What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive treatment used to help lift the skin and tighten it, regaining elasticity. It uses specialised surgical threads to lift any sagging skin. By pulling the skin back lightly, the appearance of the face is tighter and more lifted, which helps to create a more youthful look whilst helping to revitalise the skin.
This is a much less invasive procedure than a surgical lift, without the need to use a scalpel or general anaesthesia. Recovery time is almost immediate with much more moderate risks and side effects.
A thread lift treatment helps to combat signs of ageing by causing the body to project large surges of collagen to treated areas. Collagen is an important factor in the ageing process as it helps to keep our skin strong and supple. In fact, as we get older, our bodies begin to produce less collagen. This leads to an 80% reduction in skin thickness by about the age of 70. This loss contributes to factors like excess skin and wrinkles.
Whilst this treatment manages to side-step the negative side effects that tend to come with traditional surgery, thread lifting requires an extremely skilled doctor. At PICO Clinics, our medical team of doctors are trained to the highest standard in the most advanced technologies and techniques.
How long does a thread lift last?
The results of a thread lift procedure are not permanent, and how long they last will depend on how thick your threads are.
This is something that will be discussed with your thread lifting practitioner. However, the results can typically last anywhere between one to three years. If you want to make the most of your procedure, then it is advised that you combine your aesthetic treatment with other anti-ageing products. You will typically gain advice on this from your practitioner.
Benefits of a thread lift
Thread lifts are the perfect solution for patients trying to battle the signs of aging. They’re used to provide a refreshed, more youthful appearance without patients having to experience invasive surgery. There are several reasons why patients tend to choose a thread lift over a face lift, and these include:
- Quick recovery-time
- Immediate results
- Long lasting
- Gives patients tight and youthful looking skin
The most important difference between thread lifts and face lifts is that a thread lift is a non-surgical procedure. So, there is a reduced recovery time when compared to surgical treatments. The overall recovery of a thread lift is relatively quick and painless.
Patients will naturally experience some side effects like a redness of the skin and swelling in the treated area. However, this is normal, and these symptoms should subside after a few days. The procedure is ideal for people who have a busy lifestyle as they can get back to doing what they love after the treatment almost instantly.
Another attractive benefit of this procedure is the fact that it is low risk. There is little risk of patients experiencing scarring, severe bruising and bleeding. When compared to a facelift, thread lifts are a simpler procedure to carry out, which also makes them less expensive and a more affordable option for those who do not have the luxury of affording surgery.
Furthermore, thread lifts contribute to collagen production which gives patients a more youthful and revitalised look. Thread lifts also act as an anti-wrinkle treatment,as the pull of thread on your skin helps to smooth out folds and creases.
Types of thread lifts
When it comes to thread lifts, there are several different types. Each one can last for different lengths of time in the tissue, and some threads will vary in thickness in comparison to others. Thread lifting technology is quickly evolving. Whilst still the most common on the market, PDO has been surpassed by more flexible and longer lasting thread materials.
PDO thread lift
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads have been around for the longest time. They typically last between three to six months in the tissue before they start dissolving.
PLLA thread lift
PLLA (poly-lactic L-acid) threads tend to be fragile, and they can break easily. However, when compared to PDO threads, PLLA threads can last up to two years in the tissue.
PLACL thread lift
It has been suggested that PLACL threads are some of the best materials available today. They are praised for their strength whilst still maintaining flexibility and durability. The effect of these threads will typically last anywhere between 12 to 18 months. It is a more advanced technology therefore only a handful of manufacturers have obtained the CE mark so far.
APTOS thread lift
APTOS threads are praised for their lasting results. They are specifically designed to softly grip the surrounding tissues to help form a permanent support structure by lifting and contouring. APTOS threads have paved the way for thread treatments for years and have been modernised several times.
The developer of the APTOS thread method is one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons, Dr. M. Sulamanidze. Since 1996, the threads have been modernized several times, resulting in the development of a line of innovative products aimed at solving specific aesthetic problems, and the ability to combine threads of different types allows one to select the optimal solution even in difficult cases.
The last significant technological achievement was development of threads with incisions, the presence of which helps to fix the threads in the best way during introduction and, thus, to ensure the maximum effect of the procedure, and also prevent their displacement in the future, and therefore to exclude the possibility of side effects.
The method of thread rejuvenation is patented and is successfully used by aesthetic doctors in 50 countries around the world. Images courtesy of Aptos.
NORDYX thread lift
Nordyx threads are made of PLACL. These threads have unique and strong cogs which attach easily to the tissue to help give it a strong hold. They are unique in their longevity and can give lasting results. PLACL is a combination of PCL (Polycaprolacton) and PLLA (Polylactic-acid). Nordyx has threads that are unique only to the Nordyx brand. The threads are produced of the best PLACL raw material.
PICO Clinics is proud to host Nordyx training sessions in London and our doctors are ambassadors of this innovative technology. Images courtesy of Nordyx Threads.