"I'm concerned about sagging skin, but I'm afraid of surgery that involves incisions." - Thread lift (thread lift) is popular for those people. It is gaining attention as a non-surgical facelift that lifts sagging skin by inserting special threads under the skin. This article provides a thorough explanation of thread lifts, from their mechanism and effects to downtime.
Table of Contents
- What is a Thread Lift?
- Types and Characteristics of Threads
- Treatable Areas
- Recommended for These People
- Procedure Flow
- Downtime and Precautions
- Expected Effects
- Estimated Cost
- Summary
What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift (thread lift) is a procedure that involves inserting special medical threads into the subcutaneous tissue to physically lift and fix sagging skin and fat. It is also called a "non-surgical facelift" because it can refine the face line without using a scalpel.
The threads have fine barbs (cogs) or cone-shaped protrusions, which catch on the tissue to exert a lifting effect. Furthermore, as the threads dissolve, the production of collagen and elastin is promoted, improving skin firmness and elasticity.
Characteristics of Thread Lifts
- Non-surgical procedure: No scars remain because no scalpel is used.
- Short downtime: Relatively quick return to daily life.
- Natural finish: Gradual lifting and natural rejuvenation are possible.
- Collagen boosting effect: Skin quality is also improved as the threads dissolve.
Types and Characteristics of Threads
There are mainly two types of threads used for thread lifts, each with different characteristics.
PDO Thread (Polydioxanone)
- Duration: Absorbed into the body in about 8-9 months.
- Effect Duration: Approximately 1 year to 1 year and a half.
- Price: Relatively reasonable.
PLLA Thread (Polylactic Acid)
- Duration: Absorbed into the body in about 1 year.
- Collagen Production: Stronger collagen production effect than PDO.
- Effect Duration: Approximately 2 years to 3 years.
Treatable Areas
Thread lifts can be performed on various areas of the face.
Main Treatment Areas
- Face Line/Cheeks: Lifts sagging cheeks and forms a sharp V-line.
- Nasolabial Folds: Lifting the cheeks makes nasolabial folds less noticeable.
- Double Chin: Lifts sagging skin under the chin for a cleaner line.
- Under Eyes/Tear Trough: Improves sagging under the eyes.
- Forehead/Eyebrows: Improves forehead wrinkles and drooping eyebrows.
Recommended for These People
- Those concerned about sagging skin: Want to improve sagging cheeks and face line.
- Those who are resistant to cutting surgery: Prefer a procedure that does not use a scalpel.
- Those who want to shorten downtime: Minimize the impact on work and schedules.
- Those seeking natural changes: Desire rejuvenation that is not easily noticed by others.
- People in their late 20s to 60s: Suitable for a wide range of ages.
Procedure Flow
Step 1: Consultation (30 minutes to 1 hour)
The doctor examines the condition of sagging and makes a treatment plan.
Step 2: Cleansing and Marking
Makeup is removed, and the positions where the threads will be inserted are marked.
Step 3: Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is administered to the treatment area.
Step 4: Thread Insertion (30 minutes to 1 hour)
Using a special needle, the threads are inserted under the skin to lift and fix the sagging skin.
Step 5: Return Home
Post-operative precautions are explained, and you can return home.
Downtime and Precautions
Timeframe | Condition ------- | -------- Immediately after surgery | Feeling of tightness, mild pain 1-3 days after surgery | Peak of swelling and bruising 1 week after surgery | Swelling begins to subside 2 weeks after surgery | Almost back to normal 1 month after surgery | Completely stable
Post-Procedure Precautions
- Avoid opening your mouth wide: Refrain for 1 month.
- Prohibit facial massage: Avoid for 1 month.
- Avoid strenuous exercise: Refrain for 1-2 weeks.
Expected Effects
- Immediate lifting: Experience improvement in sagging immediately after the procedure.
- V-line formation: Sharp face line.
- Reduction of nasolabial folds: Lifting the cheeks makes nasolabial folds less noticeable.
- Improved skin firmness and elasticity: Skin quality improvement with collagen production.
- Youthful impression: Effect of looking 5-10 years younger.
Estimated Cost
Item | Estimated Cost ------- | -------- PDO Thread (10 threads) | 150,000 yen to 250,000 yen PLLA Thread (10 threads) | 250,000 yen to 400,000 yen Additional thread (per thread) | 10,000 yen to 30,000 yen
*Prices are estimates. The number of threads used is usually around 10-20, and it varies depending on the degree of sagging.
Summary
Thread lift is an innovative procedure that can improve sagging without surgery.
- Non-surgical facelift that lifts sagging skin by inserting special threads.
- Can choose from PDO threads (lasting 1 year to 1 year and a half) and PLLA threads (lasting 2 to 3 years).
- Procedure time is 30 minutes to 1 hour, and it can be received on the same day.
- Downtime is relatively short, about 1-2 weeks.
- Improves skin firmness and elasticity at the same time as lifting.
If you are considering a thread lift, first have your sagging condition examined in a consultation and discuss the optimal treatment plan.
