Thread Lift Programme

A thread lift involves placing threads in the tissue beneath the skin to anchor and support tissue in the planned direction.

Threads with barbs or structures that anchor tissue help support areas of early laxity, making the cheeks and jawline appear lifted after treatment.

For absorbable threads, the material gradually breaks down over time, while the tissue around the threads undergoes its natural repair process.

It may be suitable for concerns such as:

• ✓Early cheek sagging
• ✓Laxity in the lower cheeks
• ✓A less defined jawline
• ✓A jawline that appears less firm
• ✓Laxity in the lower face
• ✓Early drooping at the mouth corners or adjacent cheek tissue
• ✓A desire to lift tissue without surgery

The main purpose of a thread lift is to support and reposition tissue, rather than add volume or break down fat.

A thread lift is often suitable for people with mild to moderate laxity whose skin quality can still support the threads well.

If the skin is very lax or there is considerable excess tissue, a thread lift may not achieve the same result as a surgical facelift.

Before treatment, the assessment therefore considers:

• ✓Degree of laxity
• ✓Skin thickness
• ✓Amount of facial fat
• ✓Location of tissue descent
• ✓Facial structure
• ✓Desired lifting direction

No, they are different concerns.

If the cheeks look full because of fat, a programme in the Fat category may address the concern more directly.

If facial width comes from the masseter muscles, masseter Botox may be suitable.

But if cheek tissue has begun to descend and become lax, a thread lift addresses tissue support.

Some people have both fat and laxity, so more than one programme may need to be planned.

Common treatment areas include:

Cheeks

Helps support cheek tissue that has begun to descend.

Lower cheeks

Suitable when lower facial tissue has begun to sag or collect along the jawline.

Jawline

Helps direct tissue to make the jawline appear more defined.

Beside the mouth corners

In some people, descending cheek tissue can make the area beside the mouth corners look heavier. Supporting the tissue from above may help improve the overall appearance.

Neck

Certain threads can be used in the neck, depending on their indications and the doctor's assessment.

After treatment, the support provided by the threads can be visible from the early stage.

However, the first day's appearance is not the final result, as there may be:

• ✓Swelling
• ✓Tightness
• ✓Needle marks
• ✓Asymmetry caused by swelling
• ✓Slight skin dimpling or puckering from the lifting tension

As these effects gradually subside, the facial contours begin to look more settled.

During approximately the first 1–2 weeks, there may still be tightness, swelling or visible skin tension marks in some areas.

The tissue then gradually adapts to the position of the threads.

The actual settling time varies between individuals, depending on the number of threads, their placement and the degree of lift performed.

There is no single fixed duration for every type of thread lift, as it depends on:

• ✓Thread material
• ✓Thread design
• ✓Number of threads
• ✓Placement
• ✓Initial degree of laxity
• ✓Skin quality
• ✓Lifting force and direction
• ✓Each person's tissue response

In general, the lifting effect gradually decreases over time. It does not provide permanent results like a surgical facelift.

For the MINT PDO threads used at The Ality, details about the material and duration of results are provided separately on the MINT page.

Absorbable threads gradually break down naturally.

While the threads are in the tissue, repair processes also occur around them.

However, the lifting effect is not permanent. It gradually decreases as the threads dissolve, the skin ages and laxity continues to develop naturally.

There is no fixed number.

The number of threads depends on:

• ✓Area to be lifted
• ✓Degree of laxity
• ✓Facial size
• ✓Lifting direction
• ✓Thread type
• ✓Desired result

Someone who needs a lift only along the jawline may therefore need a different number of threads from someone who needs support across the cheeks.

More does not always mean better. What matters is that the direction and placement of the threads address the concern.

If the lower face looks wide because tissue has descended, supporting that tissue upwards may define the jawline and make the overall face appear slimmer.

But if facial width comes from:

• ✓Masseter muscles
• ✓Fat
• ✓Bone structure

A thread lift does not directly address those causes.

The cause of facial width therefore needs to be assessed first.

It depends on the cause of the double chin.

If there is also laxity of the skin and tissue, a thread lift may help support the jawline.

But if there is a substantial amount of fat beneath the chin, lifting alone may not address the whole concern, and the fat may need to be considered as well.

Both address laxity, but they work differently.

Some people can plan both approaches together, but the timing and treatment areas need to be appropriate.

For example, if the front of the cheeks looks hollow because of volume loss, Filler may address the concern more directly.

But if there is already sufficient volume and the tissue has begun to descend, adding Filler alone may make the face look heavier. Supporting the tissue may be more suitable.

Some people have both volume loss and laxity, so the two programmes can be planned together.

Botox Lift uses Botulinum Toxin to reduce the activity of certain muscles that pull downwards around the jawline and neck.

A thread lift, by contrast, directly supports tissue with threads.

The effects and degree of lift therefore differ.

Before treatment, measures to reduce discomfort are provided according to the doctor's plan.

During treatment, you may feel:

• ✓Tightness
• ✓Pulling
• ✓Pressure
• ✓Or the threads passing through at certain points

After treatment, there may initially be tightness or pain when chewing and moving the face.

Possible symptoms after treatment include:

• ✓Swelling
• ✓Bruising
• ✓Pain or tightness
• ✓Temporary skin dimpling or puckering
• ✓Being able to feel the threads
• ✓The two sides of the face looking uneven initially

Most mild symptoms gradually improve over time.

However, thread lifting can involve other risks, such as infection, thread extrusion or movement, persistently visible or palpable threads, skin irregularities, and injury to facial structures. It should therefore be performed by a doctor who understands facial anatomy and the techniques for the threads being used.

Yes, particularly early on when tissue has been pulled and repositioned.

Some dimpling or puckering may gradually relax as swelling subsides and the tissue settles.

If an irregularity becomes more pronounced, or there is severe pain, redness, warmth or symptoms that do not improve, return for a doctor's examination.

Threads are designed to withstand forces according to the product's characteristics, but excessive movement or force early on may affect the treated area.

Follow the aftercare instructions and avoid pressing, massaging or pulling the treated area without guidance.

It is not major surgery, but you should allow for a period of possible swelling, bruising or tightness after treatment.

If you have an event or important occasion, plan enough time for the initial symptoms to subside first.

MINT™ PDO

The Ality uses MINT™ PDO Thread, a PDO thread from South Korea manufactured by HansBiomed.

The threads use Barbs to anchor tissue and are designed to support areas of laxity.

Details about:

• ✓What PDO is
• ✓MINT technology
• ✓Barb design
• ✓Thread models
• ✓How many threads are needed
• ✓How long results last
• ✓The standards held by MINT

Can be found separately on the MINT threads page.