DermFx
Thread Lift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Sunset Beach, Newport Beach, Redondo Beach, Orange, Dana Point and Orange County
A thread lift is a popular cosmetic procedure that enhances facial contours without requiring invasive surgery. It uses special threads to lift and tighten loose skin on the face and neck, providing a youthful appearance with minimal downtime. The technique has gained traction among those seeking an effective non-surgical facelift. (1) The specialized practitioners at DermFx have found thread lifts to be tremendously effective at lifting the face and stimulating collagen production, especially when using Miracu threads.
If you are interested in exploring your thread lift options further, please reach out to schedule a consultation. DermFx is one of Southern California’s leading body sculpting and anti-aging practices, and our team of experts looks forward to helping each patient achieve their ideal appearance. Schedule your initial consultation online today by completing our contact form. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call any of our locations across the greater Los Angeles area.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Thread Lift
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure designed to improve sagging skin and restore youthful contours to the face and neck. This aesthetic treatment utilizes polydioxanone (PDO) threads, which are biocompatible materials that dissolve naturally in the body over time. During the treatment, we strategically place the threads under the skin to create a lifting effect, resulting in tighter skin and enhanced facial features.
We use Miracu threads in our thread lift treatments, which are resorbable surgical sutures composed of biodegradable polymers. The treatment is minimally invasive and produces instant results. PDO sutures are used for biomedical applications, particularly in cardiothoracic surgery, because they are fully absorbed by hydrolysis within 4 to 6 months without any scar tissue. These foreign bodies stimulate collagen synthesis, leading to stronger, firmer skin. The skin structures created will hold for 12 to 15 months. (1)
Throughout the years, aesthetic medicine has evolved significantly, presenting individuals with countless options for cosmetic enhancement. Thread lifting, introduced around the early 2000s, has gained popularity due to its efficiency, safety profile, and natural-looking outcomes. Recent statistics indicate that the thread lift procedure has steadily increased in demand, particularly among men and women aged 30 to 60 who seek non-surgical alternatives to traditional facelifts.
Benefits
Thread lifts offer an easy, simple, and effective solution for sagging and aged skin. When patients receive customized treatments from one of the DermFx experts, they experience improvements through:
- Non-surgical treatment: The thread lift is a non-invasive alternative to surgical facelifts, reducing risks associated with anesthesia and longer recovery times.
- Minimally invasive procedure: Only small entry points are needed for inserting the threads. The procedure requires no large incisions.
- Quick procedure time: Your specialist can typically perform a thread lift in 30 to 60 minutes, allowing you to return to daily activities shortly after treatment.
- Immediate results: You can witness initial lifting effects immediately after the procedure, with further improvements appearing as swelling subsides.
- Natural-looking effects: PDO threads lift and support the skin while promoting collagen production; thus, the results appear natural rather than “overdone.”
- Minimal downtime: Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, making it convenient for those with busy schedules.
- Collagen production: PDO threads stimulate collagen production, enhancing overall skin quality long after the threads have dissolved.
- Long-lasting results: Depending on individual factors, the results from a thread lift can last from six months up to two years, offering a worthwhile investment in facial rejuvenation.
Candidates
Candidates for a thread lift typically include individuals who wish to address mild to moderate sagging skin on the face or neck. Ideal candidates are generally individuals between the ages of 30 and 60 experiencing early signs of aging, such as fine lines and minor sagging, but do not yet require extensive surgery. Candidates should also have healthy skin elasticity and tone, good general health standing, and realistic expectations for their results. Patients who smoke or use other forms of nicotine should be willing to quit before and after their treatment, as this can impede healing. Individuals with chronic skin conditions or certain medical issues may require additional assessment to determine candidacy.
Personal Consultation
Scheduling a personal consultation at DermFx is an essential first step in your treatment. During this appointment, one of our talented specialists will review your medical history and discuss your cosmetic concerns in detail. A comprehensive evaluation of your skin thickness, elasticity, and underlying structures will allow us to identify the best approach for your needs.
During this one-on-one consultation, we can discuss your options and answer any questions you have.
To book your consultation, please complete our online contact form or call any of our offices.
Preparation
After your thread lift procedure is scheduled, you will receive specific preparation instructions designed to promote successful outcomes. Most patients are required to:
- Discontinue medications that may increase bleeding, such as blood thinners, for a limited duration before your treatment.
