What is Thread Lift? Procedure, Benefits, and Cost

thread lift
Thread Lift is a non-surgical, minimally invasive skin lifting and rejuvenation aesthetic procedure using 100% bio-degradable threads to reposition and rejuvenate skin tissues beneath the skin. These threads are inserted into the subcutaneous fat layer beneath the skin from target entry spots on the face and pulled together gently resulting in an instant lifting effect. They also restore facial volume and stimulate collagen production.
Threads used in the thread lift procedure can stimulate the body’s “healing response” to increase collagen growth to the treated areas. As we get older, our bodies produce lesser collagen with a significant reduction in skin volume and regeneration. A weaker skin causes gravity to pull it downwards and more wrinkles forming on the face. Hence, infusing the skin with fresh collagen not only treat skin laxity by thickening the skin, but collagen growth can also strengthen skin to prevent further facial sagging.
Ideal candidates for thread lift are those individuals who are either in their late 30s or early 40s but have started experiencing premature signs of ageing.

Different Thread Material Used in Thread Lift Procedure

Thread lift has been around for more than 30 years. There are 3 types of threads most used in thread lifts procedures in Singapore: Polydioxanone (PDO), Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL).
PDO vs PLLA vs PCL
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PDO Threads

Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are the earlies threads used by. It can last between 6 months to a year in face shaping, contouring and rejuvenation procedures. Some doctors would recommend using PDO threads for patients doing thread lift for their first time. If they are happy with the results, then you can return for another session with longer-lasting results.

PLLA Threads

Poly-L-lactic acid (PPLA) is an absorbable, semi-permanent, injectable implant that can gradually restore volume and stimulate collagen formation. Hence, PLLA Threads is also an effective volumizer in addition to the lifting effects. However, the brittleness, least flexible among the rest of the threads is a major drawback for its wide application.

PCL Threads

Working Principle of PCL
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Polucaprolactone (PCL) threads are currently the longest lasting one. It is also the most sought-after threads used in Aesteem Aesthetic Clinic. PCL threads can last up to more than 2 years because of the stronger and more complex chemical bonds and structure in PCL threads. Collagen production can even continue for up to one year after the thread has been dissolved in the skin.

Types of Threads Used in Thread Lift Procedure

Threads are designed for different purposes. It is essential to determine which type of threads your cosmetic surgeon uses for the thread lift procedure, be it in Singapore or somewhere else.

Generally, three types of threads are used in the thread lift procedure:

  1. Mono (smooth) threads
  2. Tornado (twist) threads
  3. Cog (barb) threads
mono threads

1. Mono Threads

Mono threads are also referred to as smooth threads as they have a smooth surface. They are implanted in a mesh-like manner to stimulate collagen production. As a result, it rejuvenates the skin by strengthening the skin tissue. Since they have a smooth surface, they are not designed to elevate the skin.

2. Tornado Threads

Tornado threads have a twist shape and look like a double mono thread combined. They have a volumizing effect when applied to the sunken areas of the skin and trigger collagen production.

cog threads

3. Cog Threads

Cog threads have an uneven surface, and they are attached to an embedded area of the skin tissue. They work as a supporting structure to elevate the sagging skin tissue. Besides, it stimulates collagen production around the threads and their barbs, which makes it an ideal thread for face tightening and lifting.

Benefits of Thread Lift

Instant Lifting Result
Qualified aesthetic doctors can performed the procedure in under 45 minutes and produce an instant lift to the targeted area of your face. Moreover, threads work to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and restore facial volume as the threads fully dissolve over time.
Long Lasting Results
Because the threads stimulate new collagen formation, threads will naturally tighten your skin, and help to reduce any facial sagging for a long lasting, youth appearance. Different thread material would last for different duration with each their own benefits, the longest lasting thread available now in Singapore is PCL Thread.
Non-Surgical, Minimally Invasive
Thread lift treatment can be a safer alternative for patients who are medically unfit for the surgical facelift because their medical condition doesn’t allow for general anesthesia. As the threads placed under the skin are extremely thin, most patients cannot feel their sutures at all after their skin has healed from the treatment.
Widely Approved Safety Standards
Biocompatible threads used in the thread lift procedure can be safely absorbed by the body. Threads used in Singapore must approved by regulatory bodies such as HAS, and MOH, and only qualified doctors are allowed to perform thread lift procedure. You should always check the qualification and years of track record of your doctors before visiting the clinic.

Cost Incurred on Thread Lift

It is roughly estimated that the cost of thread lift is at least 40 percent cheaper than a surgical facelift. The cost incurred on thread lift depends on several factors:

  • Doctors’ Experience/ Qualification
  • Area of Concern
  • Type of thread used
  • Number of Threads used
Typical areas that thread lift can be done includes the nose, under-eye area, eyebrows, jowls, forehead, and neck. You can choose a specific part of your face or as many parts as you want while evaluating the cost.

Thread Lift Procedure

There isn’t a straightforward procedure for a thread lift. It depends on many factors, such as the area you want to target or your doctor’s preference.

However, the basic procedure usually remains the same.

  1. Before preparing your skin for thread lift, alcohol and topical anesthetic will be applied.
  2. A thin needle or a cannula will be used so that threads will penetrate deeply into your skin. Insertion of threads can take somewhere around 30 to 45 minutes.
  3. Upon the insertion of threads into your skin, the needle or cannula will be removed. You are likely to experience light pressure or to tighten underneath your skin at this stage.
  4. Within a few minutes, the needle will be pulled out of your skin.

After Care of Thread Lift

Recovery time for a thread lift is considerably low. While you might experience swelling or bruising in an affected area, you can go back to work or your normal activities right after the procedure.

You are advised to avoid the following lists for one to two weeks after the procedures:

  • sleeping on your side
  • intense workouts
  • going for saunas
  • undergoing any dental surgery
  • going for intense facial massages or other aggressive face treatments
  • alcohol, vitamin R or aspirin for the next 24 hours after treatment
For the first few weeks, you should be gentle with your face and sleep on your back. Do closely follow your doctor’s advice on post-procedure care. This might include additional dressings or medication to speed up your healing process.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a thread lift in Singapore, the information discussed above will undoubtedly help you. Before selecting a clinic for a thread lift, it is imperative to consider all the factors such as choosing the thread type, thread material, and number of threads required, and check on their pricings so you can make the best decision for yourself.

At Aesteem Aesthetic Clinic, we have a team of certified doctors who use proven techniques with years of experience in completion of hundreds of thread lift procedures. Book your appointment with our doctors for a consultation or check out our thread lift treatment page for more details.

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