Can you really get a facelift without surgery? That’s what a thread facelift accomplishes, and it works just like you think. With absorbable sutures, created from biodegradable polymers that are common in medical devices, the mid- and lower-face can be re-contoured. Learn more by talking with the aesthetics team at RefinedMD to see if this cutting-edge procedure is right for you – (408) 688-2082.
How A Thread Facelift Is Performed
This outpatient procedure is relatively fast, comfortable, safe, and offers immediate results without the risk, scars, and down time of a surgical facelift. This can help with volume loss in the cheeks, lips, neck, and jowls while encouraging the body to create collagen where the sutures are placed. Almost invisible to the naked eye, tiny cones are attached to the threads that lift and tighten the skin from below the surface.
The thread facelift takes a two-prong approach to tightening your skin. First, the lift is instant. Secondly, the tiny sutures cause inflammation, which is a natural booster for collagen over time. In other words, this insta-lift offers both short- and long-term effects. Although not as mainstream as Botox injections, thread facelifts have been around for quite awhile. However, the methods have dramatically changed for the better. In the past, barbed sutures were used solely for the brows and cheeks. These were tough to work with for even the most skilled of dermatologists. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the pesky sutures had to be anchored to the brow, temple, or scalp area. Knots had to be tied excruciatingly perfectly to secure them—and these sutures were life-long. That meant that surgeries later in life would be more challenging. Talk about a serious commitment. Thankfully, times have changed and the technology has improved. Now the sutures are made from polydioxanone, the same material used to create dissolvable surgical sutures.
Benefits Of A Thread Facelift
What You Need To Know About A Thread Facelift
For some clients, the idea of a thread facelift is understandably a little strange. Doesn’t it hurt? What if I’m scared of needles? Is this really going to work? Wouldn’t a traditional facelift be better? These are all common questions Dr. Swengel and his team receive. The reality is that the thread facelift is comfortable, fast, and much safer than a traditional facelift. Even the most skilled surgeons can’t help but leave scars with a traditional facelift. It’s often said that the most dangerous part of any surgery is the anesthesia, and this is often true. Avoiding anesthesia means avoiding unnecessary risks with cosmetic procedures. Compared to a traditional facelift, a thread facelift has virtually no downtime, no risks related to anesthesia, and you still get all the benefits of a healthier, younger-looking face. Even better, unlike a traditional facelift you get the added (and free!) bonus of those little sutures maximizing your natural collagen production.
A thread facelift can be used to decrease sagging in the cheek area, jawline, and neck. It works faster than a facelift, so you don’t have to plan far in advance. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday party, class reunion or other special event, you can schedule a thread facelift as soon as a few days beforehand without the risk of looking like you’re “in recovery” for all of those photos. There’s no reason a thread facelift should put you into hiding for weeks or even days. Look younger, healthier, and happier instantly. It’s a non-surgical alternative to a facelift, sometimes called a mini facelift, with astonishing results.
With skilled technique and special threads, the results are discreet and keep the repositioned skin in the right place after the treatment. Costs vary based on your face and goals, bit a thread facelift is always considerably more affordable than a traditional facelift. The benefits just keep mounting, so if you’ve ever considered a facelift or drawn your skin taut in the mirror to remember what you used to look like, it’s time to take action.
But won’t there still be scars?
Although a small entry point is made to insert the thread, this port heals invisibly and leaves no visible scar.
Am I a good candidate?
Probably! The best candidates are usually in their 30s-60s (based on the thickness of the skin at that age) and already have good quality skin tone. The earlier you notice skin sagging, the better your results will be. However, for excessive skin sagging, sometimes only a traditional facelift will give you the results you want. Just like any procedure, the earlier you get a consultation the better off you’ll be.
Can I watch?
Although you can’t watch the entire procedure, it’s common to have clients give regular input throughout the procedure. You’ll get a sneak peek of what’s to come and be able to give some direction. This means you’re an integral part of the team and have a lot of control over the results.
Won’t the knots show?
No. By placing the knots at the right depth once the threads are knotted, they are hidden inside the deep within the skin.
How long does it take?
Most thread facelifts take between one and two hours, but this will vary based on your goals. You are awake during the entire, comfortable, and safe procedure. Anesthesia is almost never needed.
Will the effects be immediate?
Yes. You’ll notice an incredibly positive change immediately after a thread facelift. However, because you’ll also get the benefits of collagen production, the full effects will take a few months. This means you’ll get your facelift cake and can eat it, too. Not only will you look years younger right after the thread facelift, you’ll watch your skin continue to look younger over the coming weeks.
What’s the cost of a thread facelift?
This depends on your body and your goals. It can vary patient to patient, but during your zero-pressure consultation you will be given transparent costs. There is no way any dermatologist can tell you a price without first consulting you, assessing your laxity, and discussing your goals.
Does this mean I can avoid a traditional facelift in the future?
Not necessarily. In some cases, a thread facelift (and sometimes continual “booster” thread facelifts in the future) give clients the results they crave. This isn’t always the case. There are a lot of factors to consider. Everyone’ skin has different elasticity and natural collagen production. Genetics and previous sun damage can play a big role. A thread facelift can be a great tool to help you avoid or delay a future facelift, but it can’t be a guarantee.
How long does a thread facelift last?
It depends. Again, everyone’s skin is different. Every person will continue to lose collagen and elasticity at a different rate, and your genetics can make a difference, too. However, in general, many clients say they are happy with their results for many years post-procedure. A lot of clients also prefer to have another thread facelift years after their first.
Will insurance cover a thread facelift?
No, as any kind of facelift is usually a cosmetic procedure. There are some rare instances when insurance companies consider a facelift a requirement (such as when saggy skin is getting in the way of activities of daily living). However, RefinedMD works with patients to customize a payment plan and it may be possible to charge your HSA account. Keep in mind that a thread facelift is also much more affordable than a traditional facelift. If you’ve been contemplating a traditional facelift, you’ll save a bundle with the thread facelift alternative.
Enhance Your Results with Cosmetic Treatments
Increasingly, the thread facelift is being used in conjunction with additional procedures including fillers, fat reduction (for Kybella), and Microneedling. Whether you want to add some extra oomph to your next Botox injection or a little more pizazz after your laser treatment, the state of the art thread facelift technique can take your skin game to the next level.
The thread facelift has also been in high demand for services for men. Studies show that those who look younger are more successful in all aspects of life, from romantic to professional. We know what you’re thinking. Did they really need a study for that?
Now, there’s no need for anchoring with the absorbable sutures. It’s the perfect solution for those who want instant gratification and no long-term commitment (ahem, just about everyone). Find out more when you schedule your consultation with RefinedMD by calling (408) 688-2082.