You may have heard of eyebrow threading and you’ve definitely heard of a facelift, but have you heard of a thread lift? While it’s been around since the 90’s, the thread lift has undergone some pretty big improvements over the past few years and has become a strong option for those who want a similar effect of a facelift without all of the additional planning, expense, pain and downtime of one. In fact, it’s become so popular in recent years that it can be considered an alternative for a face lift.
So, what exactly does a thread lift do? Let’s find out.
What is a thread lift?
As we age, it’s natural for our skin to lose some of its elasticity and strength. This gradual loss will result in skin that ‘droops’ over time. A thread lift is a quick and easy in-office procedure that helps improve sagging and loose skin in the lower face, jaw, and chin. It’s minimally invasive and requires only topical anesthetic or a lidocaine injection to numb the area that’s being treated.
During the procedure, your provider will insert a body-safe, Polydioxanone (PDO) thread under your skin, which may contain smooth, twist or barbed threads. Don’t let that last one worry you, these are simply designed to better hold on to the underlying tissue. Once inserted, your provider can pull the skin back, resulting in skin that looks more lifted and taut.
A thread lift helps fight against gravity and can target the forehead, cheeks, jawline, jowls and neck. It also stimulates collagen production to create a younger-looking complexion. While the results may not be as dramatic as a facelift, it’s safe, quick, requires no painful or lengthy recovery and is far more affordable.
What is a thread lift procedure like?
Thread lifts are a quick procedure performed in the office of your provider with localized numbing in the treatment area. While there may be slight differences depending on your provider and the areas being treated, the following steps are commonly followed for a thread lift.
1.First your provider will have you get comfortable and disinfect the treatment area. They will also apply a local anesthetic to numb the area so the procedure is comfortable.
2.Next they will use either a thin needle or a cannula to insert the thread under your skin. You can expect this stage to take up to 40 minutes to complete. You will be comfortable, aware and able to communicate with your provider during the process.
3. Once the threads are properly set and in the right spots, the needle or cannula will be removed and you can now start the healing process.
How do thread lifts reduce sagging?
Now that you’re on your way to healing, you may wonder exactly how the thread lift does it’s magic? The answer is two fold, with the first reason being right there in the name – the thread! Once inserted, the thread is pulled which reduces drooping and makes the area look more youthful and ‘lifted’. The second, however, comes in weeks following the procedure. This is when your body heals around the thread by producing collagen, which is the protein that makes your skin look bouncy and younger. These two factors come together to produce a non-surgical face lift that looks natural and subtle.
Thread Lift Aftercare
This process is fast and requires minimum effort to care for because it is minimally invasive. It is typical for there to be a bit of tenderness and maybe bruising around the area. You may also experience some swelling, but this will reduce and resolve within a week or two of the procedure.
Your provider will give you exact instructions to follow after the procedure and it’s important to follow them carefully! In general though, here are some common cautions for after a thread lift:.
- Avoid high intensity workouts
- Avoid poking at or scrubbing your face vigorously
- Avoid sleeping on your side or your stomach and try to sleep face-up
- Avoid saunas and excessive sweating
- Avoid moisturizers on your face
Again, it’s very important that you follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your provider. If you have any questions or aren’t sure about anything, always ask – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Why choose a thread lift?
There are a lot of reasons a thread lift may be the right option for you. It is a quick procedure that does not require sedation. This means you can easily fit it into your schedule and don’t need to make accommodations like taking time off from work, finding someone to drive you, or child care. Thread lifts are also far more affordable than facelifts, making them a good option for those on a budget.
Thread lifts are also minimally invasive and don’t involve the risks of surgery. This makes them a great choice for those put off by the idea of having surgery on their face! And while the results may not be as dramatic, you can combine additional procedures to amp up the results even more.
Thread lifts are a great alternative to a face lift since they are more affordable, require minimal aftercare and downtime. They reduce sagging, boost your body’s natural collagen production, and give you a more youthful look If you’re interested in seeing if a thread lift is right for you and your goals, contact us to schedule a free consultation, we’d love to help you reach your aesthetic goals!