Feeling like you’re ready for a facial rejuvenation procedure, but not sure where to start? Thankfully, there are countless treatments and procedures that can suit every beauty need. For a long-lasting solution that can make you look 5 to 10 years younger, look no further than the facelift. A facelift surgery is considered one of the most effective procedures for reversing signs of aging, improving skin laxity and smoothing deep lines. But, for a less invasive option to tighten and lift the skin, the thread lift may be a great alternative. What exactly is a thread lift and is it right for you? SHAPE magazine asks the experts.
A thread lift is a ”minimally-invasive surgical procedure that is designed to alleviate the facial skin and soft tissue laxity that typically develop with age,” says Konstantin Vasyukevich, M.D., a double-board certified top facial plastic surgeon. During the procedure, the surgeon uses a thin needle to pass a thread underneath the skin, lifting areas of the face such as the jowls, chin, neck, brows or cheeks. The catching and pulling of the thread is what elevates the soft facial tissue, Dr. Konstantin explains. For this type of ”lift”, a surgeon usually uses a type of self-dissolving thread, such as PDO threads, that dissipate in the body over the course of several months.
Opting for a thread lift has many advantages. This type of procedure is typically done during a quick office visit and can be performed under local anesthesia. Unlike a traditional facelift, which often requires a week or more of initial recovery and months of healing, the thread lift has minimal downtime. The thread lift might cause some swelling or bruising, but these effects usually subside within a few days or a week. “Right after the procedure it’s going to look a bit exaggerated and maybe within a week or two everything settles into the natural position,” says Dr. Konstantin. Also, if a patient is not satisfied with the results, a surgeon can remove the threads from the skin, reversing the thread lift.
There are many benefits of a thread lift, but there are downsides as well. When compared to a traditional facelift (that can last 5 to 10+ years), the thread lift simply doesn’t have the same longevity. The results of a thread lift usually last only two to six months, but each “lift” can cost on average $4,000 to $6,000. To maintain results, a patient will need to get this procedure repeatedly, which in the long run, can end up being more costly than a traditional facelift. In some cases, the thread lift might have unsatisfactory results, where patients might still noticeably feel the thread under the skin or see some bumpiness. Also, to keep in mind, a thread lift is more suitable for early signs of aging, but won’t be helpful for significant sagging. A traditional facelift would be a much better option for advanced facial aging concerns.
You can read the full article in SHAPE magazine. If you’re not sure if a facelift, a thread lift or another cosmetic procedure is right for you, a consultation with NYC top facial plastic surgeon can help. Please contact the office of Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD – we are happy to answer your facial rejuvenation questions!
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