Cosmetic surgery is not the only option that aesthetic medicine offers to deal with sagging skin and signs of ageing. Thread lifts are minimally invasive procedures that involve medical grade sutures. These sutures are injected in the desired areas and pulled to tighten the skin. They remain under the skin and do their work of firming that area.

There are different kinds of threads that are used in this procedure:

1. Absorbable threads include the Polydioxanone thread (PDO) which has a bi-directional absorbable cone. It is also called the Silhouette Soft thread or Korean Thread Lift.
2. Non-absorbable threads include barbed bi-directional threads or barbed uni-directional threads.
3. Non-barbed threads are PDO smooth (and twist) threads that do not have barbs and can easily glide under the skin in treatment areas for a practically painless insertion.

Depending on the choice of threads, your doctor can give you smoother, firmer skin, better contours and improved skin texture. Absorbable threads are known to boost collagen production in the skin, thereby improving the skin’s elasticity and correcting mild wrinkling.

Some of the factors that your dermatologist will take into account before advising this procedure to you is your age, your health, your skin’s laxity and thickness and your facial volume. However, thread lifts are not only meant for the face, although it is the popular area of correction. For the face, threads work well on the lower face area and jawline, cheek area and mid-face, eye area and neck area. For these areas, the various kinds of thread lifts that are available include neck thread lift, nose thread lift, eye thread lift, and brow thread lift. In other body parts, threads can be used for inner arms, buttocks and inner thighs. 

Before you go in for the treatment, it is important to understand certain dos and don’ts that need to be taken into account for anyone aspiring for a rejuvenated look.

Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, MBBS, MD (dermatology), Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Trasi Clinic and La Piel Skin Clinic, gives you a checklist of pointers that you need to consider before signing up for a thread lift procedure.

What are the dos?

1. The thread lift is a semi-invasive procedure on the skin. Hence precautions should be taken against any bruise or infection of the skin.
2. Avoid scheduling this procedure around any social event or gathering. This procedure can be painful and it can give bruises to the skin. So, take out some days off your schedule before doing this procedure.
3. Avoid consuming nutritional supplements like omega 3 fatty acids, fish oils, vitamin E, ginseng, garlic, chocolates, green tea and other such items at least two-three days before the treatment. These supplements are known to thin the blood, leading to more bleeding and increased chances of bruising.
4. Avoid taking aspirin and painkillers such as Naproxen and Ibuprofen as they can cause bleeding, unwanted side effects and complications.
5. Avoid smoking and alcohol two-three days prior to the procedure. These vices can dehydrate the skin.
6. Make up your mind to patiently wait for the results as the thread lift procedure shows complete results only after a few weeks.
7. Slight pain or tenderness, swelling and bruising is common after the procedure. So, ice the treated area for the next few days.
8. Consume softer foods and drink plenty of water and juices for the next 24-48 hours, if you experience pain around the mouth area.

What are the don’ts?

1. Don’t apply make-up on the day of the procedure. In case, you have put on make-up, remove it and cleanse the face thoroughly before starting with the procedure.
2. The thread lift procedure works on the mechanism of inflammation (wound healing mechanism) and then improvement of the skin within, hence avoiding intake of any painkillers.
3. Don’t lie down astride; sleep on your back.
4. Don’t perform any high-intensity exercises and go to a sauna or steam room.
5. Don’t indulge into excess work. Rest for a few days or pick up a lighter work schedule.
6. Don’t apply make-up or any cream on the face or the area treated for the next 24-48 hours. Apply antibiotic cream to prevent any infections.
7. Don’t go for any facial treatments for the next two to three weeks.
8. If you experience unusual pain or swelling, it is important to consult your practitioner to receive appropriate treatment immediately.

Thread lift is a specialised procedure, and you need an experienced and certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to carry out this treatment efficiently. So, take your time in selecting the right doctor and clinic, and make sure you discuss the above pointers with them in detail.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician or doctor. The Company does not vouch for or endorse any of the above content, and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the same.