It’s one of the latest and greatest innovations in facial rejuvenation to come along in quite a while – the lunchtime lift, also known as a threadlift. Other popular names for this procedure are the weekend lift, contour lift, silk lift and even the Russian lift.
Thread Lifts are less invasive, non-surgical quicker, less painful and less expensive than facelifts.
Threadlifts are successful in treating and lifting the forehead and brow, mid-face, cheeks, jowls and nasiolabial fold (the lines from the outside of the nose down to the mouth). This exciting facial rejuvenation procedure can be combined with other procedures and treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, eyelid lifts or liposuction to enhance the final results.
Today, Americans are increasingly concerned about how we look and the aging process, but we are also inherently impatient. Delayed gratification is not as popular as getting what we want right now. Threadlifts are one of several non-surgical treatments available, along with injectables like Botox® Cosmetic, Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse.
However, neither threadlifts nor fillers are meant to be as comprehensive as facelifts. Threadlifts are designed to reduce the early signs of aging, and to delay the onset of wrinkles, sagging skin and weak contours. The best candidates for thread lifts are patients who have just begun to notice the effects of age, sun and gravity on their face.
In general, ideal candidates for thread lifts share these traits:
- Have skin that is not overly lax
- Are 35-50 years old with minimal signs of aging
- Are prematurely aging or have sun-damaged skin
- Are not ready for a traditional facelift
- Don’t have the time or the desire for the long recovery of a traditional facelift
- Have had a traditional facelift and now need a “touch up”
A Thread Lift involves the insertion of tiny, barbed threads into the facial tissue. This is accomplished with a needle, which is relatively painless and reduces the need for anesthetic. The thread barbs attach to the facial tissue, and collagen forms around it to hold the contour thread in place. Because the threads were placed in opposing directions to the sags and wrinkles, it produces a lifting affect as the collagen forms around it.
Although a Thread Lift procedure is relatively quick and painless compared to traditional facelifts, the area must be treated gently for the first few days. This is because it takes time for the barbs to take hold of the subcutaneous fat layer under the skin.
There is also a 2-6 week delay from the time of the procedure before noticing any major improvements.This allows time for the collagen to form around the threads. Many patients like this gradual lifting of their face because people notice that you look better, but don’t see anything drastic all at once.
Depending on the patient’s age, the level of aging that has occurred, the amount of sun exposure, and other aging variables, thread lift treatments can last anywhere from 3-10 years.
Lunchtime lifts have many benefits over traditional facelifts including the following:
- Non-surgical procedure
- No general anesthesia required
- Minimally invasive
- Only a few very small incisions required
- Minimal time investment
- Minimal downtime
- Minimal side effects such as swelling or bruising (when compared to a surgical facelift)
- Can be reversed or adjusted if needed
- More affordable
Depending on the number of areas lifted, costs can range from $1,500 to over $5,000. If cost is a concern, most cosmetic surgeons accept credit cards or offer third party financing to make the procedure more affordable.
