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When it comes to skin-tightening procedures that deliver quick and noticeable results, thread lifting stands out as one of the most effective methods. Thread lifting reaches the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and stimulates collagen production under the skin, resulting in firmer, fuller skin with immediate visible effects. For those curious about whether thread lifting is genuinely effective, safe, and any potential side effects, this article has the answers.
บทความโดย หมอวิน นพ. วีรยุทธ พานิชสาส์น
What is Thread Lifting?
Thread lifting is a non-surgical skin-tightening procedure. It involves inserting dissolvable barbed threads under the skin, specifically in sagging areas. These threads anchor to subdermal tissues, and when the doctor pulls them, the skin tightens to the desired firmness. Additionally, thread lifting stimulates collagen production, forming elastin fibers that support the skin. The results are visible immediately, with the skin appearing tighter, firmer, and fuller. The threads typically last for 4-18 months before naturally dissolving without leaving residues in the body.
Thread Lifting Review for a Slimmer, Tighter Face
Benefits of Thread Lifting
Thread lifting effectively tightens the skin and is highly popular due to its ability to treat sagging in various facial areas with immediate, effective results. It also helps improve and address other skin issues, such as:
- V-line Thread Lifting: Defines the facial contours and enhances the jawline, giving a slimmer facial appearance.
- Corner Lip Lift: Lifts the corners of the mouth, improving a downward smile and softening marionette lines.
- Nasolabial Fold Threading: Lifts sagging cheeks, reducing the depth of nasolabial folds for a smoother appearance.
- Eye and Brow Threading: Corrects drooping eyelids by lifting the outer corners of the eyes and shaping the eyebrows.
- Nose Thread Lift: Raises the nasal bridge, reduces flaring, and sharpens the nose’s structure for a more defined, streamlined look.
- Forehead Threading: Reduces forehead wrinkles and fine lines, making the forehead appear smoother and firmer.
- Collagen Threading: Targets loose, sagging skin, reduces wrinkles, and gives the skin a plump, firm, and smoother texture.
- Chin Threading: Reduces sagging under the chin, enhancing the jawline and defining facial contours.
- Under-Eye Threading: Smooths the under-eye area, addresses hollowness and minimizes wrinkles.
Who Should Avoid Thread Lifting?
While generally safe, thread lifting may not be suitable for certain groups, such as individuals who have had liquid or silicone injections on the face, those with very hollow cheeks, excessive facial fat, infected skin in the area to be treated, or oversized jaws.
Who is Suitable for Thread Lifting?
Thread lifting is ideal for individuals beginning to experience sagging skin, typically between the ages of 30-60. It’s suitable for those wanting to address drooping cheeks, lift brows or drooping eyes, reduce wrinkles, reshape the nose, or achieve a more youthful and firm facial appearance quickly without surgery.
Types of Threads Used in Thread Lifting
Threads used for thread lifting are generally categorized into two main types: dissolvable and non-dissolvable. Here’s a breakdown of the materials commonly used:
Dissolvable Threads:
- PDO (Polydioxanone): The most commonly used thread, PDO is blue, highly flexible, fully dissolvable, and widely used in cardiac suturing. It’s safe and FDA-approved in Thailand, with effects lasting around 4-8 months.
- PLLA (Polylactate): A transparent white, rigid thread with limited elasticity. It is prone to breaking and extrusion post-lifting, making it less popular. Results can last 18-24 months.
- PCL (Polycaprolactone): A thicker, opaque white thread that combines elasticity and durability. With a suitable proportion of PLLA, it achieves effective lifting, lasting 14-18 months.
Non-Dissolvable Threads:
- Plastic Threads (Polypropylene): Previously used in surgical sutures, but these often cause inflammation at thread knots and break easily, with less durable results. Thus, they are now unpopular.
Gold Threads: Made of 99.9% pure gold, used in the past for facial lifting but discontinued due to non-dissolvability and heat sensitivity. Over time, they could deform the face and cause allergic reactions, and they interfered with X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.
Thread Types Currently in Use
Barbed Threads (Fishbone Threads): These threads feature barbs that can secure the skin more effectively than smooth threads, making them ideal for lifting sagging skin. They come in two types: notched and molded barbs.
