THREADS LIFT
NON SURGICAL FACELIFT BY BRINGING BACK UP CHEEKS AND JOWLS tissues, to where they were when you were younger
*Cogs, factory-molded and other lifting threads (not mono)
*Award winning experienced doctor
Presentation by Dr Larissa Miller about threadlift procedures and combinaiton of treatments at CosDoc by CPCA in 2021.
Presentation by Dr Larissa Miller about threadlift procedures at the National Laser Conference of ACAM in 2019.
Lower face lift
Lower face with hanging jowls and double chin is a tricky and difficult to correct area. To better address the area, your experienced cosmetic doctor will assess your individual situation. Commonly the excess tissues in the lower face are due to drooping down from the upper face. So, lifting them back up, to the cheeks and temple area (where they naturally came from) would improve the lower face itself.
Another option would be to consider fat-dissolving injections, which release weight of fat, pulling down face. By removing what is pulling down and not touching of what is pulling up, we are shifting face balance up and providing lift. Also, after fat dissolving injections, there is less weight for threads to lift and therefore lifting effect is more significant (which everyone is happy with).
Lower face areas most commonly treated are jawline and double chin, when cosmetic doctor is using threads under local anesthetic to straighten jawline and lift up the hanging skin under the chin. Although effect is usually can be seen nicely, but the the procedure is not as effective as surgical lift. Thread lift is as effective as it can gets for non surgical procedures and much safer than surgery.
PDO threads provide natural moderate degree of lift of the sagging skin and stimulate collagen, which adds to lift up effect.
Most thread lift today is non invasive, no cuts or scalpels used, only needles and cannulas (similar to your filler procedure, but way more lifting effect on the face). Also, insertion techniques help to eliminate side effects.
What are types of threads?
there are many, but 2 main types:
NON BARBED or mono – smooth, fine structure threads. Ideal of skin tightening.
BARBED threads had small barbs or cogs on the thread, which allows to stimulate more collagen and fix up the lift. Ideal for face lift.
Dr Larissa Miller, MD has made a video explaining different types of threads.
There are a lot and even doctors are confused with new ones constantly coming to the market.
Materials also differ:
PDO – most commonly used, with a lot of years in medicine (heart and vascular surgery sutures) due to favourable safety profile
PLLA – the most potent for collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation as well as lifting, lasts longer than PDO, but takes longer with swelling, discomfort and downtime. Most effective.
PCL – longest lasting with minimum discomfort, but softest in term of effect.
Vista Clinic Australia we prefer non surgical threads due to better safety profile and proven high efficacy. Besides lifting, we promote holistic approach to the aging and beauty – absorb able threads can offer additional benefits of collagen stimulating, skin tighteness, skin improvement, less wrinkles, pores, thicker skin etc
cAre threads for face safe cosmetic treatment?
Modern threads are different from previous generations of threads in terms of safety and efficiency. At VISTA Clinic Australia, we do not use permanent, or required stitchers, or cuts or any changes to anatomy threads, which caused problems in the past decades and have more side effects (if you prefer more permanent or significant changes – the most appropriate alternative would be a plastic surgery).
Most common side effects are mild swelling and local soreness, lasting few days, up to 2 weeks; (if it’s significant and it lasts longer than 4 weeks we usually review and it could be an underlying cause for this (like previous scar under skin or injury) bruising; rare infections, but our doctors at Melbourne clinic are very careful and religious with aseptic and antiseptic to ensure safety of our patients. We have number of SOPs to prevent complications and go way beyond minimum standards in minimizing infections at VISTA Clinic Australia. Initial assymetry, skin waved, dimples, over correction and lift are also temporary side effects and settle within 2 months, but can be also released by the doctor, as per patient’ wish. It’s not permanent or anyhow changing normal anatomy. The thread can also be removed. However, like any other medical procedure, threads can carry rare, but more permanent risks, therefore it’s important to let us know about your concerns (we have emergency phone 0434780777) in a timely manner and to follow up with after care advice and doctor’s recommendations.
VISTA Clinic Australia’ experienced doctor will discuss with you in details the PDO threadlift procedure, pros and cons, available alternatives, costs and you will have enough opportunity to ask questions. We always email Informed consent in the confirmation email of your appointment to ensure that you have sufficient time to read and, if any questions or concerns – to ask or cancel the procedure.
Cosmetic physicians at VISTA Clinic Australia Melbourne do not accept patients under 18 years old.
Cosmetic procedures are not mandatory or urgent – therefore please, plan in advance. 
generally speaking- more effective and longer lasting procedure – longer is usually downtime. 
If not prepared to take time off life – it’s also possible to achieve great results, but will take longer, smaller steps and usually more expensive. 
please discuss with your doctor before proceeding your desired outcomes. there is no magic – it’s either more results but more downtime or less obvious results with less downtime. 
modern cosmetic medicine offers quite amazing options especially if patient is committed to comply with doctor recommendations and followed the plan of continuous care with the same practitioner
How to improve dimples after threadlift?
