Thread Lifts Taunton

Thread Lifts Explained by Dr Baines of Taunton

What are thread lifts?

A thread-lift is a minimally-invasive, delicate cosmetic procedure which gently lifts sagging facial skin to produce a smoother, youthful and fresh appearance.

Fine threads are placed in the skin and are able to get to areas other procedures cannot reach. Very fine sutures are inserted into the chosen area at a depth of about 3-5mm where they are anchored in stable positions using very light pressure. Absorbable, bidirectional cones attached to the sutures grasp and lift soft tissues to ease sagging and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines.

The principal component of the thread is PLA (polylactic acid) or PDO (Polydioxanone) both naturally encourage the body’s own production of collagen, producing a fuller appearance to the skin over time. As the main component of threads is biocompatible and naturally absorbed by the body the fine sutures inserted will naturally dissolve over 12 months. It is used in a range of medical treatments ranging from screws for bone fractures to new biodegradable stent trials.

Although thread lifts do not require surgery or a hospital stay, it is not to be undertaken lightly and you should always use a qualified and reputable doctor to carry out the procedure.

Thread lifts have become more and more popular in the last few years as it is so much more accessible than face lift surgery. Risks from a thread lift procedure are minimal with minimal or no downtime as there is from more traditional facelift surgery.

The demand for natural looking skin treatments producing natural results is becoming a normal practice for many people and more and more of us want to keep are skin looking fresh and young looking. This is the reason that thread lifts are a good and viable alternative to facial surgery.

Thread lifts are a solution for both women and men that side-steps the commitment, cost and healing time required for traditional face lift surgery.

Thread lift procedures can also be known as Threads, Cogs, PDO and Silhouette facelifts.

What are Contour thread lifts?

A contour thread lift is a type of thread facelift that uses unique contour threads. The treads are made of clear polypropylene and are non-absorbable. They are guided along previously designated contour lines, improving precision and Inserted through small incisions made above the hairline. The barb-covered threads tighten and lift the sagging skin for a more youthful-looking appearance.

Contour threads are used during and after facial surgery to discreetly hold repositioned skin and facial tissue, the clear threads can also be used to minimise traces of surgery.

Who can have a thread lift procedure?

People in their 30s to 60s who have relatively good skin tone are suitable for a thread lift procedure. If you are beginning to experience sagging or wrinkles on your face or neck and do not have excessively loose skin or drooping facial areas then thread lifts can help. If you have excessively loose skin then this may require more rigorous facelift surgery. Relatively minimal signs of ageing can be improved by a thread lift and is a good way to make natural cosmetic enhancements without surgery, scarring and the after-effects of a surgical procedure.

Average Thread Lift Costs

Because thread lifts need a local anaesthetic and not a general anaesthetic, with no hospital stay required then thread lifts are a much cheaper and less dramatic option. Typical thread lift costs are dependent on how many threads are used during the procedure. A qualified cosmetic surgeon will give you detailed information regarding prices in specific areas when you have a consultation with them.

What problems do thread lifts solve?

Thread lift procedures are designed for people experiencing the early signs of ageing, such as minor facial sagging and will tighten your skin giving you a fresh and younger looking appearance. The innovative procedure can be performed in anything from 30 minutes upwards and you will see the results immediately and in the weeks after.  

A thread facelift is a convenient, less invasive alternative to a traditional surgical facelift.

What are the benefits of thread lifts?

·      Reduces skin sagging

·      Reduces wrinkles

·      Improves skin tone

·      Improves skin fullness

·      No hospital stay

·      Minimal or no recovery period

·      Minimal visual recovery time

·      A one-off procedure with no follow-up treatments needed in the weeks after

As there are immediate results from a thread lift procedure and you are conscious throughout, your doctor does not need to assume the degree of skin-stretching you want to achieve so you can have real time involvement as the procedure is carried out. This then avoids the risk of them not stretching, or over stretching your skin, resulting in you achieving the appearance you are looking for. 

How does the treatment work? 

During a thread facelift, the cosmetic surgeon inserts thin threads into the face through tiny incisions made in the targeted area. These threads attach to the skin tissue and are then pulled back to lift and smooth problem areas. Once the threads are knotted, they become hidden within the skin itself and are invisible. The treated areas will immediately raise, eliminating sagging, giving you a rejuvenated and fresh appearance which continues to improve in the weeks after your treatment.

