What is a Threadlift?
The threadlift procedure is a less expensive and less invasive alternative to a standard facelift. Threadlifts involve the use of a barbed suture to grasp tissues and elevate them. With this method, tissues are not being separated from each other and there is much less lifting of the skin than with traditional facelift methods.
Threadlifts require less recovery time for most patients, and they are usually performed in about an hour. Threadlifts may be more appropriate for younger individuals who have minimal signs of aging.
Who is a candidate for the Threadlift procedure?
Younger individuals who are experiencing sagging in the cheek and brow regions from weakened muscles may find the threadlift to be a good alternative to more invasive procedures necessary to correct a dramatic loss of skin elasticity. Threadlifts are ideal for people who have minimal signs of aging, and need a small lift. Most individuals choose the threadlift procedure because they’ve begun to see more prominence of the jaw, a relaxed midfacial appearance or slight bags under the eyes or neck.
Who is not a candidate for the Threadlift procedure?
Usually older individuals are not candidates for the threadlift procedure. They are better candidates for more dramatic facelift procedures. However, they may consider undergoing a threadlift procedure to provide additional support for the soft tissue areas that are elevated after a facelift procedure.
What is involved during the Threadlift procedure?
During the threadlift procedure, small incisions are made in specific locations. A threaded needle is inserted into those locations to lift the subcutaneous tissue and suspend the lifted tissue with the thread. There are barbs in the threads that lock into place and encourage collagen formation to lift the specific areas. The threadlift procedure can be performed on the midface, brow or lower face. Many surgeons combine threadlifts with other procedures, like chin lifts, neck lifts, and brow lifts for a customized facial rejuvenation.
There are two threadlift procedures that are currently being performed in the United States: the Contour Threadlift and the Featherlift or Aptos Threadlift. Contour Thread material is called clear polypropylene and has barbs along the thread that act as miniature anchors to allow the thread to grasp, lift and suspend a relaxed facial area. The barbs open to form a support structure that lifts the sagging tissue. The Aptos Thread has barbs on the entire length inserted under the skin to gather tissue which helps to fill out and lift the cheeks and sagging skin.
What is the recovery process like?
Complete postoperative instructions will be given to the patient by the surgeon. Typically, the patient will need to have an escort drive them home and help with daily activities for at least 24 hours. Diet restrictions will be implemented for seven days. If the patient experiences pain, acetaminophen may be taken. Ibuprofen may be taken to reduce bruising, and elevating the head may help to reduce swelling.
Non-strenuous activities can be resumed the following day, and normal activities may usually be resumed within seven days. During the recovery period, individuals should not rub the face, or eat foods that require a lot of chewing. Social situations may be uncomfortable for up to one week. Individuals are encouraged to give themselves at least three weeks of recovery before attending weddings, reunions, and other formal occasions.
What potential risks and complications may be associated with a Thread lift?
In some cases, the individual undergoing the threadlift procedure will not notice any improvement. In these cases, the individual is often advised to proceed with a traditional brow lift, facelift or neck lift for noticeable improvement. In other cases, some individuals who have thin skin may notice that the sutures become visible under the skin shortly after the procedure. This result may be due to poor thread placement or technique as well. Individuals may experience a lack of sensitivity or a feeling of numbness in the treated area, which usually subsides within weeks of the procedure.
On rare occasions, the patient may experience an infection in the treated area. Infections are treated with antibiotics. Rarely, an infection may need to be surgically drained. Scar tissue formation is also a possibility. Sometimes the sutures will migrate, causing an unbalanced facial appearance. A simple reinsertion usually solves this problem.
How much does a Thread lift procedure cost?
A Thread Lift procedure can cost anywhere from $1,500-$4,500. The cost of the procedure depends on the extent of the procedure and the expertise of the surgeon. Since Thread lift is a cosmetic procedure, most insurance carriers will not cover the cost. Some surgeons offer payment plans, or work with financial groups to provide loans and alternative payment plans.
Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.
By Anti-Aging.org Staff
Updated: December 16, 2008
