Many people who notice their skin sagging even after trying different firming and tightening solutions often think that plastic surgery is the last option to get rid of this problem and look better and younger again.
However, a traditional facelift is not the only solution for people who want to lift, tighten, and volumize their sagging skin. There are other options available that are not as invasive, painful, and time-consuming, but provide similar results.
One of these options is thread lifts.
Table of Contents
What Are Thread Lifts?
Thread lifts are minimally invasive cosmetic treatments wherein medical-grade thread material is placed into the face or problem area. The skin is “pulled up” or lifted when the thread is tightened and portions of it are stitched up.
Aside from lifting and tightening the skin, when done correctly, a professional thread lift in Dubai can also help combat aging by activating the body’s healing response. This, in turn, facilitates the increase of collagen production in the treated areas.
Collagen is a natural substance in the body that helps keep the skin hydrated, supple, and healthy.
Aging affects the production of collagen, which causes a reduction in skin thickness, volume, strength, and moisture. This initiates the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.
Also, as the skin grows weaker, it starts having difficulties supporting the tissues beneath it. Gravity then pulls the skin downwards and stretches it, causing it to sag.
When the sagging and laxity of skin is still mild, the infusion of more collagen can help reduce the looseness and prevent it from getting worse.
It does so by strengthening, hydrating, and filling the gaps in the sagging skin, restoring elasticity and giving the face a lifted, firmer appearance. It also helps with skin rejuvenation .
What Happens During a Thread Lift Procedure?
A typical thread lift procedure includes these steps:
- The patient will be asked to recline in the treatment room. The specialist will apply alcohol and topical anesthesia to the area to be treated minutes before the actual procedure.
- Once the anesthesia takes effect, the specialist will use a thin needle or cannula to insert the threads underneath the patient’s skin. Most of the time, the process causes little to no pain.
- The specialist will remove the method of insertion after the threads are implanted. At this stage, the patient may feel light pressure or tightening under their skin.
- After the needles are taken out, the specialist will ask the patient to rest for a few minutes. Afterward, they are free to leave the clinic.
The entire process usually takes around 20 to 45 minutes.
The procedure for a thread lift can be shorter or longer and differ slightly depending on the area to be treated as well as the provider’s preferences. However, these steps are usually the same for all processes.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for Thread Lifts?
The ideal candidates for a thread lift are those who are usually in their late thirties to early fifties who are just starting to notice they have sagging, droopy skin.
This cosmetic treatment provides the best results for patients experiencing mild to moderate laxity who are taking other steps to prevent their sagging skin from getting worse.
However, if the skin is too loose or drooping excessively, it may be best to consider other cosmetic treatments.
A cosmetologist or trained specialist in thread lifts can determine if this procedure is the best solution for each patient.
What Areas Do Thread Lifts Target?
Thread lifts tighten and firm up sagging or drooping facial areas. These include:
- Browline
- Forehead
- Cheeks
- Jawline
- Jowls
- Under the eyes
Thread lifts also provide suitable candidates with a minimally invasive solution to eliminate sagging skin on the neck. This procedure tightens loose skin, addresses drooping skin tissue, and dissolves small pockets of fat under the face.
Lastly, this cosmetic treatment can also be used to lift and tighten breasts, particularly after pregnancy and weight loss.
What Are the Advantages of Thread Lifts Over Traditional Facelifts?
Below are the top advantages thread lifts provide:
- Reduced post-treatment downtime.
The most significant advantage thread lifts offer is the faster downtime and recovery time.
Patients getting a facelift have to be heavily sedated. Because of this, they need someone to help them get home after the procedure.
Moreover, patients often need complete rest, assistance from others, and have to take several days off from work to heal.
On the other hand, patients undergoing a thread lift will only receive anesthesia on the area to be treated. As a result, they can usually drive and look after themselves after the procedure.
Additionally, patients won’t need to wait for several days for the treated area to heal and go back to their usual activities.
- Minimal side effects.
Since a facelift is a type of surgery, it comes with certain side effects and complications. These include nerve injury, scarring, and hematoma, a condition where blood collects under the skin which causes swelling and pain.
Thread lifts are free of these complications. There is no risk for severe bruising and bleeding as well.
After getting a thread lift, patients may experience some soreness, swelling, and redness. However, all these will go away after a few days.
The specialist will also prescribe medications to relieve any discomfort patients may feel after the procedure.
Patients should also follow their provider’s aftercare instructions to reduce their risks for some uncommon complications, including infections and visible dumplings. Having a strong immune system will also help them heal faster and minimize the side effects.
- Immediate results that look more natural.
Most facelift surgery patients need a few weeks or months to see any result.
On the other hand, patients who undergo a thread lift see changes immediately. They will notice a tighter, rejuvenated, and more youthful-looking face almost instantly.
However, this non-invasive cosmetic treatment gives patients a more subtle and natural look than what a traditional facelift provides, which many consider unnatural and overdone.
- More cost-effective.
Lastly, since a thread lift does not require surgery, it is more affordable than a traditional facelift. The fact that it is easier to perform also makes it more inexpensive.
The results of thread lifts can last for one to three years. However, patients can get this procedure again once they are no longer satisfied with their look since it is minimally invasive and low-risk.
Patients can get a fresh set of temporary sutures placed once the old ones are absorbed by their bodies.
Although thread lifts offer benefits that a traditional facelift does not, patients need to consult a qualified provider first to find out if the minimally invasive treatment is a recommended solution for looking young again.
Moreover, people interested in this treatment have to ensure they get it from a trained specialist to get the best results.
