What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a type of face lift that is often referred to as the “lunch hour lift”. This is down to its simplicity and the time it takes to carry out the procedure. A tiny notch will be made behind the ear or behind the hairline and then fine threads are then advanced along pre-marked contours. These threads have fine filaments that become fixed to the tissue and are then gently smoothed down. Your body then starts to produce new bundles of collagen which surround each filament and this in turn creates a subtle yet effective lift. The results differ for each person, but look very natural giving a rejuvenated and refreshed look. There is no scarring and recovery times are a lot less than those associated with traditional surgery.
What areas can be treated with a Thread Lift?
The thread lift can be used to enhance and improve the appearance of a sagging neck, sagging cheeks and jowls and droopy eyebrows. You can personalise your surgery to suit your exact needs and your doctor will also make recommendations for improvements. The procedure can be tailored to suit your exact needs to ensure you are totally happy with the results.
What are the advantages of a Thread Lift?
The great thing about a thread lift is that it offers quick recovery together with excellent results. This procedure requires a minimum amount of invasive surgery and leaves no scarring. Local anaesthetic is all that is required and there is no hospital stay required. Another good factor about the thread lift is that it is much more affordable than a regular face lift and the results are long lasting. If you are looking for a quick and effective solution to a range of aging problems then a thread lift is the perfect solution.
Who is a Thread Lift Suited For?
A thread lift is more suited to men and women between the ages of 40 and 60. The procedure is most effective on skin that has minimal sagging and offers the best results for cheeks, jowls, brows and the neck area. If you are looking for results that are more effective and long lasting than wrinkle minimising injections and other fillers, then a thread lift is the ideal choice. If you are put off by traditional surgery or don’t want general anaesthetic then a thread lift is great as it is minimally invasive and can be carried out under local anaesthetic.
What are the risks?
No surgical procedure is without risk, but the level of risk is often down to the expertise and experience of the surgeon carrying out your procedure. Thread lifts can cause minor side effects such as infection, bruising, swelling, tenderness, numbness and slight asymmetry. All side effects should be explained in detail to you before the procedure is booked. As long as your doctor is competent, any side effects should disappear within a few days. Another great factor of thread lifts is that they can be reversed if you are not happy or if problems occur.
How long does a thread lift take?
A typical thread lift takes as little as one hour to perform, but the length will depend on the number of filaments your doctor uses and the areas being treated.
What happens after the procedure?
Once the procedure is complete you will be provided with aftercare instructions to follow. These will help to relieve any discomfort and help to speed up the process of healing. For the first 24-48 hours you can use ice compresses to deal with any swelling and help to alleviate discomfort. Most patients experience some mild swelling and bruises, but these are usually quick to settle. Recovery times are usually less than one week although strenuous exercise should be avoided for between 2 and 3 weeks.
How long do the results last?
A thread lift’s lasting power depends on the age of the patient at the time of procedure and how much sagging the thread lift has corrected. It should be noted that sagging will return over time, but many doctors report that the results last for anything between 3 and 4 years. To extend the results it is possible to have additional filaments inserted and your doctor can advise you when this is required.