Thread lift

    Last updated date: 14-Jun-2023

    Originally Written in English

    Thread Lift

    A thread lift is a treatment that involves the use of temporary sutures to raise the skin in a subtle but noticeable way. The plastic surgeon only stitches up the areas around it rather than physically taking out a person’s saggy facial skin. This has the effect of slightly drawing the skin back, hence tightening and lifting the region. 

    Threads not only lift the skin but also fight aging by inducing the body's recovery response. This causes the body to send large amounts of collagen towards the treated parts. It is significant since collagen plays such a crucial part in the aging process. 

     

    Reasons for Thread Lift 

    The aim of thread lift involves skin tissue repositioning to restore youthful proportions as well as the neck, facial, and body appearances. Thread lift can help with a variety of skin issues. Besides, it has a number of advantages, including; 

    • Hollow cheeks: Loss of volume in the cheeks is a sign of aging. A thread lift can thus stimulate collagen formation, filling the hollow.
    • Drooping cheeks: The aging process causes mild to moderate drooping of the cheeks, which can be corrected with thread lift treatment.
    • Jowls: This occurs around the jawline as one ages while gravity takes effect. This gives the appearance of extra skin, which is treatable through thread lift. 
    • Deep wrinkles: Fat pads in the face tend to slip as one age. This causes deep creases, lines, and folds on the nose and chin. Thread lift procedure can thus help correct deep wrinkles. 

     

    Ideal Candidates for a Thread Lift 

    Thread Lift Ideal Candidates

    Both males and females who desire to reduce their wrinkles and early jowls appearances on their faces may benefit from a thread lift technique. Because it gently draws the skin tighter, this approach might as well help to lessen the look of drooping skin. 

    In addition, it provides instant outcomes with no scarring or downtime associated with surgical facelifts. A thread lift can be the appropriate technique for you if you want natural-looking results and tighter skin. The plastic surgeon will analyze your general anatomy and discuss your objectives during your appointment. This is to determine if you are an ideal candidate for a thread lift procedure. 

     

    How Does Thread Lift Work?

    There are two ways in which the thread lift methods work. The first is rather apparent and simple. The surgeon can tighten the skin around the neck, forehead, or torso by threading tiny, dissolvable stitches beneath the skin. As the thread is drawn tight, painless and invisible "barbs" grasp onto the skin and ensure that the thread holds the underlying muscles and tissue.  

    The recovery response of your body is triggered after the placement of a barbed thread. The body senses a suture material and triggers collagen creation in the afflicted area, even if the threads do not wound you beneath your skin. Collagen fills up the spaces in drooping skin and gives your face much youthful flexibility.  

    The basic impact of a thread lift operation is tighter and better-structured skin. As the sutures dissolve after a year, the effect gradually begins to fade. On the other hand, there could be a secondary “rejuvenation” impact that lasts for at least three years following the surgery. 

     

    Preparing for Thread Lift 

    Your plastic surgeon may request you to do the following in order to prepare for a thread lift for eyes, neck, nose, etc.; 

    • Obtain a laboratory test or a medical examination.
    • Take some medications or make changes to your present ones.
    • Avoid using anti-inflammatory medicines, aspirin, and herbal supplements because they might cause excessive bleeding and bruising.
    • Quit smoking

    Make prior arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery, as well as to remain with you during the first night. 

     

    How is Thread Lift Performed? 

    Thread Lift Performed

    Based on the target body part and your surgeon's preferences, the thread lift technique may slightly differ. Generally, the underlying procedure is still the same. 

    Once you decide to undergo a thread lift procedure, you and your surgeon will set up a suitable date for the procedure. You should thus expect the following during thread lift for face, nose, neck, among other parts; 

    • You will be instructed to lie back in the surgical room where the treatment is to be performed. To prepare the skin for operation, the surgeon will spray it with alcohol and a topical anesthetic. 
    • After that, he or she inserts the threads beneath the skin with a small needle or a cannula. Threading might take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
    • The process of insertion will be extracted once the threads have been introduced. You might feel a slight tightening or pressure underneath the skin. 
    • The procedure will be completed within a few minutes after the removal of the needles. You will be able to return home once your surgery is done. 

     

    What Happens After a Thread Lift?

    After an effective thread lift, the recovery period is relatively minimal. Whereas some swelling and bruising may be noticeable, you can return to work immediately if you like. The outcomes should be visible immediately after inserting the threads in place. However, you might observe more results within a few days and weeks after the insertion when swelling and bruising lessen.

    The effects of a thread lift are not supposed to last permanently. The impacts of successful interventions usually last between one and three years. The tissue beneath the skin will eventually absorb the threads utilized during the surgery, as with the dissolvable dermal fillers like Botox. 

    You can return to your usual routine activities following a thread lift. During the first weeks after the operation, your provider may ask you not to aggressively rub or massage your face. Also, you should not sleep or lie on your side. 

    Within the initial few weeks following a thread lift, the plastic surgeons often recommend skipping day to day moisturizer. They can also advise you to sleep with the head raised to prevent turning over the newly implanted sutures. In addition, you should also keep off saunas as well as high-intensity exercises during the first week or even more following the thread lift. 

     

    Risks and Complications of Thread Lift 

    Although a thread lift is typically considered a reduced risk operation, there are several complications and side effects. It is not unusual to experience swelling, bruising, light pain at the thread injection site, and bleeding after a thread lift. 

    Complications of thread lift, such as dimpling, is possible in about 15 to 20% of cases. They are likely to be mild and can be addressed easily. Some of the complications to be aware of include the following; 

    • Adverse allergic response to the threading material's components
    • There can be bleeding at the back of your skin as a result of the surgery
    • Noticeable dimpling or tugging in the areas that the threads have been placed.
    • The threads migrate or “move” unintentionally, resulting in lumpy or bulging skin.
    • Due to the thread being overly "tight" or poorly positioned, you may experience pain beneath your skin.
    • Infection at the surgical site

    Infection is the most serious risk associated with a thread lift you need to watch out for. If you notice any of the following, contact your doctor as soon as you can; 

    • Green, brown, red, or black discharge at the surgical site
    • 48 hours or more of swelling (edema)
    • Headaches that don't go away
    • Fever 

     

    Thread Lift versus Facelift 

    The outcomes of a thread lift will not be as striking as those of a surgical facelift. It's essential to have realistic expectations if you are thinking about undergoing this surgery. 

    A thread lift is likewise not a long-term option. On the other hand, a facelift will not entirely stop or reverse the aging process, although the effects will last for several years. A thread lift's slight effects normally last for about two years. 

    You might require dermal fillers or other procedures that take more time and money to make the outcome endure longer. 

    Facelift surgery, on the other hand, carries a substantially higher risk of complications. There isn't much you can do if you don't like the facelift results other than having another surgical treatment. You can wait until the threads disintegrate if you do not get the results you wanted from a thread lift. 

    The overall cost of a thread lift is cheaper compared to that of a facelift. You can return to work immediately after it is done, while the recuperation time is low. In addition, a thread lift procedure is a low-risk method to examine how a permanent operation would appear if you're experiencing symptoms of aging beneath the eyes or in the jawline. 

     

    Conclusion 

    A thread lift is a technique that rejuvenates and lifts sagging skin by using dissolvable stitches. Although the results aren't as long-lasting or striking, it's a less expensive and quicker option to facelift surgery. The surgery also has a short recovery time, and you can often go back to work right away. 

    Consult your medical provider if you are considering a thread lift procedure. You may be required to undergo a few tests to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for the operation.