ANTIAGING TREATMENTS: FACIAL
Thread Lifts
With aging, the skins connective tissue thins and collagen
and elastic fibres begin to break down. This results
in changes in underlying support structures, which appear
as sagging, deep creases, folds and wrinkles in the
skin. This can occur as early as your thirties.
Threads are a recent introduction to the cosmetic surgery
arena to fight these effects. It uses a self anchoring
polypropylene threads attached to the sub-dermal tissue
to elevate and fix the mid-face, brow and neck region.
Usually only one procedure is needed to achieve the
desired lifting effect.
Although a stand-alone procedure, it is not uncommon
for this procedure to be combined with Botox injections
to reduce facial muscle activity, dermal fillers such
as hyaluronic acid or fat to enhance volume, or peels
and laser therapy to improve skin texture. Liposuction
of the neck can also be beneficial to some patients.
The Benefits of Using Threads
When compared to traditional surgical techniques,
threads have major benefits:
- Uniform gathering and even lifting of the soft tissues
- Minimally invasive
- Minimal scarring
- Reduced procedural and recovery time
- Patient satisfaction is more immediate
- No General Anaesthesia - local anaesthesia and
sedation as required
- Lower risk of complication
Unlike conventional sutures (stitches) which are smooth,
Threads have tiny barbs or cogs that are spaced evenly
apart. Once inserted under the skin, they are fixated
in an umbrella-like fashion and, with tension, create
suspension that gently lifts sagging tissues of the
brow and face.
Midface Thread Lift Procedure
- Ideal contour lines are marked on the skin from
the ears towards the chin and jawline. These lines,
indicating the exact placement of the threads will
vary from patient to patient.
- A local anaesthetic and if desired, light intravenous
sedation is administered.
- Tiny incisions close to the ear are made.
- The threads are advanced along the previously marked
contour lines into the droopy facial area with a special
guide needle, where the threads grab on to the droopy
soft tissues.. The cogs do the work of holding, by
being fixated to tissue as they are contoured into
place.
- Once in position, the body generates new collagen
bundles that surround each thread to maintain the
lifting effect.
NOTE: Unlike other thread products, Contour Threads
are clear in color, so they are not visible under fair
or thin skin.
A typical procedure usually takes about 60 minutes
to perform; depending on the number of threads used.
Thread Lift After Treatment
In most cases, there is minimal discomfort, bruising
and swelling. Ice compresses are recommended for the
first 24-48 hours.
Patients can usually return to work or normal activities
in a few days to one week.
Thread Lift Results
The lasting effect of a thread lift varies depending
on the age of the patient at the time of the procedure,
the degree of sagging, and the number of threads used.
Additional threads may be added as needed.
Thread Lift Complications
Complications are rare and the technique is entirely
reversible; any unwanted effects are usually easily
corrected under local anaesthesia.
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