This Lift’s For You
If you’re considering cosmetic surgery to enhance your appearance, you may have heard of two popular procedures: the threadlift and the facelift. But are you ready for the time and financial commitment a facelift requires? Not to mention the risk. Threadlift can give patients a more subtle, natural-looking result with fewer risks and a shorter recovery time. It’s important to remember that a threadlift is not a permanent solution, and the effects do not last as long as those from a facelift. However, if you’re looking for a less invasive option to improve your appearance, a threadlift may be a good option.
Let’s explore the differences between these two procedures so you can make an informed decision. Then, when you are ready to learn even more about these transformative but very different procedures, contact one of Skin Perfect Medical Aesthetics’ locations offering Thread Lifts in Brea, Costa Mesa, Rancho Cucamonga, Whittier, and West Hollywood. You will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic concerns with a skilled and licensed practitioner. Call (562) 278-3202 (Whittier), (909) 281-9020 (Rancho Cucamonga), (714) 278-3501 (Brea), (714) 278-3506 (Costa Mesa), or (323) 373-3149 (West Hollywood), or fill out our online form.
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What is Threadlift?
Facial aging results from combining skeletal and soft tissue changes, resulting in universally recognizable patterns. As we age, the face experiences progressive soft tissue laxity and volume loss, leading to:
- Brow ptosis
- Sunken cheeks
- Deeper nasolabial folds
- The formation of jowls
Additionally, exposure to the sun causes skin hyperpigmentation and accentuated wrinkles, further aging the face. Understanding these processes is crucial in achieving a natural, youthful look, as addressing these changes can help restore a youthful appearance.
Over the past ten years, minimally invasive cosmetic improvements have become increasingly popular due to their fast procedure time, the ability to perform the procedure in a doctor’s office, and the lower risk of postoperative complications. Thread lifts have been one such popular procedure, marketed as a quick and convenient solution for facial rejuvenation. In fact, the threadlift has gained popularity as a “weekend” or “lifestyle” lift that promises minimal recovery and maximum convenience for the patient.
New & Improved Thread Lifting
Some original threads pre-2005 had problems like sticking out of the skin or not lasting long enough. Now, a new type of thread called Contour Threads™ has been approved by the FDA for use on the face and neck.
The new “barbed” implants have some benefits that make them different from others.
- They have a special design that helps them stay in place and not move around, which helps them keep their cosmetic effects. [1]
- The barbs along the suture are all facing the same way, so if there are any problems, they can be easily fixed.
- Because the suture is clear, it won’t be easily seen under thin or transparent skin.
Patients seeking a cosmetic procedure for aging facial and neck skin will love the effects of PDO Thread Lift. PDO (Polydioxanone) Thread Lift is made from biocompatible polydioxanone, commonly used in medical procedures such as heart surgery. Over time, the threads dissolve, and the body’s collagen takes over to provide long-term lift and tightening.
What is the Recovery from a Threadlift?
To minimize the risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery after a thread lift procedure, it is important to follow the following postoperative instructions:
- Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Stick to soft foods for the first seven days after the procedure.
- Pain can be managed with oral pain medications like acetaminophen. Avoid using ibuprofen, as it can increase the risk of bruising.
- Although the procedure is performed under strict aseptic conditions, taking antibiotics for five days is recommended to reduce the risk of infection.
- Keep your head elevated for the first day after the procedure to reduce swelling.
You can resume non-strenuous activities the day after the procedure, and all normal activities can be resumed within seven days. Conversely, with a facelift, it may take several weeks to recover, which means extensive time off work and time away from your regular schedule.
Who Should Get a Threadlift?
