THREAD LIFTS: HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS?

Author: Dott.ssa Basile M. Gaetana (Tania)

Date: 22/04/2020

Thread lifts are becoming increasingly popular in facial rejuvenation treatments. Here's what they are and what they're used for.

Thread lifts are a treatment for facial rejuvenation; however, they can also have a lifting effect on certain other areas of the body too.

Among the available types of thread lift, are:

  • suspension
  • traction
  • biostimulation

Why use threads:

  • To lift the cheeks
  • To Improve the profile of the jaw
  • To soften a double chin
  • To improve neck skin elasticity
  • To reduce wrinkles
  • To reduce wrinkles around the eyes
  • To raise the eyebrows
  • To reduce naso-labial folds and marionette lines
  • To improve wrinkles and hand skin elasticity
  • To improve the elasticity and compactness of the inner arms and thighs and buttocks
  • To improve the skin of the abdominal and periumbelical area

Suspension or traction threads

Suspension or traction threads are used to correct relaxation and sagging of facial and neck tissues.
There are two types of tensor threads:

  • resorbable
  • nonresorbable

The threads:

  • are increasingly accurate
  • have improved anchoring
  • allow for better correction
  • produce satisfactory results

This technique makes it possible to address facial blemishes, adapted to the needs of each individual. This treatment:

  • is minimally invasive
  • allows for immediate recovery
  • is compatible with other treatments such as injectable facial fillers, botulinum toxin or other facial rejuvenation techniques

The suspension and traction threads are used to lift the tissues and recover the elasticity of the skin of the face and body.

Suspension and traction thread lifts: the types of threads

There are many types of threads and they differ in terms of their:

  • composition
  • biodegradability (resorbable or not)
  • shape or design (smooth, cones...)
  • thickness and application, floating or anchoring
  • traction strength

Suspension and traction thread lifts: the techniques

The most commonly used threads use anchoring and suture points. The threads are inserted through the use of very thin needles into the skin to have a supporting effect.
The threads may require various:

  • distributions
  • shapes

as if weaving a mesh inside the skin, the positioning is strategic for skin regeneration, thanks to the production of new collagen, to stretch the skin and reposition sagging tissues.

Suspension and traction thread lifts: the desired effects

The main effect is that of support, almost as if creating a support for the loose and sagging skin, especially when there are anchors, which also act as a stimulus for the regeneration of the skin by improving its elasticity.
Although the threads do not replace a surgical lifting treatment, they are an alternative and complementary treatment to promote skin rejuvenation.
The effects derive from two types of action:

  • mechanical
  • biological

The mechanical effect is due in part:

  • to the thread once it is inserted
  • to the traction exerted by the thread with multidirectional anchors (of various types) that reinforce the level of tension and stretching.

The biological effect is linked to the production of new collagen.
The process of skin tissue regeneration activates:

  • blood circulation
  • tissue repair processes

Blood circulation is activated by the passing of the needle and thread, and depending on the composition of the thread, chemical stimulation is triggered, as well as mechanical transduction. Mechanical transduction explains how mechanical stimuli can induce a biological response, including the remodelling of connective tissue.

The forces of:

  • traction
  • flexion
  • torsion
  • compression

are able to stimulate responses in the tissue through intracellular signals.
The relationship with acupuncture also comes into play, as the correct use of needles causes stimulation, which is also the basis for the effectiveness of the treatment.
As a result, the:

  • positioning
  • speed of rotation
  • type of thread in the insertion needle

can promote stimulation for the synthesis of new tissue even several centimetres from the thread inserted into the skin.
This adds another special quality to this technique, in which not only do

the following have an influence:

  • the type and shape of the thread
  • the site of application
  • but also
  • how the needle is used
  • the insertion speed
  • the rotation of the needle

The effects produced by:

  • the support
  • the traction on the skin
  • the synthesis of new collagen

improve microcirculation and skin quality.
Biostimulation thread lifts: Polydioxanone threads

What is polydioxanone?
It is a synthetic resorbable suture material, widely tested in vascular, gastrointestinal and eye surgery.
This type of thread is applied with a technique based on acupuncture and mechanical transduction, and therefore promotes tissue lifting and regeneration.
It stimulates the production of collagen at the site of application and at the same time allows the skin to be supported. The final effect is natural. The tensor effect is immediate thanks to the mechanical-tensor action, but varies depending on:

  • the condition of the site of application
  • the skin being treated

The biological effects will start to be visible after 1 month, and at 3 months you will see the final effects which last around 12–18 months. Although the threads inserted are resorbed after 5–6 months, the effects remain because the thread has been replaced with new collagen that the natural tissue regeneration process has produced. The biological effect depends on:

  • individual capacity
  • genetics

producing or synthesising collagen.

Biostimulation thread lift: The insertion technique

The thread is applied with a needle that directs its placement. Once the needle is removed the thread is implanted. The placement should be strategic and follow the anatomy of the face in the correct direction.
The direction can follow different patterns such as:

  • parallel
  • in a series (e.g. perpendicular)
  • mesh or radial

Collagen production must be stimulated, but in the right direction. The number of threads used will vary depending on the general health condition of each individual.

And success depends not only on an individual's ability to regenerate tissue, but also on:

  • the method of application
  • the position
  • the distribution

of the threads inserted.

The threads are inserted with thin needles that are well-tolerated and often do not require local anaesthetic. The procedure is very tolerable, quick and does not cause more discomfort than a filler.

Biostimulation thread lifts: the advantages

Here are the advantages that this treatment offers:

  • the threads are resorbable
  • do not have a volumising effect
  • high level of satisfaction
  • quick recovery

They can be applied to the:

  • neck
  • chin
  • eyes
  • arms

The effect is temporary so if you want to maintain the results, the treatment must be repeated. Biostimulation thread lifts can be integrated with other techniques to optimise the results:

  • fillers
  • botulinum toxin
  • mesotherapy
  • laser resurfacing

Biostimulation thread lifts: differences with other threads Here are the main differences between biostimulation thread lifts and others:

  • there are no anchors
  • no need for stitches
  • no scars
  • they are very thin

the side effects are mild:

  • oedema
  • swelling
  • bruising
  • redness

and will pass in the days following treatment.  

Traction, suspension and biostimulation thread lifts: how to get the best results

The results of this technique depend on:

  • the procedure
  • the doctor's training
  • individual response and capacity
  • the skin; if the patient's conditions are ideal the results will be better
  • sun, tobacco, and poor nutrition limit collagen production
  • excessive sagging skin limits the results, and requires the integration of other treatments

The combination of different types of threads and other treatments before and after placement will provide better results.
In the 15 days following treatment, the doctor's instructions should be followed, among which:

  • daily cleaning
  • disinfecting
  • avoiding sudden movements and massages
  • avoiding pressure on the treated areas

All cosmetic treatments without a doctor's supervision are highly discouraged.

Dott.ssa Basile M. Gaetana (Tania)

Author

Dott.ssa Basile M. Gaetana (Tania)

Medico Chirurgo - N. Iscrizione all' ordine: 8309 - Cosenza

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