Some of the most common complaints or annoyances around the natural ageing process are a sudden loss of volume or sagging in the face. We go from looking perky and awake to seeing a noticeable drop in areas like the cheeks, jowls, and neck, which can make us look older and way more tired than we should.
The best thing is that there are some revolutionary non-surgical treatments out there these days that can achieve the results that you’re looking for without actually having to undergo surgery, which is kind of awesome, because we aren’t always ready for that or necessarily need it.
One such treatment is the non-surgical thread lift, also known as a thread facelift, PDO threads, or a Korean thread lift. What is so amazing about the non-surgical thread lift is that it has quite long lasting effects, not as long as a traditional facelift, but for a non-surgical option a result that can last for up to a year is pretty awesome IOHO.
How does a thread lift work?
The thread lift works in this really fascinating way that is two-fold. The threads that are inserted just below the surface of the skin actually lift and reposition your skin with tiny barbs that are on them, picture tiny hands holding up your skin. This might sound a little painful, but it really isn’t.
At MDBC we use a type of thread called a PDO thread that we typically use for surgical stitching. PDO threads dissolve anywhere between 6-9 months after treatment. They are naturally absorbed by your body.
There are a number of different types of PDO threads, and the type used for your treatment just depends on your particular needs, which we’ll discuss and evaluate with you during your complimentary consultation with us.
PDO threads are extremely versatile and can treat pretty much any area of the face such as, the cheeks, jowls, neck, eyebrows, jaw line, areas under the eyes and around the nose, crow’s feet, and marionette lines. They can be used almost anywhere we use filler, but instead of filling, they lift the skin.
The second way that the thread lift works is by stimulating the natural production of collagen in your body. Because the threads are something foreign that your body doesn’t recognize, your body automatically kick starts its wound healing response, which stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is key to keeping our skin firm, smooth, and generally healthy looking. Unfortunately, our bodies stop producing collagen in our late 20s, so we have these revolutionary ways in which we can start up that production again.
The Procedure
The non-surgical thread lift is a simple, painless, and effective treatment. The procedure can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour. One of our expert MD providers will first administer a local anesthetic to the areas that will be treated, in order to ensure that you feel no discomfort. Patients describe the sensation as being a bit strange, but it is comfortable and the procedure is extremely quick.
Depending on your provider’s technique, they will use a needle or a cannula in order to insert the threads just below the skin. Once in, your provider will lift and tighten the tissue in the desired areas, positioning the tissue strategically so as to achieve the most natural looking and effective result for you. Your provider will then snip the ends of the threads and apply antibiotic cream to the affected areas.
Is there any downtime?
Yes, you’ll need to be ready for a bit of social downtime following your thread lift. You’ll feel a bit tender for a few days, more tender than you would after having filler.
Although the side effects of a non-surgical thread lift are minimal you may experience some bruising, swelling, and soreness in the treated areas, though less than you would see after a filler treatment. Your skin may also dimple and feel tight following your treatment, but all of these sensations should resolve themselves within 2-3 weeks of your treatment.
We’ll recommend that you ice the treated area for 2-3 days following your procedure to minimize bruising and swelling. Tylenol will also help to minimize any post-treatment discomfort. You’ll also have to apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected areas for about 5 days following your treatment.
You’ll have to sleep on your back for about 2-3 weeks so as not to put any unnecessary pressure on one side of your face. We’ll recommend that you also stay away from vigorous forms of exercise and excessive sweating, the sun, and avoid exaggerated facial expressions for about 2-3 weeks as well. You’ll also have to avoid any dental appointments for at least 2-3 weeks.
Is a thread lift for you?
We find that thread lifting is a great procedure for those who are showing mild to moderate signs of ageing, typically for those who fall into the 30 to 50 age range. The thread lift is not a substitute for a surgical facelift, so if you’re looking for a more dramatic and long lasting result we might recommend surgery.
The thread lift is a great alternative for us to have for patients who don’t need filler but want to get a lifted look. When we use filler to lift the skin we risk creating that unnatural appearance to the skin.
Who should not have a thread lift?
You should not have a thread lift if you are pregnant or nursing, if you have a viral infection, or an active infection at the treatment site. You should avoid getting a thread lift while you are menstruating. Anyone with a chronic disease, arterial hypertension, a bleeding disorder, is HIV positive, has viral hepatitis, has an autoimmune or somatic disorder, is prone to keloid scars, has an implant in the treatment area, has a polyvalent allergy, an oncological disease, or is on blood thinners, should avoid getting a thread lift.
When can I expect to see results?
You will see the results of your thread lift immediately. You will have a noticeable lift and your skin will be tighter and firmer. Your results will continue to improve over the next 4-6 weeks, especially when the threads stimulate the natural production of collagen in your body (at around the 1-2 month mark). This is when in addition to the lift you’ll start to see a visible improvement in the overall quality of your skin and skin texture.
Will I need more than one treatment?
Depending on your anatomy and goals, most patients receive 1-2 treatments spaced 1 month apart and then once yearly maintenance treatments.
At MD Beauty Clinic we use PDO threads, which depending on a variety of factors like the thickness of the threads used for your particular needs and how quickly your body metabolizes them, can last anywhere from 6-9 months. Your results however will last for a good year following your treatments even though your threads will dissolve sooner.
The reason for this is because even though the threads eventually dissolve they’ve stimulated your body into producing collagen and fibrotic tissue (connective or binding tissue) allowing your own body to maintain the effects of the lift for a good year if not a little longer.
Are there any risks?
The non-surgical thread lift is a super low risk treatment. Like with any treatment there can be adverse reactions, but for thread lifting these are very rare. These include: infection, allergic reaction, bleeding, thread migration, nerve damage, damage to the salivary ducts, and the formation of nodules.
How much does it cost?
Thread lift pricing is per treatment. Most individuals need 1-2 treatments to start spaced 1 month apart followed by once year maintenance.
Lips – $350
Brow lift – $1,200
Cheek lift – $1,500
Jawline lift – $1,500
Neck lift – $1,250
Marionette lines – $300
Smokers lines – $300
