THREADS
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a type of procedure wherein temporary sutures are used to produce a subtle but visible "lift" in the skin. Instead of removing the patient's loose facial skin surgically, the cosmetic surgeon simply suspends it by stitching up portions of it. This has the effect of pulling the skin back slightly and therefore lifting and tightening the face. In addition to being ideal for lifting the skin, threads combat aging in another way: by provoking the body's "healing response" and causing the body to direct large surges of collagen to treated areas. This is important because of the vital role collagen plays in the aging process.
Collagen helps support "growth factors" that greatly influences the condition of our skin. In addition to being used for wound healing, collagen helps to keep our skin strong, voluminous and supple. As we get older, our bodies gradually produce less and less collagen, which leads to an 80% reduction in skin thickness by about age 70. This loss of volume and strength is a large factor in the creation of excess skin and wrinkles. As the skin grows weaker, it's no longer able to support the tissues beneath it adequately, meaning that gravity pulls it downwards and stretches it. Infusing the skin of the face with fresh collagen when the signs of skin laxity are still mild can help to both reduce looseness (by thickening and hydrating the skin) and prevent it from getting worse (by strengthening the skin).
In other words, this process provides ongoing and progressive rejuvenation for the facial tissues. Patients who have a thread lift for the purpose of stimulating collagen will notice a gradual improvement in their skin's tone and firmness. While their threads are in place, the body's healing response will be constantly activated because the body will want to "heal" the sutured areas and expel the sutures. The body is biologically programmed to react this way when it senses any foreign object present within the dermis. Fortunately, because the threads placed under the skin during a thread lift are so small, the patient will not feel any of this happening. Most people cannot feel their sutures at all once the skin has healed around them.
What Are the 3 Absorbable Threads for Face Lifting?
In the match-up of PDO vs. anchoring threads, there are now even more things to consider. Three main types of absorbable sutures are available to doctors when they perform thread lifts:
PDO (polydioxanone) Sutures – do not provide lift to the face, but trigger the production of Type 1 collagen to restore volume. Results last up to 6 months.
PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic) Sutures – stimulates the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid to improve skin firmness and hydration. Results last for up to 2 years.
PCL (Polycaprolactone) Sutures – the new thread on the block offers long-lasting results. PCL threads stimulate both Type 1 and Type 2 collagen, not to mention hyaluronic acid. This provides better support to the face and benefits can last for up to 18 months.
What areas can be treated?
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- Neck
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- Jowls
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- Jaw line
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- Naso jugal folds
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- Nasolabial folds
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- Crow’s feet
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- Under-eye area
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- Eyebrows
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- Cheeks
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- Marionette lines
The cheeks and the lower face/neck region are the most commonly treated. The cheeks and lower face are great regions to treat because they lend themselves so well to synergistic skin lifting treatments like Ultherapy.
"where beauty has no boundries"
AT A GLANCE
PROCEDURE TIME
1 - 2 hours depending on area.
HOW LONG BEFORE YOU SEE RESULTS
Your body will begin the healing process and increase collagen production in the areas of the face containing the threads. Most people see their full results appear within one to two months following the initial treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS
Common risks and complications of thread lifts include temporary pain, discomfort, bruising, bleeding and swelling.
NUMBER OF TREATMENTS
One treatment is required, with a complimentary review at 2 weeks to make adjustments if necessary.
DURATION OF RESULTS
Thread lifts generally last between 12 and 18 months. However, this is dependant upon the individual patient and their age, lifestyle, skin type and how quickly their body breaks down the sutures.
ANAESTHETIC REQUIRED
First, local anesthesia will be used to numb the areas that are going to be treated, then a small instrument (a thin cannula or needle) will be used to insert the threads below the skin.
AFTERCARE
Restrict facial movements for one day. Make sure to rest for a full day after getting the treatment. You can move around wherever you want, but don’t perform any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for three weeks.
Before
&
Afters
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION'S
Can a thread lift be reversed?
Yes, it can be reversed, although this is not recommended.
Is threading better than Botox?
For clients who are seeking a longer-lasting solution for facial aging, a thread lift is a more appropriate procedure.
Who is a good candidate for thread lift?
People who are experiencing early facial aging, or who are showing visible signs of mild aging.
Are threads good for your face?
An added benefit of a thread face-lift is the accompanying stimulation of new collagen from the the procedure.