A thread lift, also known as a thread facelift, is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces signs of facial aging using specially designed threads (dissolvable sutures). Silhouette lnstaLift® are fine threads that lift the deep layers of skin and stimulate collagen production to restore smooth, youthful skin and lifted facial contours.
While facelift surgery is a popular and trusted procedure that can significantly improve sagging and lines on the face, surgery may not be for everyone. A thread facelift is an excellent option for those who would like to eliminate signs of facial aging without the commitment of a facial rejuvenation surgery. Thread lifting allows patients to lift drooping facial tissues and smooth wrinkles for long-lasting results without the incisions or downtime of facelift surgery.
A thread facelift uses very fine threads that have a surface textured with bi-directional cones that attach easily to the skin, allowing them to lift and reposition the subdermal tissue and hold it in an elevated position. These threads also stimulate the skin to produce its own collagen, which provides continuous improvement in the skin for up to two years. The biocompatible thread material will be slowly and naturally absorbed into the body over time.
Multiple brands of threads are available, such as Silhouette InstaLift®. These are sometimes called PDO threads.
It is important to have realistic expectations for the results that your thread lift can produce. A thread lift is better suited to provide more subtle, natural-looking results; it cannot produce as dramatic results as a surgical procedure.
To prepare for your thread facelift, you may be advised to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as these can thin the blood and may cause complications during the healing process.
A thread facelift should be fairly painless. A local anesthetic is used during the procedure to ensure your comfort. You may feel some mild soreness after treatment that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Anesthesia tends to wear off quickly following the procedure, and most patients can drive themselves home since it’s just a local anesthetic. Healing after a thread facelift usually takes less than a week. Some mild soreness and swelling will be visible immediately after the procedure but should subside within one to two days.
The cost of your thread lift may vary depending on the extent of the treatment needed. During your consultation, Dr. Agullo will be able to give you an exact cost for your procedure. Dr. Agullo charges a consultation fee of $100, which is applied to the cost of your treatment. All fees must be paid in full prior to the scheduled treatment.
Generally speaking, cosmetic plastic surgery is considered “elective” and is not covered by most insurance plans.
You will be able to see the results of your thread lift immediately, and your results will continue to develop in the days following your procedure. Natural collagen production will continue to improve the appearance of the skin for up to two years, and the threads can maintain the lift of your facial tissues for up to three years.
A traditional facelift is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates facial contours by removing the sagging skin, adjusting the muscles, and redraping the skin. The thread facelift is a non-surgical alternative to the traditional facelift. This treatment is minimally invasive, so it requires less downtime and significantly smaller incisions. While a thread facelift offers similar results to a traditional facelift, it cannot correct significantly sagging tissues the way facelift surgery or neck lift surgery can.
Many patients choose to combine procedures for optimal, balanced results. The thread lift addresses sagging and wrinkles in the cheeks and lower face, but it does not address the upper face. AccuTite is a skin tightening option that can be used at the same time with local anesthesia. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or a brow lift (forehead lift) can be combined with this treatment to rejuvenate the upper face.
