Yes, threading can be a long-lasting and effective hair removal method. It targets individual hairs at the root and removes them, with results typically lasting anywhere from two to four weeks. This method of hair removal can be used on many areas of the body, such as eyebrows, upper lips, chins, and cheeks.
Although the results are not permanent, periodic threading treatments can help keep unwanted facial hair at bay for longer periods of time. With regular treatments, the hair can become thinner and finer over time.
What is the downside of a thread lift?
The downside of a thread lift is that, while it provides good short-term results and requires little-to-no recovery time, results may not be as dramatic or long-lasting as with more invasive treatments such as a full surgical facelift.
While the threads tend to hold up for between 12 and 18 months, skin may not appear as taut and contoured as with a surgical facelift, and there is a risk of sagging in the treated area once the threads begin to disintegrate.
Additionally, thread lifts carry a higher risk of complications such as skin dimpling, displacement of threads and temporary skin discoloration than with a traditional facelift. Other downsides of thread lifts include the cost, which may not be covered by insurance and can be as high as $3,000 – $4,000.
Finally, thread lifts are less effective for treating deep wrinkles and sagging skin in the neck and lower face than with a full facelift.
Do thread lifts cause sagging?
No, thread lifts generally do not cause sagging. Thread lifts are designed to lift and reposition sagging skin back up, not down. Thread lifts use special threads placed under the skin, providing an immediate and ongoing lift as the skin adjusts around the threads.
The thread lift helps restore a youthful contour by lifting the skin rather than pulling it down. When correctly performed by an experienced practitioner, thread lifts can provide subtle results that improve facial definition and enhance overall contour.
However, the aging process continues, so thread lifts are not a total solution to the problem of sagging skin. Over time, the threads and the skin may become loose and lose their lift potential, and may need to be removed or replaced.
What happens when thread lift wears off?
When a thread lift wears off, the threaded sutures used to lift the tissue start to dissolve. The sutures are usually made of absorbable materials, usually polydioxanone or PDOs, which will gradually break down over 3–12 months.
During this time, the lifting effect of the thread lift will gradually lessen, and the skin will lose tension as the surrounding connective tissue begins to relax. Once this happens, the skin will return to its original laxity, and the patient may need to pursue other skin rejuvenation treatments to achieve their desired results.
In some cases, a patient may experience thinning or sagging skin, and the amount of sagging may vary depending on their baseline skin quality.
What age should I get a thread lift?
The age when you should get a thread lift is largely dependent on your individual needs and preferences. Generally, people in their late 30s to early 50s are the ideal age for a thread lift, as the procedure is designed to pre-empt the effects of aging on the skin by tightening, lifting and addressing lines and wrinkles caused by age.
A thread lift may provide good results in the short-term, but patients should bear in mind that the results are not permanent. Results can last between a few months and up to two years, with occasional touch-ups recommended to maintain desired results.
The best way to find out if you are a suitable age to get a thread lift is to speak to your dermatologist or facial plastic surgeon, who will be able to advise you after evaluating your skin.
Are there long term side effects of thread lift?
Yes, there can be long term side effects associated with a thread lift procedure. The most common long term side effects are skin discoloration, tenderness and swelling, possible nerve damage, and mild scars.
Additionally, the threads can cause a “tugging” sensation and pain in the affected area.
The threads used for the procedure come in an absorbable and non-absorbable variety. While the absorbable threads eventually dissolve in your skin, the non-absorbable threads remain for up to a year before they have to be removed.
Both types of threads can cause scarring, which may appear as small bumps or visible tracks on the skin.
Depending on the type of threads used and the technique employed, there is a risk of nerve damage. Pain or a “tugging” sensation can occur if the threads are too tight. This can cause nerve damage and pain that could last for months.
If a nerve is damaged, you may experience loss of sensation in the impacted area.
If a thread lift is not done correctly, uneven contours in the face may occur due to uneven placement of the threads. There is also a risk of tissue death if the threads are too close to an artery or nerve.
In some extreme cases, the dead tissue may need to be surgically removed.
In general, the risks of a thread lift are usually minimal when performed by an experienced and trained professional. However, it is still important to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor beforehand.
What can go wrong with PDO thread lift?
With any medical procedure, there can be complications that arise. When it comes to PDO thread lifts, these include bruising, swelling, or infection at the injection site. There can also be displacement or rejection of threads, as well as visible bumps on the skin.
In rare cases, PDO threads can cause scarring or a change in skin pigmentation. Other potential side effects include loss of skin elasticity and the formation of contour irregularities or depressions in the skin.
If the treatment is not done correctly, the results can be unsatisfactory. It is therefore important to choose a qualified and experienced practitioner to perform the procedure.
Can you keep getting thread lifts?
Yes, you can keep getting thread lifts. Thread lifts are a type of facial rejuvenation procedure that uses temporary sutures to create a smooth and youthful look. The procedure involves tiny sutures of absorbable thread being inserted into the skin to create a lifting and tightening effect.
