FACIAL THREADING, THE INSTANT FACELIFT ALTERNATIVE
WHAT CAUSES NATURAL AGEING?
Natural ageing is inevitable but premature ageing is caused by many factors. These include lifestyle choice, nutrition, environmental factors, sun exposure and a variety of diseases. Both natural and premature ageing consist of a reduction in skin thickness and elasticity, loss of connective tissue ground substance and a reduction in circulation. In addition, there is loss of underlying facial bony structure, redistribution and loss of deeper fat pockets and gravitational changes. If we look specifically at the skin, the synthesis of collagen and elastin proteins are reduced in the dermis and the combination of all these different factors lead to changes in skin colour and tone, wrinkling, tissue ptosis and jowling.
HOW FACELIFT SURGERY CAN HELP?
Facelift surgery removes excess skin, tighten the underlying layer (SMAS) and rejuvenate the appearance. However, not all patients are ready for surgical intervention and in addition, a facelift is not the right option to improve the skin texture.
Aesthetic medicine has increased its repertoire in dealing with the ageing appearance through the use of Botulinum toxin, skin peels, PRP, Hyaluronic acid injections and laser treatment. Some of these treatments aim to improve the overall skin quality and some will reduce wrinkle lines. Others will induce skin tightening and with others aiming to replenish the facial volume loss.
Alongside those mentioned above, the use of Polydioxanone (PDO) threading is an effective treatment option that plays an important role in aesthetic medicine. PDO threading has gained popularity in Asia and in particular Korea, where non-surgical anti-ageing treatment is very advanced. PDO threads are absorbable threads that can be introduced in the subcutaneous plane with a needle. They are strong synthetic monofilament fibres of variable thickness. They work by stimulating tissue growth and tighten the skin. Some of these threads have additional barbs (Cog) on the fibre with anchoring effects which help with tissue lifting and help to reposition the tissue.
The technique of PDO threading involves the use of an injection needle or cannula containing the thread with one free end of the thread attached to a sponge. The insertion of the needle will deposit the thread inside the dermis or the underlying tissue.
After the initial stimulation from the microtrauma of the injection, the presence of the PDO threads in the subcutaneous tissue will continue to induce local inflammation, which will lead to an increase in circulation and the production of collagen in the area. The rate of collagen production varies between patients and can be affected by medication, smoking and age. The quality of the skin continues to improve over the next 4-6 months with wrinkle reduction and skin tightening. The threads will eventually dissolve in the tissue within this time period, depending on the thickness of the thread.
By using finer threads into the glabellar, peri-orbital and per-oral regions, they can help to reduce the wrinkle lines by stimulating the underlying collagen production and reduction in muscle activity. The final result is usually preserved for 12-18 months. In older patients with tissue ptosis, jowling, the use of PDO threads with Cog is more effective as these threads provide addition lift.
The bi-directional cogs anchor the tissues and provide an upward and lateral traction depending on the placement.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER A THREAD LIFT?
The improvement will not be as significant as face-lift surgery but it is an effective treatment for those that are not ready for surgical intervention. With good adjunct and maintenance therapy, PDO thread lifting will help to improve facial appearance with minimal recovery time.
Another benefit of PDO threads is facial re-modelling. Tightening around the jawline with threading produces a slimmer facial appearance and this is sometimes known as the “V” lift. The slimming appearance with skin tightening has gained popularity over the years particular in Asia. Threading can also be combined with dermal filler augmentation to the cheekbone, chin or other areas to improve facial definition. With time, utilisation of PDO threads has expanded beyond the facial region.
Practitioners are now using threads to perform skin tightening to heavier tissues such as the abdomen, breast, buttock and upper arms. Similar to facial treatment, results will be dependent on the amount of simulation by the threads and collagen production by individual patients. It is a replacement for surgery but threading may also be a consideration for those interested in some minor improvements and for those who are reluctant to have surgical treatment.
The overall complications from PDO threading is relative low with issues such as swelling, infection, bruising, haematoma and transient irregularity. In patients who have had a large number of threads inserted, transient pain, itchiness and tenderness can occur but these are usually resolved within a couple of weeks. Your surgeon will guide you through the different treatment options and address your concerns during the consultation.