Thread lifts have become an established non-surgical procedure due to their lifting capacity and rejuvenation effect. The lift is not always achieved with volumizing treatments, such as dermal fillers, due to laxity in the facial soft tissue and undefined jawline, therefore threads have become an effective option to acquire these results.
This contouring and rejuvenation treatment are achieved by using 3 types of sutures such as Silhouette Soft® from Poly-L-Lactic acid, PDO (Polydioxanone) and PCL (Polycaprolactone) threads, introduced on various levels of the skin and subcutaneous layer to provide effective results for up to 18-24 months. These treatment options contribute to own collagen stimulation, enhancing skin texture and firmness as well as a lift.
There are several types of sutures are available with lifting and contouring purpose:
SILHOUETTE SOFT® is made up of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) re-absorbable sutures, incorporated in the unique three-dimensional cone technology for effective repositioning of sagging tissues and have demonstrated a strong fixation to the surrounding tissues to acquire dual action of immediate skin lifting response and continuing collagen stimulation. The results are achieved during single treatment with minimum downtime, recovery and excellent safety profile. After correct implantation, the Silhouette Soft has an excellent safety record which has been well documented through extensive clinical experience and studies involving thousands of subjects.
POLYDIOXANONE (PDO) is a biodegradable material that has been used in the surgical field for several decades as an absorbable suturing material due to its non-antigenic and non-pyrogenic properties and elicits only minimal tissue reaction during the absorption process. PDO threads reverse the effect of ageing via non-invasive three-dimensional face modelling, smoothing wrinkles and skin tightening for a youthful appearance. The lifting effect is achieved through mechanical thread support and collagen stimulation. Simultaneously, different types of PDO threads such as monofilaments, twists and tornado improve the blood circulation, elastin and hyaluronic acid synthesis.
POLYCAPROLACTONE (PCL) threads are long-lasting absorbable sutures with overall lifting and collagen-stimulating results for around 24 months and even longer. This longevity is characterised by the more complex and strong structure of PCL threads.
The thread lift procedure is suitable for patients from their early 30s onwards, with anti-ageing purpose.
At Novello Skin, we always provide initial, no-obligation consultation with skin analysis. Using any or combination of the above treatments, we will custom-create the best course of actions to give you results you can be proud of.
The threads can be applied to the different areas such as face- particularly the cheeks, eyebrows, marionette lines, sagging neck, fine lines around cheeks, laughing lines, smokers’ lines and with lifting purpose on the body- arms, stomach, thighs and knees.
The mechanical lifting effect is noticed immediately, whereas collagen-stimulating can take up to 3 months to see the best outcomes.
The longevity of results varies for different threads types. For example, the effect with PDO threads is noticed between 12-18 months. Silhouette Soft® gives results for around 24 months and PCL threads can last even longer.
All pre-treatment and after care instructions will be provided prior to the actual treatment. It is advisable to arrive make-up free on the day with infection control purposes.
A local anaesthetic is used for treated areas. The threads will then be introduced with a cannula or needle into the required areas. The procedure takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on the treatment plan. The thread lift is a tailored treatment that can be adjusted to the patients’ needs at any time.
When thread lift is combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP0, mesotherapy, fillers and muscle-relaxing injections, great results can be achieved. In some cases, it would be advisable to relax facial muscles with muscle-relaxing injections a few weeks prior to the threads’ insertion for better outcomes.
The patients will be able to come back to their everyday routine and social commitments within a week. Some bruising can be expected with the introduction of small rejuvenation threads.
It is advisable to avoid sleeping on the side, exercises and hard food for a few days after the procedure. It can be difficult to open a mouth widely for the first couple of weeks, therefore, dental appointments are best to be organised prior to the treatment or several weeks afterwards.
This treatment will give great results for the conditions listed opposite.