It is common to have dimples and, if it’s not improving after 2 months, it’s a good idea to return to the doctor for the dimple treatment. Doctor can do quite a few options to release it – usually it’s a pulling down and releasing the thread. In the meantime, try to “squeeze” you dimple by you fingers – 1 finger is on the dimple from the skin side, another – from inside your mouth. Once hold the “dimple” between your fingers, pull it down and towards to the mouth gently, then round massage movements and then pull down again. Such massage can release dimples in most cases.
Thinner and older skin – longer it takes for dimples to resolve, doctor may offer you skin booster (bio) injections, laser or other treatment based on your situation.
Usually 1st threadlift has the longest downtime as reveals underlying scars and fibrosis, which tends to improve with time after PDO threadlift (“microneedling from inside” effect).
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. You will be given local anesthetic infusions at the thread entry and exit sites. This makes the procedure relatively painless. After the procedure your face may feel tight for 24 hours. Bruising is variable but is best to allow a few days for this to settle. Obviously it is best not to take blood thinning agents (eg aspirin, antiinflammatories fish oil, alpha omega acids) for at least 3 days before putting the threads in.
Results should be seen immediately but the final result will take 12 weeks to develop. Initial assymtry, over correction, dimples, skin waves usually settle.
Potential complications are discomfort, bruising, cold sores, puckering, numbness. All of these would be expected to not last more than a few weeks at worst. Threads may also be easily removed for up to 4 weeks without problems should you not like the effect.
The threads should last from 1 year to 18 months when further threads may be needed due to ongoing aging. The 1st time threadlift may not last as long with approximately 6-8 months, but with regular maintenance – there is an accumulative effect with more lift, less downtime and more prolonged effect.
PDO (polydiaxanone) sutures or threads is a fast growing cosmetic technology for tightening and lifting of sagging skin all over the world.
Besides immediate facelift or skin tightness, patient will also enjoy collagen stimulation and boost of effect 2 months after the threads has been inserted. The collagen production continues for the next 6 months.
For lifting threads: Like any other facelift procedure, there is downtime, particularly for the 1st time – please, always discuss with your doctor and do not plan anything significant in the next 2 weeks.
What is effect of threads on face and skin?
INSTANT LIFT through mechanical elevation
SKIN QUALITY though collagen stimulation, new capillary formation
TIGHTENING of the skin through contracting fat tissue
SKIN PORES and WRINKLES IMPROVEMENT in 2-3 months, when collagen stimulation takes in
V SHAPE like appearance of the face
Please, note that some patients with heavier tissues (when it is more to lift), with fibrosis, previous surgeries, scars or injuries can experience not complete symmetry, initial dimples, skin waves during downtime period. If you don’t want to have downtime – please let us know and we will perform different procedure with less lifting.
Thread lift is a safe and effective procedure of lifting up mobile soft tissues of skin and subcutaneous fat pads. It’s lift and you can see it straight away (to certain extent – initial local, swelling, overcorrection is not a final result) with subsequent improvement over collagen stimulating in 2 months and improvement over next 6 months.
Lifting procedures are particularly a good combination with skin tightening, fillers and muscle relaxant infections.
Please, consult your experienced cosmetic doctor for more options and details.
How long does it lasts?
Depends… on the type of threads (less invasive tend to last less, but less side effects and downtime), on lifestyle (more age facilitating activities – faster person will age – things like stress (that’s what we can see is a biggest trigger of aging), smoking, poor diet, lack of sleep, genetics etc), general health (chronic and inflammatory conditions tend to age people faster as well we lead to less collagen stimulation by PDO threads), genetics and how person maintains their health and beauty.
Thread lift has accumulative effect, similar to filler and other cosmetic procedures – more is done – more lift doctor can achieve with a smaller amount and collagen has been supporting structures.
1st time PDO threadlift (cogs or barbed – small lifting hooks) tend to last not too long – may be as short as only 6 or 8 months, up to a year. 2nd threadlift tend to last longer – around a year. Particularly bone structure and skin tightness are factors helping better lift and longevity.
PLA, PLLA, Aptos, permanent threads last longer as well as offer other skin and anti-aging benefits – our experienced doctor will advise you on options, pros and cons and costs associated.
Threads provide immediate lifting effect mechanically.
Cog threads are absorbable threads with a tiny hooks similar to fishing hooks, which stabilize tissues and don’t let it droop down.
After 2 months (in sporty and active physically individuals – in 3 weeks) – collagen stimulating effect will kick and you will notice additional lift, skin improvement, pores look better, more lightening of the skin. Such improvements will continue to work for app next 6 months, when patient is enjoying better and better results.
Upper face threadlift
It is one of the most popular and fast growing areas as it is addressing lift of the face.
As we age, under gravity and face bone reduction, the tissues of the face are drooping down, forming nasolabials, marionnette and smile lines.
VISTA Clinic Australia philosophy is to respect anatomy and natural processes in the body. To avoid unnecessary anatomy disturbance and to achieve natural results, cosmetic doctor is following the same path of lift as it was the anatomical drop. We don’t change face, but returning tissues where it used to be when you were younger.