The thread lifts typically last anywhere from six months to two years and can be repeated as needed. The results of a thread lift vary from patient to patient, and the number of threads used may need to be adjusted to ensure optimal results.
If you are considering a thread lift, it is important to discuss the procedure and its potential results with an experienced doctor. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the results of a thread lift will not last indefinitely and may require future treatments to maintain the desired effect.
Can a thread lift fail?
Yes, a thread lift can fail. The effects of a thread lift are not permanent, and the body may begin to slowly absorb the threads over time. This can cause the skin to return to its original position and the lift that was achieved through the thread lift procedure to disappear.
In addition to this, the threads can produce an inflammatory response, which can cause them to gradually become absorbed by the body and produce an uneven look. Thread lift procedures are also highly dependent on an individual’s own healing abilities and skin condition, so if a person does not heal as well as expected, the procedure can fail or have unexpected results.
Finally, incorrect or improper use of the threads can result in a substandard outcome or a failed procedure. For these reasons, it is important to choose an experienced, highly skilled practitioner if you are considering a thread lift procedure.
Can you have a thread lift more than once?
Yes, you can have a thread lift more than once. However, it is generally recommended to wait approximately six to twelve months between treatments to allow the body to heal and the treatment to fully take effect.
The results of a thread lift can last up to two years, however this varies from person to person and depends on a number of factors including age and skin type. If the treatment is done properly, the threads will remain under the skin as a permanent implant.
The patient may require additional treatments over time to help maintain results or address areas of concern.
In some cases, a patient may decide to have an additional thread lift within the two year period if they are unhappy with the results of their first treatment. It’s important to discuss any decisions about repeat treatments carefully with a qualified plastic surgeon to ensure the best results with minimal risk of complications.
How do you know if a thread lift is broken?
First, it is important to remember that thread lifts are made up of dissolvable sutures, so when checking for breakage it is important to look for the sutures that have not dissolved. To check for breakage, it is helpful to use a firm grasp on the end of the suture or the eye of the needle and pull slightly using your fingertips.
If the sutures come out easily, this is an indication of a broken thread lift. It is also important to remember that thread lifts are not meant to be tight, so if it feels tighter than expected this could also mean breakage as well.
Additionally, thread lifts may cause areas of the skin to be rippled or dimpled, and if these areas remain after the sutures have been dissolved then this is another sign of a broken thread lift. Lastly, if you experience any discomfort or pain at the thread lift site, this could also be a sign of a broken thread lift.
It is important to consult with your doctor if you suspect the thread lift has been broken in order to assess the situation and discuss any potential treatment options.
How long does it take for thread lift to settle?
It depends on the type of thread being used and the person receiving the thread lift, but on average it takes two to three weeks for the threads to settle and for the results to be evident. During this time, the body continues to heal and settle the area and you may experience some tightness in the skin or mild tenderness in the area treated.
Additionally, the results will continue to improve over the next few weeks as the threads settle and the area continues to heal. Your aesthetician may want to see you in two weeks to evaluate the results and make any necessary adjustments.
Can your body reject PDO threads?
Yes, your body can reject PDO threads, but it is rare. PDO threads are made from Polydioxanone, a material that has been used in medicine for decades and has an extremely low rate of rejection. However, your body may still reject PDO threads and cause the threads to dissolve faster than expected.
The body may reject the threads due to an allergic reaction, the presence of an infection, or if the threads were inserted incorrectly. If your body does reject PDO threads, this may cause a blistering or bumpy appearance, or even infection or redness at the injection site.
In rare cases, the area may remain discolored. To reduce the risk of your body rejecting PDO threads, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced physician to perform the procedure.
Can PDO threads go wrong?
Yes, PDO threads can go wrong. Since PDO threads involve injecting a thread-like material into the skin to create a lifting or tightening effect, there is a risk of infection, scarring, or other complications.
These can occur when the threads are placed incorrectly, when the needle used to insert the thread is too deep, or when the material itself is of low quality. Further, PDO threads can sometimes lead to an undesirable result in terms of the appearance, as the threads may not lift or tighten the targeted area in the way the patient desires.
Furthermore, the body may reject the threads, resulting in inflammation, loss of skin elasticity, and other adverse effects. Finally, in some cases, the thread may migrate from its intended path and cause unintended damage to surrounding tissues and structures.
For these reasons, it is important to consult a board-certified aesthetic specialist for any PDO thread treatments.
How often should you do facial threading?
The frequency of facial threading depends on an individual’s hair growth and skin tolerance of the treatment. For some individuals, threading once every three to six weeks may be enough to keep the face free of hair.
For others, fortnightly or monthly threading may be more suitable. It is important to note that individuals with sensitive skin may find threading to be too much of a stress on the face, and they may opt to instead use other, gentler methods of hair removal such as waxing or lasers.
Ultimately, it is best to discuss with a professional aesthetician or beauty therapist which method is most suitable for your individual skin type and hair growth.