Are you considering a cosmetic procedure so you can feel better about your appearance? There's nothing wrong with enhancing your already beautiful face! More and more people in Canada are seeking out cosmetic procedures as they become more normalized. 

Many people in 2021 are opting for thread lifts. But what is a thread lift anyway? What are the benefits and what happens before, during, and after the procedure? 

We're here to answer some of your pressing questions so you can determine whether or not a visit to a thread lift clinic is for you.

First and Foremost: What Is a Thread Lift? 

A thread lift is a non-surgical option for tightening your skin. It's also referred to as a facelift or a barbed suture lift. Thread lifts are popular due to their (relatively) low cost, their effectiveness, and the fact that they're minimally invasive.

Thread lifts aren't new. Original thread lifts started in the 1990s, but as technology advances, they're now more accessible and more effective than ever before. Modern thread lifts can give the patient a natural appearance rather than the stereotypical "facelift" look that many people see in the media. 

Thread lifts are best for people who are in their mid-thirties to fifties, but they're good for anyone who is unable to receive anesthesia for a more invasive procedure. 

Benefits of a Thread Lift

So why would you choose a thread lift over any other procedure (or over no procedure at all)? 

There are plenty of benefits of seeking out a thread lift. While it's important to talk to a professional about how a thread lift will benefit you specifically, here are a few of the most common benefits.

Self-Esteem

The top benefit of any cosmetic procedure is enhanced self-esteem. There's nothing wrong with your beautiful face as-is, but if you're feeling like you need a boost, why not get a thread lift? 

You'll feel more comfortable smiling in photos and hanging out with friends. You may even discover that you're ready to give up makeup for a while. You deserve to feel good about your appearance. 

Safety

Thread lifts, in comparison to many more invasive procedures, are a safer choice. While there may be side effects, you don't have to go under general anesthesia for a thread lift and there are no serious incisions. 

While you should always discuss potential complications with the person who's doing the thread lift, you can rest assured that the risks are minimal. 

Cost

Many people opt for thread lifts because they're an affordable option. 

Thread lifts are physically effective, but they're also cost-effective. You're getting a good deal on what might be a life-changing procedure. In comparison, traditional cosmetic surgery will be far more expensive (and risky). 

Convenience 

Let's face it: no one has time to go and spend hours at the clinic for cosmetic procedures. Add on the time for recovery and you're going to be missing a lot of work and activities. 

When you get a thread lift, this is a non-issue. The procedure is quick and it's outpatient. 

Immediate Results

When you get many cosmetic procedures, you have to wait a few weeks to see the final results. It may be due to swelling or due to extra appointments post-surgery.

Again, while there may be some swelling after your thread lift, it's minimal enough that you can see your results right away. 

The Thread Lift Procedure

So how does a thread lift work anyway?

From start to finish, the thread lift procedure won't take much longer than 45 minutes (if that). Get to your appointment a few minutes ahead of time regardless of this. 

You'll lay back in a chair and the doctor or provider will prepare your face with alcohol and a topical anesthetic. They will then use a small cannula or needle to place the threads under your skin. This is the longest part of the procedure (and takes up most of the 45 minutes). 

After the thread is in the right place, the doctor will remove the cannula or needle. After a few minutes of observation, you're ready to leave. 

The procedure works because the thread holds onto the parts of your skin that you're trying to tighten. As the thread is pulled, it tightens the surrounding area.

As the threaded area "heals," it produces extra collagen due to the foreign object. The suture will disappear over time, but the collagen makes the face look plumper and younger. 

What to Expect After Your Thread Lift

Right after your thread lift, you should anticipate some swelling, soreness, and bruising. All of these are normal and they're not a cause for concern. If the swelling doesn't go away, feel free to talk to the doctor about your options as you may be experiencing a mild allergic reaction or your thread may be too tight. 

While results are visible right away, wait for a few days before making your final judgment. When the swelling and bruising go away, you'll see the final results. 

Try to avoid sleeping with your face against the pillow for a few weeks following the procedure and do your best not to rub or scratch the area where you have the thread. 

Thread lifts last anywhere between one to three years. 

Is a Thread Lift Right for You? 

So to recap, what is a thread lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that can make you look younger. It will tighten sagging skin and promote collagen production to give you a more youthful appearance in minutes!

Are you ready to commit to a thread lift?

Whether you're ready to make your appointment or you have a few more questions before you decide, we want to talk to you! Contact us at Astra Medicare so we can find the best cosmetic solution for you.

What are the Biggest Benefits of Laser Facial Treatments?

The best facial treatments help you care for your skin, feel rejuvenated, and combat common signs of aging.

And we could ALL use a little pampering now and then, couldn’t we? A little bit of me-time goes a looong way when you need to get away from it all for a while.

