What is thread lift?
So here’s the deal. The thread lift is not surgery. It’s a minimally invasive procedure, where we place special threadlike sutures just beneath the skin. The special texture of the threads, combined with subtle tugging, grasps the surrounding tissue, which reveals a gentle lifting and tightening of any loose or wrinkled skin. These threads are used in all types of other medical settings, so they’re safe and proven. And they dissolve over time. That means to maintain results, you’ve have to repeat the procedure every 12-16 months, or so. So if you’re not thrilled with the end result, no worries, as the threads will gently dissolve and be absorbed and flushed out of the body in time. Ohh, one more thing. The body’s natural response to these threads is to surround them with collagen and elastin, which is great for you, because it helps the treated sites look full and healthy. And this is all done in 30-45 minutes, start to finish, so you could easily do it on a lunch break or while you drop the kids off for a quick play date somewhere.
What does thread lift do?
Our Wrinkle Fairy squad likes to refer to the treatment as the Dynamic Duo. Why? Because it does two things:
- Gives you immediate lifting results
- Stimulates the emergence of new collagen and elastin, which naturally slows down over time as a result of aging and decline in hormone levels.
What is the end result of a thread lift?
This one is easy. A rejuvenated face, really. To be more specific, we can lift and tighten the spots on your face that need it most. Jawlines, noses, cheeks, temples, etc.
What are these special threads made of?
The threads are made from an absorbable material known as “PDO,” or if we want to get scientific, polydioxanone. That’s the most common and popular choice. But there’s also PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid), or a blend of both. These are all FDA-approved for medical use. We insert the threads using a blunt cannula, which leaves no scar, only a small hole, similar to when you receive an injection.
What body parts can benefit from threadlift?
- Any part of the face where you have loose, sagging, wrinkled skin, pretty much
- The jawline is a favorite among our patients
- The “turkey neck” skin beneath your chin
- Cheeks
- The smile line areas around your mouth
- Nose (lift the tip higher)
- In certain situations, we can also treat areas of the body, such as wrinkled skin around the belly button after pregnancy, buttocks, droopy breasts and cellulite. The body is a little tricky, and not as many patients are candidates.
Who is a candidate for a thread lift?
If you’ve got loose, wrinkled, sagging skin on your face, we can help with a thread lift.
How long should a thread lift take?
This is not a very involved procedure. We can do it on a lunch break, anywhere from 20-45 minutes. And then you can pretty much go do whatever you’d like.
When will results from a thread lift be evident?
You’ll see results when you walk out of our office after the procedure, sit down in your car, and look in the rearview mirror. But that’s not the final result. As we’ve been over, your body will continue to stimulate new collagen and elastin around the treads, which will only enhance the result over the next few months.
What’s so special about these threads?
These PDO threads are equipped with tiny cones. When we first push the threads through, we go pointed side first so they slide in easy. Then when the thread is set, we gently tug back on the thread. The fat side of the cone then catches the surrounding tissue, pulling it back with the tread. This is was creates the tightening we see post-procedure.In addition to the special shape, these threads dissolve over time, meaning they’re not a permanent solution like surgery or other permanent cosmetic treatments.
Okay…but the threads are safe, right?
Absolutely, we wouldn’t put anything in your body that we feel isn’t safe. PDO is used in all kinds of medical sutures, from cardiovascular to plastic surgeons. They dissolve and are flushed out of the body naturally.
And were can we place these threads?
We can put these threads pretty much anywhere on the body. The best results will be seen in areas of focused drooping and sagging, most commonly on the face.
How many thread lifts will you have to do for a great result?
Usually, only one every 12-16 months. Some patients come back in a few months, after the collagen and elastin stimulation has slowed for added tightening, but most patients are happy with the 12-16 month window. Every patient is different, though. Don’t make the mistake of comparing your result to your friend’s result. We’re all different organic beings, and our bodies all react differently to different things.
What kind of downtime should be expected after a thread lift?
Not much, if any. This isn’t surgery. No anesthesia. No scalpels. No pain. Minor discomfort, if any. The only thing we ask you to hold off on is excessive face touching and manipulation. It’s best to hold off on makeup for about 48 hours post-procedure, just because our makeup is crawling with bacteria, and we don’t want to risk bacterial infection of the entry sites.
How many threads will you need for a good result?
This depends on your goals, your budget and the scope of the procedure, meaning how dramatic are your sagging, your loose skin, your wrinkles? When we answer those questions together during consultation, we’ll have a better idea.
Is the thread lift going to hurt?
Most patients report no pain, because we precede the treatment with a little local anesthetic. There may be some minor discomfort during the procedure, but little to no pain.
What are the alternatives to thread lift?
The best alternative for lasting skin tightening is a face lift, brow lift or neck lift. But most people these days want no part of surgery, and we get that. Things like ultrasound and radio heat energy can provide lasting skin tightening. These treatments are called Ulthera and Thermi. Then there are the usual suspects like Botox, facial fillers and laser skin resurfacing. Inquire during your consultation about these procedures for a great compliment to our thread lift.
Can the threads be removed after they are placed?
Yes, when some people change their look dramatically, it can be a tough change. We get it. So, yes, we can remove the threads, as long as it’s done shortly after insertion. But remember, these threads dissolve within the body, so once that process begins, it’s tough to get them out. But as we’ve discussed, these results are not permanent.
What skincare products can complement a thread lift?
Here’s the deal. Everyone should be on these three skincare products:
What is a thread lift going to cost?
Again this depends on how many threads we’re using and how many areas we’re treating. Think $700 on the low end and $2500 on the high end.
