Thread facelift – what is a thread-lift?
By: The London Cosmetic Clinic
Medically reviewed by: Dr Salinda Johnson
Published on: November 19, 2020
Over time, the visible signs of facial ageing can start to take its toll.
The skin loses its firmness and elasticity and that tell-tale sagging skin can mean sunken cheeks, deep nose to mouth lines, jowls and a weak jawline. This is due to a depletion of substances that occur in the body and are responsible for plump and youthful skin, such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. The sum of all of these concerns can in fact change the overall shape of the face, from a ‘perky’ and youthful heart or oval shape to a more masculine-looking and tired square appearance. Not what a woman yearns for!
The good news is that modern cosmetic medicine can offer sublime solutions to facial ageing without the need for going under the knife. As well as injectable and device-led procedures, we offer PDO thread lifting therapy, here at The London Cosmetic Clinic in Harley Street, to lift, tone, tighten and rejuvenate sagging skin for up to 2 years at a time.
What is a PDO thread lift?
A PDO thread lift is a non-surgical procedure to lift the skin tissues of the face, so that a part or full facial lifting effect is achieved.
Using PDO ( Polydoxanone) surgical threads, which have been used in medical sutures for many years and inserting them in to the deeper layers of the skin, using a specially created needle, the results come in 2 forms. At first, the skin is physically and instantly lifted, so areas such as the cheeks, jowls, eyebrows. Neck and jawline can be contoured and restored. The second effect is a slower process, as the production of collagen and elastin is encouraged over time, as a healing response, sent out by the body from the trauma to the skin which is made during the procedure. The skin’s resilience is improved, leading to a more taught, smooth and youthful-looking complexion with less lines and wrinkles.
The brand of the thread lifting using at the Londoncosmeticclinic is “ Mint thread”. It is FDA approved and clear CE marked PDO threads which indicate safety and efficacy of the threads. Mint threads are moulded threads which gives stronger lift and longevity compare to laser cut threads.
Am I suitable for a thread lift?
Thread lifting is becoming extremely popular for those patients who are reaching middle age and want to have a facelift without surgery.
There are also younger candidates who undergo thread lifting to enhance certain features such as the lips, as this procedure is a great alternative in some cases, to injectable dermal fillers.
Before any treatment can be carried out here at The London Cosmetic Clinic, however, we will ask that you attend an initial consultation, skin analysis and health check. This meeting is the opportunity for you to discuss your facial concerns and desired outcomes. It will also allow Dr Johnson to examine your facial anatomy as well as the condition of your skin and check your medical history, to ensure that you are indeed suitable and safe for this treatment. Once both parties are happy to proceed, you can go ahead and book your appointment for your thread lift.
What happens during a thread lifting treatment at The London Cosmetic Clinic?
Before the treatment commences, you will be asked to complete a standard consent form and the procedure will be explained to you, whilst a topical anaesthetic is applied to the areas of your face to be treated.
When your skin is numb, Dr Johnson will also inject local anaesthetic to the treating area prior inserting the thread under your skin. No incisions are required as the needles used to insert the sutures are very fine.
Once the threads are in place, Dr Johnson will then gently press the skin tissue, to reshape it and obtain the desired lifting effect. The ends of the threads which are not inserted in to the skin will then be cut away and discarded. Once the treatment is complete, you can return to your daily activities, making sure that you adhere to any aftercare advice that Dr Johnson gives you.
How long does a thread lifting treatment take?
The thread lift procedure takes around 30 minutes, depending on how many areas are treated.
You’ll need to take in to account timings for your consent completion and numbing cream, which takes around 60 minutes prior to your treatment. Our reception team at The London Cosmetic Clinic will advise and allow for enough time for the treatment, when you come to book your appointment.
When will I see the results?
In many cases, patients can see some results straight away, due the ‘pulling’ effect of the threads under the skin. Optimum results however, come when the increased collagen and elastin production has taken place within the dermis of the skin, and these can be seen at around 3 months after your initial treatment.
How long do thread lifting results last?
Thread lifting results can last for up to 18 months, depending on your individual lifestyle, response to the treatment and the initial condition of your skin. This makes a thread lifting treatment extremely cost effective and convenient for those who lead busy lives and wish to experience longer-term results.
Is there any downtime with a thread lifting treatment.
Although there is no ‘clinical’ downtime with a thread lifting treatment, you may feel it necessary to spend a couple of days at home resting afterwards, as you may experience some swelling, bruising and tenderness which usually last 3-7 days – so running out to the gym immediately after your thread lifting procedure would definitely not be advised.
Dr Johnson will give you a full list of aftercare instructions, which will include avoiding strenuous exercise, hot saunas, steam rooms and baths for 48 hours after your treatment and avoiding rubbing the skin. You may also be advised to sleep on your back if you can, for a few nights after the treatment, so as to protect your skin and allow the threads to settle and any bruising, swelling or tenderness to subside. Aftercare and recovery will be explained to you in your pre-treatment consultation, so that you can make an informed decision on when to have your thread lifting procedure.
Nowadays, it’s not necessary to undergo lengthy and invasive surgical facelifts in order to restore a youthful and refreshed look. Thread lifts at The London Cosmetic Clinic, can take years off your facial appearance, without a scalpel, general anaesthetic or lengthy downtime.
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