- Mono Threads (Smooth Threads)
Mono threads are smooth threads without barbs, primarily used to stimulate collagen production under the skin, rejuvenating and firming it. They are ideal for those with loose, sagging skin, providing a plumper and tighter appearance. - Cone Threads
Cone threads are 3D cone-shaped threads, resembling ice cream cones, made from PLLA material. They are thin and provide minimal lifting, and due to their high cost, they are not widely popular. - Screw Threads
Screw threads are similar to mono threads but are twisted around the needle, either as a single or double thread. They are stronger than mono threads, help stimulate collagen production, and add volume to the skin. However, they may cause some bruising and swelling after the procedure. - Collagen Threads
Collagen threads are dissolvable, smooth mono threads that were among the first types used in thread lifting. They stimulate new collagen production around the threads but require a large number (20-40 threads) for effective results. - Italian Threads
Italian threads are special threads made of PLLA, providing good elasticity and firm anchoring to the skin. They are more durable and stimulate collagen production better than typical dissolvable threads, also helping to hydrate and plump the skin for a healthier look. - Mint Lift Threads
Mint Lift threads are made of Polydioxanone (PDO) and are highly safe. They feature a 3D design with 360-degree barbs, acting as hooks to lift the skin effectively and securely. They stimulate collagen production, enhancing skin’s youthful appearance. - Tesslift Soft (Mesh Threads)
Tesslift Soft threads have a unique double-layer mesh structure with 360-degree barbs, enhancing skin lifting and tightening. These threads are highly safe and CE-approved (European Conformity).
Which Thread Type is Best?
Each type of thread has unique properties, suited to different skin concerns. Barbed threads are highly popular as they grip the skin well, provide effective lifting, show immediate results, and stimulate collagen production. They also require fewer threads compared to smooth threads.
Types of Needles Used in Thread Lifting
Two main needle types are used for thread lifting: sharp-tip and blunt-tip needles. Each has distinct properties, and doctors choose based on skin type to achieve optimal lifting.
Sharp-Tip Needle
Sharp-tip needles penetrate the skin easily but can create larger gaps, causing the threads to anchor less securely. There’s also a risk of injuring major blood vessels, leading to bruising. These are better for patients with thick skin, acne scars, wide pores, or subdermal adhesions from previous surgeries.
Blunt-Tip Needle
Blunt-tip needles reduce tissue damage and the risk of injuring blood vessels and nerves. They create fewer gaps, so the threads anchor more securely, reducing bruising and swelling. They are ideal for patients with very thin skin or those prone to bruising.
What are the pros and cons of thread lifting?
Thread lifting has both advantages and disadvantages, which patients who are considering the procedure should be aware of as follows:
Pros | Cons |
Thread lifting can dissolve 100% without leaving any residue in the body, leaving only elastin fibers that the body generates. | After thread lifting, there may be swelling or bruising from the needles for 1-2 weeks.
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It is safe, does not harm the body, and does not cause skin allergies.
| Thread lifting uses dissolvable threads, so the results are not permanent and require repeat treatments to maintain skin condition. |
Provides immediate lifting results without surgery, with further lifting effects seen within 4 weeks. | For individuals over 60 years of age, thread lifting may not be as effective due to loose skin and lack of collagen. |
Supports the skin and stimulates collagen under the skin, reducing wrinkles and giving a plumper, smoother, and more youthful appearance. | If the threads are placed too shallowly, they may become visible under the skin or create dimpling along the thread line. |
The procedure is quick and you don’t need to rest afterward. | Improper placement or excessive overlapping of threads can lead to fibrosis, which pulls the skin, potentially causing facial deformities. |
Thread lifting is more affordable compared to facelift surgery. |
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Helps to contour the face, making it slimmer, and addresses wrinkles for those who are resistant to Botox. |
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Reduces nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and sunken cheeks without requiring large amounts of filler. |
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Needle marks disappear within 7 days without leaving scars. |
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Is thread lifting worth doing? Is it safe?
Thread lifting is a safe procedure if performed correctly by a specialized physician using dissolvable threads that are FDA-approved, along with appropriate, clean, and safe equipment in a sterile clinic or medical facility. This ensures better and safer results. Generally, the results of thread lifting last around 4-18 months (depending on the type of thread). After that, the threads dissolve 100% without leaving any harmful substances in the body, making thread lifting a relatively safe procedure.
How many threads are needed for a full-face lift?
The number of threads used depends on skin issues and the type of thread selected. For example, barbed or cog threads may require about 6-10 threads, while collagen or smooth threads might need about 20-40 threads.
How long does the procedure take?