Similar to how doctor stitches edges of the wound together by absorbable stichers, when the stitch is dossolved over time, but wound edges healed by attaching to each other. Your cosmetic doctor at VISTA Clinic Australia will lift up hanging fat and skin from nasolabials and jaw line up to the cheeks and temple areas and fix it with the thread there. The thread will self dissolve in a couple of months, but the lifted tissues will stay. Such technique also will add a little natural volume to your cheekbones by your own fat (which is a natural to your body as it can gets).
However, the process of aging is still going on, therefore realistically the lifting effect usually lasts 1-1,5 years. Naturally, whatever would speed up aging process (alcohol, stress, certain medications, smoking, hormonal changes, genetic input, diseases, sun exposure etc), will lessen longevity of the thread lift.
Pretty good incentive to follow up with doctors’ advice on healthy lifestyle, hey?
General information
Threads are re-absorbable and a scientific innovation, not everyone wants to undergo surgery and often dermal fillers are not enough to achieve the best level of facial rejuvenation.
Threads are now a viable alternative. They work by lifting and realigning sagging tissue. In the past the only facial threads available in Australia remained permanently within the tissue. If these threads needed to be removed for any reason the removal often required surgery and this could be very difficult and not always successful.
The latest threads are designed to elevate tissues and promote collagen formation in the surrounding tissues. Over time and as the threads slowly dissolve, the developing collagen ensures long-term life of the surrounding tissues. These threads give a far more natural appearance than their predecessors.
The thread lift is suitable for both men and women. The threads can be used to lift the brow, the mid-face and jaw, and to remove jowls and sagging skin in the neck. The thread lift is performed in a day surgery centre and does not require a general anaesthetic.
The threads work by having small barbs that support the tissues. The threads are anchored to the tough fibrous tissue that covers the bone. Three small needle holes are made on the R and L in the hair above the ear. These holes heal themselves without sutures. Through these holes the threads, which are in thin cannulas, are inserted under the skin to the areas requiring support. The needles first take a “bite” through the fibrous layer overlying the bone. The number of threads used depends on the areas to be supported and the mass of these tissues, but typically on each side of the face a pair of threads are used for the mid face, a pair for the jaw line and one pair for the brow. The threads themselves dissolve with time over around 6 months, but in this time have done their job of lifting and causing a fibrous reaction to cause a natural lift which lasts for 12 months
Is thread lift treatment painful?
Depends on individual pain tolerance (it can be different with different day of the cycle, recent stress etc) and the type of threads doctor uses. Most patients tolerate the procedure of monothreads comfortably, we don’t need pain relief (the size of needle is similar to anti wrinkle injections). For lifting threads – there is a pulling up sensation which is usually due to changing balance (homestasis) of the face tissues to a more lifted level. Doctor can use local anaesthetic, particularly it’s advised for the 1st time procedure as it’s usually more uncomfortable than subsequent ones. Please note that more anasthetic used – more swelling and prolongation of downtime it will be.
For tightening threads, no anesthetic required and for lifting cog threads – either none either local pain relief. Feedback from our patients is usually that the procedure is less painful than they expected.
If you prefer even more painless procedure, you can discuss it with our experienced cosmetic doctors in advance – there are plenty of other options available, but you need ensure that you don’t drive yourself after procedure and that you have no contraindications.
Contrindications
There are no contraindications to treatment other than allergy to PDO material (very rare). Very thin faced patients are more likely to show thread tension lines and patients with excessive fat or lax facial skin may have less than optimal lifting due to excess tissue. Patients on blood thinners or with clotting disorders are more likely to bruise. There are no contraindications to Xrays, CT, EMR scans, radio-surgical devices etc. or use of dermal fillers or botulinum toxin post treatment. Very little residual material is left in the tissue so no long term consequences are expected for this.
Potential Side Effects Summery
Long term >6 months Very rare as threads dissolve in the tissues and the inserting cannula is blunt (not cutting anything, rather separating tissues naturally).
Medium term <4 weeks Discomfort to a maximum of 4 weeks (<0.1%)* patients Asymmetry <1% patients (fix with further threads) Thread protrusion with local inflammation (<0.1%) (fix with excision of thread end) Thread breakage (<0.1%) patients (fix with further threads) Infection (<0.1%) patients (may require drainage of pus/antibiotics/thread removal) Temporary nerve weakness or sensation alteration (<0.005%)
Short term <1week Drooping of eyelid or face from local anaesthetic with duration of a maximum 3 hours (<10%) Tightness and moderate discomfort over the injection sites for up to 3 days (<30%) Visible tension line along thread for up to 3 days (<10%) Puckering of the skin along the thread for up to a week (<10% ) (fix by pulling on the skin in both directions at 90 o to the line of the thread) Localised mild bruising (<5%) More severe haematoma (<0.1%) Asymmetry (<2%) (fix with further threads) Insufficient tissue lifting (<5%) (fix with further threads)
