What is a thread lift?
A thread lift, sometimes referred to as a “lunchtime lift,” uses absorbable, barbed sutures to offer a tighter, more youthful aesthetic appearance to the face and neck.
This minimally invasive procedure works by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin in order to produce healthier, firmer skin. It can also mechanically lift tissues where the barbed sutures are placed.
What a thread lift can treat
- Early loosening of the facial structures
- Jowls
- Sagging eyebrows
- Premature loosening of the neck skin
Who is a good candidate for a thread lift?
A thread lift procedure can be beneficial for both men and women who are wanting to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and early jowls on the face. This procedure can also reduce the appearance of sagging skin, as it gently pulls the skin tighter.
It also offers immediate results without the downtime or scarring that occurs with a surgical facelift procedure. If you desire natural-looking results for firmer skin, then a thread lift may be the right procedure for you. During a consultation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your anatomy and review your goals to decide if you are a candidate for a thread lift.
What should I expect before a thread lift?
What should I expect during a consultation for a thread lift?
During your thread lift consultation be prepared to discuss:
- Your aesthetic goals
- Medical conditions, drug allergies, previous medical treatments and specifically any problems you have had with your eyes
- Current prescription medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
- Previous surgeries
Your plastic surgeon will also:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Take photographs
- Discuss your thread lift options
- Recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes of thread lifts and any potential risks
- Discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used
The consultation is the time to ask your plastic surgeon questions. To help, we have prepared a checklist of questions to ask your plastic surgeon that you can take with you to your thread lift consultation.
It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.
What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about a thread lift?
Use this checklist as a guide during your thread lift consultation:
- Were you specifically trained in the field of plastic surgery?
- How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- What will be expected of me to get the best results?
- Where and how will you perform my procedure?
- What surgical technique is recommended for me?
- How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
- What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
- How are complications handled?
- How can I expect my results to look over time?
- What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my thread lift?
- Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?
- t are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my thread lift?
- Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?
What are the risks of a thread lift?
The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal and you will have to weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals with the risks and potential complications of a thread lift. Only you can make that decision for yourself.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
Possible thread lift risks include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Swelling and bruising
- Pain, which could persist
- Sensitivity to sun or other bright light
- Difficulty opening your mouth (usually temporary)
- Extrusion of a thread
- Infection
- Unfavorable result
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
How should I prepare for a thread lift?
In preparing for a thread lift, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising
Be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery, and to stay with you the first night following surgery.
What are the steps of a thread lift procedure?
A thread lift procedure includes the following steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the procedure. Usually, local anesthesia is utilized.
Step 2 – The incision
There are no real incisions, only entry points for the threads. These entry points are usually invisible after a few days.
Step 3 – Passing the threads
Once the local anesthesia has taken effect, the threads are passed beneath the skin. Most of the time there is little to no pain associated with passing the threads.
Step 4 – See the results
The results of a thread lift will appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined jawline and surrounding region and a more rejuvenated appearance.
What should I expect after a thread lift?
What should I expect during my thread lift recovery?
During your thread lift recovery, your doctor may ask that you use antibiotic ointment near the entry points. Cold compresses may be applied after your procedure is completed.
You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your face, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your overall health and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.
Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.
- What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
- Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
- When will they be removed?
- Are stitches used?
- When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
- When do I return for follow-up care?
Thread lift recovery and sun protection
You must practice diligent sun protection and use darkly tinted sunglasses until the healing process is fully complete.
What results should I expect after a thread lift?
The results of a thread lift will be apparent after a few weeks. While there usually is little pain involved in this surgery, there can be swelling or bruising. Most patients are presentable to the public in 3-5 days. However, it may take a few weeks before the final healing is completed.
While a thread lift can be expected to correct certain conditions, you will continue to age naturally. Ongoing sun protection will help to maintain your results.
Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single procedure and another procedure may be necessary.
Following your post-operative instructions is essential to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical area not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the time of healing.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.
Is Going Abroad for a Nose Job Worth it?
Yes, it can be when you schedule your visit with a trusted clinic that offers rhinoplasty surgery for at least 50% less than back home. In fact, many of our partner clinics offer savings of up to 70%, allowing you ample money to recuperate in a relaxing setting while you’re away from home.
For example, nose jobs in Thailand cost on average $2,500, compared to $8,800 in the US. In Mexico, you can expect to pay around $3,000.
English 
Arabic