Thread lifts have been around for a while, and they are becoming increasingly popular as a non-surgical alternative to facelift surgery. PDO threads, made from a biodegradable synthetic polymer, are one of the most commonly used types of thread lifts. They are absorbed into the body after 6 months by hydrolysis and work by stimulating fibroblasts to produce more collagen in the area. PLA and PCA thread lifts tend to last longer, as the sutures take longer to dissolve.
The cost of a thread lift can vary greatly depending on where you live, the extent of the procedure, and the experience of your surgeon. A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses soluble sutures to lift and tighten sagging skin. It is a cheaper and faster alternative to facelift surgery, but the results don't last as long or have as dramatic an effect. Recovery from the procedure is minimal, and it is often possible to return to work on the same day.
PDO threads are very different from PLLA and PCL threads. The three main differences between these yarns are tensile strength, stiffness, and durability. PDO or polydioxanone strands dissolve after 6-9 months, lactic acid threads dissolve after 12-18 months, and PCL or polycaprolactone yarns take 2-3 years to completely dissolve. A PDO thread lift can leave your face looking firmer, tighter, and more youthful-looking, with results that can last 18 months or more.
Silhouette Soft yarns are made of PLLA material and are popular in Europe and the United States, while PDO yarns originated in Korea and are popular in Asia. Both types of yarns are made of 100% absorbable and biocompatible material similar to those used in surgery. The absorbable ultra-thin threads are placed under the skin with minimal downtime based on individualized facial vectoring. There may be temporary swelling, bruising, and skin changes such as wrinkles or lumps depending on the quality and thickness of the skin.
NovaThreads and Silhouette InstaLift threads have been approved by the FDA for lifting facial tissue. It is important to avoid rubbing your face vigorously while cleaning it or applying moisturizer for at least a week after placing the strands. Juvederm Voluma XC can also be used to lift and contour cheeks safely and effectively by restoring volume lost due to aging. Thread lifts were first available in the 1990s but could only be pulled in one direction, which sometimes resulted in results that seemed too tight.
Today's patients are actively seeking non-surgical procedures such as thread lifts due to their shorter recovery time and minimal downtime. The range of threads available combined with their ability to be injected from different directions means they can be used to address each patient's unique cosmetic goals and concerns. Silhouette InstaLift threads are designed to create fairly long-lasting results; patients can expect to enjoy their effects for 1-3 years. If you postpone treatment, you may find that a thread lift alone won't be enough to resolve your concerns. Results should be visible immediately after placing the threads but may take longer as swelling and bruising subside. The pace at which thread-lifting procedures are evolving suggests that they will continue to progress in the near future, with an increasing demand for shorter, faster, more effective treatments.
