Thread lifting (Silhouette® and Aptos®)
A thread lift is a highly effective, minimally invasive, and gentle method for tightening the skin on the face. During the procedure, threads are inserted into the skin under local anesthesia; these threads exert tension in the desired direction, thereby tightening the skin.
Minimally Invasive Thread Lift
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure for skin tightening that does not require surgery. A thread lift, also known as a thread lift, can be performed on the face, neck, or body. To do this, threads equipped with small hooks are inserted under the skin (DERMIS) through a fine cannula. The hooks then grip the skin from below and pull it upward to restore it to a firmer position.
The dermis consists mainly of connective tissue fibers and is responsible for nourishing and supporting the skin. It contains key components of the skin (hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin) that are responsible for the skin’s structure and elasticity.
The absorbable sutures form an internal network within the skin, which triggers an inflammatory response that attracts platelets and neutrophils and stimulates fibroblasts. This mechanism promotes the growth of blood vessels and the production of collagen and elastin. Meanwhile, the skin’s defense mechanism recognizes the insertion of the threads as an injury and triggers the healing process, leading to physical collagen production, which in turn smooths out superficial wrinkles and tightens the skin. Collagen stimulation therefore enhances the results of a thread lift.
The main advantages of a thread lift are, first, the impressive and immediate results in smoothing out wrinkles, and second, the painless and minimally invasive procedure, which requires no incisions and thus allows patients to return to their daily routines right away.
Thread Lift Treatment
First, the areas where the thread lift is to be performed are identified. The threads are then inserted into the DERMIS of the skin using a thin, atraumatic needle, at a specific depth and in a specific direction. With a thread lift, your skin is instantly tightened by anchoring bidirectional hooks that hold the threads in place and tighten the DERMIS.
The material used for the threads is completely biocompatible and biodegradable, and is fully absorbed by the body within 3–6 months. As a result, the procedure leaves no marks on or in the skin. To achieve even better results, this treatment is combined with a Liquid Facelift and Botox treatments.
Thread lifting achieves facial tightening through two effects. On the one hand, there is the mechanical tightening provided by the threads, and on the other hand, there is the stimulation of the body’s own collagen production, which has a rejuvenating effect on the skin’s overall appearance.
Treatment Process for Thread Lifts
Requirements for a thread lift
A thread lift is a very good alternative for patients with slightly sagging skin who do not yet want an invasive operation such as a face lift. Thread lifting is therefore considered to be particularly gentle. For many patients, thread lifting is very attractive due to these advantages and the immediate results. In addition, the threads can be used to smooth wrinkles and tighten different parts of the body.
Stay Following a Thread Lift
A thread lift is usually performed on an outpatient basis. In preparation for the procedure, the areas to be treated are disinfected with alcohol and the skin is anesthetized with a local anesthetic.
Anesthesia for Thread Lifts
Only a local anesthetic is required. A thread lift is minimally invasive and therefore painless.
Thread Lift Treatment
The stitches are inserted under the skin using a thin needle or cannula. The thread lift can take 30 to 45 minutes. After the stitches have been inserted, the insertion method is removed. You may only feel a slight pressure or pulling sensation under the skin.
Thread Lift Costs
The cost of a thread lift depends on the individual scope of services.
After the thread lift treatment
A few minutes after the needles have been removed, the procedure is complete and you can return to your normal daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thread Lifts
The thread lift procedure is painless, minimally invasive, and therefore requires no incisions in the skin. The treatment is intended for patients showing the first visible signs of mild aging, slight sagging, and superficial, fine lines on the skin. Another important requirement for thread lifting is that the skin is neither too thick nor too thin. Thread lifting is not a substitute for a surgical facelift, but it is an excellent alternative for patients with slightly sagging skin who do not wish to undergo invasive surgery.
The threads used in a thread lift typically dissolve on their own after 3–6 months and are thus absorbed by the body. However, the newly formed collagen framework (which is the tissue’s response to the thread lift) persists for longer. This framework also determines the extent and durability of the results. Therefore, the results of a thread lift begin to fade after just under a year—but the treatment can easily be repeated as needed.
Reactions are generally mild and temporary. After treatment, swelling and, in rare cases, slight bruising may occur, but these should subside within a few days. However, most patients experience only minor reactions—if any at all—following a thread lift.
The beauty of a minimally invasive thread lift is that the results are visible immediately after the procedure. Although the treatment itself is not permanent, it certainly provides long-lasting results and involves very little to no downtime.
After the thread lift procedure, mild swelling and, in rare cases, bruising may occur, but these will gradually subside over the next few days. You may experience some tightness in the treated area over the next few days.
Once the thread lifting treatment has been completed, you can resume your activities as usual, but you should not do any sport or other strenuous activities for the first 2-3 days after the treatment.
Yes, a thread lift is also suitable for skin tightening without invasive surgery on other parts of the body. In addition to the face, thread lifts are also performed very successfully and frequently on the neck. But it can also be performed on other parts of the body where a slight tightening of the skin and tissue is needed, such as the abdomen, arms, knees, inner thighs, or buttocks.
