Decoding threads
A few years ago, the only way to treat sagging skin was by performing invasive facelift surgery. Thanks to advanced cosmetic technologies, a new, non-traumatic and minimally invasive procedure has been introduced. The thread lift and thread skin tightening are an innovative type of technology that can lift the skin, smooth lines, and tighten the facial contour for a rejuvenated and youthful appearance. Threads are usually combined with other anti-ageing and rejuvenating treatments. There are basically two types of threads. polydiaxanone (PDO) threads and “long threads”.
PDO threads
PDO threads are small, resorbable mono threads that come in a variety of lengths to suit different areas being treated. Mono threads are designed to mildly tighten and thicken the skin, improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating the skin to develop its own matrix of new collagen over the course of a few months. They do not lift like the long threads. They can be used on the face, neck and body and depending on the size of the area may take 15 to 60 minutes. The procedure is considered safe and effective with minimal to no recovery time but redness, swelling or bruising can occur and last for a few weeks. Following a treatment, you will see visible results immediately but this is from swelling, the true results take a while to evolve. However, the longer-term benefits, skin rejuvenation and tightening effects, will depend on your age and your body’s health response to stimulate the production of collagen. Typically patients will see results in 2-3 months. It is recommended that you have 2 treatments in the first 12 months to maximise the treatment effect. Results of the thread treatment generally last for one to two years. PDO threads are best performed by registered health professionals such as doctors, nurse practitioners and registered nurses as a thorough understanding of anatomy, aesthetics and minimising adverse outcomes is essential.
Long threads
Thread lifts using “long threads” involve special absorbable threads that pull up the face or neck in a subtle way without the need for surgery. They generally have barbs or cones to gain traction and the suture material is inserted into the skin via a small incision (cut), and then it is pulled and tightened to lift and sculpt the shape of the face but it can be used on areas, such as the abdomen and breasts as well to lift tissue. Thread lifts also work by activating the body’s healing response and stimulating collagen production in the treated areas which can result in an improvement of skin texture. The procedure usually takes between 30-60 minutes and the effect is immediate. The procedure is considered safe and effective with minimal to no recovery time but redness, swelling or bruising can occur and last for a few weeks. The thread lift results are temporary, lasting between one and three years. Long threads are best performed by registered health professionals such as doctors, nurse practitioners with a thorough understanding of anatomy, aesthetics and minimising adverse outcomes is essential.
