Trends and Evolution of Thread Lifting

Maintaining the youthful look in our skin gets trickier with age. It’s one of the harsh realities of life. That’s why cosmetic surgery has been all the rave in recent years.

People have picked up on a new growing trend of non-invasive procedures. One of the most notable today is Thread Lifting. This procedure can be your next best solution to tighten those wrinkles and droopy cheeks.

Join me as we dive deep into this cosmetics phenomenon. We’ll explore everything you need to know about Thread Lifting and determine if it’s worth the shot.

What Is Thread Lift?

A Thread Lift is a less-invasive cosmetics procedure that’s an alternative to facelift surgery. Also called “suture lift,” this procedure uses medical-grade sutures to lift and tighten the skin on the face or any parts of the body.

Thread Lifting is temporary and would only last for about one to three years. It is an alternative solution for people who can’t physically handle a surgical facelift.

It includes people with underlying medical conditions. It’s also for those who want a safer alternative and avoid risks that come with going under the knife.

How Does Thread Lifting Work

Source from hinsdaleveinlaser

The whole process is simple. The procedure involves using thin and dissolvable sutures to pull and tighten your skin.

The needle or cannula used is thin. Nearly invisible and painless, like barbs that hold your skin in place. It keeps the threads a firm grip on the underlying tissue and muscles to pull your skin tight.

Once the threading process begins, the healing process responds. Collagen will produce on the targeted area and put more volume in your skin. It helps restore your skin’s suppleness and elasticity.

Thread Lift Procedure

Thread lift procedures may differ. It depends on the areas you will target in your thread lift. However, here’s the step-by-step process to give you a general overview of the procedure.

1. Preparation: Your Doctor will ask you to sit on the recliner before applying alcohol and topical anesthetic to the targeted area of your skin.

2. Suturing: A thin needle with equally thin threads will insert under your skin. The suturing process would take around thirty to forty-five minutes.

3. Removal: After the suturing process, they will take out the needle. You might feel a gentle pull or pressure under your skin, leaving it tight.

4. Completion: Once everything is over, your procedure is complete! You can go home and rest for a few days.

Thread Lifting: Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. It’s a Quick Procedure

Believe it or not, Thread Lifting is a quick and easy procedure. Often pegged as the “Lunchtime Lift,” a regular thread lift procedure wouldn’t take more than an hour.

2. Less-Invasive

The process of thread lifting is less invasive than a conventional facelift.
It’s not messy. There’s not much need for any prodding or deep cutting. It’s a procedure that doesn’t require much effort.

Thread lifting only uses medical-grade sutures with fine dissolvable threads. While it may cause some discomfort to some, it isn’t relatively painful.

3. Has Rejuvenating Properties

Thread Lifting is also widely popular for its rejuvenating effect on the skin.
A study conducted in 2014 shows the efficacy of thread lifting rejuvenation. Its rejuvenating effects on the skin were apparent.
The researchers found that thread lifting is a safe and effective procedure for patients in need of a facelift.

4. Promotes Collagen Production

Collagen is a vital component of our skin. It’s essential in keeping the condition of the skin healthy and supple.

Collagen production decreases as we age. The process of thread lifting helps stimulate collagen production on the skin.

Some even use specialized medical-sutures that target the stimulation of collagen that forms around the thread.

5. Short Recovery Period

A regular facelift would take patients anywhere from one or three months to fully recover. A thread lift has a shorter recovery period.

Patients who underwent a thread lift may find some mild discomfort at the beginning. It includes some initial swelling or redness.
However, it would all settle after a couple of days. It won’t take a week or more to recover.

6. More Affordable Than A Conventional Face Lift

Since thread lifting is a simple procedure, it’s more affordable compared to a conventional facelift.
General anesthetics aren’t required either. It makes this procedure even more accessible to the public with its price range.

7. Lower Risk Of Complications

Traditional facelift surgeries come with all sorts of risks and probable complications.
Thread lifting would spare people from the risk of deep scarring or infection that often happens in conventional cosmetic surgeries.