The best candidates for a threadlift are people with
- Mild skin laxity
- Mild fat pad drooping
- Shallow wrinkles
- Low body fat
- Mild to moderate jowls
- Defined facial features
People who want immediate results or excessive lifting like traditional facelifts, or have advanced facial skin issues, are usually not ideal for a threadlift. The best results have been seen in patients with a low body fat percentage who want to improve the appearance of their tear troughs, cheek fat pads, and nasolabial folds. [2]
Obese patients may not see as good results because of the complex fat distribution in their faces. A licensed practitioner will consider the patient’s specific issues and concerns to determine the best type of thread and technique for them.
Your Consultation at Skin Perfect Medical Aesthetics
At Skin Perfect Medical Aesthetics, we aim to provide personalized, high-quality care to each patient. During your consultation, you will meet with one of our experienced aesthetic specialists, who will listen to your concerns, evaluate your skin and facial anatomy, and help you determine if a threadlift is right for you.
The consultation is a crucial step in the process, as it lets us know you and your unique needs. We will discuss your goals, concerns, and any medical conditions that may impact your ability to undergo the procedure. You will also be able to ask any questions and get a clear understanding of the procedure, recovery, and results.
In addition to discussing your needs, our specialist will evaluate your skin and face to determine if a threadlift is the best option. They will consider factors such as skin laxity, wrinkles, and other cosmetic issues and will use this information to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
At Skin Perfect Medical Aesthetics, we educate our patients and empower them to make informed decisions about their skin and beauty. We are committed to helping you achieve the best possible results and will work closely with you to ensure that you are comfortable and confident in your decision to undergo a threadlift.
What Can Patients Expect From A Threadlift Procedure?
During a threadlift procedure, patients can expect to receive local anesthesia and/or a sedative to help them relax and minimize discomfort. A licensed practitioner will then make small incisions in the skin and insert the threads, which will lift and tighten the skin. The needle’s insertion can be different in different parts of the face. [3]
The threads are anchored to the underlying tissue, and the barbs along the suture help to secure the lift. Best of all, the procedure can be performed in under 30 minutes!
How Soon Can I See Results After Threadlift?
The results of a threadlift are immediately visible, and patients notice a more youthful, refreshed appearance. The effects of a threadlift are typically long-lasting, but they may not be permanent.
Maximizing Your Thread Lift Results
One of the benefits of a thread lift is its low risk and short recovery time, making it possible to combine it with other non-surgical procedures to achieve more comprehensive and noticeable results. After your skin has healed from the threads inserted during the thread lift, it is recommended to pair the procedure with treatments like dermal fillers and Dysport.
Thread lifts are designed to tighten the skin but do not address surface-level skin issues such as age spots, uneven pigmentation, and fine lines. A technique called “skin resurfacing” is necessary to address these issues; this procedure involves removing the top layer of the skin to eliminate blemishes, resulting in a new and more youthful-looking layer of skin.
By combining various non-surgical anti-aging treatments, patients can significantly improve their appearance without undergoing the extended recovery time associated with surgery.
Next Steps: So You Want a Threadlift
If you are interested in exploring thread lifts to solve your aging concerns, your first step should be to schedule a consultation with a qualified and experienced aesthetic practitioner at Skin Perfect Medical Aesthetics. Call (562) 278-3202 (Whittier), (909) 281-9020 (Rancho Cucamonga), (714) 278-3501 (Brea), (714) 278-3506 (Costa Mesa), or (323) 373-3149 (West Hollywood), or fill out our contact form. We look forward to giving you the gorgeously lifted face you dream of!
References
- Horne DF, Kaminer MS. Reduction of face and neck laxity with anchored, barbed polypropylene sutures (Contour Threads). Skin Therapy Letter. 2006;11(1):5-7. Accessed February 5, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16485061/
- Halepas S, Chen XJ, Ferneini EM. Thread-Lift Sutures: Anatomy, Technique, and Review of Current Literature. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2020;78(5):813-820. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2019.11.011
- Sulamanidze MA, Fournier PF, Paikidze TG, Sulamanidze GM. Removal of Facial Soft Tissue Ptosis With Special Threads. Dermatologic Surgery. 2002;28(5):367-371. doi:https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.01297.x