What do you need to know about Thread lifts?

Until recently, the only way to deal with problems caused by loosening of skin - such as jowls (that is the lower part of a person's cheek, especially when it is fleshy or drooping).and dangling cheeks - was facial surgery. After all, while skin rejuvenation treatments can help restore some firmness, once loose skin is present, only a scalpel can truly remove it.

However, while the method of relying on injectable chemicals & skin resurfacing until facelift surgery becomes a much-needed activity in many patients, not everyone is willing or able to have surgery. If you are in this group, you will be happy to know that a new type of procedure has been developed to fill the gap between noninvasive facial rejuvenation and facelift surgery - & this procedure is known as the thread lift.

What actually is a thread lift?

It is a type of process in which temporary sutures are used to produce a subtle but visible “lift” on the skin. Instead of surgically removing the patient's rough skin by surgery, the surgeon simply suspends it by stitching up portions of it. This has the effect of pulling the skin back a little and therefore lifting and making the face firm.

So basically in this procedure, Dissolvable PDO ( Polydioxanone) threads are intserted below the skin, tightened & pulled back, resuspending the areas that are loose or sagging. 

How does a thread lift work?

Once the thread is inserted, your body's healing response begins. Your body detects a suture material and stimulates collagen production in the treated areas. 

Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping the skin strong, supple & healthy. Unfortunately , our bodies produce less & less collagen as we age. However, Collagen produced by the body as a response to these threads can fill gaps in puffy skin and restore youthful vigor to your face.

Step-by-step procedure: 

So what happens during the procedure?

• The areas of sagging skin will be identified & marked where each thread is going to be placed.

• Topical anesthetic, will be applied to your skin to make the procedure pain-free & comfortable.

• A thin needle or cannula will be used to insert the threads underneath your skin. 

• The threads are shaped & moulded before being pulled back & tightened.

• Then the threads will be trimmed to ensure they are secure & invisible inside the skin.

• The needles are then removed.

• The procedure can take 30 to 45 minutes.

• You may feel slight pressure or tightening like effect under your skin.

• Within a few minutes of the needles being taken out, your procedure will be complete and you’ll be free to go home.

You will be able to see a good amount of result immediately. The final results you can expect to see in 10 -14 days of time. The results can last up to 18 months in total.

The threads remain in place for about 6-12 months, after which they dissolve depending on the patient's age, skin type, metabolism & lifestyle. After this the skin's  collagen producing healing process may continue for anonther 6 months on an average.

Who can take this treatment?

The person recommended for thread lifting should be in their 30s to early 50s. A person who is in good health and who is just beginning to notice the signs of aging can benefit greatly from the subtle effects of thread lifting. Those who are unable to have a surgical facelift due to medical conditions that make general anesthesia risky may consider thread lifting as an alternative.

Are there any side effects:

Thread lifts are considered a low-risk procedure with minimal recovery time, but minor side effects of redness, bruising, and swelling might occur which are completely manageable.

This process can be done in about 45 minutes, and, if you want, you can go back to work after that. Finding a qualified doctor is a key get a safe and efficient procedure.