A facelift is one of the most known surgical cosmetic procedures. But like with most surgical treatments, a facelift can have severe risks and side effects. That is not the case with a thread lift.
This post seeks to enlighten you on the basic knowledge you need to know about thread lifts. We will discuss what a thread lift is, what it does, its benefits, risks, side effects, and for who it is suitable.
What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift (also called a barbed suture lift) is a minimally invasive facelift treatment that does not damage the skin as surgical facelifts do. The procedure uses PDO threads; PDO stands for polydioxanone, a 100% hypoallergenic, biocompatible, and absorbable material. A thread lift achieves the same results as a surgical facelift but without making large incisions that have a higher risk of scarring.
It tightens the skin by inserting the medical-grade, absorbable, hypoallergenic, and biocompatible PDO thread beneath the skin and pulling the thread. The procedure draws the suture taut to stitch up your skin and makes it tight and smooth. It lifts, tightens, and contours the skin to give a more youthful look.
A thread lift is excellent for treating saggy skin around the jowls and eyes, easing lines and wrinkles, and giving the jawline more definition.
Even though the procedure has been around since the 90s, it is only through technological innovations that it has become popular in recent years. The treatment is perfect for candidates who can’t have surgical facelifts due to medical conditions or personal preferences. Its effects are not as prominent as the more drastic surgical facelift, so it is best for younger individuals who are just beginning to see signs of aging.
The Benefits of a Thread Lift
The primary benefit of a thread lift is that it tightens and smoothens the skin. It repairs skin laxity by pulling on the skin until it is taut and tight. That primary benefit is like any other facelift procedure, but a thread lift has advantages over other facelift treatments.
A Thread Lift Does not Leave Scars
The main problem with a surgical facelift is that it is almost sure to leave scars. The surgeon can do the procedure so that the scar won’t be noticeable because of your hairline or facial contours, but they will be there. But, in a thread lift procedure, there is virtually no risk of scarring; the incisions are so small that they don’t result in scar formation.
A Thread Lift Requires Only Minimal Downtime and Recovery
Another advantage of a thread lift’s minimally invasive nature is that it requires minimal downtime and recovery. You don’t have to schedule a month’s long absence from work to get the procedure. Though there are expected side effects, they will subside within two weeks.
A Thread Lift is More Convenient
The thread lift procedure does not have as many steps and does not take as long as surgical facelifts do. The entire process for one treatment site usually just lasts thirty to forty-five minutes. After that, you can return to your day like nothing happened.
Compare that to a surgical facelift, which lasts for two to four hours, and you can’t do anything else with your day after the procedure.
A Thread Lift Has Fewer Risks
A thread lift is generally safer than surgical facelifts in terms of potential risks. The more you open up your skin, the higher the risk of infections and complications. Bacteria and foreign substances can find their way beneath your skin and cause all sorts of problems.
Additionally, a surgical facelift procedure generally requires more cuts into the deeper layers of the skin, damaging parts you don’t want to damage. A thread lift is safer because it requires tiny incisions to insert the thread and pull the skin.
But even if a thread lift procedure is generally safer than a facelift surgery, it still carries risks and potential side effects.
Thread Lift: Risks and Side Effects
The most commonly reported and expected side effects of a thread lift treatment are bruising, swelling, bleeding, and a slight discomfort around the treatment area. But these minor side effects are only natural and should dissipate within a week or two after getting the procedure. If the above-listed symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, let your healthcare provider know as soon as possible.
Aside from the commonly reported side effects, there is a very slight chance of getting complications, such as dimpling. However, such complications are minor and easily correctible.
The more severe problem with a thread lift is the risk of infection. Though the risk is not as prominent as a surgical facelift, it is still there. The symptoms of an infection are:
- Green, brown, black, or red pus discharge from the treatment region
- Painful swelling that lasts for more than 48 hours
- Constant headaches
- Fever
If you experience these symptoms, let your provider know.
Besides infection, the other more severe risks of a thread lift include allergic reactions to the thread, intense bleeding, movement of the sutures beneath the skin, and pain due to thread movement or wrong placement.
The best way to reduce the risks of a thread lift is by working with a seasoned, trained, licensed, professional, and qualified dermatologist.
Are You a Suitable Candidate?
The thread lift treatment is best for the beginning signs of aging, so individuals around their 30s to 50s get the most of it. However, if there is a possibility that you are allergic to PDO, the treatment may not be for you.
The thread lift is the perfect choice if you prefer to have a non-surgical facelift; the results won’t last as long, though. The results of a surgical facelift last for about a decade, while a thread lift lasts for around a year, depending on your health, genes, and other several factors.
If you want to know whether a thread lift is right for you, talk to our professional staff today. Phone us at 317-349-3050, email info@bellaroseaesthetics.com, or visit our office at 10255Commerce Dr. Suite 116, Carmel, IN 46032.
