It is an unavoidable consequence of ageing that our skin will begin to get saggier, baggier and more tired looking. Skin loses its elasticity over time, and the fat under the skin begins to thin. However, a saggy face can be due to a variety of factors aside from ageing – smoking; over-exposure to the sun; lack of hydration, and extreme weight loss can all take their toll. This week’s blog aims to tell you about threadlifting and the places that thread lifts can be used.
Threadlifting is the perfect answer to combating the effects of time on your skin. It is a non-invasive treatment that is suitable for almost everybody and the treatment itself, whilst taking a relatively short time to administer, can last for up to two years.
Lose those bingo wings…
If you notice that your face is beginning to show any of the above signs of wear and tear, then the thread lift could be the answer. It can help to plump cheeks, reshape jaw lines and help with jowls and crêpey necks. In addition to the face, thread lifting can also be successfully used to treat the décolletage, sagging under arms and stomach skin, and baggy knees. 
The treatment involves inserting thin threads with cones attached, underneath the skin in specific areas. Before the threads are inserted, the area will be numbed with a prescription anaesthetic. The threads are then tightened slowly, whilst the medical practitioner plumps the area to the desired shape. This causes the barbs to catch and tighten the treated areas. When the needles are removed, the threads are knotted and these knots become hidden under the skin. The threads are made from the same material used in medical sutures and so they are extremely safe. They cause an inflammatory response in the skin and this response, in turn, stimulates the production of collagen by the skin. The threads slowly dissolve over 6 – 9 months, but their plumping effects can be seen for up to two years. This length of time will depend on the age and condition of the skin before the initial treatment.
There are very few side effects with threadlifting, and these are generally only connected with the injection sites. They include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Soreness
- Temporary skin dimpling
The aftercare programme should be followed carefully to ensure the best results. 
- Do not rub or massage the face for 2 weeks
- Do not open the mouth wide for 3 – 4 weeks (avoid dental treatment for 2 weeks if possible)
- Avoid direct sunlight and tanning machines
- Avoid alcohol and aspirin for 7 days
- Avoid blood thinning vitamins A, C and E for 7 days
- Avoid physical exercise for 7 days
- Avoid heat treatments on the treated areas for 10 weeks
- Anti-inflammatory medication may be taken after 7 days
- Avoid temperature extremes
