Who doesn’t want to look fresher and younger? There is one beauty procedure that can make the skin tighter, namely thread lifting . How is the procedure? Check out the full explanation, as well as the benefits and side effects.
What is Thread Pulling?
A facial thread lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure used to tighten and lift sagging facial skin using special absorbable threads. The procedure is popular as an alternative to a traditional facelift because it is less invasive, does not require large incisions, and has a faster recovery time.
Thread lifting uses thread with special material. The thread used for facial thread lifting (threadlift) can be:
PDO (Polydioxanone) Thread
Premium thread made from biodegradable synthetic polymers that are safe for use in the human body. This thread is considered the safest and most comfortable to use.
Aptos Thread
This thread is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone. The thread can last quite a long time on the face, which is around 16-18 months. This thread has a barb design that is perfectly fixed to the skin tissue.
COG Thread
COG thread is made of mesh thread and barbed thread. Threads with hooks like barbs or arrows that are inserted under the skin to lift loose skin.
Croquis Yarn
Croquis thread is made of Premium PDO (Polydioxanone) material. Premium PDO thread made in Korea distributed by PT. Sometech Indonesia. This thread has a special design that minimizes the risk of complications.
Thread Pulling Procedure
What is the thread pulling procedure like? Here are the steps.
1. Preparation Before Thread Lift
Before the Thread Lift procedure is performed, the patient will undergo a consultation with a specialist doctor to evaluate the skin condition and determine the areas that require treatment. At this stage, the doctor will explain the procedure, risks, and expected results.
2. Administration of Anesthesia
The Thread Lift procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to the area of the face to be treated. This anesthesia aims to minimize pain or discomfort during the thread installation process. Unlike surgical facelifts that require general anesthesia, the use of local anesthesia makes this procedure safer and more comfortable for patients.
3. Thread Installation
The doctor will use a thin needle or sterile cannula to insert special threads under the skin layer. The threads used are usually made of absorbable materials, such as PDO (Polydioxanone), PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), or PCL (Polycaprolactone). The structure of these threads has small barbs or hooks that help lift loose skin tissue. The doctor will then carefully pull the threads to create the desired tightening or ” lifting ” effect.
4. Adjustment and Finishing
After the threads are installed and pulled, the doctor will make adjustments so that the results look symmetrical and natural. This process requires high precision to ensure that the skin lifting effect is even on both sides of the face. In the final stage, the remaining ends of the threads are cut so that they are not visible. The doctor will then clean the facial area and apply antibiotic cream to prevent infection.
5. Recovery After Procedure
After the procedure is complete, patients may experience mild side effects such as swelling, redness, or bruising, which usually disappear within a few days. The doctor will provide post-procedure care instructions, such as avoiding excessive facial movements, sleeping with the head elevated, and not rubbing the treated area.
Benefits of Thread Lifting
1. Tightens Sagging Skin
The main benefit of a Thread Lift is to tighten sagging skin, especially in areas of the face such as the cheeks, jawline, neck, and eyebrows. Special threads inserted under the skin work by pulling sagging tissue back into place, creating an instant lifting effect. This procedure helps to give the appearance of tighter, lifted skin without the need for surgery.
2. Stimulates Collagen Production
In addition to lifting the skin, the threads used in Thread Lift stimulate the production of natural collagen in the skin. Collagen is an important protein that maintains the elasticity, strength, and moisture of the skin. With increased collagen, the skin will appear healthier, firmer, and fine lines can gradually diminish over time.
3. Forming Facial Contours
Thread Lift helps to improve facial contours to make them look more defined and proportionate. This procedure is often used to define the jawline, lift sagging cheeks, and slim the face. This effect gives the face a slimmer and more symmetrical appearance, making the face look younger and fresher.
4. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Thread lifting is also effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. By tightening the skin and stimulating collagen , fine lines around the eyes, mouth, or forehead become less visible. The skin appears smoother and more youthful naturally.
5. Natural and Gradual Results
The results of a Thread Lift look natural because the skin is not forced to stretch excessively. The lifting effect is immediately visible after the procedure, but improvements will continue for weeks to months as collagen production increases. This provides gradual, more natural results than surgical treatments.
Thread Lifting Side Effects
1. Swelling and Redness
After a thread lift, swelling and redness are the most common side effects. This is due to the skin’s reaction to the thread insertion and tissue pulling. Usually, this condition is temporary and will subside within a few days to a week with proper care, such as cold compresses or the use of creams recommended by your doctor.
2. Bruising in the Treatment Area
The insertion of the needle or cannula to insert the thread can cause small blood vessels under the skin to break, which can lead to bruising. This bruising is usually mild and will disappear naturally within a few days to a week. To speed recovery, patients are advised to avoid blood thinners before the procedure.
3. Pain or Discomfort
Some patients may feel mild pain or discomfort in the facial area after the threads are installed. This is due to the tension of the threads on the skin tissue. The pain usually subsides within a few days and can be managed with prescription painkillers.
Thread lifting is a safe, fast, and effective procedure to treat mild to moderate signs of aging. However, it is best performed by an experienced aesthetic doctor for optimal results and minimal risks.
