All you need to know about facial thread lifts: Are they for you?

It wasn’t until recently that the only way to treat facial skin laxity (think jowls and drooping cheeks) was with a facelift surgery. While it’s true there are many laser treatments available to restore firmness, it is only when one went under the knife that he / she could really remove loose skin. But not everyone is willing to that extent to get rid of saggy skin. Thankfully there are now non-surgical options to firm and tighten skin – the thread lift.

Read more: 3 Ingredients That Will Get Your Skin Glowing By Christmas

What is a thread lift?

Thread lifts are a procedure where threads are placed under the skin to give a literal lift. Instead of removing one’s loose skin via surgery, a skilled aesthetics doctors suspends the skin by stitching up portions of it. This will result in the skin being pulled back slightly, which then lifts and tightens the face at the same time.

Besides the lifting effect from thread lifts, the threads also encourage the production of your skin’s own collagen, effectively counteracting effects of aging, restoring volume and a youthful shape to your face.

Collagen as we know it is vital for young, healthy and supple skin. As we get older, our bodies produce less and less collagen, resulting in loss of volume and strength of the skin. The skin becomes weaker and is unable to support the tissues underneath it as well. No thanks to gravity, skin continues to be pulled downwards and is stretched, and that is why you get the appearance of saggy skin.

Read more: 5 Reasons Why Should Start Ultherapy

The advantages of having a thread lift

One of the greatest advantages of having a thread lift is the recovery time as compared to a traditional facelift. As with any other surgery, a facelift will require the patient to be sedated and the recovery time will take around 2 weeks with bruising and swelling for 2 days post-surgery.

A thread lift on the other hand is a much more straightforward procedure that can be done under local anaesthesia. While some patients may experience some redness and swelling after a thread lift procedure, most can return to work immediately after. The procedure itself is generally quite comfortable too.

While the recovery period is not intensive for those who choose thread lifts, there are still aftercare precautions to take such as not rubbing your face vigorously while cleansing or applying moisturiser for at least a week. Even your sleeping posture might have to be compromised for a while as you take care not to roll onto your face while sleeping.

Thanks to how non-invasive thread lifts are, they are low risk in terms of scarring, severe bruising, bleeding or causing complications. In rare instances, patients may experience some infection or have their threads becoming visible under the skin. This can be easily treated by removing the threads and the patient’s face will return to its original state.

Another jarring reason why thread lifts are more popular too is their affordability when compared to a facelift.

Read more: Getting A Brow Lift – What You Need to Know

Given all the benefits present in thread lift procedures, it’s still very important that patients manage their expectations on how much change thread lifts can do for one’s face. Thread lifts can only lift one’s face by a few millimetres and offer a very natural looking result. This procedure is ideal for those with mild to moderate skin laxity.

If done well, thread lifts can last up to 18 months. Facelifts on the other hand can last up to 10 years.

What types of thread lifts are available?

Infinity V-lift uses a system of thread lifts that has been designed specially for use around the neck and face to create a scaffolding to support weakened tissues and reposition skin for a more youthful appearance. This is especially loved by those looking to create a defined V-shape face.

Sihouette Soft on the other hand can be used to treat several parts of the face including cheeks and cheekbones, eyebrows, lower jaw and facial contour to regain a more youthful appearance