We're hearing more about thread lifts as an alternative to face lifts. Some clinics advertise it as a no-downtime procedure but this is not the case.

Threads (sutures) are part of all face-lifts but while a facelift treats the muscle, fat and skin on the face and neck, the threadlift only lifts the skin.

Marie Czenko Kuechel says that the pros of the thread lift are that you can get about a 2-3 year reprieve on your age and need only undergo limited anesthesia and incisions. The two thread lifts approved by the FDA are the Contour Threads and the Silloutte.

But she emphasizes that this is still surgery and needs to be done in an accredited licensed surgical clinic. It will take days if not weeks for the puckering and bruising to heal. She also notes that the results will only last three years at best but the threads will stay in your face for life.

Given all these precautions and the fact that the thread lift costs about half of a full face lift it doesn't sound like a perfect alternative.