Thread lifts are the newer, less invasive skin tightening treatment. It is safe, quick, and gives instant results with a short recovery time, so everyone is talking about it. Different types of thread lifts are now in demand, and the variety can get confusing. This article will answer any questions you may have related to a variety of thread lifts.
What Is A Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a type of procedure that uses temporary stitches to create a subtle but visible “lift” in the skin. Instead of surgically removing the patient’s loose facial skin, the cosmetic surgeon simply hangs it up by suturing sections of it together. This pulls back the skin slightly, lifting and tightening the face. As well as being ideal for skin lifting, threads fight aging in another way: by inducing the body’s “healing response” and causing the body to direct large surges of collagen to the treated areas. This is important because collagen plays an important role in the aging process.
Collagen enables “growth factors” that extensively impact the condition of our skin. In addition to being used to heal wounds, collagen also helps keep our skin strong, voluminous, and supple. As we age, collagen production gradually declines in our bodies, leaving the skin layers thinner, and by the age of 70, our skin is 80% less elastic.
This loss of volume and firmness is a big factor in creating excess skin and wrinkles. As the skin weakens, it can no longer adequately support the underlying tissues, meaning gravity pulls it down and stretches it. Infusing facial skin with fresh collagen when signs of skin sagging are still minimal can help both reduce looseness (by thickening and hydrating the skin) and prevent it from getting worse (by strengthening the skin).
In other words, this process ensures a continuous and progressive rejuvenation of facial tissue. Patients undergoing a collagen stimulation thread lift will see a gradual improvement in skin tone and firmness. While her stitches are in place, the body’s healing response is constantly activated as the body wants to “heal” the stitched areas and expel the stitches. The body is biologically programmed to respond in this way when it senses a foreign object in the dermis. Fortunately, since the threads that are placed under the skin during a thread lift are so small, the patient does not feel anything. Most people cannot feel their stitches at all once the skin around them has healed.
PDO Threads
PDO threads were traditionally used for surgical stitches. This thread consists of a synthetic, biodegradable polymer and is absorbed by the body over 6 months. They stimulate fibroblasts to increase collagen production in a specific area. They are incredibly protected options.
During thread lifts three types of textures are used namely, Mono, Cog, and screw.
Monofilament
For those people who prefer tightening and minimal lifting Monofilaments are a good option for them. Monofilaments are completely smooth and therefore need an anchor point to give the skin the necessary buoyancy.
To ensure the desired skin is maximally tightened, they are often deployed in a mesh-like pattern. To achieve this effect anywhere from 10 to 30 threads can be used in each area.
Gear Thread
Those looking for a more noticeable lift may want to use serrated threads. Dental threads are barbed, which supports sagging skin tissue and increases the amount of collagen produced.
The barbs hook under the skin, giving the threads an integrated anchor point and providing additional skin tightening.
Screw Thread
One or two threads are braided around the insertion needle to reinforce the result. Screw threads can add volume to the target area. These are best used to undo sunken skin to achieve a V-shaped face.
What Is A Korean Thread Lift?
Another name for Korean thread lift is Nova thread lift. This type of thread lift is mainly performed in Korea with absorbable PDO threads. Nova Thread is a stitched brand used in Asia for PDO facelifts. It is generally safe when performed by certified professionals.
What Are PDO Threads Used For?
PDO relaxes muscles and when inserted into the skin enhances blood progression to the area. This treatment produces new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, all of which help support firm skin.
It also causes fatty tissue to contract, which contributes to tighter skin and a slimmer face. Thread lifts are very flexible to use in multiple areas, including:
- eyebrows
- cheeks
- jawline
- neck
- around the mouth
They can also treat skin problems like:
- bags under the eyes
- Sagging skin on the cheeks
- laugh lines
- crow’s feet
- forehead wrinkles
What To Expect After The Thread Lift?
The effects should be visible immediately after the stitches are applied, but you can expect more in the days and weeks immediately following the procedure as swelling and bruising subside. The results of a thread lift are not meant to be permanent, but they typically last 1 to 3 years depending on the type of thread lift you choose.
