When sagging of the face or body appears, the question of a facelift or other surgical procedure arises, but that can sound scary or seem premature. A thread lift is then often considered as a softer alternative, but does not replace surgery : results are limited and more moderate, and the treatment is not suitable for anyone.
A thread lift is performed using tensor threads. These are absorbable suture threads equipped with small anchors, similar to a fine barbed wire. When placed under the skin, the barbs can gently lift the tissues. In addition, the presence of threads in the skin stimulates the formation of collagen around the threads. This collagen stimulation offers an extra firming and lifting effect, ideal in the battle against sagging.
Smooth threads are absorbable suture threads without anchors and which are used for the collagen stimulation generated around the treads in order to firm the skin in a treated area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose for a thread lift with tensor threads ?
Tensor threads have the capacity to lift certain parts of the face or neck up without adding unnecessary volume, as can be the case with hyaluronic acid. Nevertheless, some conditions must be met in order to obtain a good result from a thread lift : the sagging cannot be to advanced and the skin has to be of good quality. Furthermore, expectations must be realistic. Areas that can be treated are the cheeks and cheekbones, the jowls and jawline, the eyebrows and the neck.
What happens during a session ?
The areas and the number of threads are determined before the start of the treatment. A local anesthetic injection is performed for more comfort. Then each thread is placed separately under the skin using a cannula. The feeling is slightly painful, but is completely tolerable, also because placing one thread takes no longer than a minute. After a treatment, the treated area is slightly red and irregular. A swelling or bruise can develop and remain present for several days or weeks During this period, it is imperative to limit extreme or excessive movements in the treated area to allow the threads to take quietly their final place.
Why choose for smooth threads ?
Smooth threads are among the anti-aging treatments that focus on collagen stimulation to firm the skin. The advantage of these threads is that they can be used in delicate areas, such as the area around the mouth and eyes, where other treatments are not always possible. Another advantage is that they can also cover large areas such as the thighs or arms. Smooth threads are often combined with other treatments to optimize results.
What happens during a session ?
The areas and the number of threads are determined before the start of the treatment. A local anesthetic injection is performed for more comfort. Then each thread is placed separately under the skin using a small needle until a webbing of smooth thread is formed under the skin in the treated area. The feeling is slightly painful, but is completely tolerable. After a treatment, the treated area is slightly red and swollen for several days. Bruises are common and usually remain visible for a week.
Is it dangerous ?
The threads are made of polydioxanone (or PDO) such as the suture threads used in surgery and are completely absorbable by the body. They are not harmful to health, but unwanted effects or complications related to the treatment with threads are possible. The risks or possible complications with tensor threads are : a visible thread through the skin, an irregular aspect of the skin because of a thread, a loose thread, a rejection of a thread, an infection, a hematoma or persistent pain. With smooth threads, the possible complications are : a rejection reaction, an infection or a hematoma. Although complications are infrequent, the risk is not zero. The treatment is performed by a doctor who will ensure that all necessary precautions are observed to minimize the risk of complications.
Is the result natural ?
The results after a thread treatment are natural. A common fear is to look like a “botched facelift” after a thread lift, but that is not the case because the lifting capacity of threads is limited. Sometimes the results of threads are even disappointing for some.
How long does the result last ?
After a thread lift, the result is immediately visible. A gradual improvement can then be observed up to 6 months after treatment. The presence of tensor threads is about 12 months before they are broken down by the body, but the result remains on average 12 to 18 months thanks to the collagen production around the threads. After smooth threads, the result is visible after 3 months and the result lasts about 12 months.
Is there an obligation to repeat the treatment ?
Not at all. If the treatment is not repeated, the aging process resumes and sagging will restart from the moment the threads have completely disappeared. A treatment can be considered every 12 to 18 months to prolong results in the longer term, but this is not an obligation. A common fear is that the situation after the end of a treatment could be worse if the treatment is not repeated, but this is not the case.
What is the cost of treatment?
The price depends on the type and number of threads and includes the treatment by a doctor, the necessary threads and the follow-up.
- Quantity
- Price
- Example
- 4 tensor threads
- 500€
- Cheeks and cheekbones
- Example:
- 8 tensor threads
- 800€
- Face
- Example:
- 12 tensor threads
- 1200€
- Face and neck
- Example:
- 20 smooth threads
- 250€
- Around the mouth
- Example:
- 60 smooth threads
- 600€
- Body
- Example:
You can book an appointment for a treatment or for additional information.
The consultation is free.