Thread Lift vs. Facelift

The difference between a thread lift procedure and a traditional facelift is that thread lifts are minimally invasive, require no downtime for recovery, and involve little risk. A facelift requires general anesthesia, carries the increased potential for complications, and a much longer recovery time. While the results of a thread lift are less dramatic than a facelift, the traditional facelift does not address midfacial laxity as a thread lift does. Dr. Amber L. Allen is an experienced cosmetic surgeon that performs a wide variety of aesthetic procedures to rejuvenate and enhance. To learn more about your options for looking your best, schedule an appointment at Allen Aesthetic Surgery in Raleigh. You can reach our offices by calling (919) 676-5052, or by filling out a convenient contact form online.

The Thread-Lifted Face

A thread lift, also known as a scarless facelift, is unlike the traditional facelift or even the mini-facelift because it does not require an incision. Threadlifting is appealing to many patients who are uncomfortable with surgery; by inserting temporary threads or sutures subcutaneously, a thread lift offers a subtle but visible lift and increased collagen production.

There are two different classifications for the different types of threads:

Biostimulating Threads

The primary purpose of biostimulating threads is to activate collagen production. When the threads are inserted under the skin, they create neocollagenesis, a natural component of wound repair that increases fibroblast stimulation and collagen deposits. [1]

Reinforcing Threads

It is helpful to think of a reinforcing thread lift as a soft tissue relocator. Reinforcing threads create a framework to return sagging skin in application areas to a more youthful, “lifted” position. These threads have notches or barbs that increase the ability to grab soft tissue so that it is easily shifted in the fixation direction. Threads are “fixed” or tied off under the skin at a point in the upper-lateral part of the face. [2] Even in the case of reinforcing threads, collagen production increases, which creates a fresh, youthful appearance.

The beauty of a thread lift is that it can target specific areas of your face that a traditional facelift does not: deep nasolabial folds, sunken lower eyelids, the corner of the mouth, and any midfacial lax skin. [3]

While you may have heard of the term “threadlift,” it might still be surprising to discover that the first mentions of the method were found in Chinese medical texts dating back to 2000 BC. [4] Certainly, the procedure has improved since then, but the basics are as tried and true as any facial rejuvenation procedure available.

What are the Different Types of Threads Available?

  • Absorbable polydioxanone (PDO) threads offer a temporary lift and collagen boost before they are absorbed into the body over a six-month span. [5]
  • Poly-L-lactic acids (PLLA) threads are made from a lactic acid-derived polymer. They produce collagen over a more extended period than PDO threads and have “cones” to increase the volume of sagging areas, offer lift, and restore shape. [5]
  • Polycaprolactone (PCL) threads are of synthetic origin. They regenerate collagen for a longer period than PDO and PLLA threads.

Facelift 101

The primary benefit of a facelift over a thread lift is that the results last longer and are more dramatic than this minimally-invasive counterpart. There are a variety of facelift techniques to address your needs and desires.

The SMAS Facelift

The SMAS Facelift is a minimally-invasive procedure that can be completed under a local anesthetic. Addressing the SMAS, or superficial musculoaponeurotic system, this facelift goes deeper than thread lifts to suspend deeper tissue and manage more than just sagging skin. There is no chance of the “wind-swept” look, and scars are discreetly hidden in the temporal hairline and inside the ear. Once the SMAS is exposed, the surgeon uses sutures to tighten and lift the face’s underlying structure. Excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed. [6]

Mid Facelift

The Mid Facelift addresses the lower eyelid, hollow cheeks, and jowls and requires a small incision at the corner of the lower eyelid. By freeing tissue under the cheek, Dr. Amber L Allen can reposition them to a higher, more youthful position. The structure is secured to the temporal fascia with sutures.

Full Facelift

A complete facelift is performed using ​​intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for increased comfort. A full facelift incision begins in the hairline at the temple, continues around the ear, and ends in the lower scalp. Additionally, a second incision under the chin can address extremely lax skin at the neck. Excess skin is removed, and the incision is closed with sutures that may dissolve or need to be removed by your surgeon. [7] The full facelift is for patients with a significant amount of skin that cannot be addressed by applying thread lifts subdermally.

