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Thread Lift

performing thread lift treatment

PDO Thread Lifts offer a non-surgical alternative to injectables to improve the condition of the skin and treat skin laxity.

Suitable for

Those seeking to lift and sculpt the face and rejuvenate the skin

Downtime

2 to 7 days

Longevity

12 to 18 months

Time

30 to 60 minutes

Cost

Pricing varies, see FAQs below for additional information

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performing thread lift
A thread lift is a non-surgical facelift using fine sutures to lift and volumise the face and neck without the downtime and invasiveness of a surgical procedure.

It is also a suitable alternative to those who do not wish to have cosmetic injectables. 

In a thread lift, small anchoring sutures are inserted in specifically determined areas of the face and are then used to elevate and lift the sagging areas, providing immediate results. Rejuvenating threads are also used to improve the condition of the skin and treat superficial imperfections such as textural irregularities and fine lines. 

As we age we lose facial volume through bone resorption, muscle atrophy, fat loss and redistribution resulting in noticeable changes in the overlying skin with sagging, loss of skin tone and contour irregularities. Combined with the gradual loss of collagen and elastin, the skin becomes looser and begins to sag which further contributes to a tired and ageing face. 

Thread lifts can target these changes by providing structural support and lift through the biodegradable sutures which are long lasting with a slow breakdown rate in the skin.

Unlike other thread lift systems which just act as a lift to the skin, the components of our range of PDO threads actively work to stimulate collagen production which, over time, works to increase the volume and restore the shape of the face in a natural way. 

Threads are made of a fine synthetic material called Polydioxanone (PDO) with a long history of safe and reliable use in medicine and surgery such as in sutures to close wounds. This material will dissolve over time and is completely eliminated from the body. 

Threads now offer a non-surgical alternative to injectables which have the potential to improve the condition of the skin and treat skin laxity. The treatment objective depends on the type of thread being used. 

Lifting threads 

These threads work to treat mild to moderate skin laxity by providing mechanical support and physically lifting sagging tissues. 

Rejuvenating threads

These threads (called Mono threads) work to rejuvenate the skin by tightening and reconditioning. They can work to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture by stimulating collagen.

PDO threads can be used to lift, sculpt and rejuvenate numerous areas. Treatment indications include:

  • Full facial contouring
  • Lifting of the lower jaw reducing the appearance of jowls and marionette lines
  • Decreasing the heavy nasolabial folds and restoring contour to the cheeks
  • Reducing the appearance of marionette lines (corners of the mouth) 
  • Giving a lift to a heavy brow
  • Lifting sagging neck skin and reducing the appearance of ‘turkey neck’
  • Reduction of lip lines
  • Nose projection and elevation
  • Generalised skin tightening and reconditioning across the entire face

 

 

 

FAQs

What does the treatment involve?

A full consultation and facial analysis prior to treatment planning with our doctor is required and will decide on suitability for the procedure. 

Unfortunately, not everybody is a candidate for a thread lift and alternative treatments may be recommended. Occasionally facial volumisation with dermal fillers is required prior to the thread lift procedure in order to obtain optimal results. 

Ideal candidates for the procedure are those who require mild to moderate lifting and elevation, have early jowl formation and sagging to the cheeks and those who need to rejuvenate and revitalise their face and neck.

Clients who have unrealistic expectations and who have excess sagging of the skin and loss of facial volume may not be a suitable candidate for the procedure. Those with thin and fragile skin and smokers may also not be suitable. 

During consultation, the type, number and position of thread placement that will be required to achieve the desired results will be decided. This is determined on a case by case basis. 

The thread lift procedure takes between 30-60 minutes and is performed under local anaesthesia under sterile conditions. A small amount of local anaesthetic is injected into the skin where the sutures are to be placed.

Rejuvenation threads often do not require any anaesthetic at all. Through a small incision done with a needle, the threads are then gently pulled to lift and smooth the skin in the desired direction. Once the sutures are in the correct position the skin is massaged and barrier cream is applied. 

How long do results last?

Results of the lifting threads are immediate and typically last for 12 months. In addition, the results will continue to improve in the months following the procedure.

Generally, results improve over the following 2-3 months with the actual thread itself dissolving after 6 months. The results of collagen stimulation then work to maintain the results after the threads dissolve. 

What sets PDO thread lifts apart from other types of thread lifts is that it works in two different ways:

  1. Lift – There is a lifting action for immediate results, the skin is pulled into position and lifted by the anchoring cogs.
  2. Collagen Stimulation – Following this there is the regeneration action for gradual and natural results. This occurs due to the stimulation of collagen production which can further improve contours of the face, volume loss, improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles and refresh the skin. 

It is important to remember that rejuvenation threads will not lift the skin and work solely on collagen stimulation, results will vary depending on the condition of the skin before treatment. 

What happens after my treatment?

Following the procedure there may be minor bruising at the incision points and some swelling and tenderness. Most patients find they can return to work the following day without any concern, however we advise to avoid any important events for up to 2 weeks to allow any bruising or swelling to subside.

There may be mild puckering or dimpling of the skin at the entry and exit points as well as skin irregularities which will settle down in a few days (up to 2 weeks), this is completely normal. 

There may also be the sensation of tension and pulling to the areas that have been lifted. Discomfort may last longer in some individuals and those who have multiple threads placed at once. We advise a soft diet and limiting the degree of mouth opening until these feelings of discomfort have subsided.

It is important not to touch your face or manipulate the threads at all.  

After care is advised including avoidance of facial procedures, heavy exercise and sleeping on your sides or stomach. Full aftercare instructions will be provided following the treatment in order to minimise potential side effects and maximise the results in your individual case. 

A review appointment may be scheduled for 2-4 weeks post treatment at which further treatment (either more threads or an alternative treatment such as dermal fillers) may be required to achieve the desired outcome. 

What are the risks of treatment?

PDO threads have been shown to be reliable and safe when used in medicine, however all medical procedures have the potential to carry unwanted side effects and complications which will be discussed prior to the procedure. 

While problems are rare, the most common issues come from the injection process rather than the threads and can include redness, swelling, itching, bruising, bleeding and skin infection. 

The thread may damage or affect the function of muscles, nerves and other structures or the threads may move out of position. This may require further medical intervention. 

Prior to treatment a full consent process and review will ensure you are the right candidate for the procedure and alternatives may be explored. Threads cannot be performed in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

What are the costs?

The cost varies on the number of threads required for an optimal result and the indication for treatment. A full quote will be provided on consultation. 

Lifting threads 

Doctor only 

  • Full lift eg full face (nasolabial, marionette, jowls and cheeks) from $3000
  • Single area eg jawline/cheeks/nasolabial/marionette from $1500
  • Brow lift from $900
  • Nose from $900

Rejuvenation threads 

Available with both our doctors and nurses

  • Single area eg lip lines, accordion lines, brows, marionettes from $450