But with so many facial treatments to choose from, it’s not easy to know which will work best for your skin.

There are injectables. There are peels. There are IV therapies.

And one of the most effective, cutting-edge techniques available right now is laser resurfacing.

This utilizes the latest in laser technology to cultivate healthier, clearer, brighter skin. In this post, we’ll explore how this treatment could help YOU — and where to find it.

What is fractional laser resurfacing?

Fractional laser resurfacing is a type of treatment designed to improve the appearance of:

• wrinkles/fine lines

• acne scars

• blemishes

• uneven skin tone

• pores

The aim is to leave skin looking more youthful, with a smoother texture and better appearance overall.

This is vastly different to more invasive treatments created to combat the signs of aging, such as conventional facelifts, which can lead to long periods of downtime.

Clear + Brilliant has become a highly popular fractional laser resurfacing treatment in the past few years, assisted in no small part by praise from a number of A-list stars.

Such as?

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore (star of Charlie’s Angels, Donnie Darko, and, of course, E.T.) revealed how Clear + Brilliant had helped her achieve a glowing complexion in 2018.

She has been public about her struggle with melasma, a condition causing patches of brown discoloration on the skin, caused by hormonal fluctuations, skin irritation, too much exposure to UV radiation, or genetics.

But the actor was only too happy to share the results of her Clear + Brilliant treatment with her Instagram followers. She described this non-invasive solution as being “as light as it gets”, and proudly included a makeup-free, filter-free image of herself.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston is one of the world’s biggest actors, thanks to her decade-long turn as Rachel Green in Friends, her sultry performance in the Horrible Bosses films, and a string of other roles in successful movies.

Aniston is also known for her stunning looks, having once been crowned the World’s Most Beautiful Woman by Peoplemagazine. She has also praised Clear + Brilliant, describing it as a “great refresher” with “very little downtime”.

Debra Messing

Debra Messing became a household name for her leading role in the series Will & Grace in the early 2000s, and she still has a huge fan base..

In 2019, she posted a makeup-free selfie on Instagram and shared her positive experience with Clear + Brilliant.

How does Clear + Brilliant fractional laser resurfacing work?

The Clear + Brilliant fractional laser handpiece creates hundreds of thousands of microscopic treatment zones in the skin’s upper layers — and while it might sound like a hugely complex process, the average Clear + Brilliant session lasts just 15 to 30 minutes.

Your treatment will start with an in-depth consultation with a trained professional. They will discuss your skin and your goals, before assessing whether Clear + Brilliant is the right option for you.

Next, they will apply a topical cream to your face to numb specific areas before the treatment begins. This will help you stay comfortable throughout the session. You should only feel a slight prickling sensation on the skin as the laser makes contact.

Once the process begins, you’ll lie back and close your eyes while the handpiece is guided over your face. The fractional laser will stimulate the production of new skin tissue, to replace aged and/or damaged skin in certain areas. Your skin will be refreshed from the inside out!

This is a much faster, simpler way to achieve a younger look than invasive procedures, and with significantly less downtime. Your skin might feel warm and appear a little red following your treatment, but only temporarily.

Another key aspect of Clear + Brilliant’s revolutionary design is the patented Intelligent Optical Tracking®. This ensures proper contact with the targeted areas of skin, so the application is always even and balanced.

How long does it take to start seeing the benefits of Clear + Brilliant fractional laser treatment?

You will start to notice real improvements within one or two weeks of your first treatment.

Your skin will begin to:

• feel softer to the touch

• look brighter

• have a more even tone

The results of your Clear + Brilliant treatments may last for a number of months, depending on a number of factors.

These include:

• the condition of your skin

• your age

• your skincare routine

How many Clear + Brilliant treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required to achieve optimal results with Clear + Brilliant varies, based on your skin and your goals. You should start to notice visible improvements in target areas after between four and six treatments, though it may require a little more. The best way to be sure is to book a consultation and speak with your skincare provider.

They will tailor a course of sessions to suit you. You may even choose to keep undergoing Clear + Brilliant treatments regularly, to maintain the results over time. Again, it’s crucial to discuss this with an expert.

How can I try Clear + Brilliant?

You can try Clear + Brilliant at Astra Medicare, right here in Brampton.

Our team has helped men and women of different ages, of varied skin types, with the innovative Clear + Brilliant technology.

We understand that choosing to undergo fractional laser resurfacing can be a big decision. We’ll take the time to examine your skin, understand your goals, and answer any questions you may have before you try Clear + Brilliant for the first time.

We also offer a range of other facial treatments designed to leave your skin looking and feeling healthier, as a complement to Clear + Brilliant.

Want to know more about our treatments?

Have questions about pricing, consultations, or anything else?

Contact our team now!