The entire thread-lifting procedure takes around 60 minutes, which is relatively quick compared to a surgical facelift. The steps include:
1. The doctor assesses the face to identify areas to address, specifying the type and number of threads needed.
2. The face is cleansed, makeup removed, and numbing cream applied for about 30 minutes.
3. The doctor administers local anesthesia to minimize pain during the threading.
4. Threads are inserted into specific areas under the skin (in the SMAS layer). Patients may feel the threads slightly, and immediate lifting results are visible when the doctor pulls the threads.
Pre- and post-procedure care for thread lifting
Preparation before the procedure
– Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements like aspirin, NSAIDs, ginseng, and Vitamin E, as these may increase bruising.
– Refrain from alcohol, smoking, and activities that increase blood circulation 24 hours before the procedure.
– Consult the doctor for a skin assessment and treatment plan, as scheduled with the clinic or hospital.
– Inform the doctor of any allergies, chronic conditions, or regular medications.
– If you have skin inflammation or severe acne, treat it before thread lifting.
– Schedule thread lifting after any dental appointments, as you may not be able to open your mouth widely for about 4 weeks afterward.
– Wash your hair thoroughly before the procedure.
Post-procedure care
– Some swelling, redness, or bruising may occur after thread lifting. Pain relievers and cold compresses, as prescribed, can reduce swelling, which typically subsides in 3-5 days.
– Avoid wide mouth opening or excessive facial movements for the first 3 days, as this may displace the threads.
– Refrain from touching, scratching, or massaging the treated area for 2-4 weeks to prevent inflammation, infection, and thread displacement.
– Avoid water contact on the treated area for 2 days to prevent infection.
– Avoid laser treatments, intense exercise, saunas, facial massages, and other procedures for at least 4 weeks.
– Abstain from alcohol, smoking, fermented foods, and spicy foods for 1-2 weeks post-procedure.
Possible side effects after the procedure
- Swelling, soreness, or bruising from the needles or local anesthesia may occur, subsiding within 5-7 days.
- A slight tightness or prickling sensation around the threads is normal and fades in 3-5 days.
- Dimpling may occur if the skin is very loose, but this usually resolves within a month.
- Dangerous side effects usually occur from improper technique, the use of substandard threads, or procedures performed by an inexperienced doctor. Pulling the threads too tightly can cause the threads to break or puncture the skin, leading to tissue damage or infection. This is often seen in cases where thread lifting is performed by unqualified or inexperienced practitioners.
How much does thread lifting cost?
The price of thread lifting varies depending on the clinic’s promotions, the type of threads used, and the number of threads required. Prices range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of Baht.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can you see results from thread lifting?
After the procedure, patients can immediately notice some lifting effects. Full results will be more visible once the face settles, usually within about 1 month.
Is anesthesia necessary for thread lifting? Does it hurt?
Yes, anesthesia is required in every case because thread lifting involves inserting needles into the deeper layers of the skin. Patients may feel slight pain during anesthesia administration, but if concerned, they can request numbing cream before the injection.
Can thread lifting fix uneven facial features?
Thread lifting can address issues of unevenness caused by sagging cheeks or asymmetry. The doctor will insert the threads in the necessary spots and pull them to lift the skin for a more symmetrical result.
Can people with underlying health conditions undergo thread lifting?
Patients with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune diseases should consult with their doctor first for safety. Generally, doctors may advise against thread lifting for these individuals.
How soon can I do other procedures after thread lifting?
For non-heat-based procedures, like mesotherapy, mesofat, or Botox injections, you can do them 7-14 days after thread lifting. However, heat-based treatments like laser or deep heat procedures should be done only 1 month after thread lifting.
How long do the results of thread lifting last?
Results typically last 4-18 months, depending on the technique and type of thread used. PDO threads last about 4-8 months, PCL threads last 14-18 months, and PLLA threads can last 18-24 months.
Do I need to repeat thread lifting to avoid sagging?
Not necessarily. Properly done thread lifting stimulates collagen and elastin production, which helps firm the skin, so the skin remains firmer without the need for frequent treatments.
Summary: Is thread lifting safe and does it show immediate results?
Thread lifting is considered a safe procedure that provides immediate results. The threads used are medical-grade materials approved for safety by the FDA. Thread lifting can lift and tighten the skin, address drooping eyebrows and cheeks, improve jawline definition, and even enhance the nose shape—all without surgery.
