Thread lifts have been talked about a lot in recent years. Being lighter than surgical face lifting draws interest. Like any method, though, there are situations where a thread lift fits and where it does not. In this article I want to explain who might benefit from it.
What a thread lift is
A thread lift uses threads placed under the skin, either dissolvable or longer lasting, to move tissue slightly upward. Some threads can also trigger a firming response in the tissue. It is not a surgical lift and its effect is more limited.
Who it may suit
People with mild to moderate sagging whose skin elasticity is still largely preserved tend to benefit more. Early loosening along the cheek and jaw line or a slight droop at the brow are suitable examples. It can be an in between option for people who do not yet need surgery or do not want it.
Who it may not suit
In people with advanced sagging, clear excess skin or weakened skin at an older age, a thread lift may fall short. In these cases surgical methods give a more realistic result. For someone with high expectations, a thread lift can be disappointing.
Setting the right expectation
A thread lift does not promise a dramatic change. Its effect is subtle and firming. The result depends on the person's starting point and skin structure. So it is important to talk clearly beforehand about what can be expected.
The procedure and recovery
The application is done under local anesthesia. Afterwards tenderness, mild swelling and rarely bruising can occur for a few days. A feeling of tightness in the first days is normal and settles over time.
To sum up
A thread lift works in the right candidate but has its limits. Whether it suits you only becomes clear with a medical examination. Results vary from person to person, and the same method is not right for every kind of sagging.
