A thread lift is a cosmetic procedure that uses biocompatible temporary stitches to bring a subtle yet prominent lift to the facial skin. During this procedure, the surgeon stitches the underside of the skin or subcutaneous fat and muscles using a fine string and then pulls that string a little backward at its insertion point, thereby lifting the stitched part of the skin.
Apart from pulling the skin areas, these threads also induce a healing response that boosts collagen production and fights the impact of aging on the facial skin. This healing response also helps address the loss of volume in the treated part of the skin.
Table of Contents
- 1 Who Is A Good Candidate For Thread Lift?
- 2 Benefits Of Thread Lift
- 3 Facial Areas For Thread Lift
- 4 Pre-Treatment Instructions
- 5 How Does It Work?
- 6 Types of Threads Used In A Thread Lift
- 7 What Should You Not Do After A Thread Lift?
- 8 How Many Years Does A Thread Lift Last?
- 9 Thread Lift Treatment FAQs
- 10 Make an Appointment
Who Is A Good Candidate For Thread Lift?
A suitable candidate for a thread lift is an individual who:
- Is 55 years old or younger
- Has just started to have loose skin in some facial areas
- Is not willing to have a surgical facelift
- Has realistic expectations from the procedure
Generally, a plastic surgeon examines the skin to tell whether or not you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.
Benefits Of Thread Lift
A thread lift offers you the following set of benefits.
- Immediate results: When strings are pulled, they bring an instant and noticeable change in the facial appearance.
- Quicker recovery: A thread lift is not a surgical procedure, meaning that you won’t have to wait for an extended duration to recover from this treatment.
- Firm, youthful-looking skin: A boost in collagen production induced by thread lifting enhances the facial appearance for the long term.
Facial Areas For Thread Lift
Facial areas that can be treated with a thread lift are:
- Jowls
- Forehead
- Eyebrows
- Under-eye area
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Abiding by instructions from your doctor before a thread lift can help you ensure procedural safety and overall smoother recovery. Here are some general pre-treatment instructions you should follow before having a thread lift.
- Be sure not to take blood thinners at least three days before the procedure.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least seven days before the treatment.
- Consult your doctor before a thread lift if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to the materials used for thread lifting, or have keloid scars.
- Ensure that you do not have any bacterial or fungal infection before the procedure.
- Inform your practitioner about all medications you currently take.
How Does It Work?
The thread lifting process works in two ways.
- First, the surgeon threads a thin, biocompatible string under the facial skin. One end of this string uses painless barbs that grab onto the skin’s underside, also gripping the subcutaneous muscles and tissues. The surgeon inserts this end of the string into the skin through a small cut in the forehead, scalp area, neck, or torso and guides it across the subcutaneous area until it reaches and grabs onto the target tissue. The other end of this string – the one that is pulled – sticks out at the insertion point. Then, the surgeon pulls that end of the thread, prompting the barbed side to lift the area with excess skin together with connected tissues and muscles.
- The second and subsequent way a thread lift work is that it prompts a natural body response characterized by the healing induced by the insertion of the barbed thread. This body response is due to the body detecting a suture material. As a result, collagen production gets a boost. The new collagen fibers fill saggy gaps and promote lax tissue contraction to restore youthful skin firmness.
Types of Threads Used In A Thread Lift
We use two types of threads for thread lifting treatment at our clinic: PDO and Rainbow threads. Let’s have a brief overview of both.
- PDO Threads: A PDO (Polydioxanone) thread is an FDA-approved, medical-grade, and thinner than a hair protein thread used in a thread lift procedure. While the primary job of this thread is to lift the sagging skin, it also instigates collagen production and improves blood flow. As a result, the skin becomes more elastic with aging impact subsided.
- Rainbow Threads: These threads are also medical-grade strings that help lift the skin by engaging with the SMAS layer (a thicker layer beneath the skin and fat). Like PDO threads, Rainbow threads also stimulate collagen production to improve skin elasticity.
What Should You Not Do After A Thread Lift?
The recovery after a thread lift is simple and doesn’t require complying with a lengthy list of guidelines. However, you will be left with some bruises, which subside over a few days. In order to avoid complications, you will have to steer clear of a few things during the initial recovery duration, such as:
- Wearing makeup until the recovery duration is over
- Sleeping on your stomach side
- Extreme facial expressions
- Facial massages
How Many Years Does A Thread Lift Last?
A typical thread lift procedure results last a year before the aging impact starts to undo those results.
Thread Lift Treatment FAQs
Is a thread lift worth it?
In most cases, yes. A thread lift can help both men and women get a younger-looking facial appearance without undergoing a surgical procedure. Hence, it helps achieve the desired look without a significant recovery duration.
Can a thread lift damage nerves?
The risk of nerve damage with a thread lift is insignificant, provided that you get this treatment from a qualified surgeon. But in case you wonder why the risk is even there in the first place, a thread lift involves passing a thin string across the subcutaneous facial region with a distribution of nerves and vessels. The pointed tip of the barbed side of that string can damage those nerves and vessels.
How long does the pain last after thread lift?
Generally, the pain after a thread lift procedure lasts two weeks. However, you will notice a significant reduction in the pain on the 3rd or 4th day of the treatment.
Do you need anesthesia for PDO threads?
Yes, you will only need local anesthesia before a thread lift.
How long does it take for thread lift to work?
The final results of a thread lift start appearing within a month or two after the procedure. The threads will likely dissolve and settle into your skin tissues during this time.
Make an Appointment
So, do you want to give your face some extra lift to make it look more youthful? A thread lift may be the answer to your concerns. At EuroMed Clinic Dubai, you will meet plastic surgeons with unparalleled expertise in surgical and non-surgical methods, including a thread lift. All you have to do is book a consultation online using the form below.
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Dr. Ken Arashiro
Physician Specialist Plastic SurgeryDr. Ken Arashiro is a seasoned plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in this field. He is certified by several prestigious organizations and licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.
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