Thread lifts are a safe and non-invasive way to reduce the signs of aging and restore a youthful look to the face. The procedure involves the insertion of special threads, usually made of polydioxanone (PDO), under the skin. These threads provide a subtle but physical “lift” that can help to smooth wrinkles and restore skin tone and firmness. The procedure itself usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes, with minimal side effects and no downtime.
After the procedure, you will see immediate results, with the final results visible within 10 to 14 days. The results of a thread lift can last up to 18 months, with the body's natural healing process stimulating collagen production in the treated areas. Local anesthesia is used to numb the areas to be treated before a small instrument (a thin cannula or needle) is used to insert the threads under the skin. There is little or no downtime, so you can get back to your daily activities right away. There may be some mild tenderness, swelling and bruising that should go away after a day or two.
Once everything calms down, you can expect to see the final results within 10 to 14 days after the procedure. The body reacts to the PDO threads as if they were an “injury”, which starts their natural healing process. This is totally normal and safe, as it is just the way the body responds to a foreign object under the skin. As part of this healing process, the body reactivates its collagen production and directs large amounts of it to the treated areas. Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping the skin strong, supple and healthy. Unfortunately, our bodies produce less and less collagen as we age.
The collagen infusion into the skin helps to rejuvenate and restore its tone, firmness and appearance, while combating the signs of aging. The results of thread lifts can last up to 18 months in total. PDO threads stay in place for 6 to 12 months before they dissolve, depending on the patient's age, skin type, metabolism and lifestyle. After this point, the healing process of the skin that produces collagen lasts another 6 months on average. Thanks to their safe and non-invasive nature and the use of soluble sutures, thread lift treatments can be repeated if necessary.
A thread lift is not permanent either. The subtle results of a thread lift usually last about 2 years. The final results of your PDO thread lift will be seen within a month or two of your treatment. How long it takes you personally depends a lot on your age; age is one of the main factors in how quickly the body produces new, healthy collagen. Collagen is the protein responsible for filling the cheeks, filling fine lines and smoothing wrinkles. Surgical thread lift is an alternative to conventional surgery and can give long-lasting results.
The specially designed threads are unique and can be used to lift the neck, flabby double chin, cheeks and eyebrows. The difference with these “elastic” spring threads compared to other surgical threads is their ability to integrate with tissues, but at the same time they allow free and unrestricted movement. After this, the strands will begin to dissolve, leaving the skin fresh with new collagen that can keep it soft, smooth and free of lines and wrinkles for several more months, if not longer. Like other soluble dermal fillers such as Botox, the threads used in this procedure will eventually be absorbed into the tissue beneath the skin. Other threads have barbs that can hook into loose skin from below, lifting it back into place. Soluble PDO (polydioxanone) threads are inserted securely under the skin and then tightened and pulled back, resuspending areas that are flaccid. You will also be advised to avoid saunas and high intensity workouts during the first week after performing a thread lift. Over the next 6 to 9 months, injected threads will continue to keep skin taut and lifted while stimulating production of new collagen and elastin.
Full recovery can take up to 3 weeks; caution should be exercised during this recovery period to ensure that threads “set” properly and retain their lift. Aftercare advice will be given so that you can get optimal results from your thread lift treatment and leave feeling safe, comfortable and completely satisfied. The laying of threads below surface of skin should only be done at depth recommended by qualified healthcare professional. A PDO thread lift leaves face firmer, tighter and more youthful-looking; results can last 18 months or more. Costs vary widely depending on where you live, provider experience level and number of areas targeted with treatment.
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