A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that effectively lifts the sagging skin on the face and neck using surgical suture treads. Presently, there are many types of threads available for facial and neck rejuvenation varying from their designs, tensile strength, materials used and bioavailability. The most common and widely used threads for thread lift are dissolvable barbed threads. These threads are embedded in the skin to promote fibrosis thereby resulting in formation of new collagen bundles. These newly formed collagen fibres act as scaffolding to hold the skin in position thus making it firm in the process.
Thread lift is often used to improve the mid-lower face, nasolabial fold and jaw line, creating a subtle youthful changes rather than dramatic changes. A thread lift is not a substitute for a facelift. It is helps to buy time before a face or neck lift is needed. The biggest advantage of a thread lift is the absence of visible scar or removal of tissue hence patients can resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure. It is common to combine thread lift with other non invasive cosmetic procedures such as anti-wrinkle injections, laser treatments or chemical peels to improve skin texture.
CANDIDATES
- Patients who are in 30-40’s of age, patients of 50’s or above may be benefited if their skins are not too lax or redundant
- Patients who want subtle improvement and not expecting dramatic changes
- Patients who has premature ageing on the face and neck but not serious enough to warrant a face or neck lift
- Patients who do not want to spend too much time for recovery after the procedure
PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATION AND ASSESSMENT
Communication is vital in order to achieve the patient’s goals. During the initial consultation, patients will have the opportunity to discuss their goals and desirable results with the plastic surgeon. The plastic surgeon will work closely with the patients to reach an agreement about the expectations from the surgical procedures involved and their long term benefits. Every patient is different, therefore a specific surgical technique and treatment regimen are planned to suit an individual’s need.
The preoperative assessment for thread lift may involve:
- Discussion about patients’ expectations and desired outcome
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and previous medical or surgical treatment
- Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
- Examination of the face and its soft tissues
- Preoperative evaluation for types of anaesthesia
- Photography for preoperative and postoperative evaluation
RISKS AND SAFETY
It is important for patients to understand that every surgical procedure has its own complications and down time. However, if a patient is assessed properly before the surgery and postoperative care is given adequately, these risks can be eliminated or reduced. The risks involved in thread lift may vary depending upon the nature of the surgical procedure.
In general, some of the risks involved are:
- Outcome not up to expectations
- Bruising and swelling may occur immediately after the procedure
- Infections
- Visible threads
- Numbness or lack of sensitivity
- Threads migrating or breaking
POST-OPERATIVE EXPECTATIONS
There will be some level of discomfort, swelling and bruising around the treated area after the procedure. This will gradually subside. The effects of thread lifting are temporary because the visible enhancement immediately following the procedure is mostly due to inflammation and the resulting pooling of body fluids (edema) around the threaded area. You can expect to go home within several hours of the procedure. Oral antibiotics and analgesics will be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection and postoperative pain respectively. You can also expect to be back to normal activities within 2 to 3 days later.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
- Limiting speaking for the first 24 hours following the procedure to allow the skin to heal faster
- Avoid excessive chewing during the first 24 hours. Soft foods and liquids are advisable for 5-7 days after the procedure
- Oral analgesics are prescribed to reduce discomfort or pain
- Keep your head elevated during the first day to reduce swelling
- Occasionally compressive head or neck support is prescribed to facilitate healing and reduce swelling
- Resume light activities within a couple of days. After a week patient can get back to all normal activities
- Avoid facial massages for about three weeks
– COPYRIGHT OF DR LEOW AIK MING
