Want a low-risk alternative to a facelift surgery? Consider getting a thread lift

In recent years, you would’ve likely come across the rise of lunchtime rejuvenation procedures such as dermal fillers that can be done quickly, offer improvements shortly after the procedure, and do not have any downtime so that you can return to your daily routine immediately.

Another quick lunchtime procedure that’s been gaining popularity among beauty seekers? Thread lift for the face.

If you’re concerned about saggy skin but do not wish to go under the knife, a thread lift is an option that you can consider as it brings a younger look almost instantly with little downtime required.

Read on as Daily Vanity shares everything you need to know about the procedure, including where to get a thread lift in Singapore.

What is a thread lift?

Thread lift has been around since the 1990s, but innovations in the material used for thread lifts – as well as a higher interest in trying out less invasive facelift procedures among beauty-seekers – have led to an increase in popularity worldwide in recent years.

It’s a non-surgical aesthetic treatment that uses temporary sutures to lift the skin, making it a minimally invasive alternative to facelift surgery.

How do thread lifts work?

Also called a barbed suture lift, it aims to lift and sculpt the shape of your face using temporary, medical-grade thread material to “pull up” your skin so that it’s drawn taut.

Apart from offering a lifted effect, thread lifts also trigger the body’s natural healing response – this happens because your body detects a foreign suture material and stimulates collagen production in the treatment aream even though you’re technically not injured by the threads under your skin.

The collagen can then fill gaps in sagging skin while restoring elasticity and and youthfulness to your mien.

What are the different materials used for thread lifts?

Since its inception, improvements have been achieved in the materials used for thread lifts, making it a more favourable alternative to facelift surgery.

Currently, there are three types of materials used in thread lifts in Singapore.

• Polydioxanone (PDO): The first to be used in the world for thread lifts, and offers results that last for six to 12 months;
• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA): Releases lactic acid to the treatment area and stimulates the production of collagen; and
• Polycaprolactone (PCL): The latest type of material that’s stronger and longer-lasting.

What are the different types of thread lifts available in Singapore?

In Singapore, you will come across three types of thread lifts, categorised according to the thread material used.

• Mono threads: Smooth threads without barbs that are inserted in a mesh-like form to cause skin tightening;
• Tornado/screw threads: Shaped like a tornado with two threads intertwined; and
• Cog threads: Mono threads with barbs that hook to the skin to create a lift.

Which parts of the face can thread lifts be performed?

You can consider thread lifts for facial areas that tend to look less tight over time – this includes the cheeks, forehead, eyebrows, under the eye, nose, jawline, and neck.

Because of how it works, thread lift can sometimes be performed on breasts to address sagginess too, especially after pregnancy and weight loss.

How soon can results be seen?

Results from a thread lift can be seen as soon as the treated area heals, which usually takes three days.

How long does a thread lift last?

Unfortunately, the effects of threadlifts are not permanent.

However, they generally can last for one to three years, depending on the type of thread used, your age, metabolism, skin laxity, and facial movement patterns.

Is there any downtime involved?

Although thread lift is a non-surgical procedure, it is still minimally invasive but recovery after a successful thread lift is quite minimal.

You can expect mild bruising and swelling that usually takes one to three days to fully subside but while there may be some visible swelling and bruising, you can resume normal activity right away if you’d like.

The only things you should avoid to prevent possible misalignment of the threads are dental treatments and rigorous physical activities.

Sleeping on your back is recommended as this avoids putting pressure on the face and helps the swelling to subside more quickly.

If possible, try to avoid wearing makeup for the first few days too so that you won’t aggravate or irritate open wounds on the face.

Are thread lifts painful?

Some have reported slight discomfort during and right after the treatment, but prior to the procedure, your aesthetic doctor will apply local anaesthesia on the targeted area to help lessen the pain.

Who is suitable for a thread lift?

If you’re in your late 30s to early 50s with generally good health, then you’re a good candidate for a thread lift.

Those who are just starting to notice the signs of ageing may stand to benefit the most from the subtle impact of a thread lift too.

Additionally, those who can’t have a surgical facelift due to certain medical conditions that make general anaesthesia risky can also consider a thread lift as a safer alternative.

Dermal fillers versus thread lifts: which is better?

It isn’t a question of which is better per se, but more of what your individual goal is.

If you want the effects of your treatment to last longer, thread lifts will be able to fulfil that as the effects last for at least 12 months compared to dermal fillers which have a lifespan of around six to nine months.

With a shorter lifespan, that means you need more regular maintenance sessions in order to upkeep the results of dermal fillers. In this scenario, a thread lift might be more suitable.

If you’re just looking to contour or add volume only to specific areas of your face, dermal fillers may be more effective compared to a thread lift which tightens and lifts the entire face to create a more youthful appearance.

That said, you need to acknowledge that thread lifts are more invasive than dermal fillers and pain thresholds tend to vary from person to person, so it’s important that you’re prepared to tolerate a little more discomfort during a thread lift procedure.

Can you do dermal fillers and thread lifts at the same time?

Thread lifts and dermal fillers actually complement each other well, but it’s advisable to get a thread lift first instead of doing both in one sitting.

After the swelling has resolved, you can then go back to address any volume issues later with fillers.

How much does a face thread lift cost in Singapore?

A thread lift procedure in Singapore can cost anywhere between S$1,000 and S$8,000, depending on the brand, type, and the number of threads used as well as your doctor’s experience in performing thread lifts.

Where to get a face thread lift in Singapore?