Thread lifts are temporary, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that aim to lift and contour the shape of various parts of the face, which is why many people refer to a thread lift as a face lift alternative. Many of our patients request thread lift procedures for:

• Cheeks
• Eyes
• Brows
• Jaw line
• Jowls
• Nasolabial folds
• Nose
• Neck

However, our thread lift procedures are not limited to just the face. Many clients have used threads to remove any excess skin under their triceps and some women have used threads to create more toned buttocks and upper thighs. Many women seek out threads to help them achieve their ideal beach bodies during the summer!

A thread lift procedure is often best for those with minimal skin laxity and minimal signs of aging. Patients who may be interested in facial rejuvenation but aren’t ready to deal with the downtime or recovery of a surgical facelift may benefit the most from the subtle impact of threads.

Also known as barbed suture lifts, thread lifts use temporary, medical-grade suture materials to suspend the skin rather than remove it. Thread lifts have been around since the early 90s, but innovations and the advancement of technology and materials have increased their popularity over the years.

Thread lifts are also a great and safe option for patients who may be unable to get a face lift due to a medical condition or an allergy that makes general anesthesia dangerous.

There are different types of thread lift suture materials used today to produce a variety of results. The type of thread lifts used during a patient’s treatment will be determined by Dr. Dima. At WellMedica, we offer 4 different types of thread lifts.

POLYDIOXANONE (PDO)

PDO threads have been around for decades and have been traditionally used during surgical procedures as sutures (i.e. stitches). PDO threads can be placed anywhere on the face, neck, or other desired locations. PDOs are typically used to induce collagen production and fibroblasts around the injection site for effective skin tightening and last between 6 and 9 months.

There are currently three different types of PDO threads used today: mono, cog, and screw. Each of these have been proven to be extremely safe.

• Mono threads are smooth sutures without barbs. They tighten facial skin and provide a slight lift around the cheeks and jowls. Mono threads are often used in combination with other thread types or anchored to a certain spot on the face or scalp.
• Cog threads are barbed threads that hook onto the skin to provide support and lift sagging skin around the face, jowls, and neck.
• Screw threads have one or two intertwined threads around the needle and provide good volume restoration to sunken areas of the skin. The production of collagen around the threads and their barbs helps to restore volume and improves skin texture and elasticity, resulting in a natural aesthetics outcome.

PDO and all its thread types are usually short in length and are the materials used in cosmetic procedures like HIKO nose thread lifting.

POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA)

PLA threads can increase volume, reduce wrinkles and visible lines, and help restore shape to the face. PLAs, like PDOs, are resorbable, yet encourage collagen production for skin tightening over a longer period of time than PDO threads. PLAs use a method that hooks into tissue specifically to increase volume in more saggy areas to lift and restore a more aesthetic shape to facial features.

PLA threads were developed from a biocompatible polymer derived from lactic acid (a naturally occurring acid in the body) and has been used as orthopedic pins and sutures in the past. A PLA procedure uses cones to hook into the skin to provide support. PLAs are resorbable and help induce collagen generation for a longer period of time compared to PDOs.

POLYCAPROLACTONE (PCA)

Before P(LACL)HA threads came to the market, PCA threads were the most recent development in thread technology. PCA threads last even longer and often produce more effective results than PDO or PLA threads. They are effective in tightening the skin and give long-lasting results with more moisturized, revitalized, and firmer skin lasting anywhere between 12 and 15 months.

Polycaprolactone (PCA) is a bio-absorbable polyester, monofilament suspension thread. As the thread gradually breaks down within the body, it produces molecules that trigger the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. Even after the body has absorbed the threads, they continue to provide support, produce lasting collagen, and last longer than some other treatments. PCAs trigger the fibrotic reaction, meaning that as the thread disintegrates, minor scar tissue remains and continues lifting the appearance of the patient.

P(LACL)HA THREAD

P(LACL)HA threads are the newest generation of Aptos threads, which are more effective for nonsurgical lifting, offering longer-lasting tightening and rejuvenation. These threads have shown consistent and more visible results in a shorter period of time while reducing downtime, inflammation, and providing increased support to the treated area compared to previous generations. P(LACL)HA threads are expected to last at least 2 years (having a lift half-life of 1.5 years).

The P(LACL)HA thread is an improved formulation, which ensures additional benefit for the skin. Skin elasticity and texture is visible right after thread implantation. These threads combine elastin (a fibrillar protein), collagen, and hyaluronic acid to provide ongoing and progressive rejuvenation for facial tissues and appearance. Elastin ensures greater skin turgor and elasticity, and hyaluronic acid fills the intercellular areas and makes a perfect environment for skin cells.

As it is a nonsurgical procedure, your skin may be numbed with a topical or local anesthesia. Our team will mark the entry and exit points for your lift before using a specialized needle to insert the threads through your skin. Once the threads are in place, your skin will be lifted and tightened as Dr. Dima pulls the threads in the appropriate direction. The procedure will be completed in under an hour, and your results will be immediate.

New collagen and fibrous (scar) tissue will slowly form around the sutures and will continue to support and tighten the skin. After the procedure, this growth happens naturally as the treated area heals. The length of the results may vary depending on the type of treatment, technique, and thread used.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A THREAD LIFT

The thread lift recovery process is fairly simple: Dr. Dima will likely recommend an antibiotic ointment for the entry points, a cold compress to reduce any swelling, and rest. Some patients may even be able to return to work right after treatment. Although your results will be noticeable immediately, it may take a couple of days or weeks to notice the full extent of your treatment after the swelling and bruising dissipates.

The most common and expected side-effects include swelling, bruising, skin irritation, and discomfort.

Dr. Dima will give you specific instructions on how to care for your face, prescribe any topical or oral medications to help reduce the risk of infection, guide you in looking out for any adverse side-effects, and may recommend a follow-up visit to discuss results or potential future treatments.

When trying to decide which procedure is right for you, it is best to understand the pros and cons of each treatment. If you are considering investing in either a thread lift treatment or a surgical facelift, it is best to have realistic expectations.

A thread lift procedure is not permanent or as long lasting as a face lift. Although a face lift is not permanent either, it often produces more lasting results than nonsurgical methods. Subtle results from a thread lift are often noticeable for up to 2 years.

The cost of a nonsurgical facelift is often much less than surgical. Yet, to make the results last longer, you may need additional treatments or combine the treatment with dermal fillers or other therapies.

However, the risk of complications and more severe side-effects are much higher with surgery. If the surgery performed does not produce the desired results, you’ll have to endure another invasive procedure in order to fix it. However, if you don’t like the results of your thread lift, all you’ll need to do is wait for them to dissolve.

The best candidate for a thread procedure is a patient who doesn’t want to undergo surgery in order to rejuvenate their appearance. It is also a less expensive and low-risk way to see how a more permanent procedure might look. Our team is experienced and skilled in treating loose, wrinkled, or drooping skin in a minimally invasive, nonsurgical way.