Thread Lifts
Over time, the firmness and elasticity of the skin decrease. The skin tissues of the face and neck loosen, and the signs of aging set in. Today, cosmetic medicine offers excellent solutions to combat these signs. For the upper third of the face, botulinum toxin injections are a very good option. For the middle third of the face, hyaluronic acid injections or other fillers also give very good results. It is in the lower third of the face that thread lifts are of great interest. They position themselves as a real alternative to surgical facelift.
What is a thread lift?
Thread lifts are very fine barbed threads resembling sutures used to stitch wounds. They can be absorbable or permanent. Thread lifts act like a real facelift without surgery. They tighten the skin by lifting the sagging tissues. Suspension threads can also have a biostimulation effect. They help to enhance collagen synthesis. This substance, naturally produced by the body, gives the dermis its firmness and suppleness.
They represent a minimally invasive method, without visible scars, and allow for long-lasting and natural facial rejuvenation. They can also be considered as a potential intermediate between injectables and surgical cervico-facial lifting.
Do I qualify for thread lift?
The medical tensor thread facelift is designed for people who wish to rejuvenate their face. Ideal candidates are typically between 30 and 60 years old with mild to moderate skin laxity. It treats moderate skin slackening using a minimally invasive method. It corrects the signs of skin aging, offering a safe and very natural result.
Tensioning threads can be used to:
- Lift eyebrow tails and eyelids to rejuvenate the eyes
- Erase nasolabial folds to improve a sad or tired look
- Enhance cheekbones
- Redefine facial contours and firm the oval to combat jowls
- Tighten neck skin to redefine a sharper angle
Thread lift with permanent sutures: how does the session at Leman Aesthetic Clinic proceed?
During an initial visit, your surgeon conducts a comprehensive analysis of your face and your expectations. A discussion about your project helps to establish a care plan that effectively meets your needs. In the absence of contraindications, an appointment is scheduled for the medical facelift. The session is performed under local anesthesia or accompanied by intravenous sedation. The doctor inserts the thread sutures under the skin using a very fine needle or a micro-cannula. The procedure lasts from one to two hours depending on the complexity and the number of threads used. The suspension threads leave no scars.
What are the preferred thread lift techniques by the surgeons at Leman Aesthetic Clinic?
Our surgeons prefer the use of permanent thread lifts over absorbable threads due to their durability and good tolerance. They are made of a very strong material, polyester, and are coated with silicone, a molecule that is very well tolerated by the body. Absorbable threads tend to form scar tissue during resorption, which can cause discomfort as one ages over time.
Thread lifts are more frequently placed using a “closed” method without scarring when there is not significant skin laxity. Thread lifts can also be used in an “open” method, either simultaneously with a mini-surgical facelift or associated with a small incision when there is significant excess skin.
Your recovery process after thread lifts
In the first few days, the skin may have an uneven appearance caused by small edemas that resolve spontaneously.
The recovery after the procedure is not very painful, but difficulty in chewing and a sensation of skin tightness are common just after the thread lifts are placed. The dermis gradually regains its suppleness in about a week.
To minimize the risk of side effects from the non-surgical facelift, it is recommended to avoid alcohol or aspirin consumption in the days following the procedure. Exposure to significant heat sources (sun, UV booths, sauna, steam room…) and facial treatments are also discouraged.
What to expect
The effects of a medical facelift are immediate. The skin is tightened and the signs of aging are visibly reduced. The final result is obtained after 2 to 3 weeks, when the edema disappears completely and the dermis regains its suppleness. The face regains its youthfulness and natural expression. The action of tensor threads lasts 6 to 18 months with absorbable threads, and several years with permanent threads.
Are there any contraindications to thread lifting?
Tensor threads are very well tolerated. However, there are a few contraindications, such as skin infection (acne, herpes, etc.) or active inflammatory disease (eczema, psoriasis, etc.).
Thread lift is a good alternative to surgery. It is not, however, suitable for the treatment of major skin slackening. A satisfactory result cannot be guaranteed.
Price of a medical facelift at Leman Aesthetic Clinic
The cost of a medical facelift varies according to the complexity of the procedure, the number of areas treated, the quantity and type of thread used, and the type of anesthesia chosen. Prices start at CHF 5,000. A personalized treatment plan and estimate will be provided during the initial consultation.