What is a Thread lift?

Threads are a non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedure designed to provide support and elevate sagging brows, cheeks and jowls. It may be an option for people seeking facial rejuvenation without a surgical facelift. At Oo La La Cosmetic & Laser Clinic we only use Threads approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, including Silhouette Soft, Aptos, MINT PDO & Spring Threads.

During a Thread Lift procedure, Threads are placed into the plane of tissue with the intention to lift and reposition skin tissue. The goal of a Thread Lift is to reposition facial and neck tissues to alter facial contours.

Please watch the video below by clicking on the link where our Cosmetic Doctor, Dr Mark Jeffery, explains how threads work:

Let’s look at the main difference between the threads that Dr Mark Jeffery works with….

Aptos Thread Lift

The Aptos Thread method may be an option for some people who do not wish to undergo a full facelift. An Aptos Thread Lift uses threads to support and reposition tissue in the face and neck. Results vary between individuals. Your practitioner can discuss expected outcomes and how long they may last, based on the type of threads used and your circumstances. The face may appear more defined and refreshed.

Please note: an Aptos Thread Lift can only be performed by trained doctors. Dr Jeffery has undergone extensive training in thread lifting and has been performing Thread Lift procedures for many years.

View: Aptos Thread Lift Gallery.

 

MINT PDO Rejuvenation Threads

MINT Mono Threads are made from polydioxanone, a medical grade dissolvable suture material. They may be used in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures. Unlike lifting threads, this treatment is not used to lift or address saggy skin.

Pros & Cons of a Thread Lift

Pros

  • Short procedure
  • Minimally invasive

Cons

  • Not as effective as other methods
  • Does not address excess skin
  • Lower success rate

Thread lift surgery for suitable candidates assists in:

  • Lifting and adding volume to sagging cheeks
  • Elevate sagging brows (foxy eyes)
  • Elevate and refresh marionette lines and nasolabial grooves
  • Support and revitalise the neck area
  • Correct asymmetry of the brow and face
  • Revitalise and lift the jowl area
  • Nose augmentation (Asian & Western nose technique)
  • Body threads (tummy & arms)

Different types of Threads

  • PDO Threads
  • PLA Threads
  • Mono Threads
  • Cog Threads
  • Screw Threads

Why have a thread lift?

The 3 pictures above simulate a patient at the age of 35, 45 and 55 years of age. Skin becomes thinner, losing its plumpness and firmness. Skin becomes slack with a loss of the elastic tissue (elastin) in the skin, and over time this causes the skin to hang loosely; lines and wrinkles appear. Loss of fat below the skin in the cheeks, temples, chin, nose, and eye area can also result in loosening of the skin and a sunken eye appearance. Thread lifts are intended to support and reposition tissue. Outcomes vary between individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does a thread lift take?

This procedure can be performed in as little as two hours; some threads require even less time.

Am I able to drive home after my procedure?

Clients will be made comfortable during the procedure using anaesthetic administered by Doctor Jeffery. The clinic asks that all patients organise pre-payment and also a reliable driver to pick them up after the procedure.

Am I a good candidate for threads?

The best candidates for a thread lift are in their 30s to 60s and have relatively good skin tone. Most are beginning to experience sagging in their face or neck but do not have excessively loose skin or drooping facial areas that might require more rigorous facelift surgery. If signs of ageing are relatively minimal, a thread lift may be a good option to discuss with your practitioner. As with all procedures, both options carry their own risks and recovery considerations.

How long will my results last?

Results and their duration vary between individuals. Some changes may be visible after treatment, while the appearance of the treated area may continue to change over the following weeks or months. Your practitioner can discuss expected outcomes and how long results may last, based on the type of threads used and your individual circumstances. Our Cosmetic Doctor may recommend the use of other Cosmetic treatments such as Dermal Fillers and Anti-Wrinkle injections, depending on your personal requirements.

Does a Thread Lift hurt?

Our Cosmetic Doctor uses local anesthesia, so minimal discomfort is experienced during the procedure. The areas treated may feel tender and numb for several days after the procedure. The level of discomfort may depend on individual tolerance of pain after the procedure.

How much downtime will I have post-procedure?

Downtime will vary depending on how many threads have been used during your procedure. For the first week, you may experience swelling and mild bruising in the area. Some patients may have a dressing applied post-treatment, which will be left on until your post-procedure check-up. We would like to advise that clients do not book any special occasions or functions in for 2 weeks following the procedure.

Will I be able to exercise after my thread lift?

Please note that we recommend that you do not engage in a heavy exercise regimen after an Aptos Thread lift as you may be sore and tender after your procedure. Listen to your body and don’t engage in any activities that may feel uncomfortable.

Possible side effects post-treatment?

  • Mild swelling/bruising for a few weeks
  • Mild discomfort in jaw area
  • Tenderness and numbness
  • Slight asymmetry (small unevenness)
  • Mild rippling around the incision site
  • Possible indentation of cone, this will resolve over time as your body’s natural collagen forms.
  • Nerve damage is a rare complication with many advanced medical procedures
  • Sometimes a suture will show itself just below the skin, as well.

Which areas are treated with a thread lift?

Eyebrow thread lift:

Ageing is the main cause of drooping of the forehead and brows and eyelid hooding. This is due to less skin elasticity and gravity taking its toll. Sudden weight loss can also contribute to drooping of eyelids/brows. Lifting those areas non surgically may help improve the appearance of those areas. Some illnesses can cause damage to the nerves that function forehead and brow muscles. If these nerves suffer injury, this can result in a forehead or brow drop.

Learn more about brow thread lifts.

Face thread lift:

Ageing is a natural occurrence. However, sun exposure damages your skin cells, and smoking can cause the skin to dry out and age even faster. As we age and gravity takes its toll, our skin loses elasticity, and skin collagen production is reduced year by year until it completely stops. This results in saggy, wrinkly skin.  Weight loss can also contribute to sagging, stretched skin. A face thread lift may help support skin where it is needed most. Skin is repositioned and supported, which may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Neck & jowl lift:

The neck and jowl area should not be forgotten. The skin around those areas is fairly thin and fragile. This means there is less support in its fight against gravity. People on occasion tend to “forget” and “neglect” the delicate neck area. This is where you can sometimes tell the ageing of a person… it can also result in loss of neckline due to loose skin on the neck. Threads may be used to lift the neck and jowl areas.

How much will the thread lift procedure cost?

The cost will depend on the number of threads used during the procedure. Your practitioner can provide pricing information during your consultation. Dr Jeffery is more than happy to give patients more detailed information regarding pricing in specific regions. A deposit will be required at the time of booking, with a full payment required the day before the procedure.

Contact us for more information. A consultation with our Cosmetic Doctor is required, so you can be assessed, as everyone presents differently.

More Information

View the videos below to learn more about how threads work:

*Any Surgical or Invasive procedure comes with risks. Before proceeding with such a procedure, you should consult or seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.*