Threads are used in aesthetic medicine for face lift and have different tissue lifting capacities, but also different characteristics. Lifting threads are made from biodegradable materials that are usually used to surgically stitch or fill wounds.
With this minimally invasive method, a small excess of facial skin is lifted, namely the skin of the cheeks, eyelids and neck area along the jawbone.
Are there different types of lifting threads?
According to its composition, there are:
1. PDO (polydioxanone)threads – they use a biodegradable polyester suture, which has been used in surgery for years. They are divided into Mono and Cog threads. Mono do not have a higher lifting capacity, but they have a potential to stimulate collagen and increase volume. Cog threads have barbs (a sharp point with a bit of curve near the end of an arrow) that hook onto the skin to give support and lift the sagging tissue. They have a 6 months shelf life.
2. PLA (Polylactic acid) threads – they are made from a biocompatible material that has been used in orthopaedics for years. They use cones to hook to the tissue. They have a significant lifting capacity, and the material from which they are made stimulates the production of collagen and elastin for 8 to 10 months. The possibility of allergic reaction when these threads are used is minimal compared to PDO threads, and the lifting result and durability are higher.
3. PCL (polycaprolactone) threads – they are the newest thread made from biodegradable material caprolactone whose decomposition stimulates the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.
When is thread face lift indicated?
Threads show good results in people between 35 and 45, as well as in the elderly who do not want to undergo a surgery. Threads have some limitations when it comes to face lift, so you need to be realistic and well acquainted with the benefits of this procedure.
They are indicated for middle-aged people, with the first signs of aging and sagging skin. Lifting capacity is small to medium and no more than 20% to 30% lifting should be expected. In addition to lifting, threads create new collagen, which significantly improves the overall facial skin tone. Threads act on all three levels of aging, thinning of the skin, adipose tissue and bone support.
People who are over 50 and have more excess skin should not expect a result similar to a surgical facelift. Immediately after the treatment, the results are fascinating, but during the next two months, the threads sink into the fatty tissue, and the skin is repositioned. Only then the final result of the treatment is obtained.
How is thread lift performed?
It takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete the treatment, and it is performed under local anaesthesia. The treatment is not painful. There may be discomfort and a tingling sensation after the intervention. The discomfort passes in 3 to 7 days. Bruising is possible after application of the threads but it fades away in 7 to 14 days.
What are the possible complications?
Very rarely, a thread can cause an allergic reaction with its rejection and mild swelling, which depends on the material from which the thread is made. When the thread is placed too superficially, it can be seen under the skin for a while, i.e. it can lift the skin during some movements.
Skin textural irregularities occur if the patient develops greater fibrosis.
Infections are possible under non-sterile conditions or if there has been a previous skin infection.
How can it be combined with other treatments?
Thread lift can be combined with all other rejuvenation procedures at well-planned intervals. Facelift with hyaluronic acid can be done immediately before the application of threads or one or more months later.
Endodermal radiofrequency lifting is done 7 days before, and two or more months later.
PRP treatment can be performed 7 days before and two or more weeks later.
How long do the results last?
The effect of thread face lift can last from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the type of thread used during the treatment.
A new Renuvion treatment can also be used for face lift: it is a new technology that enables tissue contraction in one treatment and can completely replace surgical lifting and reduction of excess skin, without scarring. Read more about this treatment at the above link.
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