A thread lift is a nonsurgical option for those with jowls, drooping cheeks, and other problems caused by facial skin laxity.
This is an ideal option for those looking for something that will give more noticeable results than facial rejuvenation, but isn’t as costly or invasive as a surgical facelift.
How It Works
Instead of removing loose facial skin, as in a surgical facelift, a suture (or “thread”) is used to stitch up loose skin. This pulls the skin back, lifting and tightening the face. Once in place, the suture naturally activates the body’s healing response, resulting in the generation of collagen. Collagen is important for wound healing but also keeps the skin strong and supple, so the thread not only holds the skin back, but it also encourages thickening, hydrating, strengthening, and rejuvenating of the skin.
Thread Lift Options
Both FDA-approved thread lift options are made from a material that can be absorbed by the body, and they operate on the same principle: Lift the skin and stimulate collagen production. But each does it in a unique way.
Nova Threads
Nova threads come in two styles — smooth or barbed. The smooth threads encourage collagen stimulation and are ideal for the corners of the mouth and along the brow. The barbed threads are ideal for gathering skin, so they are ideal for pulling back and lifting the cheeks and jowls.
Silhouette Instalift
The Instalift comes in only one type of thread that has cones interspersed along its length for gathering skin. Though it does encourage collagen production, it is more focused on skin lifting of the cheeks and jowls.
With both options, it is a 45-minute outpatient procedure using local anesthesia.