The new cosmetic dermatology procedure called Threadlift is an alternative to conventional “facelift” procedures. In this kind of lift process, doctors sew small sutures into facial areas to physically pull up sagging skin. This mechanical method for altering the face is much less invasive and less costly than surgical facelift procedures, and generally includes much less recovery time.
Threadlift and Conventional Facelift Treatments
The Threadlift procedure is good for faces that have some hanging folds of flesh. Patients often choose to have the chin or jaw treated with this surface treatment. Threadlift can be effective in changing the contours of the face. Doctors can consult on how to make the results of this treatment less noticeable.
By contrast, a conventional facelift involves cutting through tissues. Any time that surgery is involved, there are associated risks of infection, scarring and other kinds of complications. That is why Threadlift is popular with some patients who just need to firm up some areas of the face.
Threadlift and Other Alternatives
When it comes to changing the facial contours or the appearance of the skin, modern cosmetic dermatology has a lot more available than just Threadlift. One alternative is the use of injectable dermal fillers, including natural and synthetic substances that doctors use to firm facial areas. Another is laser therapy, where some of the same goals get done using much different methods.
Dermal Fillers
Compared to Threadlift, dermal filler procedures are often a little more invasive in that materials get injected below the skin. The dermal fillers often help to promote collagen and smooth away wrinkles by filling in under the skin. Some dermal filler procedures can have similar effects to what patients get with Threadlift, although a Threadlift procedure may be more suitable for specific types of changes.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy, on the other hand, is not at all invasive, and requires no needles or other gear. Instead, a specialized laser focuses on heating up areas under the skin in order to promote collagen and create a more youthful appearance. Some patients who like a more subtle procedure are choosing different kinds of laser therapy treatments in the search for a different facial appearance. Patients can choose between more aggressive ablative lasers, which treat the outer layer of the skin, or non-ablative or fractional lasers, which treat underlying areas.
Like Threadlift, many of these laser treatments and even the dermal filler procedures can have short recovery times, lower costs, and less risk of complication than a conventional facelift. However, no kind of cosmetic dermatology is risk-free, and patients should get thorough consultation before any of these treatments in order to look at how existing medical conditions or prescription medications could interact with the procedures.
Patients should also provide a list of known allergies. Doctors should be able to tailor a cosmetic dermatology plan to fit a patient’s personal needs and to help avoid complications and undue risks.
