Looking to get a natural facelift and wondering whether a face thread lift is the way to go? This article explains everything you need to learn about a thread lift and how natural the result is. At the end of this piece, you will have the information you need to make that big decision and get a natural facelift without going under the knife.
Facelift for a Younger, Smoother Face
Getting old is inevitable and so are the wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs that come with aging. Although you cannot run from getting old, it is possible to achieve younger and smoother skin, despite your age.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a whopping 398,798 facelift procedures were carried out worldwide in 2018. This is 3.8% of every aesthetic procedure done in the same year.
Before now, going under the knife was the only way to go if you wanted a face lift, though not everyone is willing or is able to undergo surgery. However, in recent times, there has been an introduction of several non-surgical, minimally and non-invasive ways to achieve facelift results naturally. Primarily amongst these ways to achieve a natural face lift is a Face Thread Lift.
What is a Face Thread Lift?
A face thread lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical way to achieve natural-looking younger, smoother, and firmer facial skin. In the words of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “A thread lift is a type of procedure wherein temporary sutures are used to produce a subtle but visible ‘lift’ in the skin.”
The procedure is used to treat the face, neck and jowls and involves placing biocompatible, safe, and dissolvable PDO thread lift sutures under the skin to lift sagging tissues and muscles.
A face thread lift is beneficial for:
- Those who want to achieve a sharper and slimmer v-line
- Tightening and firming up a double chin
- Lift sagging jowls and lower cheeks
- Improve overall facial contours
- Stimulate collagen renewal to improve skin firmness
How is a thread lift different from face lift surgery?
In a thread lift procedure, the amount of lift and angle of lifting can be controlled by adjusting the direction and placement of the threads. This effectively prevents that ‘windblown’ effect from excessive pulling which is common associated with traditional facelift surgeries. As a result, the outcomes from a thread lift procedure tend to be more natural and acceptable.
Facelift surgery is an invasive procedure that involves making an incision on your skin and typically takes about three or more hours. Additionally, the surgery is associated with significant pain, bruising, and swelling, and the recovery time is more extended than that of a thread facelift. Also, a surgical facelift involves heavy sedation and you may have to arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic after the procedure.
On the other hand, a face thread lift is minimally invasive and involves using a biocompatible material to give the face a lift. The procedure is a lunchtime procedure that you can undergo within an hour or less and has few to zero side effects.
Additionally, no heavy sedation is required, so you can drive yourself home after the procedure. With a thread lift, you will get a natural-looking facelift and go back to your everyday life within a short time. Best of all, a thread facelift in Singapore cost is more affordable than a surgical facelift.
Areas Suitable for Thread Face Lift
The areas of the face suitable for a facelift by thread include;
- Eyebrows
- The area under the eyes
- Forehead
- Nasolabial folds
- Drooping cheeks
- Neck
- Double chin
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Thread Face Lift?
A face thread lift is suitable and recommended for individuals who;
- Wish to achieve younger, smoother, and firmer facial skin
- Want to achieve a slimmer V-line without surgery
- Aim to reduce aging signs like wrinkles and lines around the eyes, nasolabial, forehead, and neck
- Wish to achieve a lifting effect on their cheeks, lower face, and double chin
- Have a minor to moderate skin laxity issue and are not suitable for surgery
- Wish for more natural face lift results
Who is not suited to undergo Face Thread Lift?
You might not be a suitable candidate for a thread facelift for the following conditions;
- You are pregnant and/or breastfeeding
- You have active skin inflammation and inflammation
- You are on any form of blood thinners or have an existing blood clotting disorder
- You suffer from autoimmune diseases
It is highly recommended that you consult with a plastic surgeon to know whether the procedure is suitable for you.
Types of Thread Lifting
There are two different types of thread lifting;
- The Mega V-lift and
- The Mesh Lift
The Mega V-Lift
The mega V-lift is suitable for mild to moderate facial sagging and is used to enhance V-line contour. In this situation, FDA approved dissolvable PDO threads are used. This is used because they are broken down naturally by the body, and they regenerate collagen and elastin fibres that are vital for reducing the signs of aging. Furthermore, PDO threads help improve wrinkles and lift the skin for a firmer, slimmer V-line effect. The results for PDO thread lift can last for up to two years depending on your lifestyle.
