Thread Lift

Introduction

Have you ever looked in the mirror and lifted up the skin on your face and wished it would stay there? There is now an innovative and minimally invasive technique that makes it possible in less than an hour and no one has to know you have ever had anything done!

As the aging process begins, your tissue thins because the collagen and elastin fibres break down. The resulting changes are seen as sagging, deep creases, folds and wrinkles that usually begin to appear in your thirties. In general, the best candidates for a thread lift include both women and men in their thirties to their sixties who want a more dramatic and long lasting effect than fillers and botox or other treatments can provide, but do not want a full face lift, brow lift or neck lift procedure.

Thread lift is a safe and effective procedure that offers subtle, natural looking results. This technique allows your surgeon to produce a relaxed, refreshed appearance while preserving and enhancing the natural contours of your face. Thread lift does not replace a conventional face lift, rather is offers patients a minimally invasive approach to achieve face lift like results.

Your first step will be a consultation with a surgeon fully trained in the Thread Lift technique. During your consultation your goals expectations will be evaluated along with specific anatomical considerations such as skin quality, degree of sagging, underlying bone structure and the areas which you would like lifted (the more threads used at one time the greater the lift you can achieve).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which areas can be treated with a Thread Lift?

In appropriate patients, the following areas can be addressed:

  • Sagging eyebrows
  • Adjust asymmetric brows
  • Reposition sagging cheeks
  • Lift drooping soft tissues of the mid and lower face
  • Smooth out premature skin aging
What are Threads?
Unlike conventional sutures which are smooth, Contour Threads have tiny hair-like barbs and are made of clear polypropylene so they are not visible under fair or thin skin. Polypropylene is a material that has been safely used in the body for many years in medical devices.
How do they work?
Your surgeon will make a tiny incision or puncture in the hairline area and the threads are inserted under the skin. The tiny barbs on each thread open in an umbrella like fashion to form a support structure that gently lifts sagging tissues of the brow, face and neck. Once in position, your body generates new collagen bundles that encapsulate each thread to help maintain the elevation or lifting effect. The exact placement of the threads will vary from patient to patient.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure is quick and usually performed under local anaesthesia. The actual length of time will depend on the total number of threads used. On average, a typical procedure takes an hour to an hour and a half. In most cases, four threads are the minimum needed to address moderate sagging of one facial area.
How long is the recovery?
Depending upon the extent of the procedure, patients can usually return to normal activities or to work within a few days to one week. In most cases, there is minimal discomfort, bruising and swelling. Concealing make up may be worn the next day.
How many treatments will I require?
Usually only one procedure is needed to achieve the desired lifting effect.
How long will the results last?
Experiences have shown that duration varies depending on the age of the patient at the time of the procedure, the degree of sagging and the number of threads used.
Are there any side effects?
When performed by a certified, fully trained surgeon, this procedure is very safe and complications are very rare. Minor complications may include swelling, bruising, thread rupture, skin irregularities, asymmetries, puckering and infection. In some cases, patients may feel some tightness or pulling or may be able to feel the threads.
Can I still have a facelift, browlift or neck lift in the future?
Yes the design of these threads allows your surgeon to perform traditional cosmetic surgery in the future.
Can a thread lift be combined with Botox fillers, peels or other cosmetic procedures?
This procedure is an ideal complement to other facial rejuvenation techniques. It is not uncommon to combined this procedure with Botox to reduce facial muscle activity, fillers to enhance volume or peels and laser therapy to improve skin texture. Chin augmentation and liposuction of the neck are some other procedures that can be done in conjunction with this procedure.
What pre-operative preparations are needed?
It is advisable to take 7 to 10 days off from work. Arnica tablets taken a week to 10 days prior to surgery seem to help to reduce bruising and swelling. Stop taking Vitamin C or other nutritional supplements 2 weeks prior to surgery. Arrange for someone to be with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.