Aesthetic: Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation - Threadlift

Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

There is no more exciting time for patients interested in facial rejuvenation than the present.

In the past, treatments to regain youthfulness of the face involved only surgery to tighten the facial skin (brow, face and neck lifts, upper eyelid surgery) or remove eyebags (lower Blepharoplasty).

Although these treatments are still the gold standards of rejuvenative therapy, they are nevertheless surgical treatments and do carry some risks especially in regards to scars, nerve injury and a period of recovery or “down-time”. Some of these treatments also require general anesthesia.

These risks are very small but they are still a cause for concern to some patients.

However, the good news is that over the past decade there is an explosion of newer rejuvenative therapies that provide a minimally or even non-surgical alternative to surgery.

Some of these include Botox, skin fillers, Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL or FPL), lasers Radiofrequency machines and of course face-lifting threads.

Face-lifting threads are an elegant and simple method of rejuvenating tired and sagging facial, and neck skin and there are of course many varieties of such devices available.

In the past, specially designed nylon threads with very fine “hooks” are placed under the skin via hollow injection needles to lift and remodel the sagging skin of the forehead, cheeks, jawline and even the neck area.

Each area to be treated takes no more than 20 to 30 minutes and requires only small amounts of local anesthesia. Consequently, there is very little bruising or swelling and most patients recover within a few days, hence their widespread popularity.

The results of these threads are immediately visible and continue to mature over the next few months giving rise to a natural 3-dimensional rejuvenation of the face and neck without scars!

The latest advancement in thread technology is the introduction of absorbable threads such as “Happy Lift TM” threads which completely dissolve after 12 months. However though they have dissolved, their beneficial effects can still be seen many years later.

Q & A

What is Threadlift?

This is a procedure where many fine threads which have small barbs are placed under the skin to either lift the skin or reposition it thereby creating a more youthful appearance. The barbs help to hold the skin in the correct position and the presence of the threads acts as a scaffolding to stimulate fibrosis and collagen which, in the long term, will create a lifting effect on the skin of the face and neck. The underlying tissues will also undergo revitalization.

Previously, threads were made of nylon which is not absorbable and remains permanently inside the tissues but recently, the introduction of dissolvable threads such as Happy Lift has increased the popularity of this technique as many patients prefer not to have permanent foreign materials inside their face.

Is the procedure safe?

Yes, threadlift is very safe as there is no cutting of the tissues. Therefore, the chances of bleeding or infection are much reduced. Of course the biggest advantage is that there are no scars and also no need for general anesthesia or hospital stay. Only local anesthesia is used in this procedure. The treatment is very quick and under expert hands, each area of the face can be treated in 10-15 mins. The threads are inserted by introducing them through hollow needles injected under the skin along specially designed pathways. This will result in an immediate lifting effect.

How long does the effect last?

Approximately 2 to 4 years, sometimes longer. How long the effects last depends on many factors such as the patient’s state of health, lifestyle, smoking, sleep habits, exposure to negative environmental factors and use of preventive maintenance treatments and products.

Is there any down time?

There may be some light swelling and irregularity of the skin after the procedure but most patients can get back to their normal routine after 10 to 15 days. Bruises are not common after such procedures.

Can this procedure be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Threadlift can be combined with many other aesthetic procedures to give further enhancement and rejuvenation. You need to discuss with your plastic surgeon regarding other compatible treatments. Many patients combine threadlifts with eyebags removal, fillers and even Botox.

Who can benefit from this procedure?

The best patients are those between 35 and 50 years of age, especially those who show signs of early aging but are still not yet ready for the traditional surgical facelift. By using this technique, patients can therefore have the benefit of reducing the necessity for facelift surgery in the near future.

What results can patients expect?

Positive effects are seen in 2 stages:

The immediate result is a lifting and repositioning of the tissues and 3-dimensionality of the facial features This will give a rejuvenated and refreshed look. Furthermore, results will continue to improve over the next 10 months with an increase in fibrotic collagen and elastin tissues so the outcome usually becomes better over time!

Please log onto www.lesliekuek.com.sg for more information.

Text and Visual Courtesy of Lesile Kuek Plastic Surgery. All Rights reserved.