What suspension threads are
The threads used in aesthetic medicine are made of absorbable materials (usually polydioxanone, PDO), the same materials long used in surgery as sutures. Some are smooth and mainly stimulate collagen; others have small barbs (cogs) that catch the tissue and lift it slightly.
Within a few months the threads dissolve, but the new collagen that forms around them continues to support the skin.
Who they are for
- people with mild to moderate sagging of the cheeks, jawline or eyebrows;
- those who want improvement without surgery;
- as maintenance after a surgical facelift.
Threads do not replace a surgical facelift. For very lax skin and clearly descended tissue, their effect is limited.
How it is done
Local anaesthetic is applied at the entry points. The threads are inserted with fine needles or cannulas, following a plan agreed at the consultation. The treatment takes 30–60 minutes.
After treatment
- swelling, small bruises and a feeling of tightness for a few days;
- avoid wide mouth movements, facial massage and sleeping on your side for 1–2 weeks;
- postpone dental work and intense sport for a few weeks.
The lifting effect is visible straight away, and the collagen effect develops over the following weeks. The result usually lasts 6–18 months.
Risks and things to know
- asymmetry or small irregularities, usually temporary;
- a thread that can be seen or felt, which is rare and may need to be removed;
- infection, which is rare.
Results vary from one patient to another.