How Do the Procedures Differ?

Thread lifts are performed with a topical, local anesthetic to increase patient comfort. A cannula is inserted subdermally with the thread attached when the treatment area is numbed. By threading in a vertical direction, reinforcing threads provide lift; regenerating threads can be threaded wherever collagen production would decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Threads offer temporary results (up to two years), and when bioabsorbable threads are used, they are absorbed into the patient’s body. Another benefit of a thread lift is that in the rare case of adverse reaction, the threads can be removed, and the face will return to its previous state. After the procedure, the patient is able to drive themselves home, and there is no downtime.

As mentioned, a facelift with varying degrees of incision length and invasiveness requires more downtime and post-procedural care. Recovery time with a facelift will require bandages, drainage tubes, pain medication, and careful attention to the incision sites. Following a facelift, most people return to their social responsibilities within 10-14 days; however, it will take two to three months for the face to settle fully and the final results to appear. With a facelift, it is important to ask for help with a ride home after surgery and, in the case of a full facelift, assistance in the home and with childcare.

Candidates

Thread lifts are ideal for younger candidates with mild laxity, but if the procedure is coupled with fat grafting, older patients can also significantly improve the skin’s appearance. The facelift is perfect for anyone with more extreme skin laxity, especially in the lower face and neck. All candidates should be non-smokers in good health and discuss their desired outcomes to ensure they are realistic.

Which Procedure is Right for You?

Book a consultation with Allen Aesthetic Surgery to meet with Dr. Amber L. Allen and weigh the pros and cons of the two procedures concerning your desired outcomes. As needs are different for each patient, the decision to undergo a procedure is important, and there are many factors to consider.

During your consultation, you will discuss your goals, medical conditions, allergies, and past surgical procedures and skin treatments with Dr. Allen. Providing a list of current medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements and disclosing all alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug use will ensure a safe procedure and recovery. Dr. Allen will discuss your options based on skin health, laxity, and age. She will examine and take measurements and photographs, which will further allow the symmetry of your face to be analyzed. You will understand the differences between these options, including anesthetic vs. anesthesia, and potential complications and risks. Use this time to ask questions and discuss any other areas on which you would like to focus aesthetic attention. Don’t let your nerves stop you from taking a step to an updated, rejuvenated you! Dr. Allen will make you feel comfortable and armed with the information you need to make the right decision.

What is the Cost of a Threadlift / Facelift in Raleigh, NC?

The cost of your procedure will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation. If you are in the Raleigh area and would like to learn more about the methods discussed in this post, call us at Allen Aesthetic Surgery by calling (919) 676-5052. You can feel free to fill out this contact form if you would prefer, and we will be in touch with you shortly.

References

  1. Borzykh OB, Karpova EI, Shnayder NA, Demina OM. Contemporary View On Thread Lifting: Histological And Anatomical Approaches. Russian Open Medical Journal. 2022;11(1). https://romj.org/2022-0107
  2. Bolke, L., Schlippe, G., Gerß, J., & Voss, W. (2019). A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients, 11(10), 2494. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102494
  3. Fernandes, D. (2013). The Holistic Scarless Rejuvenation of the Face. Miniinvasive Face and Body Lifts – Closed Suture Lifts or Barbed Thread Lifts. https://doi.org/10.5772/56203
  4. Borzykh OB, Karpova EI, Shnayder NA, Demina OM. Contemporary View On Thread Lifting: Histological And Anatomical Approaches. Russian Open Medical Journal. 2022;11(1). https://romj.org/2022-0107
  5. Shauly, O., Stone, G. L., Shin, R., Grant Stevens, W., & Gould, D. J. (2021). Evaluating Facelift Complications and the Effectiveness of the SMASectomy Technique: A Single Center’s 15-Year Experience. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojab030
  6. Barrett DM, Casanueva FJ, Wang TD. Evolution of the rhytidectomy. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2016;2(1):38-44. doi:10.1016/j.wjorl.2015.12.001
  7. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Facelift Procedure Steps. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/procedure
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