Thread lift: the lunch hour face lift?

A thread lift was a relatively new anti aging treatment when I wrote this article originally over a year ago. Back then it was hyped as a true non surgical face lift.

Also called a ‘featherlift’ or ‘gentlelift’ it was being widely advertised as a ‘no-cut’ lunch hour procedure. Something that was seen as less expensive and much less invasive than face lift surgery.

Well a year is a long time in the anti aging world and things have moved on a lot. New pain free face lifting and facial toning procedures are available like microcurrent face lifts and LED skin therapy.

Even last year it seemed to me a thread lift could only just about be considered a non surgical face lift. It has become very clear that a thread lift are is certainly not pain free and involves more downtime than you might think.

Looking over the original article now to do this update – I think much of it still stands.

I’ve been back to forums and skin care sites and there is even more comment on thread lifts now and a wealth of experience from women who have had one done. Much of the comment is negative and the thread lift ranks low when people are asked the question – “are you glad you had the procedure?”

Of all the facial treatments I’ve looked at – there do seem to be more problems and disappointments around thread lifts than any other. So buyer beware – go carefully.

With the thread lift or feather lift thin needles are used to insert clear polypropilane threads – surgical threads that have tiny barbs attached – under the skin that are then pulled tight to lift sagging skin and tissue on the face and neck.

Unlike a conventional face lift – no skin is removed – so the procedure relies on the skin tightening effect of the threads to create a younger looking face.

Any one who calls this a pain free procedure is mad. Just think about it. Pulling up your skin and underlying facial tissue even with a local anaesthetic is bound to hurt. You are almost certainly going to be sore and possibly bruised and hurting afterwards. Do your research and read the reviews on the net.

The threads used in the procedure have been used internally for years in surgery and according to the experts they are totally compatible with body tissues and unlikely to be rejected. You might want to look at some of the reviews because many people have had experiences which refute this claim.

While a traditional face lift involves a general anaesthetic followed by an overnight stay in hospital and several weeks recovery time, a thread lift can be performed in under an hour with ‘down time’ just 72 hours. No bandages are needed and after care should be minimal. But remember – that’s an average – assuming all goes well and there are no complications.

If you’re in your 30’s and up and you haven’t got a lot of sagging skin threadlift could be for you. In general, the younger the patient and the less sagging involved, the more dramatic the result will be.

Threadlift is unlikely to remove wrinkles – it’s purely a treatment for sagging skin and jowls. The aim is to give a tightened and lifted appearance to the face not reduce wrinkles.

A thread lift is a relatively expensive anti aging treatment. From my research the average treatment costs are currently around $3200 although this amount will vary depending on the number of threads needed. You need about 4 threads per treatment area apparently.

Additional anti aging treatments that will enhance the effect of a thread lift include botox injections, chemical peels, collagen fillers and dermabrasion. A good cosmetic surgeon should advise you what’s best for you and hopefully your bank account but this isn’t going to come cheap!

There have been a lot of problems with thread lift. Some people have found they ended up with a lopsided look and had to have more threads inserted. Sometimes threads move or break and have to be replaced. I also spotted reports of the threads coming through the skin like tiny pimples and having to be removed.

It’s too early to judge yet but on average, the effects should last around 3-5 years which isn’t a great deal of time considering the expense, the risks and the discomfort.

There’s Lots to think about with this procedure – my advice would be – as with any facial cosmetic surgery or facial treatment – do your research thoroughly and choose your cosmetic surgeon carefully. Alternatively – take a look at some of the newer non surgical face lifts on this site.

I would go for LED skin treatments or microcurrent face lifts first before considering this type of facial surgery (in my book thread lifts are definitely a surgical procedure). LED skin treatments and microcurrent face lifts are two of the hottest non surgical approaches currently and they are getting some very favorable reviews from users.

What’s more – for either LED or microcurrent – you can have in-office treatments and home top ups using some of the excellent portable devices out there. Take a look at the Baby Quasar LED device or NuFace microcurrent facial toner and the background info on this site.

A younger looking you is possible with non invasive treatments, great anti aging skin care and sensible lifestyle choices – and what’s more it will cost you a lot less than a thread lift.

Related articles:

• Face lift surgery: is it for you?
• Microcurrent face lift: gain without the pain
• Microcurrent facials at home