Thread lifts: the non-surgical facelift to redefine facial contours
Discover thread lift treatment: lift, firm and renew your skin by naturally stimulating collagen.
As time goes by, skin naturally tends to lose firmness and elasticity: facial contours relax, volumes change, and expressions can appear more tired.
Dermatological aesthetic medicine offers various possibilities to counteract the effects of gravity, addressing these signs in a targeted and gradual manner, always respecting the physiognomy and harmony of the face.
Among the treatments offered are thread lifts: an outpatient and minimally invasive procedure that gently lifts tissues and stimulates collagen production, improving skin firmness and quality over time.
The result is a more relaxed and defined face, with a natural and progressive effect that enhances features without altering them.
What is thread lift treatment
Traction threads, also known as suspension threads, are extremely fine biocompatible and resorbable threads that are inserted under the skin using cannulas, which are “needles without a sharp tip”.
Once positioned, the threads anchor to the tissues, gently suspending them upwards and exerting an immediate lifting effect.
Their effect is not limited to this: over the following weeks, the threads stimulate the surrounding tissue to produce new collagen and elastin, two fundamental proteins for keeping the skin firm, elastic and youthful.
The result is twofold: an immediate lift and a progressive improvement in skin quality.
What are threads made of
There are different types of threads, made from completely resorbable and biocompatible materials, therefore safe for the body.
The most commonly used are PDO (Polydioxanone) threads, successfully used for decades as a resorbable suture material in surgery. The idea of using PDO in aesthetic medicine arose precisely from histological observation of the tissues that come into contact with the suture during its resorption. The result? Increased collagen production with a consequent natural firming effect.
The next innovation was to make them “tractive,” creating, with sophisticated technologies, “grips” to anchor them to the tissues once the cannula containing and guiding them to the areas most susceptible to the lifting effect has been removed.
The choice of thread type depends on the patient's characteristics, the area to be treated, and the desired outcome: the doctor will, after a personalised assessment, establish the most suitable strategy.
In which areas can they be applied?
Traction threads are extremely versatile and can be used on both the face and body. The most commonly treated areas are:
– Cheeks and cheekbones, to lift tissues and restore natural volumes.
- Mandibular contour (jawline), to redefine profiles and counteract skin laxity.
Eyebrows, for a more open and fresh look.
– Neck and double chin, to improve firmness and reduce the “sagging skin” effect.
– Arms, abdomen, and inner thighs, in cases of mild skin laxity.
How is the meeting conducted
Thread lift treatment is performed in an outpatient setting and does not require hospitalisation or general anaesthesia.
Following a preliminary visit where the doctor assesses the areas to be treated and draws the insertion points, an anaesthetic cream is applied, followed by a light local anaesthetic to make the insertion point of the cannula painless. Initially, an “empty” cannula is used to deliver an anaesthetic solution into the tissues, which will also facilitate the passage of the traction threads. .
Thanks to the cannulas, the threads are positioned in the dermis. Once inserted, the doctor shapes the tissues by sliding them in the opposite direction to the vectors of gravity, exerting a slight traction until the desired result is obtained.
The session lasts on average between 30 and 60 minutes, and at the end the patient can return to their daily activities. In the first few hours there will be slight swelling or small bruises, which will resolve spontaneously in 1 or 2 days.
After treatment: what to expect
The result of the tension threads is immediate but natural: the face immediately appears more toned and defined, without altering its expressiveness.
In the following weeks, the collagen stimulation process progressively amplifies the lifting effect, improving skin texture and radiance.
To optimise the results, it is recommended to:
– avoid strenuous sport and massages for about a week;
- sleep on your back for the first few days;
– follow the post-treatment instructions given by your doctor.
How long do the results last
The threads are gradually reabsorbed over 6–12 months, but the aesthetic effect can last up to 18–24 months, thanks to the stimulation of new collagen.
Maintaining the results depends on several factors, such as the type of thread used, the patient's age, lifestyle, and skin quality.
Many patients choose to repeat the treatment every 1-2 years to maintain facial firmness and contour definition over time, considering that the force of gravity continues to act every day of our lives.
Advantages of traction threads
– Immediate and natural non-surgical lifting effect
No scars or surgical incisions
– Biological stimulation of tissues
– Very short recovery times
– Customisable and progressive results
Who can undergo the treatment
Thread lifts are suitable for men and women who wish to improve facial tone and firmness without resorting to invasive surgical procedures. Cosmetic surgery.
They are ideal in cases of mild or moderate relaxation, when the skin has lost elasticity but does not yet require surgical lifting.
They are not indicated in cases of:
– ongoing skin infections;
– coagulation disorders;
– pregnancy or breastfeeding;
– severe skin laxity that would require surgical intervention.
Only a thorough medical examination can establish if the treatment is suitable for the individual patient.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Is the treatment painful?
No, the procedure is generally well tolerated. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied, a small amount of local anaesthetic is injected at the cannula insertion points, and with these, an anaesthetic solution is diffused into the tissues to be treated, to improve comfort and the application of the threads.
Are the wires visible or perceptible to the touch?
No. Once the threads are inserted, they are neither visible nor palpable. Initially, you may experience a slight sensation of tension or “presence” of the threads during wider expressions, such as smiling, which tends to disappear spontaneously within a few weeks. A slight build-up of tissue may form in the areas where excess skin has been directed, but this will also disappear spontaneously.
3. Can I wear make-up after the treatment?
Yes, generally after 24 hours, avoiding massaging the treated area.
4. Are traction wires safe?
Absolutely yes. All the materials used are biocompatible, sterile and resorbable, and are naturally eliminated by the body, leaving the surrounding tissues firmer and more elastic.
Can they be combined with other cosmetic treatments?
Yes. Traction wires can be associated with Hyaluronic acid fillers, to the toxin Botulinic, all Biostimulation Oh, hi Peeling to enhance and support the overall result.
6. When will the final results be seen?
The improvement is visible immediately, but the optimal result is achieved after 4–6 weeks, when the skin has begun to produce new collagen.
7. How long should I wait to do it again?
Generally, the treatment can be repeated after 12–18 months, depending on the type of thread and individual response.
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