Rediscover Youthful Radiance with Thread Lifts
As we age, gravity and loss of collagen cause skin to lose elasticity and droop over time. Thread lifts are a minimally invasive procedure that suspends and reposition loose facial tissues without extensive downtime, effectively giving a “non-surgical facelift”.
What are threadlifts?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive aesthetic procedure that utilizes absorbable implantable threads to lift and reposition sagging facial tissues. These fine threads with small cones or barbs that allow them to gently elevate loose skin when pulled upward in a lifting motion.
Once placed, the threads harness the power of gravity to gradually tighten loose skin over time as the structure of the face is renewed. A thread lift can provide an immediate yet natural looking lift to areas like the eyebrows, cheeks and jawline. It presents a less involved alternative to a traditional surgical facelift.
What can Thread Lifts Treat?
Here are some of the most common areas and concerns that can be treated with thread lift procedures:
- Jowls
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Cheeks
- Forehead
- Crow’s feet
- Neck
- Under chin
- Acne scars
- Wrinkles
- Sagging skin
During your consultation, Dr Timothy Shim will thoroughly assess you and discuss the treatment plan together with you.
When undergoing a thread lift procedure, the type of thread used can significantly impact results. Threads differ in materials, absorption rates, and intended purposes. The two most common thread materials are PDO (polydioxanone) and PCL (polycaprolactone). They each have their own unique properties that make them better suited for different situations.
Types of Thread Lifts
During your consultation, Dr Timothy Shim will thoroughly assess you and discuss the treatment plan together with you.
When undergoing a thread lift procedure, the type of thread used can significantly impact results. Threads differ in materials, absorption rates, and intended purposes. The two most common thread materials are PDO (polydioxanone) and PCL (polycaprolactone). They each have their own unique properties that make them better suited for different situations.
Polydioxanone (PDO) Threads
- Last between 6 to 12 months; the sutures dissolve after 6 months, while collagen production icontinues for up to 12 months.
- During the procedure the physical structure of the fat cells are altered at the cellular level, making a PDO thread lift a very effective method of facial shaping, contouring, and rejuvenation.
When to Choose PDO over PCL?
- For first-time thread lift users to see if they like the results
- Effective for conditions such as fine wrinkles and visible pores
Polycaprolactone (PCL) Threads
- Last for more than 2 years. The threads are slowly absorbed into the body within 1-2 years.
- The results last longer as collagen production can continue after the threads have completely dissolved.
- More potent than PDO threads at stimulating collagen production.
- Very flexible and elastic, reducing pain and discomfort.
When to Choose PCL Over PDO?
- For intensive lifting e.g. jawline tightening, nose lift
- For results that last longer, about 1-2 years.
Our experienced plastic surgeon can properly examine your skin laxity and facial structure to recommend the most suitable thread material and technique.
What Happens After the Thread lift procedure?
After your thread lift, you may experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising around the treatment areas for a few days. This is normal as your body adjusts to the threading process.
Some things to expect include:
- Mild to moderate swelling – It will peaked 1-2 days after treatment and subside within a week.
- Bruising – Light bruising around threads insertion sites is normal and may fade within 7-10 days.
- Discomfort – You may feel tenderness, tightness or a pulling sensation.
Results
You can see gradual tightening over 1-2 weeks as tissues lift. Final results are visible after 6-8 weeks once all swelling has resolved.
Tips for thread lift recovery
- Apply a cool compress over the first 24 hours post-procedure to reduce swelling.
- Sleep on your back as much as possible for 3-5 days to prevent movement of threads.
- Resume your regular skincare programme after 24 hours.
- Contact your doctor if you develop any new or worsened swelling, tenderness, warmth, or redness in the treated area.
- Do not massage the treatment area.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, which will slow down the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thread lifts are performed under local anaesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure, minimising any discomfort or pain.
Let our doctor know during the procedure if you experience any pain and steps can be taken to resolve it.
Thread lifts are designed to provide subtle and natural-looking results, allowing for normal facial expressions and movement while effectively lifting and tightening sagging tissues for a rejuvenated appearance.
Initial tightening is seen within a few weeks as swelling decreases. Final lifting is visible by the 6-8 week mark once all healing is complete.
As for the duration of results, they vary depending on factors like skin elasticity and thread type used. Most see lifted contours for 1-2 years as collagen production continues after the threads dissolve. You can discuss your requirements and expectations with our specialist during consultation.
Thread lift cost can vary depending on the number of threads required and areas treated. During a 1-1 consultation with our consultant plastic surgeon Dr Timothy Shim, he can determine a customised treatment plan and associated costs.
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