- Avoid alcohol consumption for several days leading up to the procedure.
- Stop using any nicotine products in advance of your procedure and during your recovery.
- Arrange a ride home after the procedure if sedation or local anesthesia are used.
- Set aside time away from work and social engagements to ensure ample rest post-treatment.
Procedure
Because the thread lift procedure does not require invasive surgery or incisions, you will only need local anesthetic on your treatment area. After cleansing the targeted facial tissues and applying an anesthetic, your DermFx specialist will mark the thread insertion points with a skin-safe surgical marker to optimize placement accuracy. Your specialist will place tiny threads beneath the skin in a few strategic locations using a small needle. (2) The threads create a lifting effect while simultaneously supporting and tightening the surrounding skin. After making adjustments, your specialist will trim the excess thread. Over time, your body will produce elevated levels of collagen as a natural reaction and healing phase. (2) Collagen is the body’s main building block for skin elasticity and structure, leading to a reversal of facial skin sagging. After treatment, light pressure bandages may be applied, and aftercare instructions are given. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to perform.
Recovery
Following your thread lift, mild swelling and bruising near the treatment site is common. Patients can expect initial tenderness or tightness for a few days, which is manageable with over-the-counter medications or cold compresses. Patients should avoid touching their faces as much as possible to reduce the risk of infection. Strenuous activities and contact sports should also be avoided for at least two weeks post-procedure. Your specialist will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing process and assess results. Recovery time varies, but most patients return to work within a few days to a week following treatment. Full results can be seen after several weeks as swelling decreases and the skin adjusts to the new contours.
Results
Patients can expect noticeable improvements in facial contours almost immediately after a thread lift. Over time, as collagen production increases, the skin will continue to tighten and rejuvenate, enhancing results for several months. The longevity of results generally ranges from six months to two years, depending on numerous factors such as age, skin color, and lifestyle choices.
Before and after pictures from previous patients may help visualize the enhancements you can anticipate from this procedure.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Thread lifts offer non-surgical solutions that reverse the signs of aging in the face. While they are effective, numerous other non-surgical treatments can be administered simultaneously to enhance these results even further. Of these, injectable medications are often the most common:
- Juvederm: Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that helps facial tissues retain water. As water is retained in the face, tissue growth is stimulated, helping to replace lost facial mass. This helps patients have a healthy, colorful complexion, reduce wrinkles, and appear youthful.
- Botox: Botox is an injectable medication that reduces muscle contractions that can cause fine lines and/or wrinkles to develop.
If you want to combine procedures to experience enhanced rejuvenation, please discuss your options at your consultation.
Cost of Thread Lifts in Southern California
The cost of a thread lift will vary based on your individual treatment plan and desired outcome. At DermFx, we strive to provide transparent pricing during your consultation to help facilitate budgeting for your aesthetic journey. After your initial consultation, you will receive a comprehensive price quote. At DermFx, we also offer financing plans to help patients pay for their treatments without a financial burden.
Take control of your facial rejuvenation and ideal appearance today. Schedule a consultation online or call any of our Southern California offices to begin your treatment.
FAQ
How long is the recovery period after a thread lift?
Most patients return to regular activities within a few days post-procedure. Some swelling and bruising may persist, but full recovery usually occurs within two weeks.
How long do the results of a thread lift last?
Results can last from six months up to two years, influenced by factors like age and skin condition.
Are thread lifts painful?
No, during the procedure, we administer local anesthesia to reduce discomfort.
Who is the right candidate for a thread lift?
While many adults are suitable candidates, we will assess individual health status and skin characteristics to determine candidacy. It is best to consult with a DermFx provider to determine if this treatment is appropriate.
Do thread lifts leave scars?
Because thread lifts utilize tiny entry points, scarring is minimal and typically fades over time. Results appear natural and aesthetically pleasing, with scars being nearly undetectable.
References
- Cobo R. Use of Polydioxanone Threads as an Alternative in Nonsurgical Procedures in Facial Rejuvenation. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2020;36(04):447-452. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1714266
- Zhukova O, Dydykin S, Kubíková E, Markova N, Vasil’ev Y, Kapitonova M. A New Complex Minimally Invasive Thread Lift Method for One-Time Three-Step Fixation of the Face and Neck Soft Tissues. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2022;49(3):296-303. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1748641