
What is a Thread Lift?
Before thread lifts became available, the only way to address excessive skin laxity in the face, like jowls or droopy cheeks, was a traditional facelift. This meant a surgical procedure to cut away and reshape excess facial and neck skin. Now thread lifts offer a much less invasive form of facial rejuvenation, often with more effective results than other non-surgical options like dermal fillers, laser treatment or other injectables. Unlike the traditional facelift in which excess fat and skin around the face are cut away and stretched back, a thread lift involves placing sutures beneath the surface of the skin and suspending the excess skin upwards. This has the dual effect of tightening the skin around your face, as well as helping to promote collagen production, our body’s natural anti-ageing measure. The sutures work by provoking our body’s healing process, attracting huge amounts of additional collagen to the sutured areas and tightening and firming the skin.These sutures eventually dissolve, with their combined effects rejuvenating facial tissue, eliminating sagging skin and promoting an overall tighter, more youthful facial appearance. But what are some of the pros and cons of this new treatment?
Thread Lift Pros
As well as amazing convenience, thread facelifts have a number of distinct benefits:- Non-surgical: Thread lifts offer a non-surgical alternative to facelifts, minimising the risks and recovery time associated with invasive procedures.
- Quick procedure: Thread lifts are relatively quick, often completed in under an hour, making them convenient for those with busy schedules.
- Immediate results: Patients can experience immediate skin tightening and a subtle lift after the procedure.
- Collagen stimulation: The threads used in a thread lift stimulate the production of collagen, enhancing the skin’s elasticity and long-term rejuvenation.
Thread Lift Cons
Although these advantages are behind the surging popularity of thread lifts, there are certain disadvantages, these include:- Temporary results: While thread lifts provide immediate results, the effects are not permanent and may last for approximately 1-3 years.
- Mild discomfort and bruising: Some individuals may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising after the procedure, although these side effects are generally minimal and subside quickly.
- Skill-dependent procedure: The success and natural-looking outcome of a thread lift depend on the skill and experience of the practitioner. Choosing a qualified and experienced professional is essential for optimal results.
How Long Does a Thread Lift Last?
The lasting time of a PDO thread lift depends on various factors but usually lasts between nine months and on rarer occasions, up to three years. The factors that may affect how long your thread lift lasts are as follows:- Body’s ability to get rid of the PDO sutures
- Age
- If you have had any previous plastic surgery
- Allergies to common materials used
- Number of threads used