Thread Lifts

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

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.

A thread lift seeks to emphasise the face’s natural contours by lifting and repositioning the tissues. A lifted and revitalised look can be achieved as a day procedure with minimal scarring and with results lasting for several years to come.

Another welcome advantage of a thread lift is that it leaves the patient looking refreshed – not different. Ideally, patients who have slight sagging and loose-ness in the skin, often around the jaw, neck, brow and cheekbones are good candidates.

Patients who present with more severe skin looseness or very thin skin with little underlying fat may see more significant results with a combination therapy approach or procedures such as:

• conventional facelift
• brow lift
• mid-face lift
• ribbon lift of the lower face & jowls

Ideal candidates for thread lifts may include those with loose skin and are seeking a refreshed appearance without the need for more invasive surgical procedures.

All options and risks will be discussed with patients seeking thread lifting. For the right candidate, a thread lift procedure can elevate the face and neck’s soft tissues to create a lifting effect without the need for a traditional surgical facelift.

For the right candidate, a thread lift procedure can elevate the face and neck’s soft tissues to create a lifting effect without the need for a traditional surgical facelift. In this way, thread lifting can offer an alternative for those not wanting to “go under the knife”.

As with many other cosmetic procedures the younger the patient, the greater the benefit and more long lasting the result will be. In order for threads to work optimally, there needs to be a base of collagen to build on.

Results are immediately obvious once initial swelling subsides at around one week and continued improvement is evident over the coming months.

The benefits of a PCL facial thread lift can be seen for several years, depending on the areas treated and individual response. It should be noted that PDO threads such as mint or matrix threads are not of the same calibre and usually absorb much quicker between 60 & 90 days.

Dr Hollenbach has seen significant increase in the popularity of thread lifting over the last few years and prides himself on his techniques which he has perfected over time. Dr Hollenbach was the original thread lifting surgeon in Newcastle. Dr Hollenbach has now performed this procedure for close to 15 years. He has performed many hundreds of these procedures, making him one of the most experienced thread lifting surgeon in the Hunter Region.

Of course, thread lifting is not for everybody, and there are many alternative treatments both surgical and non-surgical which the Doctor will discuss with you at the time of consultation.

• Lift result can be seen immediately.
• Improvement continues over many months.
• New collagen is formed and skin is regenerated.
• Improves skin tone, colour, texture and hydration.
• Minimum of downtime.
• Takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
• Results last for several years.
• Needle design ensures a comfortable experience.
• Can be combined with dermal fillers anti-wrinkle injections.

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 results 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 results in the formation of a fibrous capsule that continues to hold soft tissues, even after the thread is fully absorbed.

• This prolonged tissue reaction guarantees stable and long-lasting results with the APTOS thread material.

Polydioxanone (PDO) threads such as Mint or Matrix threads are best used for short-term skin rejuvenation purposes, rather than to achieve a long term lifting effect on the skin. 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 and much more limited duration of the thread lift effect.

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.