The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly caused the beauty industry to suffer, both financially and professionally. With that being said, many aesthetic clinics such as Me Clinic have quickly rebounded, witnessing an immense increase of inquiries for cosmetic treatments, particularly thread lifts.
Thread lifts are amongst the most popular sought out cosmetic procedures both in Australia and around the globe. They are preferred by both patients and practitioners due to their minimally invasive nature and, like injectable treatments, they can be performed in the comfort of a doctor’s consultation room.
What are thread lifts?
A thread lift is a cosmetic procedure that uses a dissolvable thread (suture) to lift and tighten your skin. Otherwise known as the ‘lunch-time facelift’, this procedure has gained significant prominence and popularity due to its minimally invasive nature.
What to expect?
Unlike a traditional surgical facelift, a thread lift is performed in-office without the need for surgery. The procedure can take as little as 45 minutes, with results varying between individuals. As with any procedure, there are potential risks involved.
A thread lift can often be used in combination with or without a collagen stimulator or dermal fillers. To understand whether this procedure is right for you, we recommend you arrange a consultation with one of our doctors who will address any uncertainties you may have.
How does a thread lift work?
A thread lift works in two ways. Firstly, your cosmetic doctor will thread thin, medical-grade sutures under your skin. These threads will then attach to various tissues using small ‘cones’ or ‘barbs’ and allow for the thread to be pulled back thereby tightening your skin.
The second way this procedure works is by stimulating your body’s healing response. Once the thread is inserted, your body detects ‘damage’, even though you are not injured. Once the ‘damage’ is detected, your body will start to produce collagen – a natural element found in the body that helps the body heal.
The collagen will build up over time, filling in the gaps in your skin and restoring natural, youthful elasticity to your face.
Which type of threads are used?
There are currently many types of threads on the market. There are threads that ‘lift’ and threads that ‘don’t lift’. There are threads with results that only last a few months, and there are threads with results lasting more than 2 years.
At the Me Clinic, our expert doctor prefers to use threads that ‘lift’ and with results lasting more than 2 years. The duration of your cosmetic result may depend on your age, metabolism and skin quality.
There are three main types of thread used during a thread lift procedure; polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCA). The choice of thread used will depend on your individual characteristics.
However, manufacturers of PDO threads have stated that PDO threads will only last 6 months to a year, whereas the results of PCA and PLLA threads can last more than 2 years.
Continuous development in both technology and medicine requires our cosmetic doctors to keep up with advances and trends to provide patients with the best possible result. Dr Gordon Ku, a well-known national expert and lead trainer in thread lifting, uses a combination of knowledge, good technical skills and experience to ensure his patients are treated with the most advanced non-surgical procedures such as the Silhouette Soft Thread Lift.
How much does a Thread Lift cost?
The cost of a thread lift procedure is determined by several factors, including the extent of skin sagging, desired outcomes, the number of treatment sites, and the type of threads used.
A consultation with our doctor is recommended for a full assessment and breakdown of the total cost of your procedure.
As thread lift is purely a cosmetic procedure, it generally does not qualify for Medicare rebates.
To obtain an assessment and quote with our doctor, please use the links provided.
When will I recover?
One of the aspects of the thread lift procedure is that it typically involves less recovery time than more invasive procedures. However, recovery times can vary and there are potential complications. Most patients may experience some bruising and swelling around the treatment site, but this will generally diminish over a few days.
Patients can often return to work or carry out their regular daily activities almost immediately. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid facial massaging, using facial moisturiser, and sleeping on your side for the first few weeks until bruising and swelling subsides.
The growth of thread lifts
Contrary to popular belief, thread lifting isn’t necessarily a new concept. In fact, the first thread lift procedure dates back to the mid-90s. However, back in the 90s, the technology wasn’t available to allow us to tailor thread lifts to their intended use, and as a result, many complications were seen such as asymmetry, pleating, and even the threads poking out through the skin.
