Thread Facelifts 20210422

What is a thread lift?

The thread lift is a procedure that has rapidly gained popularity in recent years with A-listers and everyday folks alike, as a non-surgical alternative to a traditional surgical facelift.

What happens during the procedure and how long does it take?

• The procedure takes place with the patient lying down, skin being prepped for surgery and a doctor-administering local anaesthetic in the treating area.
• Our cosmetic physician will then insert a thin needle to insert threads under the skin, during which time the patient will feel light pressure, but generally minimal pain or no pain.
• The procedure can be done in between 45 minutes and an hour and Géniale doctors only use premium TGA approved threads.
• To improve the longevity of the treatment, anti-wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers may be suggested to help stabilise the lift, and this can be done at the same time as the lift.

What are the side effects of the thread lift?

The thread lift is well tolerated and considered low risk with side effects commonly including:

• Bruising and swelling
• Light bleeding
• Slight discomfort at the site of the thread injection for a few hours

Very rarely other complications include:

• Small burst blood vessels to lift, sculpt and tighten skin with medical-grade thread material threaded into the face, neck and nose.

Celebrity Gwyneth Paltrow in her newsletter Goop described the procedure as threads used to carefully pull up the skin to “create a natural-looking lift that’s not at all Botox-y.”

How does a thread lift work?

• The thread lift works in two ways – firstly by threading the dissolvable sutures underneath the skin. The doctor can then pull droopy skin taut (whether it be forehead, cheeks, neck or torso).
• The invisible soft cones in the suture, grab the skin, grip underlying tissues, further providing anchorage as the skin is pulled tight.
• Secondly, once the threads are inserted, the body creates an inflammatory response around the affected area, which stimulates collagen.
• One small 2017 study* found that as sutures dissolve the effect of the procedure decreases after a year. However, there did appear to be a secondary “rejuvenation” process that stayed in place three years after the procedure.*

Facelift v thread lift – what’s the difference?

Facelifts

• A facelift is regarded as more permanent – with results lasting for many years and the results are generally more dramatic and more people will notice a difference in appearance.
• A facelift is significantly more expensive than a non-surgical thread lift.
• The downsides? The risks and complications of a facelift surgical procedure are higher, there is more pain and weeks of recovery.
• If you are unhappy with the results there’s not much you can do except “wear it” or have another invasive procedure, which is not always covered as part of the first surgical cost.

Thread lifts

• A thread lift is not permanent, with the results lasting for 6-12 months, and results may last for longer if topped up by dermal fillers and injectables.
• The results are generally not as dramatic as a surgical facelift, and viewed as a more subtle approach for people seeking a less “noticeable look”.
• A thread lift is considerably less expensive compared to a surgical procedure, there are no incisions involved, no general anaesthesia, minimal pain, minimal downtime and recovery.
• A thread lift is a low-risk way to see what a more permanent procedure may look like.

Who is a suitable candidate for a thread lift?

A well-tolerated procedure, most women in their 30s to 60s or even beyond may be suited to a thread lift. It is viewed as particularly suitable for women who cannot or do not want to have a permanent procedure and are looking for a non-invasive, fast and convenient procedure.

Who is not a suitable candidate for a thread lift?

People who are prone to keloid scarring are not suitable for a thread lift. Nor do thread lifts work as well on excessive sagging or droopy skin where a surgical procedure is a better option.

Your doctor will discuss the best procedure for your circumstances during your consultation.

How do I prepare for a thread lift?

• Make sure you tell your doctor of any medications you’re on – prescribed, over the counter or herbal, before your procedure.
• Do not drink alcohol the night before a thread lift
• Patients are generally advised not to take aspirin or blood-thinning medications at least 1 week before a thread lift.
• Stop smoking for at least 10 days before your procedure and during the healing phase as smoking can impact recovery and results.
• Photos will be taken during the procedure and you will be given a follow-up appointment and aftercare instructions.
• Significant bleeding
• Allergic reaction to threading material
• Visible dimpling, puckering or pulling where threads have been inserted
• Lumpiness of the skin
• Asymmetry but this tends to resolve or speak to your doctor about additional filler
• The most serious red flag for a thread lift is infection which although rare, may include discharge at the site of the procedure, fever, persistent headaches and excessive swelling for more than two days.
• Nerve injury such as numbness which may persist is also very rare.

What is the recovery time for a thread lift?

• Many people return to work on the same day or the next, although there may be visible swelling and bruising.
• However, the more threads used, the type of threads used and the droopier the skin, the more downtime is required.
• Multiple threads used across multiple face areas can have a 3-5 day recovery, while many people go to work the same day after a minor thread procedure.
• Paracetamol can be taken for pain
• For the first 14 days, it’s best to avoid sun, massage, swimming and contact sports.
• Do not apply make-up for 24-48 hours.
• Be gentle washing your face
• It is a good idea not to rub your face vigorously and avoid sleeping on your side if possible in the first few days after the procedure
• Also, sleep on an extra pillow to avoid rolling onto the sutures.

Which celebrities have had a thread lift procedure?

Eva Mendes and Kylie Jenner are all reportedly fans of the non-surgical procedure, while Gwyneth Paltrow also discusses it in-depth on her homespun weekly newsletter Goop*.

When will I see the results of my thread lift?

• Due to swelling from the procedure, the initial results may seem quite “dramatic” but this will settle in a few days when the swelling goes down.
• Results can last up to 24 months.

How much does the thread lift cost?

A thread lift costs $1500 for one pair of threads through to $4500 for four pairs of threads (full facial), or $2500 for a neck lift, face and neck is $6000 (savings of $1000).

Sources:

1. 2017 Long-term effect of the insoluble thread-lifting technique, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology 
2. The Goop – Gwyneth Paltrow: Threading the future of facelifts?

Disclaimer: All procedures have risks. All results are individual. Speak to your doctor about any concerns you have about the Threadlift; to ensure you understand all side effects and to make sure it is suitable for you.