Thread Lifts - Face Threading

What is a thread lift?

The Thread Lift is a procedure which rejuvenates, regenerates and improves the structure of the face, in a similar way to a surgical facelift, but without the need for surgery. The Thread Lift uses specialised dissoluble Polydioxanone (PDO) threads, a medical grade synthetic thread used in surgery for over 20 years. The PDO threads are introduced into the skin with a very fine needle to lift tissue and muscle and improve skin texture.

How does it work?

PDO thread treatment is used to improve skin firmness and tension, eliminate wrinkles, relax muscles and tendons. Research has shown that PDO also stimulates the neocollagenesis process, which encourages the production of new collagen in the skin. PDO also stimulates the synthesis of elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin, both of which are vital for keeping the skin looking plump and youthful. A set of threads to the side of the face and neck can result in a lifting effect that redefines the jaw and cheek areas and tighten the neck.

Are there any side effects?

There are minimal side effects from this procedure. There is a small risk of bleeding from the insertion sites. There can be some swelling and bruising. This usually resolves within a week. Immediately after the procedure there is some tethering of the skin at the insertion site but this resolves within 48 hours.

What is the procedure?

The specialist will mark entry points for the threads onto your face and a small amount of local anaesthetic will be inserted at the specific points. The PDO thread is inserted into the skin through a very fine needle. Depending on the area to be treated, the thread is introduced into the skin itself, the subcutaneous fat, or the muscle. After the threads have been injected and placed they are tightened to the desired effect and excess threads are cut away.

A lifted appearance can be seen immediately following the treatment, however, the results will improve in the following days and weeks. The overall texture of the skin is improved, becomes thicker, tighter and firmer and fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed away.
Different thicknesses and types of thread are used for different areas of the face. Short, non-barbed threads can be used to treat fine lines on the face, as well as tightening and lifting areas such as the jaw line and neck. Thicker "cogs" or barbed threads can give a significant improvement to the mid and lower face. Sometimes we will use a combination of both non-barbed and barbed threads to give best results.

The PDO threads will give the skin an immediate, natural improvement in appearance. After about 10-14 days, the process of natural body protein synthesis begins. The threads are naturally absorbed by the body in six to eight months, however, the effect of the treatment can last for up to two years.