Thread Lift

Thread lifting was introduced several years ago using barbed threads made of non-absorbent surgical materials. Results were variable, with occasional rapid loss of correction, as the threads lost their “grip” on the tissues they were put in place to support. This was due to incorrect placement of threads in the skin and inherent flaws in the suture material used.

The permanent nature of threads meant that they were not absorbed by the body and remained in the tissue indefinitely, causing all sorts of problems in the long term.

Invention of absorbable threads in the last few years has given cosmetic physicians a new and valuable tool.

Ever since its introduction to the Australian market, the thread lifting procedure has become more reliable with greater patient satisfaction and results and very few complications.

The procedure combines simplicity with style and delivers the desired result at a reasonable cost.

Silhouette Soft® and Promoitalia® Revitalizing Threads can be used to:

• Lift and add volume to sagging cheeks
• Elevate sagging brows
• Elevate and refresh marionette lines and nasolabial folds
• Support and revitalise the neck area
• Correct asymmetry of the brow and face
• Revitalise and lift the jowl area.

There are two main types:

• Lifting Threads
• Revitalizing Threads

As the name suggests, the Lifting Threads are used to lift the sagging facial tissue. The Revitalizing Threads are primarily used to rejuvenate and thicken the sun damaged fragile skin.

At Medaesthetics®, we rarely use a thread lift as a stand-alone procedure. We routinely combine Threads with dermal fillers, fat transfer and skin resurfacing procedures as part of our non-surgical makeovers.

Most patients report longevity of up to 3 years. Due to the absorbable nature of threads, more threads can be inserted at any time to maintain the results over years to come.

Suitable candidates for a thread lift procedure are those who are experiencing mild to moderate sagging of facial tissues, usually those in their early to late 40’s. These patients do not want or are not ready for surgery but want something more than what cosmetic injectable or skin resurfacing/skin tightening procedures can offer.

If you have any of the following you may be a candidate for a thread lift:

• Mild – Moderate sagging and laxity of the skin in the cheeks, eyebrows, jowls and neck.
• Effects of a previous face-lift or neck-lift are wearing off.
• A younger patient with cheek and brow sagging caused by weakened tissue/ recent weight loss.
• Have realistic expectations.

Unsuitable candidates for thread-lift surgery include:

• Patients with very thin, fragile skin associated with advance facial ageing.
• Patients with heavy jowls, excess skin and or excess facial fat, which may require surgical removal.
• Patients with significant facial hollowing/volume loss.
• Patients who do not have realistic expectations.
• Those with any medical contraindications.

Excellent alternatives to Thread Lift procedures include:

• Liquid Face Lift With Dermal Fillers
• Mini Face Lift
• Facial Fat Grafting

Absorbable thread lifting is performed under local anaesthesia as a walk-in walk-out procedure in under 60 minutes. Most patients tolerate the procedure really well and are often surprised how quick and easy it is to have it done. Threads are inserted deep under the skin using fine needles and there is no cutting or stitching involved. Threads are not visible on the skin’s outer surface.

Most patients can go back to work the same day. However, some patients may require a supportive micropore tape applied on top of the skin to take the pressure off the threads and help them settle in place for first 3 days.

Thread lifting is often combined with other non-surgical procedures likes dermal fillers and laser skin resurfacing for a complete non-surgical makeover. Prices depends upon the number of threads required to achieve the required results and can cost between $2500 to $4500.