An aesthetic thread lift procedure is a popular alternative to facelift surgery as it is considered lower-risk and less invasive as knives and general anaesthetics are not necessary.
Put simply, the aim of a thread lift is to sculpt and lift the skin by inserting medical grade thread material and gently tautening it. The sutures trigger the body’s healing response by stimulating fibroblast cells to produce more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, helping to give the skin a more youthful appearance. Collagen is a protein that maintains skin elasticity and structure, but, as we know, its production diminishes over time.
PDO thread lifts are made from polydioxanone, a biodegradable, colourless polyester suture and have been used to close wounds in general surgery since the 1980s. The PDO threads dissolve over time but have the primary effect of making the skin appear tighter and more sculpted as the collagen forms around the thread – so they are often used to treat the areas around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, neck and jaws.
The threads’ lifting effect is at its peak around 6 months after treatment and though, anecdotally, effects can last for up to 9 years, the benefits to younger skin tend to last longer than to older skin.
PDO thread lifts have a lower risk of complications than facelift surgeries and there is less risk of scarring, severe bruising, or bleeding when performed by a medically trained professional who will provide the appropriate recovery advice.
However, some swelling, and bruising, is common and though people can usually return to their normal routine after a minimum of two weeks, they should be cautious, for example, by avoiding the gym, during this time.
It’s recommended that people who have had a thread lift treat their faces very carefully for at least two weeks, so skin care routines should be carried out cautiously and gently – without rubbing. It’s also recommended that visits to saunas, strenuous exercise, and lying on the treated areas when awake or asleep is avoided.
As this is a Quality Care Commission regulated surgical aesthetic treatment, finding a medically trained, licensed provider is the key to a safe, effective thread lift as well as peace of mind.