Thread Lift Treatment: The Non-Surgical Alternative for a Lifting Effect
In aesthetic medicine, several options are available to address skin laxity. Among them,thread lift treatments have seen a renewed surge in popularity. To better understand this technique, we spoke with Dr. Mai Ho, who now offers this service at Epiderma Saint-Hyacinthe.
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What Is a Thread Lift Treatment?
(M.H.) – Thread lifts use absorbable threads equipped with small cones that are inserted beneath the skin to reposition sagging tissues. This technique is primarily used to treat areas of the face such as the cheeks, marionette lines, and jowls.
The lifting effect is immediate, with continued improvement over the six months following the treatment. According to manufacturers, results may last up to one year, and in some cases, even longer.
Who Is This Treatment Recommended For?
(M.H.) – Thread lift treatments are generally recommended for individuals between the ages of 35 and 60 who have skin that is neither too thin nor too thick and who are experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity.
This treatment is ideal for patients who wish to avoid surgical facelifts but are seeking a more noticeable lifting effect than what dermal fillers alone can provide.
Dr. Mai Ho also recommends this approach for patients who have previously had filler treatments and would like additional lifting without undergoing surgery. This method can provide approximately up to 1 cm of lift, allowing for visible yet realistic results.
How Does the Treatment Work?
(M.H.) – The procedure typically lasts between one and two hours. For a full-face treatment, approximately six to ten threads are inserted (both sides combined).
The threads are placed beneath the skin using an aseptic technique and local anesthesia to minimize discomfort at the entry and exit points.
Is the Treatment Painful? Do the Threads Remain Under the Skin?
(M.H.) – Although the treatment is semi-invasive and slightly more involved than filler injections, it is generally well tolerated.
Local anesthesia is used, but the procedure may feel more sensitive than traditional injections, making it less suitable for highly anxious individuals.
Following treatment, patients may experience mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising, which typically resolves within a few days. The threads remain beneath the skin and are gradually absorbed over approximately six months.
Why Did You Choose to Offer This Treatment?
(M.H.) – Thread lifts have been used for over 20 years, with varying levels of popularity. In the past decade, however, the technique has experienced significant renewed interest, particularly in Europe and Asia.
Dr. Mai Ho considers thread lifts a valuable therapeutic option for patients seeking a lifting effect without surgery.
Contraindications
As with any medical procedure, thread lift treatments have certain contraindications, including:
- Severe systemic diseases
- Autoimmune conditions
- Local or systemic infections
- Use of anticoagulant medications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Predisposition to keloids or hypertrophic scars
- Previous permanent fillers
- Facial or scalp eczema or psoriasis
- Allergy to lidocaine, epinephrine, or thread components
Thread lift treatments represent an excellent non-surgical solution for individuals seeking a natural-looking lift and immediate results without surgery. Thanks to Dr. Mai Ho’s expertise, this treatment is now available at Epiderma Saint-Hyacinthe, offering patients an additional option to restore firmness and facial definition.