As individuals age, the skin structure on the numerous areas of their face and its fat components start to weaken. These areas generally include the chin, neck, eyebrows, and cheeks. This is because, with ageing, the connective tissues such as collagen and elastic fibres in the skin start to thin out and disintegrate. (1)
This presents itself with the classic signs of ageing, which can be seen on the face, characterized by drooping of the skin, the appearance of wrinkles and changes to one’s facial features. One of the most common procedures which were previously used to attain lifting of this droopiness was facelift surgery. However, it has numerous disadvantages. An excellent replacement of this surgical procedure known as the Thread Lift has gained popularity over recent years due to its non-invasive nature, quick recovery, and immediate results.
What Are Thread Lifts?
A thread lift is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the use of a medical suture to facilitate a lift in the skin. What makes this different from the previous face lifting procedures is that it does not involve the removal of any loose skin but just the suspensions of the skin using special threads. The threads that are used in the procedure exert a pulling effect on the skin at the target area, which repositions the facial tissue upwards, creating an overall tightening and lifting result.
What Are The Types Of Threads Used In Thread Lift Treatment?
The threads that are used for the thread lift procedure may be made of different materials, which also has the potential to alter the procedure type and its results. These threads are absorbable they are usually made of Poly-l-lactic acid, Polydioxanone, and Polycaprolactone material (2).
Polydioxanone
Polydioxanone is commonly used as a suture material in surgical setups. However, other than its use in the surgery rooms, it is also one of the most commonly used thread materials in a majority of aesthetic clinics all over the world, unlike the previous two thread materials. PDO is an absorbable thread and takes almost six months to dissolve in the skin. The effect of this thread is reported to last up to 12 months.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid
Poly L Lactic Acid, which is also commonly known as PLLA, is another popular absorbable thread that is incorporated into the skin for its ability to stimulate tissue regeneration and rejuvenate the skin. This is because of the presence of lactic acid in the thread, which gets released to the surrounding tissues and facilitates collagen synthesis of the skin.
Poly Caprolactone
Poly Caprolactone is reported to last up to 2 years, which is longer than the other absorbable threads. This is due to the chemical composition of the Poly Caprolactone thread, which includes dense chemical bonding – which makes it harder to disintegrate by the body.
What Are The Benefits Of A Thread Lift?
Lifted Effect
Thread lifts are a non-invasive cosmetic method to shape and define one’s facial contours and allow an overall lifting effect on the skin. Mild to moderate lifting effects can be achieved depending on the threads used, as well as one’s skin condition.
Quicker Healing
In contrast to the traditional facelifting procedure, which involves the removal of excessive skin, Thread lift does not involve any surgical excision of skin and is a minimally-invasive by nature. This makes it a fairly painless procedure with a much shorter recovery time.
Stimulation of Collagen Production
Other than lifting up saggy skin across various regions of the face, thread lifts also stimulate collagen synthesis in those areas. This is because the passage of the threads through the dermal layers of the face stimulates the natural healing processes of the body, which cause the release of large quantities of collagen. (3) Increase level of collagen in the skin helps to improve skin firmness.
No Risk Of Scarring
Due to the small insertion points created by thin needles during the thread lift procedure, there is no risk of scar formation. This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure is opted for by a majority due to its reduced downtime and instantly visible results.
What Are The Regions Of The Face Where Thread Lifts Can Be Performed?
The regions of the face where a thread lift is most commonly performed include those regions where the overlying skin tends to sag more. These mainly include the lateral zones of the face like:
- The Temporal Region: Which includes the side of the forehead and is usually involved in uplifting the brows.
- Masseter Region: Involves the sides of the upper cheeks and is usually involved in defining the cheekbones by pulling the skin backwards and upwards.
- Upper and Lower Cheeks: This is the area where the skin is usually found to sag the most, especially as a person ages. (4)
Who Is A Good Candidate For Thread Lift?
A candidate who may be considered for a thread lift procedure is someone who does not have excessive sagginess of the skin or is able to accept mild to moderate lifting results. These individuals are usually between the ages ranges of 35 to 50 years. The individuals belonging to older age groups with a greater amount of skin sagging may also go for the Thread lift procedure and it can be combined with other anti-ageing treatments to further enhance the results. Moreover, individuals who have undergone previous facelift and neck lift procedures with signs of relapse are also considered good candidates for the Thread lift procedure. (5)
Moreover, there are certain conditions that might make one unfit for the Thread Lift procedure. These include Multiple Skin Allergic Reactions or diseases which might put one in an immunocompromised states like Diabetes, HIV, Tuberculosis and Cancer.
Candidate considering the Thread lift procedure should establish a good understanding of all the risks and complications which may be associated with the procedure, as well as the intricate details of the procedure itself. They should not hold unrealistic expectations and understand that treatment of a minimally invasive nature can only bring a certain level of improvements. Results will be less drastic as compared to surgical solutions. They must also follow the doctor’s instructions carefully before and after the procedure to ensure quicker recovery and longer-lasting results.
How Is Thread Lift Procedure Performed In Singapore?
- The doctor will first start with taking all the necessary measurements of the treatment area to attain accurate results.
- This is followed by the application of a numbing cream for a period of 15 minutes. However, if the patient experiences any discomfort during the treatment, the doctor may also inject local anaesthesia on the treatment sites.
- A fine needle is then inserted onto the site of thread insertion after careful evaluation. The insertion of the thread itself is usually facilitated by a cannula.
- When the threads have entered the skin and are located at the right position, the cannula is carefully removed. (5)
What Is The Price Of Thread Lift In Singapore?
The cost of an average thread lift procedure may range between $2000 and $6000. However, these thread lift Singapore price may greatly vary depending on factors like:
- The area where the procedure is being conducted
- The experience of the doctor conducting the procedure
- The number of areas being targeted through the procedure.
Thread lift is considered much more affordable than the previously conducted Facelift procedures. Reports have shown this procedure to cost only 40% of what it costs to get a Face Lifting Surgery. Moreover, since it is a minimally invasive procedure and requires the use of fine needles, it may be conducted using a numbing cream or local anaesthesia. The lack of need for general anaesthesia also ends up saving costs and allows a quicker recovery.
What Is The Recovery Time For Thread Lifts?
The recovery time for an average Thread Lift procedure is around 7 days. In some cases, the patient might experience some swelling or bruising; however, it is reported to subside after 1 week.
How Long Do Thread Lifts Last?
The longevity of the thread lift procedure depends on the type of thread, the technique used by the doctor, and the unique anatomy and skin texture of the patient. Studies have shown these thread lifting procedures results last between 6 months to 2 years, with the technique and patient-related factors having a greater influence than the type of thread used. (2)
Conclusion
Thread lifts are a highly effective and safe procedure for the correction of signs of ageing with almost immediate results and no risk of scarring. This procedure does not only help correct the appearance of loose and saggy skin but also helps rejuvenate the skin by boosting collagen production. Thread lifts are an excellent replacement for the conventionally conducted facelift surgeries, which did not only require the patient to undergo general anaesthesia but was also associated with significantly prolonged recovery times and patient discomfort.
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.
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