In the Know

As we age, our skin loses its firmness, elasticity and volume, developing fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. The team here at Results Laser Clinic would all agree that spending $10,000+ on a facelift, followed by weeks of recovery time doesn’t sound too appealing. If you’re looking for a solution to help combat aging/sagging skin but happen to be on the same page as us when it comes to invasive facelift procedures, then you have come to the right place. Results Laser Clinic offers a range of different Thread Lift Treatments that aim to lift and tighten sagging skin, stimulate collagen production, and achieve a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. Thread Lifts are a minimally invasive, quick, no-downtime alternative to a surgical facelift.  With clinics across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Results Laser Clinic has a experienced team of Cosmetic Nurses to help you achieve your desired results with Facial Threads. 

To give you the run-down on everything you need to know about Facial Threads, we have put together this ultimate guide to answer any questions or concerns, and make sure you have all the info you need! 

 

What are the different types of Facial Threads?

There are two main types of Facial Threads:

1. Barbed PDO Threads
2. Non-barbed PDO Threads

Barbed PDO Facial Threads have stronger lifting capabilities. They are designed to anchor into the tissue underneath the skin to instantly lift and tighten the skin. Results Laser Clinic offers Facial Thread Lifts, and Fox Eye/Brow Thread Lifts which utilise barbed PDO threads. 

 

Non-barbed PDO Threads are shorter and finer, with less lifting power. These threads focus on stimulating collagen, gently lifting and tightening the skin to achieve an overall more rejuvenated appearance. Results Laser Clinic offers PDO Mono Threads, which fall under this category. 

More on each of these treatments below.

 

What are PDO Threads?

You might be thinking, ‘Whoa, threads underneath my skin?! I’m not sure about that.’ Do not worry. We are here to explain. PDO Threads are made up of Polydioxanone (PDO). These threads are 100% dissolvable and used in various surgical procedures worldwide. Using a non-incision method, our PDO threads are gently inserted beneath the skin and anchored into the tissue to instantly lift and tighten the skin. Within 6 months, the threads completely dissolve, stimulating collagen production to improve skin firmness and elasticity. 

 

What is a Facial Thread Lift?

A Facial Thread Lift uses Facial Long Threads to anchor into the tissue underneath the skin, to lift and tighten the skin. This treatment can contour the jawline, cheeks and neck for a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. Facial Thread Lifting is used to correct facial sagging, and restore volume by naturally stimulating collagen production.

Facial Thread Lifts can target two areas:

• Mid Facelift Threading
• Jawline/Neck Lift Threading

 

What is a Fox Eye/Brow lift?

A Fox Eye Lift simultaneously lifts and elongates the outer corners of the eye by pulling up the outer brow using threads. Achieve that snatched brow look that is globally trending in the beauty and cosmetic industry, and a hugely popular treatment.

A Brow Thread Lift enhances the arch of your brow line. This treatment is the perfect solution for sagging eyebrows and eyelid hooding, as well as for those looking to rejuvenate and lift the brow and eye area for a fresher, more awake appearance. Achieve that famous Bella Hadid fox-eye look which is taking the beauty world by storm.

 

What are PDO Mono Threads?

PDO Mono Threads are used to correct facial sagging, creping skin, fine lines and wrinkles. Mono Threads work underneath the surface of the skin to increase collagen production, which improves skin elasticity, wrinkles and adds volume to sunken areas. Compared to Facial Thread Lifts, the threads used are shorter, focusing increasing collagen and elastin rather than lifting or ‘pulling’ the skin. 

PDO Mono Threads can treat the following areas:

• Upper & Lower Cheeks
• Glabella Lines
• Nasolabial Folds
• Smile Lines
• Smokers/Mouth Lines
• Sagging Jowls
• Jawline
• Chin
• Neck Lines

 

How long does a thread facelift last?

