What Is a Thread Lift? A Quick Guide

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.