We all know that our faces change as we age, but the reasons for these changes are quite complex. When we’re young,we have high cheekbones, full cheek volume and a well-defined jawline. Over time, though, multiple changes in our body affect our skin and facial contours.
For example, our bone structure, muscles, cartilage, fat and connective tissue all resorb or diminish — and combined with the forces of gravity various tissues begin to sag. Not only that, our blood vessels in the dermis become more fragile.
For some, these changes are not a problem. But if you, like many, would like to do something about these effects of ageing, the good news is there are excellent treatments available. And one of these is a thread lift procedure.
What are thread lifts?
A thread lift is a skin and tissue tightening technique which involves special sutures. These sutures have a three-dimensional ‘cone’ structure along the length of the suture (or thread).
How do threads work?
There are various threads available, some with slightly different purposes than others. Essentially, though, the treatment process is similar. First, the area is thoroughly cleansed and anaesthetised using local anaesthetic. Then, the doctor marks the area to ensure the best results. The threads are then gently inserted into the subcutaneous tissue and carefully placed into the ideal location.
The excess threads are then trimmed, and topical antibiotic gel is applied to the insertion points.
Who should perform thread lifts?
Due to the popularity of threads, many practitioners offer this service throughout Perth. However, it’s vital you choose a practitioner who is thoroughly experienced and educated in these procedures. Doctor Sam Aravinth is highly educated and experienced in all thread lift procedures and is also a national thread lift trainer, so you can be sure you’re in the best possible hands when treated at our Inglewood-based clinic.
How long do the results last?
Threads work in two specific ways. The actual thread provides an immediate lift but is responsible for only around 10 per cent of the effects. The more significant tightening and lifting effect comes from the collagen stimulation provided by the threads.
Most threads last in the tissue for approximately 12 to 15 months, while the combined effect of the mechanical lift and collagen stimulation lasts up to 3 years.
Are there any complications with threads?
A thread lift procedure is considered minimally invasive. This means they can be performed in the clinic under local anaesthetic. No cutting or incisions are required. The threads are passed under the skin via a small needle. Most people can return to work the same afternoon or within 1 to 2 days. The most typical side-effect is swelling around the treated area, which can last for up to 72 hours after the procedure.
Types of threads
PDO threads
PDO threads differ from traditional ‘thread lifts’, focusing more on providing support and stimulating collagen in the skin over time rather than on ‘lifting’ facial tissues. Suitable treatment areas are around the lower third of the face, including the jawline, neck and marionette lines. They have a slow breakdown rate (approx 6-7 months), are totally absorbed by the body and offer long-lasting results. PDO threads are made of a fine synthetic material called polydioxanone (PDO) and have a long and safe history of being reliably used as sutures in surgery. Over time, the material dissolves and is completely eliminated from the body.
MINT threads
MINT stands for ‘Minimally Invasive Nonsurgical Thread’. Another PDO thread, they work by stimulating your collagen production naturally. They’re suitable for areas including the jails, cheeks, neck and jawline — and are excellent in improving skin laxity, tone and reducing wrinkles. These threads can can be combined with other treatments such as laser, dermal fillers, PRP and micro needling. MINT threads are popular as they are not only effective, but cost-effective. Another advantage is that they provide collagen stimulation without adding volume to the face and neck areas.
Mono threads (mono rejuvenating threads)
Mono threads work by tightening and reconditioning the skin. They can help with the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and skin texture by stimulating collagen. Mono threads are thin, fine length of PDO and don’t contain any barbs or cogs that can cause underlying skin damage. Mono threads may be single threads or multiple threads twisted together.
Silhouette Soft® threads (enhances instantly, regenerates gradually)
Silhouette Soft® is a highly effective thread lift that can correct and tighten the midface, jawline, eyebrow and neck. It works in two ways: first, by lifting and enhancing instantly and then gradually regenerating tissues. Boasting the newest advancements in threads, it comes with more cones per centimetre, more control and more optimised results.
Immediately after your treatment, the suspension suture and cone technology will reposition the skin and fat, particularly around the cheeks and jawline, to give definition and immediately noticeable effects. However, as we’ve mentioned, the more profound and long-term effects come from the body’s reaction to the threads, which stimulate collagen in your skin. This limitation occurs in the tissue around the suture and cones. As we age, collagen production is naturally reduced; therefore, this stimulatory effect is pivotal to improving the face and neck contours.
Regarding safety, Silhouette Soft® suspension sutures are made from PLLA and PLGA (Polly L lactic Acid & Polly LacticCo Glycolic Acid. Both these materials have been used safely in medicine for decades.
“Knowing the procedure is safe means reassurance for the patient. Over 400,000 treatments have been performed in more than 70 countries. That’s something I can rely on and I’m confident recommending the product in-clinic.”
– Kyungkook Hong, M.D, Ph.D. Hus-hu Dermatology Clinic, Seoul
