As we age, gravity and muscle action create changes in the tension and elasticity of facial skin. This leads to sagging skin, wrinkles, creases and deep grooves around the mouth and in the forehead. Many of our patients are concerned with correcting these outward signs of aging as well as other physical imperfections in the facial area.
For many patients treatment with soft tissue fillers, such as collagen, Restylane® and Radiesse™, can be inefficient and require repeat treatments. This is because these patients need more than soft tissue replacement, but are not ready for a full facelift.
Threadlift
A new, more economical, non-surgical procedure called a Threadlift is performed by our doctor for patients in our region to give a lasting lift to sagging facial tissues without the expense and prolonged recovery of a full facelift. The procedure is safe, simple, conservative and leaves no visible traces of the procedure on the skin. It can make a patient look 5 - 7 years younger.
How does a Threadlift work?
The Threadlift uses a patented barbed suture made of polypropylene. The unique feature of this suture is the hundreds of tiny barbs that are laser cut all over its surface.
The procedure is done using local anesthesia and can take from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Our physician gently threads the suture through your sagging tissues and then retracts it. This gentle retraction causes the barbs to lock onto and lift the sagging tissues, allowing our doctor to reposition them under the skin. Once in position, your body begins generating new collagen around each barb to hold them in place.
Who are the best candidates for a Threadlift?
The best candidates are patients with:
- Mild to moderate sagging of soft tissues of the face and neck
- Premature aging and sun damage
- Weakly pronounced aesthetic features and contours
- A flaccid, flat face
How long does the Threadlift procedure take?
The procedure only takes about 30 minutes and is performed using local anesthesia.
How many Threadlift treatments will I need?
One treatment is all that is needed.
What areas respond the best to a Threadlift?
- Eyebrows can be elevated
- Cheeks can be lifted
- Jowls can be elevated and reduced
- Neck and jaw lines can be tightened
How does a Threadlift differ from a conventional facelift?
A Threadlift is a much less invasive procedure. As a result, it only requires local anesthesia so there is much less risk and no recovery due to the general anesthesia that is required for a facelift. A Threadlift is done on an out-patient basis in our office. And the final difference is that a Threadlift is much less expensive than a facelift.
What about scars from a Threadlift?
Since the procedure is performed with needles there are no incisions and therefore no visible scars.
How long do Threadlift results last?
After our doctor performs a Threadlift most patients are happy with their results, which are holding tightly after about 5 years.
What is recovery like from a Threadlift?
Following a Threadlift downtime is minimal. You probably won’t even need bandages. However, you may want to apply some ice to reduce swelling. Most patients resume full normal activities in 2 - 3 days.