THREAD LIFT

Global Care Clinic Thread Lift

WHAT IS A THREAD LIFT?

A thread lift

= a lifting with an immediate effect that improves the contours of the face and neck

without cutting and
under local anaesthesia.

It is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which special soluble suspension threads are used to restore tissues of the face back to the level of their original position. The threads are usually soluble threads (sometimes non-soluble threads are also used).

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A THREAD LIFT?

This is an ideal technique for:

younger patients who show the first signs of aging in the face as a result of sagging tissues;

patients who already have undergone a facelift and want to freshen up their face in a minimal invasive way;

patients who do not wish to undergo an extensive facelift procedure, but desire a less invasive surgery under local anesthesia.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF thread LIFT

The major advantages of this thread lift are:

the low-invasive nature of the procedure and
the ability to work under local anesthesia. Patients can go home the same day "=lunchtime procedure".
The recovery phase is also faster than with a classic facelift.

The negatives of this thread lift are:

that the expectations of patients are sometimes greater than what can be achieved with the effect with a thread lift.
sometimes there is not enough tissue to anchor the threads or
sometimes there is too much sagging skin that produces more folds.
it is also rather an "interim solution" that only gives a satisfied result for 1 to 2 years and then has to be repeated again.

PROCEDURE

Suspension threads are inserted through tiny incisions in the haired scalp or behind the ear. Once the procedure is finished, the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. The patient may leave the clinic almost immediately.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD AFTER A THREAD LIFT?

After the procedure, only the very small incisions in the scalp or behind the ear can still be seen during the first two weeks.

You will immediately see the effect of the lifting of the tissues.

Although there is still some swelling present for two or three days, this is limited given the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.

A few weeks following the surgery, the patient may feel a slight sense of tension, specifically during eating or speaking. Usually patients will resume their activities already after a few days. Sports or intense physical labour is best avoided for two to three weeks.

WHAT ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD?

During the first weeks after the procedure, you should be careful to avoid additional swelling (at the level of the treated area).

It is also important to know that the sutures take several days to cause a good fixation in the tissues. For that reason, it is best to provide a diet with tender food and be careful not to open the mouth too wide (such as when yawning or at the dentist). If you do not follow these guidelines, there is a risk that the cones in the tissue will slide too much and affect the result. If this were to happen, as a second small procedure, one or two additional wires could be inserted to improve the result (rather exceptionally).

HOW LONG DOES THE EFFECT OF A WIRE LIFT LAST?

Experience shows us that patients are satisfied with the result obtained for 1 to 2 years. After this, this procedure can possibly be repeated. This is also the reason why most patients decide after some time to have a more radical facelift performed by the plastic surgeon.

WhAT are the RISks or complications of a thread lift?

The advantage of the technique is that it avoids the classic risks of facial rejuvenation. The risks and complications are minor and usually temporary.

By using special, little traumatic needles, the probability of a bruise and hematoma is very low, although this never can be excluded for 100%.

Infections are possible, as with any surgery, but reduced to a minimum by working very sterile and providing antibiotics.
Pain at the height of the sleeping area may be possible, but will disappear in the first days after the procedure.
Small pleats at the level of the skin will spontaneously disappear by performing a light massage during the first two weeks after the procedure.
If bruising occurs, it will completely disappear in the first days.