Thread Uplift

FAQ for Thread Uplift

• What areas can be treated?

  Thread Uplift can be used on eyebrows, cheeks, lower face and neck, resulting in restored volume and lifted contours. It can also be used on arms, stomach, inner thighs or knees.

• Is it painful?

  The procedure is relatively comfortable due to two types of local anaesthetic: a cream followed by small injections of local anaesthetic with adrenaline (similar to that used in a dental injection) which will feel like small pin pricks.

• What does it entail?

  During the 60 minute treatment dissolvable threads are passed through small needle holes where the skin has already been numbed and manoeuvred into place in the direction of the desired lift.

• What happens after treatment?

  You will see immediate lifting of the treated area and any swelling should settle over the next 24-48 hours. Any dimpling or wrinkling of the skin or bruising generally settles over the next two to seven days. We expect the results to last for 18 months.

• Is the treatment safe?

  Thread Uplift has a long-standing safety profile that has been developed through years of research and experience of thread suspension in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

• During the treatment

  A local anaesthetic cream is used to numb the skin prior to around ten gentle, small injections of local anaesthetic with adrenaline (similar to that used in a dental injection) which will feel like pin pricks. (The addition of adrenaline to the local anaesthetic reduces bruising but can occasionally make susceptible people feel a little shaky. For this reason it is helpful to eat something light an hour before treatment.)

  The resorbable thread is passed through a small needle hole in the direction of the lift and then maneuvered into place where the skin has already been numbed. A little tension is then placed on each thread to lift the tissues at which point a light pressure will be felt

• Following the treatment

  You will see immediate lifting of the treated area and any swelling should settle over the next 24-48 hours. Any dimpling or wrinkling of the skin which can look asymmetric generally settles over two-seven days. Bruising can range from mild to severe and tenderness in the treated area (for example when applying make-up) is normal and generally settles in the first week, although it can last for up to one month. Some temporary soreness during facial movements can occur.

• The Results

  The results are unique to every individual but in general some immediate lift of the treated areas will be apparent. Over time the threads stimulate regeneration of the treated area, increasing collagen production, with the final result being visible after three months. Eventually the threads dissolve leaving the new support in place.

  The results will last around 18 months at which point a further consultation will establish whether another full treatment or a partial treatment will achieve the best result. In some cases, excessive descent of tissue will require a two stage treatment, but this will be determined during the consultation.

• On The Day of Treatment

  There are a few ways in which to prepare for the treatment which will be discussed fully at consultation level.

  1 week prior to treatment

  • Stop taking vitamins E, C and fish oils
  • Collect antibiotics from pharmacy (the one we prescribe often has to be ordered)
  • Ensure you have an antihistamine of your choice ready

  Before treatment:

  • Take one antibiotic tablet on waking in the morning
  • Take one antihistamine one to two hours prior to your treatment

  After treatment:

  • You may apply ice or cold towel to the treatment sites for the first 24 hours. (Apply intermittently for 20 minutes)
  • Apply the Antibiotic ointment provided to the injection sites twice on the day of treatment and twice daily for two days after treatment
  • Avoid any direct pressure to the area where the threads were placed for three weeks after the treatment has been performed. (For example, sleeping on your face, facial massage.)
  • Keep your head elevated at least 30 degrees for the first three nights.
  • You may wash your hair and face.
  • Keep facial movements to a minimum for at least three days. Avoid excessive chewing, talking, yawning, smiling, and other facial movements during this period of time.
  • Avoid drinking from a straw and smoking.
  • Strenuous exercise should be avoided for one week
  • Take paracetamol if required for discomfort