Thread lifting is a treatment that originated in Korea as an alternative treatment to surgical face lifts.
The treatment has been around for more than 20 years now, gradually being developed with different thread materials.
PDO threads are made of polydiaxanone (PDO) and are broken down by enzymic absorption/ hydrolysis and absorbed by the body in about 6-8 months time. They are 100% bio-compatible and bio-absorbable material which has long been used in medical suturing (stitches). There are different types of filaments with different configurations depending on the end goal. Generally, the filaments have two modes of action;

1. A ‘lifting’ action for immediate (yet subtle) results. This will continue to improve over a period of 2-6 months as the threads stimulate new collagen growth.
2. A rejuvenating action for gradual and natural results: re-absorption of the filament component helps skin boost its natural collagen and elastin, giving further lift and tightening to the skin. This results in further redefining of the features being treated.

The lifting effects last between 12-24months although some people have reported lasting up to 3 years. This of course will vary depending on patient age at the time of treatment, the quality of the skin, degree of sagging and the number of threads used.

What is Threat Lifting?

Thread lifting uses a series of micro-filaments, positioned at specific areas of the face to lift the skin, muscles and facial tissues. They can be used to;

• Raise the eye brows (brow lift).
• Lift sagging skin over the cheeks.
• Reduce nasolabial and marionette lines.
• Define the jawline, reducing jowls.
• Reducing the roundness of the face.
• Reduce double chins.

The filaments (threads) are strategically placed just underneath the skin in the direction of ‘youthful vectors’ also helps to stimulate the formation of collagen that firms the skin.

After The Treatment

Bruising, stinging or “pulling” pain or discomfort is normal during and after the proceedure. To increase your comfort you can take paracetamol 500 mg 1-2 tablets 6-hourly as required. You are to avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medication such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Nurofen etc..), because inflammation is necessary to initiate the new collagen formation process. Nurofen and similar medication will suppress this process. Ibuprofen and similar medications will suppress this process.
Plasters and antibiotic cream are used to cover areas where the entry point was made.
Local anaesthetic and nerve blocks can be used for pain relief.
Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended on the day of treatment and another dose in the next 2 days. This reduces the risk of post-operative infection.

Follow up review and photographs will be required 7 days, 1 month and 3 months post treatment. This is important to monitor progress and decide:

1. If there are any additional threads required to improve asymmetry or to enhance the effect?
2. If we need a ‘maintenance thread treatment programme’ to ensure long-term results?

Aftercare

• Apply vitamin C daily up to 3 months
• You can take paracetamol 500 mg 1-2 tablets 6-hourly (as required)
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or any other anti-inflammatory medication because inflammation is necessary to initiate the new collagen formation process. Ibuprofen (Nurofen) and similar medications will suppress this process.
• Cold compress can be applied
• Gentle pressure when touching treated area
• Avoid excessive expressions/dental procedures for 3 weeks
• No facial massages for 4 weeks
• Avoid lying on treated area (sleep semi-prone following cannula (COGS) threads)
• Avoid excessive heat
• No makeup for 2 – 24 hours
• Avoid anti-inflammatory medication
• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Avoid contact sports
• It is sometimes recommended to have prophylactic (antibiotic) therapy 500mg Azithromycin 3 days with COGS
• Advise medical needling/ mesotherapy monthly

What is the Downtime?

Depending on how many threads are needed and the area treated, there will be swelling (reaching its peak within 2-3 days) which settles by the end of the week.