It doesn’t mean that thread lifting is a hundred percent safe either. However, it’s the safest alternative you can get compared to traditional facelift surgery.

Cons:

No matter how you look at it, getting a thread lift isn’t a one-way ticket for the long-haul. It also says the same for any cosmetic procedure.

However, conventional facelifts are more likely to give long-lasting results. Up to a decade at most.
A thread lift is temporary. It would only last for around one to three years. Besides, it won’t take much effort from patients to have a repeat thread lift procedure.

2. It’s Not For Everyone

While anyone above legal age can undertake this procedure, it’s best to note that it might not meet the ideal look everyone has in mind.

Since thread lifts are touch-ups, the improvements would be more subtle. And while many see this as an advantage, it would do poorly for people with severe cases of loose skin.

Types Of Threads

Source: mfmlasercenter

There are three types of threads used for thread lifting:

1. Mono Thread
Mono threads are smooth barb-less threads. It is mostly used on the under eyes, forehead, and neck to eliminate sagginess.

Mono threads are often used on the face and require an anchoring point. It has a unique way of boosting collagen formation around the mono thread.

It makes a decent thread for skin tightening and promoting collagen production. However, it’s not as effective in generating an actual “lift” to the face.

2. Screw or Tornado Thread
Screw or Tornado threads are a great volumizer in sunken-areas around the skin. They are formed usually with one or two threads intertwined together around the needle.

Tornado threads are also more effective in face lifting since the intertwined singular threads have a stronger hold.

3. Cog Thread
Cog threads are similar to mono threads. However, unlike mono threads, they have barbs and don’t require anchoring points.

The barb of the cog thread is either molded or cut. Collagen tends to form around both the barbs and threads.

It supports the structure and lifts the sagging tissues of the skin. It’s an ideal thread for lifting and sculpting the jawline.

Material Of Thread Lift

1. PDO

• Biodegradation Period: 6 – 8 months.
• Safety: High
• Discomfort: Slight
• Flexibility: Average
• Hydrolytic Resolution: Average

Polydioxanone or PDO is an absorbable polymer. The material is durable and quite flexible and has a less-invasive lifting effect.

Its ability to rebuild tissue and induce collagen formation which makes it a popular material used for suture surgeries. It will take six months before the PDO threads are dissolved completely and absorbed into the skin. Once absorbed into the skin, it will continue to aid in boosting collagen production until 12 months.

PDO threads give your skin a subtle lift. It’s efficient in reducing wrinkles and fine lines in targeted areas. They are suitable material for individuals who want to delay the effects of aging and treat saggy skin.

2. PLLA

• Biodegradation Period: 14 – 18 months.
• Safety: High
• Discomfort: Strong
• Flexibility: Low
• Hydrolytic Resolution: Average

Poly-Lactic Acid or PLLA is another popular material used for surgical sutures. PLLA contains all-natural components. Once the material dissolves, it breaks down into glucose, carbon dioxide, lactate, and water.

PLLA is also an alternative material for fillers. Its ability to stimulate both Type 1 and Type 2 collagen makes it more efficient in restoring the skin’s natural volume. It also provides a more effective collagen-inducing effect compared to PDO. Unlike PDO, PPLA threads barely cause an inflammatory reaction to the skin.

Since the material lasts longer, it promotes long-term benefits in restoring the skin to its youthful glow.

3. PCL

• Biodegradation Period: 16 – 24 months.
• Safety: High
• Discomfort: No Discomfort
• Flexibility: High
• Hydrolytic Resolution: High

Polycaprolactone or PCL are absorbable and long-lasting sutures used for thread lifting. PCL is both flexible and durable. While PCL isn’t as popular as PDO and PPLA, the material is longer-lasting. The chemical bonds of PCL are very durable and quite complex. They have a slower degradation rate and can last more than two years.

PCL is also known to be more effective in boosting collagen production. It can increase the production of hyaluronic acid and type one and type two collagen.

