A telltale sign of ageing is sagging, loose skin. Decreased skin laxity often manifests as wrinkles, fine lines, saggy cheeks, and a double chin that creates an appearance of asymmetry and undesirable facial contours. Understandably, we’d find ourselves looking back to times when we’ve had tighter, youthful skin. 

Although a surgical facelift helps address some of these cosmetic concerns, not everyone likes the idea of having to go under the knife. In this article, we cover everything there is to know about face threadlifts and get valuable insight from our doctors.

What is a face threadlift?

A face threadlift is a non-surgical and less invasive method of lifting the skin and achieving a more contoured face. This is done by strategically inserting biocompatible threads that pull the skin taught in the desired directions. 

Cambridge’s Ultra V Face Lift treatment is designed to give you that added lift in an effective, safe and natural-looking way. It lifts sagging skin, contours the face and encourages collagen production to help restore your skin’s youthful appearance. 

For the procedure, ultra-thin Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are used. These threads have a long history of use for surgical sutures. They are also biocompatible and are eventually fully absorbed by the skin, which helps bring firmness back while stimulating your body’s collagen production. There are three different types of threads that can be used for the treatment:

• Mono Threads: This consists of a single PDO filament inserted in a mesh-like pattern. On average, most patients use 10 to 30 threads. Mono threads are very effective in tightening and inducing collagen stimulation.

• Cog Threads: Cog threads contain barbs that can attach to the underside of the skin, providing more support for the skin. Cog threads are especially useful in creating the coveted lifted effect on areas like the eyebrows.

• Screw Threads: Screw threads consist of one or more PDO threads, and are wound around the inserting needles to amplify results. Screw threads add volume to sunken areas during the process, making it the most efficient way to deal with sagging skin. 

These types of PDO threads are combined and strategically placed by your doctor around areas such as the corners of your eye, forehead and jawline to create the desired contours.  

So what do we need to know about face threadlifts?

A lot of extra planning goes into getting a traditional surgical facelift, such as needing to take weeks off from work to give yourself time to heal — not everyone has this luxury. Plus, some people just don’t like the idea of going under the knife! 

Face threadlift has a short downtime, and low chance of complication. Dr Lee also reminds us that the face threadlift is useful in lifting lower areas of the face to target problems such as marionette lines and deep wrinkles, to achieve a smoother, V-shaped face. 

Minimally invasive

A face threadlift is minimally invasive as threads are inserted into the skin without the need for deep incisions. The tension from the threads gives you a firm lift with no excess skin removed and no scarring. A minimally invasive procedure also means a lower chance of complications. 

PDO threads are biocompatible 

PDO threads are medical grade absorbable threads composed of polydioxanone, often used in surgical sutures. These are one of the safest materials to be implanted in the body and can be fully absorbed by your body within 4 - 6 months, leaving zero scar tissue. 

Encourages collagen production

Once inserted into the skin, PDO threads stimulate collagen production and create a natural lift, tightening the skin around the jawline and cheeks. New collagen can also improve hydration and reduce skin laxity, reducing fine lines. 

Impermanence

To maintain a face threadlift, it would be best to return to your doctor every 12 months for a refresher, with results lasting up to 2 years. The upside to this is that if you were unhappy with your results, the procedure “can be carried out again until you achieve your desired results or reversed should you change your mind about the procedure”, comments Dr Lee.  

Summary

Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand what a face threadlift is and what the procedure entails. Results may not be as dramatic or permanent as a surgical facelift, but a threadlift can make significant improvements to your skin laxity, tone and texture, without the risk of surgical complications.

Book a consultation with us for a proper consultation to find out what best suits you!