How Does a Thread Lift Work?
A suture suspension involves the use of a cannula to thread absorbable sutures beneath the skin of the face. The threads are strung with micro cones, which go into the skin lined up straight and are then allowed to rotate around on their axis. They hook onto the tissue beneath the skin, forcing the tissue to adhere tighter to itself, suspending the skin, creating a tighter, “lifted” appearance to the skin, and helping reshape the contours of the face.
Over time, the cones will degrade and absorb harmlessly into the skin. However, this procedure has a secondary effect of stimulating the body’s natural collagen production to higher levels as a healing response to the presence of the threads. Because of this, even as the threads absorb, the tissue continues to heal in its more youthful state, and the face undergoes an ongoing “recontouring” phase in which the appearance and volume of the skin continues to improve for some time afterwards.
What are the Benefits of a Thread Lift?
The thread lift procedure is a minimally invasive treatment used to provide lift to facial skin and return volume to areas of the face. It can be performed in under an hour with only a local anesthetic and will show immediate, natural-looking results and continued improvement thereafter as collagen production is stimulated by the threads, making the procedure a safe and cost-effective alternative to expensive and invasive plastic surgery.
The Benefits of a Thread Lift Include:
1. Lifting and re-volumizing areas of the face that have grown lax with age, including -Nasolabial folds (the lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth) -Hollowed or sagging cheeks -Sunken undereye area -Jowls and jawline -Brow line - Forehead
2. Realigning features to address facial asymmetry
3. Lifting and “brightening” eyes
Additionally, thread lifts are a great alternative for men who want to maintain a more youthful appearance but are concerned about being able to hide the scarring from a more invasive face lift procedure.
Are Thread Lifts Safe?
When performed by an experienced licensed practitioner, a thread lift is a very safe procedure with little risk of serious complications! While some discomfort and swelling may occur in the immediate aftermath, you should even be able to return to a normal day’s activities immediately after.
In a thread lift performed specifically with Silhouette InstaLift®, the sutures, as well as the cones, are composed of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid or PLGA. PLGA is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer with a long history of use in medical devices and implants. Over time, PLGA undergoes electrolysis in the body, splitting into its constituent chemicals—lactic acid and glycolic acid, both of which occur naturally in the body.
Remember, when considering a cosmetic procedure, even a minimally invasive one in which you know the materials are safe, it is crucial to do your research and choose a reputable medical professional. An experienced practitioner will always go over your medical history ahead of the procedure to ensure they learn of any potential complications they need to watch out for or conditions that may prevent you from being a good candidate for the procedure. Going to a reputable professional will ensure that not only will the procedure be done safely according to best practices, but you will also know that you’re getting the best results possible.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is safe and minimally invasive, and most people will have good results with the procedure. That being said, there are things that can make one a better candidate than most. Physically, the ideal candidate for a thread lift has a strong bone structure, skin that is thick enough to keep it from becoming bumpy from the cones beneath the skin, and a mild to moderate amount of facial laxity that cannot be treated with fillers alone.
Psychologically, good candidates are those who wish to rejuvenate their facial appearance but are not interested in or not ready for plastic surgery. They have a clear understanding of what a thread lift can and can’t do and are realistic about the results they can expect. They are also prepared to follow aftercare instructions as needed to ensure the best results Some medical conditions make a candidate unsuitable for the thread lift procedure, and it is important that you speak with your practitioner about your medical history before proceeding with the treatment. You may not be a good candidate for a thread lift if you:
- Have an allergy to polyvalent materials
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have an active infection or inflammation on or near the injection area
- Are on blood thinners or have recently taken blood-thinning drugs
- Suffer from a bleeding disorder or autoimmune disease
- Have a tendency towards keloid scars
If you’re unsure whether all of this applies to you, don’t worry! There will always be a consultation session before a thread lift session, in which the physician will speak with you to address any concerns and ensure you are medically and psychologically a good candidate for the procedure.
Thread Lift Aftercare: Dos and Don’ts
- Do apply cold compresses to the area to control swelling if required
- Don’t apply ice directly to the injection site
- Do keep the injection site clean
- Do take acetaminophen if needed to manage pain
- Don’t wear makeup for the first 24 hours following the procedure
- Do sleep face up with your head elevated for 3-5 nights following the procedure
- Don’t massage or put pressure on face for five days following the procedure
- Don’t expose your face to direct sunlight or UV light for two weeks following the procedure
- Don’t engage in strenuous activity or high impact sports in the two weeks following the procedure
- Don’t use saunas for three weeks
- Don’t undergo any other facial treatments (cosmetic or otherwise), including face-down message, in the four weeks following the procedure
- Don’t schedule a thread lift in the three weeks leading up to a dentist appointment or dental surgery
- Do be gentle and avoid excessive movement of the face and neck movements for the two weeks following the procedure
