Thread Lifts

Thread Lifting at Prèface Cosmetic

Dr Hollenbach has been performing thread lifting at Prèface Cosmetic Newcastle & Maitland in excess of ten years. He has gone through a journey using different types of absorbable threads, using Promoitalia threads and now onto using Aptos Threads (PCL threads) which are the most widely used globally due to significant advantages over other types of threads.

Promoitalia Threads may still be used at Prèface Cosmetic, specifically for chins using iNeedle threading, often in combination with procedures such as laser liposuction.

Techniques using free-floating, absorbable cheek crosslinking threads may be used, which can be done in combination with lipofilling to use more traditional anchoring thread techniques after a period of 6-12 months. This may be more suitable for mature patients.

What is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, where, rather than removing a patient’s loose facial skin surgically, threads are used to gently pull the skin back, producing a “lift” in the skin. Threads are inserted into the areas’ soft tissue to be lifted, with a local anaesthetic is used to calm the area.

These absorbable threads dissolve within 18-24 months, but before they dissolve they create a support scaffolding of collagen for the skin.

Thread lifts can be used to treat a wide variety of facial areas including smoothing horizontal and vertical forehead wrinkles, lifting the brow and outer eyebrow area and restoring volume and elevation to cheeks. Thread lifts can also help support double chins through a chin lift procedure such as the iNeedle. They can also smooth lines around the mouth and tighten the skin under the lower jaw. Thread lifts can also be used as a platform of collagen-based technique called X Linking in conjunction with lipofilling.

Dr Hollenbach may also recommend thread lifting in combination with other treatments such as lipofilling and other collagen-based treatments such as Thermage & eTwo Sublime depending on patient situation. In the chin area the iNeedle technique can be combined with laser liposuction.

Thread lifting is designed to address the following:

Marionette lines

Brow area

Cheeks

Double chin

Frequently Asked Questions About Thread Lifting

Risks associated with Thread Lifting procedures.

Thread lifting procedures carry risks. It’s important to be aware of these risks so you are able to weigh up the benefits and limitations of the procedure. Below is a list of possible complications and specific risks for thread lifts. General risks and complications of surgery can be found here. There may be complications that are not listed here and some lifestyle factors and medical conditions can cause greater risks.

Risks of a thread lift procedure:

Dimpling and granuloma formation
Asymmetry
Infection
Nerve damage
Pain and discomfort
Swelling and bruising
Rejection of threads

Recovery from thread lift procedures.

Typical downtime of thread lifting is between 1-4 weeks but will vary between patients depending on factors such as genetics and lifestyle

There will be some bruising and swelling, which generally subsides about 1-2 weeks after the procedure. Keeping your head elevated, posturing and applying cold compress are paramount in minimising pain and swelling. At Prèface Cosmetic we provide patients with tailored recovery programs to reduce bruising and swelling.

To maximise effectiveness of thread lifting, Dr Hollenbach stresses the importance of taping for a week after the procedure and to try and lessen facial movements such as laughing or talking too much during this time. Not all clinics use taping, but using this measure to immobilise the treated area will allow the threads to set in the desired, elevated position, leading to greater longevity of the result.

Aptos: A New Generation of Facial Thread Lifting

Prèface Cosmetic are proud to introduce the new generation of thread lifting from Aptos, the world leader in thread lifting technology. Aptos are internationally acclaimed and proud winners of numerous trophies for threads excellence. With over 30 different threads available in 51 countries, Aptos is recognised as the international.

Aptos revitalising threads are uniquely designed absorbable threads which gently move tissues up and then suspend them through special techniques.

Introducing the New Generation of Aptos Thread Lifting. Read more

What are the advantages of Aptos Thread Lift?

Collagen is supported and skin is regenerated.
Supports skin tone, colour, texture and hydration.
Minimum of downtime.
Takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Needle design ensures a comfortable experience.
Can be combined with dermal fillers anti-wrinkle injections.

Aptos Threads vs other threads available on the market

Why Aptos Polycaprolactone (PCL) Threads?

The use of a long-lasting absorbable material consisting of polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), was a significant development in thread lifting technology pioneered by APTOS.

This unique combination of materials ensures long-lasting thread lifting as the thread is absorbed over a period of one and a half to two years.

During this long absorption time, collagen type 1 and collagen type 3 is developed. The development of collagen types 1 and 3 supports formation of a fibrous capsule that continues to hold soft tissues, even after the thread is fully absorbed.

PCL Threads VS PDO Threads

Polydioxanone (PDO) threads such as Mint or Matrix threads are best used for short-term skin purposes, rather than to achieve a long term. This is because PDO threads demonstrate an average absorption period of between 60 and 90 days, compared to the one and a half to two years absorption time of PCL threads, such as those offered by APTOS.

While a PDO thread lift is generally a less costly procedure, it is essential to note that PDO threads’ absorption period is significantly shorter, offering minimal collagenesis.

Whilst Dr Hollenbach has used Promoitalia Mesocogs which are very similar to Mint threads, he no longer uses this technique because of the relative short longevity, lasting only months as opposed to years when using Aptos PCL threads.

Discover whether thread lifting is right for you

Book Consultation