About Cosmetic Threads
Delivering a more natural, youthful looking result with less downtime.
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Cosmetic threads are thin, dissolvable sutures inserted underneath your skin, Threads are made of different types of materials such as PDO, PCA and PLLA, and different shapes such as Mono, Screw or Cog. Each type and shape of thread gives different results and should be determined by you, your provider and the desired outcome.
During a lift procedure your provider uses the COG or Barbed threads for insertion and is able to pull your skin tight resulting in a lifting effect. These Invisible, painless “barbs” grab on to your skin and underlying tissue and muscles as the thread is pulled. Once a barbed thread is inserted, your body’s healing response is triggered. Even though you’re not injured by the threads under your skin, your body detects a suture material and stimulates collagen production in the affected area. Collagen fills gaps in sagging skin and restores a more youthful elasticity to your face and body resulting in a tighter and more structured appearance.
Types of Threads
Mono (Smooth)
Monofilament threads, more commonly referred to as ‘Mono’ or ‘Smooth’ threads are completely smooth, hair-like threads, without barbs that are placed superficially under the skin. They produce a regenerative and firming effect that visibly improves skin quality.
Mono Threads are used to treat fine lines, large skin pores, scar tissue and skin crepiness.
Screw (Twisted)
Screw or commonly known as ‘Twisted’ threads consist of one or more threads braided or wrapped around a needle in a spiral configuration. This special configuration adds volume to the areas where inserted and are also effective in stimulating neocollagenesis.
Cog (Barbed)
Barbed, or cog threads allow for a powerful lift with improvement in facial tightening and rejuvenation. Four barbs strategically placed 360 degrees around the thread (at 12,3,6, and 9) act as cogs to clasp the skin creating tension in the thread which lifts and suspends the facial area. Collagen is formed around the threads and their barbs resulting in an increased lifting effect.
Thread Materials
PDO
Polydioxanone
Most Versatile
results last 18-24 months
PLLA
Poly-L-lactic acid -
Increased Volume
results last 18-24 months
PCL
Polycaprolactone
Increased Collagen Production results last 2-4 years
Areas that can be treated
Forehead Lines Acne Scars Brown Droop Frown Lines Crow's Feet Bunny Lines Smile Lines Lip Lines Marionette Lines Jowls
Upper Arm Breast Lift Elbows Cellulite Tummy Tuck Thigh Lift Calf Lift Décolleté Cleavage Armpits Love Handles Buttock Lift Knee Lift Scars
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The Procedure
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You’ll be asked to recline in the room where your procedure is being performed. Your skin will be cleaned with alcohol, a topical anesthetic or cooling device will be applied to your skin as it’s prepped and an injection of lidocaine with epinephrine will be administered at the insertion site(s.
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A pilot hole will be created with a needle and a cannula will be used to insert the threads underneath your skin through the numbed pilot hole(s). Inserting the threads can take 20 to 45 minutes depending on the area and number of threads.
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After the threads are inserted, the cannula will be removed, your skin will be smoothed over the threads creating a lifting effect. You may feel light pressure or tightening under your skin. The skin will be pushed back slightly and the thread will be trimmed. The insertion site will be cleaned and a small round band aid will be placed over it.
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Within a few minutes of the cannulas being taken out, your procedure will be complete and you’ll be free to go home.
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What to expect after a thread lift
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Recovery after a successful thread lift is quite minimal. While there may be some visible swelling and bruising, you can go back to work right away if you’d like.
Results should be apparent right after the threads are put into place, but you may notice more in the days and weeks right after they are inserted, as swelling and bruising starts to subside.
Results from a thread lift aren’t meant to be permanent. Successful effects typically last from 1 to 4 years. Like other dissolvable dermal fillers and toxins, such as Botox, the threads used in the procedure will eventually be absorbed by the tissue underneath your skin.
After a thread lift, you can resume your normal routine. You will be provided with after care instructions to take home with you. They will advise you not to rub your face vigorously and to avoid sleeping on your side in the initial weeks following the procedure.
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Risks or side effects?
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A thread lift is considered a low-risk procedure, but there are side effects and a risk of complications.
After a thread lift, it’s not uncommon to experience the following:
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bruising
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swelling
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minimal bleeding at the insertion site
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slight pain at the site of the thread injection
There’s a minimal chance of complications, including dimpling. Possible complications are minor and can easily be corrected. Following after-care instructions minimize your chance of complications.