Threads can be a good choice if you want your face to look a little more defined and “held.”
Dr. Kevin Haddad will look at the quality of your skin, the weight of your tissue, and how quickly you heal. These things affect how well the threads hold and how smooth the surface looks after.
A thread result is not simply “lift up.” It’s a controlled design of tension lines. Dr. Kevin Haddad plans where the face needs support and where it must remain soft so the end result does not look pulled.
This also includes symmetry planning. Many patients have natural asymmetry, and threads can improve balance, but the goal is a harmonious look rather than absolute mirror symmetry.
Most patients describe pressure, tugging, and mild discomfort rather than sharp pain. Comfort measures are used, and the procedure is usually done without general anaesthesia.
The experience depends on the number of threads, the area treated, and your sensitivity. Dr. Kevin Haddad works methodically and conservatively. With threads, precision matters more than speed, because a small placement difference can affect contour and feel.
Immediately after treatment, you may see swelling, small dimples, or mild skin irregularities. This is usually temporary while the tissues settle and the threads integrate. Some tightness with facial movement is common early on.
Dr. Kevin Haddad prepares patients for this phase because it’s easy to judge too early. The result typically looks more natural as swelling reduces and the surface smooths out.
The first few days are important because the threads are settling into the tissue. Dr. Kevin Haddad’s aftercare advice is meant to keep the contour in place, lower irritation, and help it settle cleanly.
These steps help the lift settle in smoothly and lower the risk of problems or effects fading too soon.
Thread results are not permanent. Longevity varies with thread type, number of threads, tissue heaviness, and lifestyle factors. Many patients choose threads as a maintenance-style treatment: a refresh that can be repeated or combined with other approaches over time.
Dr. Kevin Haddad frames longevity realistically so you understand what to expect and whether your goal is better served with threads, injectables, energy-based tightening, or surgery.
As with any minimally invasive procedure, side effects can happen. Typical short-term issues include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and temporary dimpling. Less commonly, asymmetry, visible thread lines, infection, or thread migration can occur, which is why technique and aftercare matter.
Dr. Kevin Haddad prioritises safety through correct layer placement, conservative tension, clean technique, and clear guidance on what is normal versus what should be reviewed.