Thread Lift

The aim of this pioneering procedure with the threads is to delay ageing as a result of skin relaxation on the face and neck. Its key feature is its strong efficacy.

Depending on the body area we are interested in (face, cheekbones, neck and eyebrows), local anaesthesia is applied in most procedures.

What are the different thread types used in Thread Lift?

There are two main types of threads used:

• Free floating cogged or barbed thread (COG)

COG threads do not need to be suspended in order to hold the lift; they are actually self-supported.

They are classified in two different categories, according to the direction of their cogs/barbs:

– Convergent or divergent threads, depending on whether the cogs are orientated towards each other or in opposite directions from each other.

– Bi-directional threads, depending on whether the cogs are orientated in only one direction, or in opposite directions.

• Smooth Threads (PDO)

In order to achieve a lift with a PDO thread, it does need to be anchored to a stable structure of the face or scalp. PDO threads may be resorbable or non-resorbable threads, usually made from prolene or nylon, as used for suturing in operations.

Function of Threads

Inserting special threads through specific small punctures to the skin (which later become invisible) can help us in achieving gentle lifting anywhere on the face without invasive surgery. The main advantage of threads is that they leave virtually no scars, and have minimal down time.

This procedure is best suited to patients with mild to moderate sagging of facial tissues (between 35 and 50 years old). Facial areas which can be treated with a thread lift include: the cheeks (for sagging in the main cheek), the outer brow, nasolabial area (from nose to mouth) and lower eye area, the neck for sagging skin, and the jaw line. It is possible to treat all these areas at once, although this is rarely required for one patient.

Procedure

Quick application is another dynamic characteristic of this procedure, which usually takes approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours. Of course, the duration is determined accurately taking into account the number of areas being treated and the type of threads selected to be used.

COG Threads

With the use of a hollow guiding needle, the barbed threads are inserted into the subcutaneous fat under the skin, through small incision points made by the needle along the contours.

The needle containing the thread is then positioned to provide the required correction and finally it is removed. The microscopic cogs on the threads then attach to the underside of the skin and gently lift the skin and secure it in the desired position. The excess thread is trimmed where required so it does not appear above the skin surface.

PDO Threads

A standard needle that contains the threads is used so as they are inserted into the skin and in order for them to sustain a lift, they do need to be attached to the so called “anchoring point”. The anchoring points are stable points of the scalp or face, and they differ for the different areas of the face and body.

Anaesthesia Procedure

This procedure is usually performed using a local anaesthetic, and you may also be given sedation via an intravenous drip to make you drowsy. Both these techniques keep the patients awake, ensuring that they will only feel very little discomfort.

Results

One treatment per area is usually required to achieve the desired effect, often with immediate visible results, even more so after about 3 – 4 weeks. However, the results continue to improve over a 3 – 6-month period as your own collagen begins to grow around the threads aiding the lifting effect.