[By Linda Carrera]
Amongst the long list of hates we fear about aging, sagging skin is perhaps the #1 nemesis, and unfortunately also the most difficult to hide. Till as recent as 20 years ago, the only option to fix it was with a facelift, both expensive and a slightly terrifying prospect with results that can go either way. Think Joan Crawford (bless her soul!). Finally, there’s a far less daunting and potentially as effective method that doesn’t involve going under the knife. Endorsed by age-defying holistic lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow on her immensely popular webpage GOOP, Face-threading is the latest non-surgical technique that is literally everywhere in Hollywood, giving instant results with no downtime… and no scars. To help you navigate this IT aesthetics fix that had since soared in popularity to unprecedented heights, ReadySetBeauty spoke to the ultimate beauty specialists from the SW1 Clinic to get the down-low threadlift with answers the questions that you may be too shy to ask…
1) What are threadlifts?
Threadlifts are non-surgical and mildly invasive treatments designed to lift sagging skin and stimulate collagen production by utilizing intelligent placements of ultra-fine, biocompatible and bio-absorbable threads.
2) Why do people want to get a threadlift?
- Lifts and tightens sagging skin with instant result
- Stimulates collagen production for a longer-lasting result
- Helps create a sharper (V-shaped) face
- Safe, non-surgical procedure with minimal downtime
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3) What areas can be treated by threadlifts?
Face: Most commonly used to tighten sagging skin on the face, a face threadlift erases wrinkles and facial lines like nasolabial folds, and is able to define a weak jawline for a coveted V-shaped look. It can be also used on other specific areas like in the case of nose threadlifts for elevation, creating a sharper and more defined profile that’s aesthetically desirable.
Neck: Used to achieve a younger-looking neck by tightening sagging neck skin, as well as lax skin under the chin, addressing the unwanted features of a turkey neck. Neck threadlifts are also extremely helpful in improving the appearance of double chins, and is possible the next best bet to surgical double chin reduction via liposuction available on the current market.
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4) How do threadlifts work?
The threads are strategically inserted under the skin which creates a scaffolding to support weakened tissues, lifting sagging skin and creating sharper facial features which are indicative of a more youthful looking visage. In addition, these threads stimulate a matrix of supporting collagen to maintain the lifting effects, achieving an eventual restoration of your skin’s structural architecture long after the threads are naturally metabolized. Topical numbing cream is first applied to the area(s) to be treated and left on for about 10 to 20 minutes.Local anesthetic injections are then given at various points, acting as “nerve blocks” to blunt your sensation and ensure minimal discomfort during the procedure. Depending on each individual’s requirement as determined by the degree of skin laxity, 4 to 8 threads are inserted to give the best outcome.
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5) What types of threads are used?
Short or long: While short threads are easier to insert and require little aftercare, they are limited in effect as compared to the use of longer threads which can provide a greater degree of lift. However, the shorter lengths mean that they can be better manoeuvred to selectively addressed smaller area(s) such as the nose and underside of the chin that require treatment.
Thin or thick: Thin threads may not be able to provide sufficient support to anchor the lift in place as compared to thicker threads.
Smooth or barbed/hooked: Smooth threads are less capable of providing traction between skin tissues for greater lift and a longer-lasting result but barbed/hooked threads especially earlier generation ones are at high risk of breakages and complications. The Silhouette Instalift uses 100% bio-absorbable Silhouette Soft® threads whose development is based on 6 years of experience in suture suspension with cones used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in the United States. These threads are an excellent option as they have the lifting prowess of barbed/hooked threads without their dreaded adverse effects, strategically placed under the skin to lift and restore facial contours to turn back time. Over time, Silhouette Soft® threads help stimulate skin’s own collagen production process, resulting in a firmer and smoother appearance of the treated areas over the next 12 to 18 months despite the fact that the actual threads placed would have disappeared way before.
Polydioxiane (PDO), Poly L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) or Polycaprolactone (PCL): The main difference is that they are made of different materials. As PDO threads have been used as surgical sutures for many years, they’re extensively-studied and widely recognized to be safe for use. On the other hand, PLLA and PCL threads are newer but are touted to create a much lasting effect with a longer lifespan.
PDO threads are by far the safest as they are fully absorbed into the skin by the process of hydrolysis within 4 to 6 months and doesn’t leave behind any scar tissue. The threads not only have an immediate tightening effect as if a facelift has been performed, over time, they stimulate collagen production so that even after the threads has dissolved over time, the lifting effect remains.
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6) What is the cost of a threadlift in Singapore?
Cost varies across surgeons, the area of treatment, the type of threads used and the number of threads needed. Typically, it can be anywhere from $1,000 to $12,000 SGD.
7) How important is it to pay a reasonable fee for a threadlift?
As the saying goes, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. So although it may be tempting to get a threadlift that comes with an attractively low price tag, it is certainly wise to think twice.
Bear in mind that cost is factored in for:
Expertise: Practitioners who specialize in aesthetics medicine can better understand facial anatomy and its variations to ensure natural looking end results. These trained doctors significantly reduce negative effects from threadlifts such as bad-looking skin dimpling/tethering from placing threads too superficially, or damaging skin structures when threads are placed too deeply.
Experience: As with any surgery, threadlift consists of risks and side effects like possible scarring and thread extrusion. Accumulated practical experience minimizes these, along the expertise required when unavoidable revision is needed to achieve the desired outcome.
Material: Many cheaper, low quality threads have flooded the market, carrying with them the propensity of running into trouble. Do clarify with your practitioner the brand/manufacturer/origin of the threads used and clarify any doubt you have before proceeding. If you’re second guessing, it’s better to take your time to reconsider your decision rather than to live to regret.
Comfort: Many clinics do offer local anaesthetic to ensure the procedure to be as bearable as possible for a pain-free experience. Take note that these clinics should be clean and practice good hygiene, and ultimately you are not paying to be pressurized by hard selling into more procedures or treatments that you’ve not asked for!
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The SW1 Clinic founded by Dr. Low Chai Ling (formerly from The Sloane Clinic) is a one stop destination providing medical spa, cosmetics dermatology and cutting edge aesthetics surgery in Singapore.