Facial Thread Lifts and Fox Eye/Brow Thread Lifts have the potential to last anywhere from 12 months to 2 years, depending on a number of factors. Longevity of PDO Threads can be affected by sun exposure, adherence to aftercare guidelines, metabolism, your skin care routine, and certain lifestyle choices. PDO Mono Threads can last up to 18 months. 

 

The Threads inserted underneath the skin will dissolve over time, fully dissolving after approximately 6 months. This process is what stimulates new collagen production, which continues after the threads have been dissolved. At Results Laser Clinic, we recommend that to achieve the best ongoing results, maintain treatment intervals of:

• 8-12 months for Facial Thread Lifts, and
• 6-12 months for Fox Eye/brow Lifts and PDO Mono Threads. 

 

Thread lift vs filler?

These two treatments are both effective in combating the signs of aging skin, however their aims are slightly different. The aim of dermal filler is to add volume to areas that are lacking or where volume has been diminished over time, due to aging.  On the other hand, PDO Threads aim to reposition facial and neck tissue by lifting and tightening the skin, whilst stimulating new collagen production to improve skin elasticity, volume and achieve a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. 

 

Depending on your desired results, PDO Threads may be used in conjunction with filler and/or anti-wrinkle treatment. PDO Threads can be complemented with dermal filler/anti-wrinkle injections, non-surgical face/eye lifts or facial/Eye Rejuve Therapy following recovery from your treatment. 

 

What to do before your threads treatment?

If you decide to book in for a PDO Threads treatment, there are a few considerations you need to be mindful of in the 2-4 weeks prior to your appointment. Let’s make sure your treatment goes smoothly!

1. Please avoid the sun and tanning a minimum of 2 weeks for to your treatment (and as always, make sure you’re wearing SPF!).
2. Please do not have any Cosmetic Injectables treatments including Anti Wrinkle (2 weeks prior) and Dermal Fillers (4 weeks prior)
3. Avoid using skincare containing active ingredients such as vitamin A, retinol, or glycolic acid, as it increased the skins sensitivity. 
4. Avoid supplements that increase bruising and bleeding such as; Green Tea, Omegas, Primrose Oil, Garlic, Echinacea, Vitamin E, and multivitamins.
5. Avoid the use of Nurofen, Aspirin, and other anti-inflammatories /anticoagulation medications.

 

What to expect after a thread’s treatment?

After your PDO Threads treatment, you can expect milk to moderate redness, swelling and bruising, which normally subsides in 7-14 days. Arnica gel or ointment can be applied immediately after treatment and used as needed. A stinging or “pulling” discomfort or scratchy sensation is normal and will generally subside by 2 to 8 weeks.  

 

It is important that you follow the aftercare guidelines as instructed by our Cosmetic Nurses. We want you to have the best recovery and results possible! It is recommended to avoid the following activities after your treatment:

1. Avoid touching the area for 24 hours and try to avoid direct pressure on your face (recommend sleeping on your back) for 1 week.
2. Until swelling/bruising has resolved avoid the use of AHA or Vitamin A products, strongly scented lotions & soaps, shaving, waxing or plucking hair, exfoliation, excessive sweating, swimming, or saunas, very hot showers, and excessive amounts of alcohol.
3. Do not book laser, skin, or other cosmetic injectable treatments on any part of your face for at least 2 weeks after treatment. Wait 2 weeks for Anti Wrinkle injections, and 4 weeks for Dermal Fillers. DO NOT undergo dental procedures for at least 4- 6 weeks.
4. LED Light Therapy immediately before or after treatment can help minimise the swelling and bruising as well as enhance your results!

 

Depending on what your skin concerns are, either a Facial Thread Lift, Brow Lift or Mono Threads might be right for you. Book online for your FREE Threads consultation with one of our talented Cosmetic Nurses to find out how we can help you achieve rejuvenated, more youthful looking skin and answer any lingering questions! Our team of experienced and talented Cosmetic nurses are based in clinics across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra, so you can find a clinic near you.