What is a Thread Lift?
Perich Aesthetics, Tampa Bay, FL
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Perich Aesthetics, Tampa Bay, FL 〰️
You have heard of a facelift but have you heard of a thread lift? Would you be surprised to learn they are related? Actually, a thread lift is really just one technique or way to accomplish the general term “facelift”. Though a facelift can be achieved through a variety of procedures, different options help to address that not everyone is the same and thus a tailored approach is required for each person. Just like different style of jeans are on the market giving various fits, different procedures for anti-aging facial remedies exist.
The original facelift was through plastic surgery, however nowadays there are actually non-surgical facelift options as well. Any facelift is meant to help improve the signs of aging to the face as a whole, rather than the other options that target a specific area of the face or neck. Think of it as more of a catch-all phrase for all the various options you can do to improve the signs of aging that can be done as a procedure rather than an at home type remedy like a cream.
Getting a facelift is a faster way to improve your facial appearance with the help of an experienced team. It is important to note, that different people will be best fit for different procedures depending on that person’s goals. Facelifts can address multiple areas and concerns at one time.
Non-surgical facelifts focus more on the remodeling and tightening without skin removal. Non-surgical facelifts cause minimal scarring and require little downtime. You’ll enjoy subtle, natural results that create a younger, more alert appearance. The results can take longer to see fully as oftentimes the stimulation of collagen has taken place which gives the body the ability to produce more collagen in the specific area is was not previously producing.
What is a thread lift?
Perich Aesthetics surgeons offer minimally invasive nonsurgical thread (MINT) lift, which addresses signs of aging that impact the mid-face area. These changes, such as sagging skin, are caused by gravity, so this procedure strives to create a sharper jawline and V-line with minimal incisions in the hairline. This procedure relies on absorbable sutures to visibly lift and rejuvenate your complexion, tightening the skin and stimulating the body’s natural healing response to infuse the surgical site with rejuvenating collagen.
This procedure is most appropriate for individuals who have mild to moderate facial sagging, typically those between their late 30s and mid-50s. It also provides a safe, effective alternative to a traditional facelift for patients who cannot undergo open surgery because of cardiovascular problems or other health issues.
In addition, good candidates for a MINT thread lift are:
Patients at any age with no significant laxity (speak to your practitioner if this is right for you).
Patients who haven’t had any surgery in the past 3-4 months.
Patients who are not heavy smokers nor heavy drinkers.
Which areas can be targeted with a MINT thread lift?
MINT 3D PDO threads are barbed and highly effective in lifting:
Sagging Jowls
Midface
Softening nasolabial folds
Flattening double chin or neck
Opening up the medial and lateral bows
What are the benefits of a MINT thread lift?
MINT mono PDO are smooth threads that promote collagen synthesis and can fill fine wrinkles in the forehead, midface, upper lip, nasolabial folds, neck, and body for a rejuvenated look. Unlike a traditional facelift surgery, the MINT procedure causes minimal scarring and requires little downtime. You’ll enjoy subtle, natural results that create a younger, more alert appearance. In the weeks and months after the procedure, the skin will continue to look firmer and more toned as a result of the influx of collagen to the treated area.
This type of facelift can be conducted in an office setting under local anesthesia. Most clients can return to work and other activities right away, although it’s important to avoid disrupting the treated area in the weeks after surgery.
Why MINT thread lift?
MINT thread lift is a FDA-cleared safe PDO thread for effective soft tissue approximation. A PDO thread is Polydioxanone (PDO) thread- yes it appears to the naked eye like a sewing thread and needle. It has been used in multiple clinical studies proving its efficacy and strong lifting effect to target sagging tissue.
Its patented 3600 molding technology, allows the helically molded barbs to have higher tensile strength and strong anchoring ability. During the molding process, barbs of the MINT threads are formed on the raw suture material. This process ensures that the thickness of the suture and the integrity of the barbs are not compromised.
The barbs are formed around the suture in 360° helical pattern. The patented helical pattern of the barbs amplifies the anchoring and tensile strength of the thread by fixating onto the 3D skin tissues in various directions. 360° barbs approximate tissue from all surfaces unlike the other competitor’ s 2D barbs that can only lift linearly from one direction.
MINT PDO is highly effective in redistributing sagging volume from unwanted areas to an ideal area for a youthful look. MINT mono PDO are smooth threads that have a UNIQUE PRODUCTION METHOD which promotes collagen synthesis and can fill fine wrinkles in the forehead, midface, upper lip, nasolabial folds, neck, and body for a rejuvenated look.
Is a thread lift painful?
As mentioned before, a MINT thread lift can be conducted in an office setting under local anesthesia, which means during the procedure it is very unlikely you will feel any pain as the area is numbed. Local anesthesia means that it will wear off shortly unlike general anesthesia, so that you can get back to your day quickly. This is where the term “lunchtime facelift” comes in- Lunchtime is a commonly understood term denoting a time frame of about an hour. When you combine that with facelift, that implies a facelift that is done within that hour. Think of it like a mini facelift- not your full, traditional procedure, but a faster, less intense option still yielding amazing results!
Post procedure for the thread lift you can expect some redness, swelling, and tenderness may occur- using ice packs helps. There can be some pain as well in the area and at the injection sites. Depending on your specific health profile, the doctor will recommend how to best treat any possible pain if over the counter pain medication will work and which type, or something different.
You do want to avoid exaggerated facial expressions and eating foods that cause you to open your mouth very wide (i.e laughing too much, eating an apple, a hamburger, etc) post procedure. You also want to avoid strenuous workouts for 2 weeks, such as weight lifting or pilates, as this may cause threads to move. Basically, you have permission to take it easy for about 2-3 weeks after to ensure the long lasting results.
When will I see results from a thread lift?
With a MINT thread lift, you will notice a difference in your face immediately after the procedure. What is great about a thread lift, is that it causes the body to produce more collagen in the treated area that not only gives you a natural looking result, but a longer lasting one. The full results can take longer to see as oftentimes the stimulation of collagen has taken place which gives the body the ability to produce more collagen in the specific area is was not previously producing.
This procedure should be done a few weeks in advance of any big events to allow any redness or swelling to subside. You you are on a time crunch for super quick results- aka you have something coming up in a few days, you would want to consider something quick to give a smaller refresh, like a facial or fillers. Do plan in advance for a thread to not have the stress of last minute become overwhelming.
How long does a thread lift last?
Unfortunately, we can never completely stop the hands of time with aging! However with a thread lift you will reap the rewards for typically for a least a year, and for some up to three years afterwards. The absorbable sutures eventually get processed by the body typically taking about 6 months. Should your body take longer, you could see the results for longer as well.
Of course that extra boost of collagen products will keep your skin looking fresh as well. Maintaining your skin with high quality skin care and making sure to moisturizer and use SPF daily do make a difference. Living in Florida, SPF every morning is a must! Some companies make great combo products that have moisturizer, SPF, and tint all in one like the ALASTIN Skincare® HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36. Click here to learn more!
If a MINT thread lift procedure has peeked your interest, feel free to contact us today to setup a consultation with our experienced team using our contact form or calling us directly at 727-777-2640. You deserve to get the best possible results, which is why it is so important to work with specialists that offer an array of options to help you determine what will work best for your specific needs. Let’s work together to see how we can make you love the skin you are in!