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    Which Thread Lift Is Best?

    Aug 16, 2022

    A thread lift won’t stop you getting older. As we age, we universally see the effects of gravity and volume loss in our face. Understanding the process behind these changes allows to better formulate treatment plans to get the best results and pick which thread lift is best.

    More than just before and after thread lift pics.

    I find there is a wide variation in understandings in one of my favourite treatments – lifting threads. Terms such as pdo threads, mono threads and lifting threads seem to be increasingly used interchangeably.  I previously explained in an article that PDO stands for polydioxanone, a safe, dissolvable suture like material that has been used for decades in surgery [1].

    To lift or to tighten - that is the question.

    To put things simply, there are only two main functions of threads. PDO mono threads are inserted in to the skin into the fat layer and stimulate a mild reaction that in turn boosts collagen production [2] (collagen being the substance that gives our skin structure). Where as lifting threads or long threads anchor a point and attempt to counter the effects of gravity to lift up the tissue to its original position.

    As seen in the adjacent photo, my patient has significant jowling at either side of her chin as well as heavy nasolabial folds (the creases from the nose to the mouth).


    Some injectors might consider dermal fillers for this patient but I believe this would be a mistake. Her issue is one of distribution of tissue – not of volume loss. Injecting dermal filler into this patient would risk filler migration and worsening of her jowls and/or nasolabial folds.

    before thread lift

    Before thread lift photo, you can see significant heaviness in the nasolabial folds and jowl areas

    "To put things simply, there are only two main functions of threads."

    - Dr Robert Laidlaw

    How long do thread lifts last?

    Some clinicians claim that facial threads last longer than 3-5 years – they do not [1,2].


    With any cosmetic injectable treatment, everyone is different and your duration of results will be the same. In general the thread will dissolve in 9 -12 months for lifting threads so expect results to last at least this amount of time. For PDO mono threads, as they are much finer in diameter they will dissolve much quicker and you should begin to see results in 8 weeks and continue to improve up to 3 months.

    Which thread lift lasts the longest?

    Different manufacturers will try and argue how their particular product is better and ‘longer lasting’ than their competitor. The reality is that all threads are made from the same material and there is little evidence to back up claims of increased longevity. Like in all cosmetic injectable procedures – the important part is in the skill of the operator who performs the procedure more than the brand of product used.

    

    PDO mono threads are often seen posted on social media due to their striking appearance.

    Want to find out more?

    Book your complimentary consultation with Dr Robert Laidlaw at Shellharbour clinic and learn more about how threads might be able to help you reverse some of concerns about ageing.


    We also perform anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and much more.

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