Ageing is a part of life, and all we can do is embrace it. But here’s what people tend to forget about ageing: there’s always a way around it or at least a way to delay it. By this, we mean anti-ageing treatments!
As far as anti-ageing treatments go, a facelift is one you will crave at some point in your life. Albeit an invasive cosmetic procedure, it has garnered a fanbase of its own because of its unparalleled youth-inducing effects. The downside? No one really wants to go under the knife! Luckily for us, there are now subtler, less invasive alternatives to facelifts, and just as magical!
Introducing thread lifts, the lower-risk option to turn back the clock on sagging. What is a threadlift and how exactly does it work? Keep on reading to find out more.
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a non-surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the skin to make it appear younger and smoother. It can treat signs of ageing in various areas, such as the face, neck, chest, jowls, and jawline. We’ll explain the process in a while, but here’s a quick side note: it’s not as painful as you think!
Thread lifts use PDO or polydioxanone threads, a self-dissolving suture that dissolves in your body over time. These threads have little barbs in them that catch the soft tissue underneath your skin. Threads are inserted beneath your skin using a thin needle with a catch-and-pull movement. (Okay, that sounds painful, but it’s not, we swear!) This exact movement pulls and tightens the skin and lifts soft tissues, resulting in a lifted, firmer look.
The size and thickness of the thread also depend on the area being treated. It can be smooth threads or one with larger barbs, which provide maximum lifting. However, the latter is not ideal for areas with thin, delicate skin, such as the forehead.
Thanks to their continuous innovation, thread lifts now do more than lift and tighten the skin. Today, they can be used to add volume into hollow areas and lines, just like a face filler! Threads are now often used for smile lines, as they also help smoothen the skin.
How does a thread lift work?
Inserting a foreign object – which, in this case, is the PDO thread – pushes your body into repair mode. It then triggers a controlled inflammatory response, which gives your skin a temporary lift. Over time, the PDO threads will dissolve in your body, stimulating neocollagenesis, the process of growing collagen. And as the collagen grows in, it adds volume to the affected area. This is why thread lifts make your skin look plump and firm over time!
What are the benefits of a thread lift?
For starters, thread lifts are a great way to achieve smoother, younger-looking skin. But that’s not all, because it also comes with other perks, such as:
- It’s non-invasive. Because of this, there’s minimal risk of scarring, severe bruising, or other complications! Plus, specialists perform thread lifts under local anaesthesia, unlike heavy sedation with facelifts.
- There’s faster recovery time. You might experience some soreness, redness, or swelling after the procedure, but it will wear off quickly. However, you still need to take necessary precautions as you’re practically still healing. Do not rub your face vigorously, especially when cleansing. You should also try to prop your head up slightly so that you don’t sleep directly on your face.
Who to turn to for a great threadlift? We’ve got a few names in mind including Singapore’s leading aestheticians at SW1 Clinic.