In what seems like a long time ago (in terms of the “come and go” popularity of cosmetic procedures), Gwyneth Paltrow discussed a cosmetic procedure known as “threading”. Paltrow even said the procedure was likely to be the future of facelifts. As 2021 begins, Cosmopolitan has featured thread lifts and there have been social media posts on Instagram dedicated to trying to determine which celebrities have undergone a thread lift in order to achieve a subtle lift to the brows. Not sure what can be achieved with a thread lift? Take a look below to learn more about this cosmetic procedure from the Cosmetic Town TV team as they visit an actual thread lift patient:
A thread list, AKA a barbed suture lift, places a surgical suture deep into the tissue of the targeted area. The suture contains barbs on it so the tissue in the targeted area can be lifted, in a minimally invasive manner, in different directions. This allows the surgeon to achieve some of the lift that patients want from a facelift without having to perform invasive surgery.
While this might seem like a relatively new procedure from the last few years, thread lifts actually date back to the middle of the 1990s. One of the reasons that thread lifts are more popular now is the evolution and improvements in the performance of the treatment. There has been a great reduction in issues with the treatment such as asymmetry, breakage of the thread and even the problem of the thread poking through the skin of the patient.
The threads are no longer made using a regular surgical suture that requires small notches to be carved into them to create barbs. The sutures are now made with custom molds that contain a polymer that is able to support over two pounds of pressure. This allows them to be placed in deeper tissues of the face so there are fewer issues than the ones often seen in the past.
Once the barbed thread is inserted into the targeted area, the healing response of the body is activated. Even though the patient injuries from the threads are located under the skin, the body will be able to tell the suture has been inserted which means it will stimulate the production of collagen in the area. Collagen works to add volume to sagging skin and give the patient a more youthful look to the face.
In general, the skin will achieve a tighter look along with a better structure to the face. Once the sutures begin to dissolve, the results will start to fade and the patient will need a follow-up treatment to maintain the results.
There are multiple areas of the face that can benefit from a thread lift. These areas include the jowls, forehead, cheeks, brow line and the area under the eyes.
While there are not many risks associated with a thread lift, patients should be aware they can expect to experience some bruising and swelling as well as a little bit of pain where the thread was placed in the body. Patients might see some visible dimpling or pulling in the area where the threads were inserted, lumps in the skin due to any movement of the thread after it is placed and a possible allergic reaction to any of the ingredients that make up the material in the thread.
The recovery process after a thread lift is minimal and patients can return to work right away if they desire. Patients should sleep with their head propped up to avoid rolling over onto the sutures that have been placed in the treated area. They should also avoid high intensity workouts for about a week after the thread lift is performed.
As mentioned above, the results from a thread lift are not permanent. The results can last anywhere from one to three years. The threads that are used in a thread lift will be absorbed by the body.
A thread lift won’t give a person the same dramatic results as a surgical facelift. While the results of a thread lift are one to three years, a facelift gives long lasting results that can last 10-20 years.
Patients that are interested in rejuvenating the appearance of their face should schedule a consultation appointment with a board-certified doctor that is experienced in performing a thread lift as well as a facelift. The doctor can discuss the desired results with the patient to determine if a thread lift is the ideal option to achieve the changes to the face that a person hopes to see. The doctor can also fully explain the difference between a thread lift and a facelift so the person will have the necessary information to make an informed decision about their procedure of choice.
-MA
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