Thread Lift

This breakthrough is another tool for facial rejuvenation. The main advantage is making the lift less invasive. The main problem is the tendency to believe that it replaces a conventional lift. This confusion leads to dissatisfaction.

To avoid dissatisfaction, the main consideration is the indication. This point is central.

The surgeons and the patients must discuss what these threads can do for each case. There are different threads and different techniques. Techniques and technology will keep advancing. But the main question will remain; how much should we cut? The threads do not eliminate cutting, but only minimize the amount of dissection. The basic concept is the more the aging, the more the cutting. Vice versa; the younger the face the less cutting. This means, the more aging. The less the threads can do. The company making the threads says it on the cover of their pamphlet, “The minimally invasive approach to a refreshed new you”. You notice the two key words: “Minimally invasive” and “refreshed”. That’s right, refreshed, and not drastic.

Between young and old are the majority of people who need threads and cutting combined for the best result. Example: A 40-year-old woman with “little sagging” of the face requires only the cutting that it takes to place the threads. The same woman twenty years later still has indications for the threads, but she needs more than the threads. She needs more surgery to obtain a good result; something closer to a convention lift.

In summary, the more the aging, the more the surgery.

The main source of dissatisfaction is a failure to realize the above concept.

Beware of the media. The threads are new, and as usual, gross misinformation prevails. This misinformation leads the public to believe things that are incorrect. In turn, expectations are high until they find out about the limitations.

Complications are very rare, but still possible. The recovery time is usually shorter than conventional, but there is still a down time. People cannot expect to go for this type of procedure as they would go to a salon or hair dresser.

The threads are gaining popularity. They are a real breakthrough, but it is still surgery with risks, benefits and limitations. If you go to a surgeon offering the threads, verify that he has been certified in their use. A certificate proves it such as the one shown below.

The cost is less than with conventional techniques, however not by much. Indeed, the threads are expensive and each thread raises the cost. The number of threads needed for each procedure can be calculated preoperatively to determine the surgical fee. This needs to be discussed and agreed upon preoperatively.

In conclusion, I endorse the threads. The best compassion would be with the advent of the mesh to treat hernias in the early 1980’s. Herniorrhaphy (hernia repair) remained surgical, but the mesh made the repair less invasive while better and more durable.