Thread Lift

Who is the ideal thread lift candidate?

As we get older, our skin produces less and less collagen and loses a lot of its thickness. As the skin grows weaker, gravity pulls it down and stretches it out. Thread lifts can be used as an option to delay or prevent this process, or to alleviate it.

Suitable candidates are those who require lifting of the skin and soft tissues and do not want a surgical facelift. Both men and women are suitable for the procedure. It is suited to those requiring improvement in the facial shape and contours, lifting of the cheeks or jowls, and improvement in the definition of the jawline. It may also help to improve nasolabial folds or marionette lines (mouth corner folds).

Thread lifts may be suited to those who are not ready for a facelift, or those who would prefer to avoid facelift surgery altogether. Although a thread lift does not create as much change as a facelift, this may be advantageous to those who prefer to look ‘refreshed’ rather than have significantly noticeable or dramatic changes.

It is important that the candidate for a thread lift has realistic expectations about the procedure. A thread lift will not produce the same results as a facelift, so you should consider which treatment is right for you before making a decision.

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Thread lift procedure

During

A thread lift can be performed in the clinic setting without the need for general anaesthesia. Injections of local anaesthetic are placed in the patient’s face along the lines where the suture material will be placed.

Mint threads are a brand of threads that are inserted via the use of a blunt cannula containing the thread. The time it takes to perform the procedure may vary depending on the number of threads used, but usually takes between 1 to 2 hours.

Recovery

Usually, it is possible to resume most of your daily activities immediately. You should be able to return to your normal routine. Vigorous exercise and swimming are to be avoided for a few days and make-up is to be avoided in the first 24 hours.

It is common to experience swelling, bruising and some dimpling on your skin in the first week after threads. There may be a feeling of tightness in the face, especially on opening and closing of the mouth. Tenderness of the face is common, but not usually pain. This procedure will not leave any visible scars, and should require minimal recovery time.

Possible complications

There is a much lower risk of complications involved with a thread lift than a traditional facelift, but it is still possible. Potential complications include:

• Swelling and minor bruising
• Visible stitches
• Infection
• Hematoma (if the wall of a blood vessel is damaged)
• Snapping of threads
• Inflammation
• Hair loss
• Pain

Swelling and bruising are quite common for most patients after the procedure, and can be managed by applying ice and avoiding sleeping on the face, shaving, using harsh cleansers or doing strenuous exercise. Visible stitches are also common in people with particularly thin skin. The other complications are very uncommon, but can be treated with the help of your doctor.

FAQs

How much do thread lift procedures cost?

The cost of a thread lift will vary depending on which area you are having lifted and how many threads will need to be used. Your doctor will discuss this with you in your initial consultation.

Thread lifts are considered cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance, but they are cheaper than a traditional facelift. You will also only need to take minimal time off work.

Your doctor may also recommend other products or cosmetic procedures to boost the effects of your thread lift, so you should factor in the cost of these as well.

How long do thread lifts last?

The results of a thread lift will last between 1-3 years, but you can have new threads put in once the old threads have dissolved.

What is the difference between a thread lift and a face lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive treatment that requires no downtime and will result in a natural looking rejuvenation for your face. Thread lifts last between 1-3 years and are a fraction of the price of a face lift.

Facelift surgery is a cosmetic surgery that requires a more intense treatment process, but will last up to 20 years. A surgical facelift involves making incisions, removing excess skin and/or fat, significantly tightening the muscles and then stitching the skin back together. It may take a few weeks for you to fully recover from a surgical facelift. 

A thread lift may be better suited to someone younger who is hoping to prevent the development of fine lines, loose skin and the need to have surgery in the future; while facelift surgery would be suited to someone who already has extensive sagging or deep creases. A thread lift may also be beneficial for someone who has already had a surgical facelift, and is looking for a non-invasive procedure to provide extra rejuvenation.

Can a thread lift help sagging skin?

Yes, a thread lift can help to improve the appearance of sagging skin. A thread lift will lift and tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production, making the skin stronger and more flexible.