If you’ve been coveting plumper, fuller lips but don’t want to go straight to fillers, you might consider lip threading as an alternative. This type of threading doesn’t refer to hair removal as it does with eyebrow threading, but rather a way to create tension and lift in your lips. It’s not necessarily a new technique—lip threading was popular in the early 2000s—but it’s being revived as a viable way to get full lips. However, anyone considering lip threads should be aware of a few risks.
Lip threading is exactly what it sounds like: Tiny absorbable threads, about the diameter of human hair, that are made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) are passed through the outer border of the lips to pull the skin up and create tension. PLLA is a biocompatible synthetic substance, which means it’s nontoxic. The threads are also said to stimulate collagen production, which can also create the appearance of fuller lips.
Lip threading is FDA-approved and generally considered safe, but there are still a few caveats to consider. The process is reportedly more painful than standard fillers, and you might experience some bruising for up to two weeks afterward. Although the threads break down naturally, it takes a while for that to occur—therefore, if you have any unexpected side effects, like the development of small bumps or lumps, they can take a while for it to go away. On the other hand, the threads break down more slowly than hyaluronic acid-based filler, so it’s a longer-lasting solution than injectables.
