Going under the knife is fast becoming a dated way of reversing the signs of aging. Anti-aging cosmetic treatments are more subtle – the idea is to look younger and better, without looking different. Facial threadlifts are now popular amongst those who want a quick lift without having to take the downtime of a surgical facelift.
Here are some things you need to know before you go for the threadlift.
1. THEY ANCHOR THE SKIN WITH CONES OR BARBS
Facial threads contain either cones or barb sutures which help anchor the skin and lift it to the desired position.
2. THEY STAY IN YOUR SKIN, BUT NOT FOREVER
A facial threadlift procedure involves inserting a medical suture beneath the skin which repositions sagging skin to a more youthful-looking position. A non-surgical technique to shapen the jawline and lift droopy cheeks, the threads used are biocompatible and biodegradable. Facial threadlifts such as Silhouette Instalift use Silhouette Soft, for example, made from polylactic acid, which enables a collagen regenerating effect for the duration they stay within the skin.
3. THERE IS MINIMAL DISCOMFORT
This means, expect some discomfort but it should be mild, if done by an experienced doctor. More importantly, because tiny incisions are made and some threads require an exit point, there might be a little bruising and swelling which usually goes away in about a week or less.
4. THREADS CAN BE INSERTED TO LIFT THE NECK
Sometimes, threads may be inserted in the upper neck to tighten the skin. Treatments such as the Infinity Instalift and Infinity Necklift effectively tuck in a loose double chin and help restore a V-shaped jawline.
5. RESULTS MAY DIFFER WITH EVERY TREATMENT
The final results will depend on a few factors, such as the age of the patient, the condition of the skin for example. Threadlifts are increasingly viewed as preventive aging, with people starting in their mid to late 30s to the 60s.
6. EFFECTS LAST FROM MONTHS TO YEARS
Expect results to improve in the first 3 or 4 months, due to production of collagen. But results start wearing around 9 months, some even earlier, at about 6 months. However, this procedure is minimally invasive and people are often happy to repeat the treatment again when that happens.
7. CHEAP DOES NOT USUALLY MEAN GOOD
Threadlifts involves designing the new structure of the face in flattering vectors, and this makes the doctor performing the threadlift the architect. That is why a detailed consultation is recommended, to ensure that the results would be what you want. Experience here is the key, and not the price, particularly if approved threads are used.