Threads - A Stitch in Time
A Stitch in Time - Doctor Stefan Lo
Have you ever looked in the mirror, pulled up the skin on the side of the face and wondered how amazing it would be to look like that? Then threads may be an option for you.
What are threads?
Threads have been used for over 20 years to provide support and lift to ageing faces. They have been made of various different materials, the latest and most popular now being polydioxanone (PDO). This is the same material that has been used as internal dissolvable stitches for over 50 years.
What do threads do?
Threads can be grouped into 2 broad types depending on their intended function:
Stimulating threads: often referred to as “Mono’s”, these smooth short threads are like little strings of skin fertiliser. As they dissolve, they stimulate your skin to form more collagen, leading to increased tightening and firmness. They can be used anywhere on your body that you wish your skin to be firmer, and popular areas include firming the jawline/under the chin and the smile lines on the sides of the mouth.
Lifting threads: these threads have cogs to lift and support the skin. You can think of them acting like a suspender belt for the facial tissues, to keep them supported as when you were younger. As they dissolve, the collagen formation they induce helps to maintain the result. They work best to support the cheeks and the lower face or jowl area.
What are the results like?
It is best to think of threads as another tool we have to fight the appearance of ageing and they work best in conjunction with other modalities such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers.
The stimulating threads allow us a further mechanism to firm the skin without adding bulk that dermal fillers would. We see the best results after 3 months and it is best to maintain the results with yearly treatments.
The lifting threads provide a natural lift without the risk of looking puffy from too much filler. Although the effects of the ‘lift’ are immediate, the results continue to improve for 3 months as the ‘firming’ action of the threads take effect. Given the ongoing effects of gravity, yearly maintenance treatments are also useful.
How are threads done?
The stimulating threads are done as a walk-in, walk-out procedure with local anaesthetic cream and laughing gas. Depending on the area treated, the procedure itself takes between 30 to 60 minutes.
Lifting threads can also be done with laughing gas, however, patients may find it more comfortable with a little light sedation. The procedure takes 60-90 minutes depending on the area and amount of lift you wish to achieve.
If you are interested in restoring your youthful contours or firmer skin, please come to have a more detailed chat with us. We might just be able to provide you a stitch in time!
