What is a Threadlift?
A Threadlift is a procedure that can be done in less than an hour which results in some of the benefits of the traditional facelift without the attending risks and pain. Threadlifts can be used to contour the face and reduce laxity in the skin without the trauma of exposing the supporting structures underneath.
How does a Threadlift work?
Through tiny incisions, a plastic surgeon is able to attach a unique type of surgical thread to the tissue underlying the epidermis. This thread has special hooks which grasp this layer, allowing the doctor to pull it to the precise position desired.
What areas of the body does Threadlift treat?
Threadlift is only used for patients seeking to alleviate signs of aging on the forehead, face, and neck areas.
What are the advantages of Threadlift over similar procedures?
Unlike the traditional facelift which requires general anesthesia and invasive surgical techniques, Threadlift can be done with patients actively participating in the process. Because patients help decide how much lifting is done, they rarely end up with an overdone, stretched appearance. Blood loss is not an issue with a Threadlift procedure, and rather than several weeks or months of recovery, Threadlift only takes a couple.
Who is a candidate for a Threadlift?
The perfect candidate for a Threadlift is a man or woman of any race who is bothered by the early signs of aging. Those who have major sagging of the skin could be disappointed with the results of a Threadlift and should consider a traditional facelift.
How is a Threadlift performed?
During a Threadlift, the doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area right above the hairline at the top of the forehead. Then, he will make small incisions through which he can guide the clear polypropylene thread along the contours of the face. Once the hooks on these threads, which can range from two to twenty, are set in the targeted areas, the surgeon can draw on the strings to lift the skin. Together, the doctor and patient can choose the appropriate amount of tightening, and the doctor will knot the threads to keep the skin in the new position.
What will the results be like?
Wrinkles and sagging will show significant improvement in most patients. Bags under the eyes and in the jowl area will be reduced. The patient will often appear younger and more vibrant.
What will recovery be like?
It takes at least a week for the appearance to completely return to normal after a Threadlift, but most people can return to work the next day. Strenuous activity is discouraged for about a week, but any pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs should not be used to limit bruising. Patients should eat a soft diet for the first week to prevent stressing the muscles until healing has occurred.
What are the risks?
Complications are rare, but some patients notice no improvement in appearance. Others have some numbness in the face which disappears after a few days. Rarely, patients report being able to see the surgical thread underneath the skin after the procedure is completed.
Is a Threadlift covered by insurance companies?
The price of a Threadlift can range from a thousand dollars to well over five thousand, but this cost is not covered by major insurance companies because this procedure is considered to be cosmetic only. Some providers are willing to work out a payment plan with a patient to make it more affordable.
Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.
By SkinCareGuide.com Staff
Updated: November 24, 2009
