A thread lift is a non-surgical form of facelift, in which special threads (covered with tiny, laser etched barbs) are inserted into the facial tissues, using a long, fine needle. The threads catch and suspend the tissues vertically up the face and the thread ends are then ‘tied’ to the hard scalp tissue in the hair. Between two and six threads are used on each side of the face or they can be used just in selected areas.

The thread lift is part of a new wave of cosmetic procedures. It has become increasingly popular, especially since improved thread varieties became available five years ago.

Also called a suture lift, it has advantages for people wanting a ‘quick fix’. It is usually performed under local anaesthetic, involves little or no risk and does not require incisions on the face. The procedure takes just over an hour and the result settles within days.

Because the thread lift is a relatively recent phenomenon, there are no studies showing how it will look over the longer term. However, the expectations of patients choosing a thread lift are usually different from those who want the individualised and long lasting result of a proper face lift, and it can fulfil their shorter term needs.

The key to successful thread lift surgery is precise placement of the threads. To produce the most effective and long lasting result, the threads should be placed into the deepest area of the facial tissue. This requires the same detailed knowledge of facial anatomy as is needed for the internal support facelift.

An experienced facelift surgeon, therefore, can optimise the result of a thread lift by ensuring this precise placement of the threads, even using the facial ligaments to enhance the result, as happens in a full internal support facelift. If the threads are correctly placed, patients can expect their thread lift to provide an immediate and subtle improvement to their face, with a fresher and firmer appearance across the key areas of facial ageing – the outer brow, temple, mid cheek and jawline. This makes it a procedure worth considering for those wanting ‘a bit of a lift’ but not wanting the larger commitment required for proper facelift surgery.

For more information about the thread lift, visit www.contourthreads.com.au