Thread lifting is a convenient and minimally invasive way to rejuvenate the face without the downtime of a traditional facelift. Benefits include lifting, shaping, and dramatic results that can last for years. Results are visible immediately and continue to improve for months after the procedure. A thread lifting procedure produces natural-looking results with no visible scarring. While the threads themselves lift and hold sagging tissue in place, the body begins to produce bundles of collagen surrounding each thread to create additional subtle but effective lifting for a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
This facial rejuvenation technique can be used to lift and restore youthful contours of the:
- Jowls
- Neckline
- Lips
- Nasolabial folds
- Nasal flare
- Cheeks
- Brows
How Is Thread Lifting Performed?
The thread lift procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and typically only takes 1 to 2 hours. The surgeon inserts tiny threads—bio-absorbable sutures – under the skin of the face. The sutures attach to skin tissue and are pulled back to lift and smooth sagging areas. They contain cones or knots to help hold the skin in place, which also stimulates collagen production. These sutures break down and are absorbed by the body in approximately 6 to 8 months. The results, however, can last 15 months to 3 years or longer.
Before the threads are inserted, the face is marked to show points of entry, exit points, and directional vectors. Threads may be single or bi-directional. Some areas, such as the cheeks, may need looping threads or multiple threads to create more volume for a youthful appearance.
Using the latest techniques, no incision is made to insert the thread, only a puncture wound made with a needle as the thread is inserted along the marked lines. Once the thread is tightened, cones or hooks in the threads help to hold the skin in the new, lifted position. After the procedure, the threads are invisible, but the results can be seen right away and continue to improve for approximately 2 months as the body produces more collagen in the areas of the sutures.
This procedure can be performed in combination with platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment for even more dramatic results. In this technique, the surgeon draws the patient’s own blood, from which platelet rich plasma is harvested. PRP is injected along the lines of the threads to boost production of collagen and elastin to further lift and tighten the skin.