Mesh Lift
The mesh lift is suitable for people with moderate facial sagging seeking to improve deep laugh lines and facial contours. The dissolvable threads used for a moderate lift of this nature come with mini barbs for better grip. This is to allow the skin tissues to adhere better. This type of thread lifting produce has better lifting results and is suitable for people who want a more dramatic face lift without the downtime.
Just like the mega V-lift, both threads and the barbs will be broken down by the body’s enzymes eventually and new collagen and elastin fibres will be generated. This makes the skin feel tighter, firmer, and more lifted.
The results of mesh lift can last up to 3 years, depending on your lifestyle.
The type of face lifting you will get depends on your expectations. However, you may have to consult with a surgeon to know what works best for your skin.
What you should or should not do before your Thread Lift Procedure
There are some recommended do’s and don’ts you should adhere to if you wish to get better results from your thread lift.
- Avoid alcohol and/or smoking a few weeks before the procedure
- Avoid the use of makeup or face cream on the day of the procedure
- Do not take aspirin or related products a few days before your thread lift treatment to avoid complications
It is also highly recommended you consult with your surgeon to know other rules you will keep for a better result.
How Thread Lift Works
- A thread lift is a simple ‘lunchtime’ procedure that starts with the application of topical numbing cream on the treatment site
- You will be given time to rest while the numbing cream takes effect
- After the cream kicks in, the treatment will start
- Threads are inserted into the dermis using fine needles. This is done to plump and regenerate cells around the treated area
- Depending on the area to be treated, the entire procedure might take between 15 minutes to an hour.
Note that if you wish, you can have the procedure done under sedation.
Side Effects of Thread Face Lift
You might experience some side effects after your treatment. These side effects are typically numbness, soreness, slight swelling, and bruising, which will disappear within a day or two.
There is little to no downtime and you can resume your daily activities after the treatment.
Thread Lift After-Care
There are things you should avoid and things you should do after the treatment to help you achieve better results.
These include;
- Do not touch or wash your face for at least 12 hours following the procedure
- Avoid the use of makeup or cream on the face for the first few days
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and vigorous exercise for days after the treatment
- Do not exfoliate or massage the face for at least three weeks
- Avoid stretching the face either by chewing gums or eating solid food a few days after the treatment
Thread Lift Gone Wrong – Complications of Thread Face Lift
In some rare cases, there might be complications. These complications might include;
- Dimpling
- Infection of the treated area
- Thread protrusion
- Facial asymmetry
- Irritation at the treatment site and
- Bleeding
In the case of face threadlift gone wrong and you notice any of these complications, consult your surgeon immediately.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon for your thread lift treatment can minimize the risk of such complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Face Thread Lift
Is a Thread Lift Painful?
The Thread Lift procedure involves minimal pain. Before the procedure, you will be given a local numbing cream to make the target area numb. After the treatment, you may experience some slight discomfort. However, it is usually bearable and pain medication can be prescribed if required.
What is the recovery time for a Thread Face Lift?
Face Thread lift has minimal to no recovery time. The duration differs according to the individual involved and is zero to five days.
How Quick can the result for Thread Lift be seen?
Thread lift results vary according to the individual. While some people start seeing results immediately, others might start seeing results within a few hours to a few days after most of the swelling has subsided.
How long does Thread Lift Result Last?
A thread lift procedure result can last 2 to 3 years or more depending on the type of thread lift, the surgeon, and your lifestyle.
What is the cost of Thread Face Lift in Singapore?
Thread lift Singapore price differs and is dependent on some factors. The factors that determine the cost of thread facelift includes;
- Doctor’s expertise
- Number of threads used
- Type of threads used
- The clinic
In all, the average cost of a thread facelift is $2000-$4000.
Verdict – Is Thread Lift the More Natural Face Lift Treatment?
In conclusion, Thread Face Lift offers several benefits, including;
- Customized lifting direction gives a natural-looking facelift result
- Immediate results
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Leaves no scars
- Requires a much shorter recovery time
- Is affordable
One can comfortably say, “Yes, Face Thread Lift is the more natural face lift treatment.”
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
