Until recently, facelift surgery was the only solution for addressing facial skin laxity issues, such as jowls and drooping cheeks.
Skin resurfacing treatments can help restore some firmness, but only a scalpel can remove loose skin.
However, while many patients rely on injectable compounds and skin resurfacing until a facelift becomes necessary, not everyone can undergo surgery.
If you fall into this category, you’ll be pleased to know that a new procedure has been developed to bridge the gap between noninvasive facial rejuvenation and facelift surgery: thread lifts.
Understanding Thread Lifts
A thread lift is a procedure that uses temporary sutures to create a subtle yet visible “lift” in the skin.
Rather than surgically removing loose facial skin, the cosmetic surgeon suspends it by stitching up portions, pulling the skin back slightly to lift and tighten the face.
Besides lifting the skin, threads also combat ageing by triggering the body’s “healing response,” which directs large surges of collagen to the treated areas. This is crucial due to collagen’s vital role in ageing.
Collagen supports “growth factors” that significantly influence the condition of our skin.
It is essential for wound healing and helps keep our skin firm, voluminous, and supple.
Our bodies gradually produce less collagen as we age, leading to an 80% reduction in skin thickness by age 70.
This loss of volume and strength contributes to the formation of excess skin and wrinkles.
As the skin weakens, it can no longer adequately support the tissues beneath it, causing it to sag and stretch due to gravity.
Infusing the facial skin with fresh collagen when signs of skin laxity are still mild can help reduce looseness (by thickening and hydrating the skin) and prevent it from worsening (by strengthening the skin).
Benefits of Threadlift
The benefits of thread lift involve inserting thin, absorbable threads into the skin with tiny barbs or cones to anchor and lift the skin upwards.
Once implanted, these threads stimulate the body’s natural healing response, promoting collagen production in the treated areas.
Collagen production
Once the threads are implanted into your skin, your body produces collagen in these areas as part of its natural healing process.
Collagen helps maintain the skin’s plumpness and youthful appearance, preventing signs of ageing like wrinkles and sagging, drooping skin.
No downtime
Although some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are joint after a thread lift, most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week.
This procedure offers minimal downtime compared to traditional surgery.
Quick procedure
Facial threading procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis and can be completed in as little as 30 minutes to an hour, making them convenient for those with busy lifestyles.
Natural outcome
Thread lifts can offer subtle yet noticeable improvements in facial contouring, lifting sagging skin and restoring a youthful appearance without looking overdone or unnatural.
Is it worth the hype?
Whether thread lifts are worth the hype depends on individual goals and expectations.
Thread lifts can be an excellent option for those seeking a non-surgical solution to mild to moderate sagging skin.
They offer a quick procedure with minimal downtime and natural-looking results.
However, for those with more severe sagging or who desire more dramatic results, a traditional surgical facelift might be a more suitable option.
Having realistic expectations and consulting with a qualified cosmetic surgeon is crucial to determining if thread lifts are the right choice for you.
While they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, they can be a valuable tool in the arsenal of anti-ageing treatments.
Book your consultation with us today to understand the procedure and how it can be helpful for your skin.
Conclusion
Thread lifts offer a minimally invasive solution for those seeking to address mild to moderate sagging skin without surgery.
With benefits like quick procedures, minimal downtime, and natural-looking results, they bridge the gap between non-invasive treatments and surgical facelifts.
However, they may not suit everyone, especially those with severe sagging.
Consulting with a qualified cosmetic surgeon is essential to determine if thread lifts align with your goals and expectations.
While not a universal remedy, they are a valuable addition to anti-ageing treatments.
