The benefits of Face ThreadLifts seem almost too good to be true. Often referred to as the non-surgical facelift or (even more colloquially) the lunchtime lift, this quick procedure can deliver tightening, lifting, and overall skin rejuvenation without all the risks and down-time of surgery.
If you’re considering a Face ThreadLift, the question is: which type will offer the results you’re after? You’re probably also wondering what your experience might be like. We’ve compiled it all here so that you can learn more about this exciting treatment which is becoming more and more popular.
In most cases, we recommend a consultation appointment first with a Glosshouz nurse - it's complimentary! Your Glosshouz nurse provider will assess your facial appearance and concerns and help answer all of your questions about threads. After this, you can decide if you'd like to schedule and have the a Face ThreadLift (we also call it the InstaLift) procedure.
However, for now, let's learn a little more below about Face ThreadLifts and also about so-called Smooth Threads!
In this blog, we’ll cover:
How face threads work
The types of face threads available (lifting threads versus smooth threads - and their uses)
Before and after images
What to expect during a Face ThreadLift treatment
What are face threads and how do they work?
As we age the dermal layer that acts as a frame and support for the outer skin deteriorates. This is a result of diminishing collagen & elastin, weakened connective tissues, and gravity! The outcomes of these changes over time include horizontal forehead lines, lowered eyebrows, sagging cheeks, jowls forming at the jawline, and loosened neck folds. This is where Face Thread Lifts and Smooth Thread treatments can help out. All threads are made out of dissolvable and biocompatible fibers (their hairlike structures are thin like fishing line). The threads work by adding connective structure in the dermis that helps lift sagging skin and firm and tighten areas of loose skin. Over time the threads themselves will dissolve, but collagen and elastin are developed in its place. The result is a tightened, lifted, more firm and smoothed appearance.
Face thread basics
Terms to know:
Dermal layer - The second layer of skin (located beneath the outer layer) that contains structures which support the outer layer of skin. This is where threads are placed.
Biocompatible - Describes a substance that is not harmful to living tissue. Face threads used in Glosshouz procedures are made of biocompatible materials (described more below) which dissolve over time leaving only improved skin structure.
Collagen - The primary structural protein found in skin and connective tissues. Collagen in our skin tends to lessen as we age. It is what helps our skin appear plump and firm.
Elastin - The protein that forms the majority of elastic tissue in the body. This substance is gives our skin the ability to stretch and bounce back to its orginal shape.
The immediate effects of face threads - lifting action
Face threads are made of sterile hair-like so-called "sutures" and are inserted in a certain plane between layers of the skin, working to suspend the layers above. If the threads you choose are "lifting threads" which have barbs or cones, such as those used for the Face Thread Lift procedures, the structures attach to the tissues mechanically lift the treated skin. Skin is lifted by strategically placing the strands for aesthetic improvement and actually pulling up the skin caught by the threads. If the threads you choose are so-called "smooth threads" those work differently by adding structure under your skin in a cross-hatch pattern (typically) which causes the skin to tighten and firm in that area over time. Both types of threads are great options which can be used in different areas and accomplish different aesthetic outcomes. Your nurse provider, with her experience will be able to recommend the best treatment for your concerns. As they are used to treat different concerns, sometimes guests will get both kinds of threads in one appointment!
Long-term effects of face threads - firmness and elasticity
Over a period of 6-8 months, the body will absorb the dissolving threads. As the threads are dissolved, dermal fibers are reconstructed in the areas and collagen and elastin production are stimulated. These natural responses to threads in the skin produce firmness and elasticity that last well after the threads are absorbed. In most cases, patients experience the desired look for 12-18 months following the procedure.
Types of thread lifts and their uses
As mentioned above there are primarily two kinds of face threads we are using today. Lifting threads and smooth threads.
Lifting threads
Lifting threads include very small structures around the outside of each thread. These structures are created to grab onto – and lift – treated tissues. The shapes of these “lifting structures” vary, depending on thread type or brand of the thread but options include; coned and barbed.
Glosshouz’s Silhouette InstaLift threads are made from Poly-L Lactic Acid (PLLA), a resorbable polymer that is frequently used in many medical applications. Silhouette InstaLift Threads have tiny cones on each end in order to grab onto dermal fibers and hold them suspended in place. The biodegradable PLLA material dissolves over the span of about 6 months, initiating collagen and elastin production. InstaLift coned threads are recommended for correction of sagging skin as well as texture improvement and are particularly good for lifting cheeks.
Glosshouz also uses MINT (minimally invasive non-surgical threads) PDO (polydioxinone) Threads. MINT PDO are barbed threads which are also used for face threadlift procedures. MINT PDO threads are versatile and can be used in a number of places on face, brows, neck for jawline and more.
