A plastic surgeon answers your top thread lift questions
The demand for non-surgical cosmetic enhancements is growing, and I often have patients asking if there are treatments that will give them results comparable to surgery without having to go under the knife. One alternative to facelift surgery, thread lift, has surged in popularity, as it may provide some of the same benefits without downtime. However, the procedure is not right for all patients and your provider’s experience is critical to a safe procedure and attractive results.
Today, I’m answering some of the top questions patients at my Richmond plastic surgery practice ask about thread lifts.
How do thread lifts work?
During a thread lift procedure, your surgeon uses a needle to pass specialized sutures (a.k.a. threads) beneath the surface of your skin. These ‘threads’ are made of a dissolvable material that is commonly used in surgical sutures and well-tolerated by the body. They are very thin but include small barbs or cones that will grip the skin from underneath, allowing your surgeon to gently pull your skin taut and lift it upwards.
When correctly positioned, the threads can provide an instant lift. Though the results will be much milder than that of a full facelift, patients with realistic expectations are typically pleased with their thread lift results.
In the six months following your thread lift procedure, results will continue to develop as the threads are slowly (and safely) absorbed. It surprises many patients to learn this is actually a key part of the process! The presence of the threads beneath the skin triggers your body’s natural healing response, leading to increased collagen production, thus providing additional firmness for a more fully rejuvenated appearance.
How soon can I go back to work after a thread lift?
There’s a reason thread lifts are also known as the “lunchtime lift”—the procedure takes about an hour and has no downtime and minimal side effects, meaning you can return to your normal daily routine immediately following your thread lift procedure. You may see mild swelling, bruising, and experience some soreness for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers and sleeping upright can help mitigate these issues. While true downtime is not required, you’ll be asked to refrain from working out or avoid any other kinds of strenuous activity for a week or two: you don’t want to risk your threads becoming dislodged or sliding out of their proper place.
Are thread lifts permanent?
As I mentioned, the threads slowly dissolve in the six months following a thread lift procedure—they do not stay in the face forever. Therefore, the results from a thread lift are only temporary. Most patients see their thread lift results last for 18-24 months. (For those who desire a more lasting change that can set visible aging back by a decade, a surgical facelift is recommended.)
Are thread lifts safe?
Thread lift procedures are safe and effective when performed by a qualified provider. While the threads themselves are FDA-cleared, the success of any thread lift procedure, and avoidance of complications, is completely dependent on proper technique. Thus, even though a thread lift is a minimally-invasive, it is important to thoroughly vet your surgeon before having the procedure. You must also be a good candidate for it—during your consultation, I will evaluate you to make sure the procedure is appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
What procedures can I combine with a thread lift?
Because thread lifts are performed in-office and have little-to-no downtime, many of my patients like to combine other non-surgical treatments with their thread lift for enhanced results. BOTOX is a particularly good complement to a thread lift, as it is effective in the brow and eye area, where the threads do not cover. Expertly-placed dermal fillers can also complement the results of a thread lift by adding even more lift and volume.
While thread lifts certainly can provide a noticeable lift, they aren’t designed to treat blemishes on the surface of the skin, such as age spots, acne scars, and sun damage. A laser skin resurfacing treatment such as the CO2RE laser can be used following your thread lift to help restore your skin’s glow and provide a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Which kind of thread lift is best?
There are several different types of thread lifts on the market—two of the most popular being the PDO thread lift and the Silhouette Instalift. While applied in a similar way, the threads themselves are made of different materials.
PDO Threads are named for polydioxanone, a dissolvable material that is commonly used in surgical sutures. PDO threads can be either barbed or smooth, and while the barbed threads provide more dramatic lifting, both are effective in inducing your body's production of collagen.
The Silhouette InstaLift uses threads made from dissolvable sugars. The long threads are made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), while the small thorn-like cones on the threads contain both PLLA and polyglycolic acid (PGA).
When applied correctly, both types of threads can provide subtle lifting results. However, at my Richmond plastic surgery practice, we prefer the Silhouette InstaLift. Not only does the Silhouette InstaLift require fewer threads than a PDO thread lift, I also prefer the cone-like grip of the Silhouette InstaLift threads over the barbed PDO Threads, as the barbed threads have a higher rate of complication.
Learn more about Richmond thread lifts with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos
If you are looking for a thread lift in the Richmond area, schedule your personal consultation with board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos by calling 804-355-3410 or contacting our practice online. With over a decade of experience as a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Aboutanos has both the qualifications and the experience to help you meet your aesthetics goals.