As the sutures used in the treatment are completely biodegradable, they do not need to be removed at any time. Their principle component polylactic acid also encourages the body’s production of collagen, resulting in your skin appearing and feeling naturally fuller over time, even after the sutures have dissolved.

How long does the treatment take?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and can take as little as 30 minutes although this depends on the number of threads and areas worked on.

Where can thread lifts be used?

·      Lower jaw and chin

·      Cheeks and cheekbones

·      Eyebrows and crow feet lines

·      Forehead

·      Neck and décolleté

·      Shoulder, hip and stomach

What should you do to prepare for thread lifts?

Always do your research and ensure you have a full consultation with the doctor or clinic you are considering having the procedure with. They should give you an opportunity to talk through the results you are looking for and should always review your medical history with you, explaining the benefits, risks and recovery time of the procedure. Ask as many questions as you can during the consultation, always ask for a fixed cost to the treatment and that they will be carrying out the treatment. If you feel comfortable with the doctor after your consultation then go away and do your research and look for customer reviews for them.

What are the after effects of thread lifts?

Downtime after a thread lift procedure is minimal, however, you may experience some very slight bruising or swelling in the days following with some mild tension in the areas that have been elevated. In some cases, a slight depression, bunching, or irregularity of the skin may appear at the thread entry points, however, this will disappear in the 5-7 days following your treatment. Your doctor will give you risk, benefits and after effect information during your consultation.

Does a thread lift procedure hurt?

The sensation during a thread lift procedure is different to anything you will have experienced before but the pain is minimal. A local anaesthetic is used before the treatment to prevent soreness. Some people may experience some discomfort in the days following and your doctor will advise you on how to combat it.

How long will a thread lift procedure result last?

The results can be seen immediately and continue to improve over time. Results normally last between 18 months to 2 years, however, this varies from patient to patient. Your doctor will advise you on this during your consultation.

What are the risks of thread lifts?

Risks from a thread lift procedure are minimal and rare, however they can include, infection, resulting in fever, severe tenderness, redness and swelling. In very rare cases there can be numbness or lack of sensitivity in the treated area. Scarring can occur, however, the thread lifting technique is designed to keep scars hidden. Be aware that a thread lift procedure will not prevent sagging or wrinkles returning over time, however, some doctors report that the results remain visible for anything up to 3 years.

What are the costs of a thread lift?

A thread lift procedure produces noticeable results almost immediately. There is less risk, downtime from surgery, no hospital stay, no anaesthetic, no visible healing from the more intense surgical procedures all mean that thread lift costs are very reasonable in comparison. As in any procedure, costs can vary so always do your research. Remember the cheapest option is not always the best and due to the nature of this procedure, you should always go to a qualified doctor.

What should you think about when considering thread lifts?

If you are interested in a thread facelift as an economical alternative to more intensive facelift procedures, the next step is for you to talk to a qualified cosmetic surgeon. He or she will be able to give you helpful information about various thread lift costs and techniques.

Why Choose Dr Baines?

Dr Paul Baines has been medically qualified for over 23 years and has experience in a wide range of medical and surgical procedures. He offers a holistic approach to skincare and non-surgical aesthetic treatments which he has been practising for the last 10 years. Dr Baines is very experienced in carrying out thread lift procedures and is highly regarded in the cosmetic industry.

Dr Baines ethos is to provide safe procedures and to ensure his patients maintain a natural look. He believes ‘less is more’ and your friends and family will see a rejuvenated, fresher and younger looking you. Dr Baines is happy to talk you through any questions or concerns you may have before booking your free consultation with him.

Dr Baines offers a free, no-obligation consultation and won’t carry out any treatment until he has done a thorough assessment of your skin, the benefits you are looking for and your medical history through a detailed discussion with him.

A follow-up appointment is arranged with every patient 3 weeks after their treatment to assess how the procedure has worked for them.

If you are looking for a safe thread lift treatment in Taunton by a medical expert in Taunton, or anywhere in the South West then give Dr Baines a call on 07790 90093. Dr Baines will be happy to help you with any questions you may have before booking your no obligation consultation appointment. Allow up to 1 hour for your initial consultation which includes a detailed face and skin analysis, at the end of which you will take away a no-obligation personalised plan. Consultations are £50 which is deductible from the cost any treatments or products purchased.

Dr Baines - NHS Consultant, Musgrove Park Hospital, MB BCh MRCS, FRCEM, LL.M