Facial Thread Lift

Face Lift with Threads

“Not All Threads are Equal”

Throughout the ages surgeons have endeavoured to improve the techniques use to surgically lift and elevate sagging and wrinkled facial skin to reverse the signs of aging.

As a result, surgical procedures became more and more invasive with surgery extending into the deeper tissues with greater risk of complications and scarring, and prolonged recovery times.

Following the rise of non-invasive cosmetic treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers, interest grew in the development of a non-surgical face lift. Then in the 1990’s the first barbed suture was used to lift facial tissues, a less invasive treatment with a much lower price tag than traditional face lift surgery.

The modern facial thread lift procedure incorporates absorbable synthetic materials that not only elevate and reposition the facial tissues but also stimulate collagen and fibrosis. This improves and enhances the results but also maintains the face lift for a longer duration, sometimes over 2 yrs. The stimulation of fibroblasts and growth factors results in collagen production that improves skin texture and tone, and leads to skin tightening with reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

Repositioning the soft tissues of the cheeks, jowls, jawline and neck can produce profound improvements in facial shape and contours. However, absorbable threads come in many different shapes and forms that influence the tissues differently, producing differing degrees of improvement and duration of action.

·         Smooth threads/Barbed threads/Cog threads and Cone threads

·         Unidirectional and bidirectional threads

·         Free floating threads/ double needle threads and anchorage threads

·         PDO threads (Polydioxanone)

·         PLLA threads (Poly-L-Lactic acid)

·         PCL threads (Polycaprolactone)

But remember, NOT ALL THREADS ARE EQUAL!

Patient selection and assessment, treatment planning and choosing the right thread length and material for the right patient is essential to achieve the best results.

When choosing an aesthetic practitioner, it is important to find someone experienced in surgical aesthetic techniques and well versed in the geometric and mechanical nature of the facial thread lift procedure.

Definisse threads are my preferred suspension thread design. An absorbable monofilament barbed thread where the barbs open like an umbrella and engage the tissues to allow optimal traction and excellent mechanical anchoring without the need for knots. It is made from a copolymer of PLLA and PCL giving superior tensile strength and elasticity than other thread designs. It is completely hydrolysed in 12 months with a lifting effect that can last 2-3 years.

These threads produce immediate repositioning due to their mechanical properties followed by fibrosis and collagen formation resulting in a longer lasting thread with a prolonged effect.

Combining thread lift with hyaluronic acid fillers or collagen stimulators can produce even more dramatic and long-lasting effects. A treatment that can truly challenge the more expensive and more invasive surgical face lift.

Dr Abdul Naem

GP Surgeon and Expert Aesthetics Trainer

For more details and to book an appointment contact myskindoctorlondon.com