Thread lifts: A simple alternative to facelift surgery

It is perfectly normal for skin to lose elasticity and volume with age. The reason is a natural drop in elastin and collagen production. As a result, skin laxity and other age-related changes appear.

Until recently, facelift surgery was the only method to address saggy skin. However, with thread lifts, that’s no longer the case.

Lately, thread lifts are gaining popularity as a fast, safe, effective, and scalpel-free solution for mild to moderate skin laxity problems. The tiny sutures can get you a subtle facelift in no time. The best thing is, there is no downtime, and the risk of complications is low.

Are thread lifts the best choice for you?

If your age is between 35 and 55 and you prefer a natural-looking facelift, thread lifts may be the right choice for you.

Typical skin laxity problems, such as jowls, double chin, marionette lines, deep wrinkles, and loose skin on the neck, are all amendable with thread lifts.

The technique works equally well on women and men. It is a low-risk procedure with short recovery.

The effects are temporary, lasting between one and three years. However, the lower cost and other benefits are a valuable asset in the competition with more aggressive procedures.

How do thread lifts work?

Thread lifts are tiny sutures. A specialist inserts these sutures into the dermis and pulls them gently to create an ultra-fine yet noticeable lift. The effects are natural-looking and instantly visible. However, the maximum results become evident after two to three weeks.

There are no incisions, no scars, and no hospital stay. The inserted sutures cause a surge in collagen production, adding volume to the skin and maximising the treatment results.

Currently, there are three types of thread lifts in use. These are PDO, PLA, and PCA threads. They differ in biodegradability and the longevity of their effects.

Thread lifts vs. facelift surgery

Thread lifts have the advantage over facelift surgery in three out of four essential categories. These are:

• Recovery,
• Risk of complications, and
• Cost

However, effectiveness remains on the side of facelift surgery. Plastic surgery can tackle complex and extreme skin issues beyond the reach of minimally invasive aesthetic procedures.

Potential side effects and complications

Common side effects of thread lifts procedure usually resolve on their own, three to seven days after the treatment. These may include:

• Redness,
• Soreness,
• Bruising,
• Swelling, and
• Mild discomfort

When rare complications occur, they usually involve a dissatisfying aesthetic outcome. Not a health hazard.

Such complications include:

• Dimpling,
• Sunken cheeks, or
• Facial asymmetry

Other, highly unlikely, complications are:

• Pain,
• Infections, and
• Allergic reactions

The final word

Thread lifts are a quick, safe, and pain-free solution for mild to moderate skin laxity issues.

They stimulate collagen synthesis and boost the skin's regenerative response. The lifting effect is, however, temporary. But the risk of complications and the cost are significantly lower compared to facelift surgery.

If you would like to speak to a Doctor or Dermal Clinician about your skin concerns, please call us or book your appointment online.

References

Tong LX, Rieder EA. Thread-Lifts: A Double-Edged Suture? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Dermatol Surg. 2019 Jul;45(7):931-940. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001921. PMID: 30893160.

Sulamanidze M, Sulamanidze G. Facial lifting with Aptos Methods. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2008 Jan;1(1):7-11. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.41149. PMID: 20300331; PMCID: PMC2840891.

Sulamanidze MA, Fournier PF, Paikidze TG, Sulamanidze GM. Removal of facial soft tissue ptosis with special threads. Dermatol Surg. 2002 May;28(5):367-71. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2002.01297.x. PMID: 12030865.