Facial Threads – The Greatest Thing Ever! Or Are They?

Facial threads, or a thread lift, are a minimally invasive technique that can lift up slightly sagging skin on the face and neck with the use of surgical sutures. It should not be considered a substitute for a facelift,because all it does is produce a subtle change and buy you time before an immediate facelift or neck lift procedure. The idea is appealing because it involves a very short recovery process—just a few days—compared to a facelift.

Facial threads became popular some time ago among people in their 30s and 40s,as well as some who were older but whose skin had not become too lax for this treatment. From a patient’s point of view, the biggest advantage of a thread lift procedure is the absence of visible scars.

Dr Marcells has performed threadlift procedures in the past, but has discontinued the practice. However, “there is an ongoing interest among patients, and we still receive enquiries”, he says.

But why does he no longer perform thread lifts? Dr Marcells says, that, in his experience, they do not produce lasting results, even though patients expect them. Threadlifts are not meant for lasting results, as they are considered temporary measures from the start.

Because thread lifts only address superficial layers of skin, they can produce that ‘pulled look’ surgeons would rather not see on the faces of their patients. We have heard Dr Marcells explain again and again why he prefers the deep plane facelift, which will not produce the artificial pulled skin look.

But on this matter, Dr Marcells would like to urge his patients to consider alternatives such as a mini-lift or a browlift procedure, as more appropriate than facial threads.

A mini-lift procedure

The mini facelift, or the S lift,is much like a traditional facelift, but takes just over an hour to complete, making it far more affordable. It is also far less invasive than a regular facelift, because incisions are smaller and smaller stitches are used to minimise scars. There is far less bruising and swelling. Typically, patients undergoing a mini lift can get back to their normal life within three to five days.

The mini facelift procedure revives the neck and jaw line area, and the marionette lines around the corners of the mouth, but not the nasolabial folds—those deep folds which run from the corner of the mouth to the side of the nose. Nor does it target the forehead or eyelids. This is why mini facelifts are often performed together with other procedures, such as browlift, eyelid surgery and laser treatments.

A mini facelift produces much longer lasting results than a thread lift.

A brow lift procedure

A brow lift can help restore a fresh and youthful appearance around the eyes and lift the eyebrows. It can benefit anyone who has a sagging brow, frown lines or lines on the forehead, as well as the hooding of droopy eyebrows.

If your mid-face area is fine and the brow area needs attention, you should opt for a brow lift instead of a thread lift.

You can read more about browlifts in the treatments section of this website. You may also want to check out our blog post, Which Brow Lift Suits You Best? It explains the different types of brow lifts, the endo-coronal brow lift, hairline or trichophytic brow lift and the endoscopic brow lift.

If you wish to find out more information on any of the procedures mentioned in this post or wish to make an appointment with Dr Marcells, please contact us on 1300 555 095. You can also use email or the ‘book consultation’ feature of this website to make an appointment.

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