Once it dissolves, its effects will last up to a year. It’s an ideal material for reaping the long-term benefits of thread lifting.

How Much Does A Thread Lift Cost

While it is considered cheaper than a traditional facelift procedure, it still has a hefty price point. The average cost of thread lift is around $2,250.00 on average. It can even range up to $6000.00. It depends on the entire scope of the procedure since the treatment is customizable.

Thread lifting isn’t covered by insurance since it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure.

You need to identify the factors that can affect the cost of your thread lift:

• Your provider’s level of service and expertise
• The location of your provider
• The size or number of areas treated.

How Long Does Thread Lift Last

However, thread lift procedures are quick and easy. Maintenance wouldn’t be an issue. People who do get the treatment have no problem going for a repeat session.

In most cases, doctors encourage their patients for a repeat session every six to twelve months.

Thread Lift Complications

1. Discomfort
While thread lifting is less-invasive than facelifts, it can still cause some discomfort; both during and after the procedure.

2. Post-procedural Swelling, Bruising & Soreness
It’s normal to have a bit of swelling or mild soreness after the procedure.

However, how the body reacts to the procedure differs from person to person. So it might be worse and even uncomfortable to some.

3. Infection
Infection can still occur. More likely if you had your thread lift done by someone who is not a professional.

An infection will most likely happen if the sutures used aren’t sterile.

It’s best to choose your provider carefully for your safety.

4. Hematoma
A hematoma occurs when the walls of your blood vessels become damaged by an inexperienced practitioner.

It would cause blood to seep out around the area during the procedure. It is rare for the hematoma to occur. But it can still happen.

5. Asymmetry of the Face
Facial asymmetry can most likely happen after a thread lift.

It can be due to an insufficient lift on one side, anesthetic, or facial asymmetry that could already be inherent.

A more common irregularity is in the oral angle areas where a “sunken cheek” might occur.

Do’s and Dont’s After Thread Lift

1. Protect Your Skin
Since your skin is most likely sensitive from your procedure, an extra layer of protection is needed. You can use a sunscreen that’s recommended by your dermatologist.

Keep in mind and not rub it in on your face. Apply it gently on your skin. As much as possible, try to avoid direct exposure to sunlight.

2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Try to avoid exposing your newly rejuvenated skin to harsh or extreme temperatures. It’s simply not allowed. Doing so can compromise your treatment and your healing process.

3. Follow Up With Your Doctor
It’s vital to keep tabs on your doctor after the procedure.

You can reach out as early as a week after your procedure. Your doctor will assess the progress of your treatment.

4. Don’t Apply Pressure On Your Face
The last thing you’d want out of your procedure is to compromise your treatment by accidentally sleeping on your face.

Try to get used to sleeping on your back before your thread lift. You can also build a pillow fort on your sides to prevent the toss and turns you might do in your sleep.

5. Don’t Put Make-up or Other Cosmetic Products
In the first 12 hours after your procedure, try not to wear make-up or any product on your face. It could potentially damage your skin.

Your skin is sensitive after the treatment. Putting products on your face would only cause unwanted irritation.

6. Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Try to avoid doing vices such as smoking or drinking after your treatment.

Both can elevate your blood pressure. High blood pressure would compromise the flow of the nutrients your skin needs during the healing process.

7. Don’t Engage in Any Workouts Yet
During post-procedure, you should avoid doing any intense workouts.

Exercise has a way of elevating your blood pressure. Try to keep your activity level to low-impact activities, like walking.

Summary

Thread Lifting can be the best solution for chasing the fine lines and wrinkles away. Its subtle health-boosting changes make it a worthy procedure to try.

It’s important to remember that there are still limitations to this procedure. It can’t do any drastic changes to your face the way a traditional facelift can.

However, not many people can handle invasive procedures that are both risky and expensive. It has opened a door for people who want a safer and convenient way to improve their skin. It is a genuinely good investment for your health and well-being.