Benefits Of Different Types Of Thread Lifts
Individual preferences, the location of the intervention, and the desired duration of the effect determine the threads used for the treatment. Because the threads stimulate collagen production, choosing a longer-lasting thread can be beneficial. It’s important to note that short-term threads perform slightly different functions than long-term threads.
The PDO thread lift with a 6-month effect is used to lift sagging skin or to contour facial structures such as the nose.
PLLA lasting 12 months adds some volume to the face, for example, sunken features, a person with sunken cheeks is a good candidate for PLLA.
Precautions After A Thread Lift Treatment Are Done.
While a thread lift is an in-office procedure at this world-class practice, you still need to take certain precautions afterward to ensure you get the best results. Knowing the dos and don’ts after thread lift is important to maintain your improved appearance.
Rub Your Face
Your skin requires some duration to adjust after the thread-lifting process. Rubbing your face can cause the strands to shift. If regular exfoliation is part of your skincare routine, be sure to do it the day before. You should also avoid using moisturizers, serums, or other prescription solutions.
Sleep On Your Side
The stomach puts pressure on your face due to sleeping on your side. You must avoid this for about a week after the thread lift. Try sleeping on your back with your head propped up on a pillow to minimize swelling after a thread lift.
Train Hard
After a thread lift, you can go back to a light exercise routine. Avoid running, biking, weight lifting, or other strenuous activity until your thread lift spots have healed. You must skip yoga for at least a week, as many positions require you to keep your head below heart level, and you need to keep your head high.
Plan Important Events
The recovery time from thread lifts is relatively short – about a week or two. Pain and bruising may occur during this time. If possible, it’s best to schedule your thread lift at least two weeks before any major event or performance in Jacksonville, FL, just to ensure your face looks virtually flawless.
Wear Makeup
After your thread lift at Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery, it is important to go makeup-free for at least 48 hours. This gives the suture sutures time to heal. Not using your makeup for a few days also minimizes the risk of damage from rubbing your face while applying and removing makeup.
To Go Swimming
Avoid swimming or relaxing in hot tubs until the sutures have healed. Because of potential exertion, such as swimming laps, you should ideally wait a week or two before diving back into the water.
To Have Sex
Sexual activity is a form of physical exertion. You can start light sexual activity about a week after the thread lift. Depending on how quickly you heal, you can usually return to your normal sex life within a few weeks.
What Are The Advantages Of A Thread Lift Over Facelift Surgery?
For many patients, the biggest benefit of a thread lift over a facelift is the greatly reduced recovery time associated with a thread lift. When a patient undergoes facelift surgery, he or she must be heavily sedated; Therefore, the patient has to arrange for someone to drive him home from the hospital. Most facelift patients also require 24-hour care from a caretaker for at least three days after surgery. Child Care assistance may also be required if the patient has children at home. Facelift patients also typically need to be off work for a week or two to heal.
Recovery Time
In general, there is a relatively short recovery time after a successful thread lift, but there may be some visible swelling or bruising, which will subside in the coming days. You can even go straight back to work if you want. After a thread lift, you should avoid your normal moisturizer for the first few weeks. To avoid infection, you will be prescribed a course of antibiotics. In the first week after the procedure, you should refrain from going to the sauna or doing high-intensity training sessions.
Recovery after a thread lift, on the other hand, is comparatively easy. Thread lifts can be performed under local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, meaning thread lift patients can go home and take care of themselves right after the procedure. While some patients experience mild pain, redness, and swelling after a thread lift and wish to take the rest of the day off, most can return to work immediately. Strong painkillers are rarely needed after a thread lift, making it easier for patients to return to their normal routine. This procedure is therefore ideal for people who have children at home or have busy, demanding jobs.
While thread lift recovery is not particularly intense, patients still need to take some minor precautions during the healing process. It’s important to make sure you don’t rub your face vigorously while you’re cleansing or applying moisturizer for at least a week after you’ve placed the stitches. You should also try to prop your head up slightly so you don’t roll directly onto your face as you sleep.