Smooth threads
Glosshouz smooth threads are just like they sound free of cone or barb structures. As their name implies, they’re smooth. Smooth threads firm the skin, strengthen skin, build collagen and smooth wrinkles as the body works to dissolve the sutures. Smooth PDO threads are commonly placed in a cross-hatched pattern of 5 threads perpendicular to 5 other threads to cover a small area of the face on each side. So, typically you would need 10 per side or more for a procedure to treat an area, for example. But smooth threads are quite versatile! They can be used in any number of patterns all over the face and body.
Smooth threads can be used to treat the forehead lines, lines between the brows, crepe cheeks, nasolabial folds, under eyes, above the lip (smoker's lines), marionette lines from corner of mouth to chin, and many places all over the body! Body treatments with smooth threads include above the knees, tummy (for crepey skin or stretch marks), back of the arms and more.
Smooth threads are ideal for improving skin with a crepey appearance, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and restoring youthful elasticity. PDO smooth threads, shorthand for Polydioxanone, are smooth hair-like threads that are pre-loaded on a tiny needle. The needle is inserted parallel to the skin surface (we use ice to numb the area first). Once it is inserted into the proper place, it is twisted by a little handle and this cuases the needle to disengage the thread. The thread is then left behind while the needle is withdrawn out of the skin. There is typically no down time, except perhaps a bit of pin prick bleeding that can be wiped away. The procedure is very quick and not very painful, although as mentioned, ice can be used to numb the area of treatment. You cannot feel or see the thread once it is inserted into the skin. The PDO smooth threads will break down in the body over a 6 month period leaving only tightened, smooth skin!
Many clients seeking younger-looking skin with maximum lifting results opt to combine lifting and smooth thread treatments.
Thread Lift Results - Before and After
While Thread Lifts and Smooth Thread procedures are not expected to achieve the results of a surgical facelift, for example, the results Face Thread Lift and Smooth Thread procedures can still be impressive. Thread lifts are best described without words at all.
Above Left: Midface & Jawline Lift; Right Above Right: Brow Thread Lift
Click the link here below to see actual patients that have completed Face ThreadLift procedures at Glosshouz with our experienced nurses. You’ll notice sagging facial features are lifted and filled while skin texture looks smoother and stronger.
See more before & after photos at link here: Face Thread Lift Before & After Photos
Also, read our recent blog chronicling a thread lift experience at Glosshouz.
What to Expect During and After a Face Thread Lift Procedure
Thread lifts are performed in-office and take only about one hour to complete. When performed at Glosshouz:
Your visit will begin in our relaxing and secluded med spa waiting area.
Your cosmetic nurse technician will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you have.
The specified treatment area(s) will be gently sanitized with an antiseptic and rubbing alcohol.
The thread locations will be measured with a paper ruler and marked to ensure symmetry and aesthetic placement.
The treatment areas will be injected with anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure.
The threads will be inserted strategically in order to achieve the results discussed prior to the treatment. You may feel a bit of pressure and pulling but should not feel pain.
Once the threads are placed, your nurse technician will pull each suture upward in order to create a lifted look. You may feel pressure or tugging, but this should not be painful.
Any thread ends that are visible outside the skin will be trimmed.
Your skin will be cleansed once again.
After the procedure you will have a couple/few tiny needle holes on your cheek where the threads went in which is not obvious to observers and pretty easy to manage. In the days following your thread lift treatment, you may experience some swelling or soreness. This should subside within a few days. Applying ice to the treated areas may help reduce bruising and swelling. It is also recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol or taking any type of blood-thinning medication (such as ibuprofen or aspirin). Blood-thinning substances can increase your risk of bruising, so refraining could be worth the inconvenience. For the same reason, heavy physical activity should be postponed in the days following your thread lift. Your nurse technician will provide further post-treatment instructions.
Many people notice lifting immediately following their thread lift treatment. Over the coming 3-4 weeks, fullness, firmness, and elasticity will continue to improve, with results lasting for 12-18 months following the lift.
Pricing for Face Thread Lifts versus Smooth Threads
Pricing for the Face ThreadLift and lifting threads is more expensive than smooth threads. Face ThreadLift procedures take about an hour to complete, use advanced materials and skills to provide and can cost from $1500 - $3000 depending on which area(s) of the face we are treating.
Smooth threads, on the other hand, are quick easy applications and cost per thread from $15-20 each. Therefore, the pricing varies based on how many you need. Also, recall, for smooth threads you will typically need 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. As an example, to treat two sides of the face in one area (like marionette lines), you may need 10 smooth threads on each side = 20 threads total, which may cost around $300 total for each treatment. Pricing may vary depending on which specials we have currently, so be sure to check online or ask your aesthetic nurse.
Here is a link to current pricing for ThreadLift procedures as well as Smooth Threads treatments at Glosshouz.
If you’re looking for natural-looking facelift results without the scalpel or surgery-induced recovery time, a face ThreadLift procedure might be just right for you!
Book your complimentary Face ThreadLift consultation today. Call or text us 303-459-4210. Our friendly staff can help you decide if you are a good candidate for this treatment.
