Thread Lifting results are two-fold: immediate results from mechanical lifting and tightening of the threads beneath your skin, and more gradual results brought on by the natural healing cascade triggered by placement of the threads that helps gradually firm your skin over time.

Thread Lifts are often referred to as a “lunch hour lift” because of the time it takes to complete the procedure and the ability to return to work after it’s completed if you choose to do so. There is no cutting of the skin or use of general anesthesia, making Thread Lifts a minimally invasive procedure.

It’s important to talk to your treatment provider about any possible contraindications to treatment, or if you meet any of the conditions below, as you may still be a good candidate for Thread Lift.

 

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised against having a Thread Lift procedure.
• If you have a known sensitivity to synthetic biomaterials, including dissolvable suture threads and plastic implants, your body may reject the suture material, causing extrusion and/or infection.
• If you have active cold sores in treatment area, an active sunburn, open wounds, or skin infection in treatment area, it is best to wait until your skin is healed before having a Thread Lift procedure.
• If you have had radiation treatment in treatment area within the last year or have malignancies in treatment area, a Thread Lift procedure may not be right for you.
• If you are taking anti-coagulants (such as warfarin or aspirin) or have blood clotting disorders, are taking immunosuppressants or corticosteroids (such as prednisone or Methotrexate), or have an autoimmune disease causing delayed wound healing, including: HIV/AIDs, Lupus, Diabetes, Scleroderma.
• If you have a history of keloid scars or delayed wound healing, you are not a good candidate for a Thread Lift.

You may also experience a slight tugging sensation when the thread is tightened to gently lift the tissue.

If you tend to become anxious during medical or dental procedures, especially when needles are used, talk to your treatment provider about additional pain and anxiety relief options- like an anxiolytic or ProNox– that may be available to you during your Thread Lift procedure. Keep in mind that if you take an anxiolytic or receive nitrous oxide during your procedure, you will need to plan to have someone pick you up after your procedure, as you will be unable to drive.

Thread Lifts are minimally invasive and generally require about an hour to complete. Here is what to expect from start to finish:

 

• Arrive to your appointment with clean skin that is free of makeup, lotion, and sunscreen in treatment area.
• Your treatment provider will begin by marking the treatment area with a surgical marker to indicate where the threads will be placed.
•  Your treatment provider will inject a local anesthetic into the treatment area(s) and may also use a topical numbing cream.
• After the treatment area has become numb, your treatment provider will insert a long needle and/or cannula below the surface of your skin with the suture thread attached to it. You may experience mild-moderate discomfort during this step.
• The thread will then be pulled taut beneath the surface of your skin, which will gently lift your tissue. You may experience a tugging and/or pulling sensation while the thread is being pulled and secured.
• This process will be repeated until all threads have been placed beneath your skin. The number of threads used will be determined by your treatment provider and is based on your skin laxity, skin quality, and your desired results.
• Once all threads have been placed, your treatment provider will go over the aftercare instructions with you and may provide you with a topical antibiotic cream to use over the thread entry points.
• You can drive yourself home after the procedure if you have not been given an anxiolytic.

You may experience discomfort and a pulling sensation at the thread insertion sites for up to 1-3 months. If this pulling sensation becomes bothersome, speak to your treatment provider about your options.

Sometimes, a slight depression or skin irregularity may appear at the insertion points. These typically disappear a few days after treatment.

If eruption of suture thread or signs of infection occur, be sure to call your treatment provider. Signs/Symptoms of infection: Increased redness/pain/warmth or formation of pustules at treatment site.

Here are the most common risks and side effects of a Thread Lift:

•  Infection
• Protrusion, extrusion, and/or migration of threads
• Skin dimpling, rippling, puckering, and ability to feel threads beneath the skin
• Asymmetry
• Bleeding, bruising, and swelling
• Scar tissue and granulomas
• Delayed healing
• Nerve injury and/or damage to deeper structures

Thread Lifts are a great option for those who want immediate visible tightening and the additional benefit of increased collagen production in treatment area for an improved, more youthful appearance, but they are not for everyone. It is important to discuss all treatment options with your provider before making an informed decision about your treatment plan. Here are some alternatives to Thread Lifts you may consider:

 

• Traditional surgical facelift
• Facial fat transfer
• Liquid facelift
• Radiofrequency and ultrasonic treatments