The improvement of technology along with many medical and cosmetic innovations, has changed the way we view aesthetic procedures.
These advancements in medical technology have allowed cosmetic practitioners to perform less invasive facelift procedures with less recovery times and a lower risk of complications. This thread lift treatment produces very little to no scarring and can be performed as a walk-in walk-out procedure during lunchtime.
Why are thread lifts popular?
Some individuals prefer minimally invasive procedures like thread lifts, while others may opt for surgical facelifts. Each procedure has its own set of potential benefits and risks.
Non-surgical thread lifting is also popularised by its ability to produce a more natural looking rejuvenated result without the long recovery times.
Thread Lift Trends
The trend for patients to seek facial rejuvenation by means of a less invasive technique has dramatically increased over the past 3 decades.
In 2020, the aesthetic trends market was valued at $112.2 million USD and is projected to increase to $166.69 million USD by 2026. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) industry. Despite these challenges, the industry continues to innovate and provide a range of treatments to meet individual needs.
With the rise of online meeting platforms, some individuals have become more conscious of their appearance on video. Some of these individuals have sought advice from plastic surgeons to explore potential treatments.
Ageing, which can result in changes such as sagging jowls, loss of facial volume, and wrinkle formation, is a natural process. The cosmetic thread industry continues to innovate and develop techniques to address these changes. The continuous advances in cosmetic surgery have driven market growth.
A select number of cosmetic surgeons are trained in these techniques, including Dr Gordon Ku at the Me Clinic, who has trained many doctors and plastic surgeons in the techniques of thread lifting Hence, the Me Clinic has been a market leader in Thread Lifts, helping patients to revitalise their look quickly and with less downtime, compared to a surgical facelift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some answers to the most frequently asked questions you may have regarding the thread lift procedure. If you still have questions, we’d encourage you to reach out to Me Clinic and arrange a consultation to discuss with our cosmetic surgeons.
How painful is a thread lift?
A thread lift procedure involves the use of local anaesthesia, which helps to manage pain during the procedure. However, some individuals may still experience a stinging sensation during the injection of the anaesthesia and discomfort during the recovery period.
Is a thread lift better than fillers?
Thread lifts and fillers serve different purposes and work in different ways. While thread lifts can reposition sagging skin, fillers are often used to add volume. The longevity and results of these treatments can vary. Some people may opt for combining threads with a filler or a collagen stimulator to produce their desired aesthetic goal.
Is a thread facelift worth it?
Whether a thread lift is the right choice will depend on individual factors such as the extent of skin sagging and skin quality. While thread lifts are less invasive than some other procedures, they still carry potential risks, including bleeding and infection.
The best next step forward is to book a consultation with our doctor to assess your skin and your suitability for a non-surgical thread lift.
Are thread lifts better than cosmetic surgery facelift?
Thread lifts and surgical facelifts serve different purposes and have different costs, recovery times, and results. The best choice will depend on individual factors, including desired results and budget.
Which thread lift is best for me?
The type of thread used for your thread lift procedure depends entirely on the look you are wanting to achieve and the current complexion of your skin. For more detailed information, we recommend you book a consultation with one of our cosmetic doctors.
How long do thread lifts last?
The longevity of a thread lift can vary depending on individual factors and the type of threads used. Similarly, the results of surgical facelifts can vary and depend on individual factors.
How qualified is the doctor performing my thread lift?
Dr. Gordon Ku is a cosmetic doctor with extensive experience and training in non-surgical thread lifting. It’s important to consult with a qualified professional to understand the potential benefits and risks of any procedure.
Dr. Ku has affiliations with several professional organizations, including the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery & Medicine (ACCSM), the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA), the Institute of Medical Aesthetics in Dubai, and the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM).
Dr. Ku contributes to the field by providing training in non-surgical thread lifting and facial anatomy to other doctors and surgeons.
Dr. Ku has also had the opportunity to demonstrate thread lifting techniques at an international conference in Seoul, South Korea.
Book a consultation with Dr Gordon Ku now.
