09 May The Science Behind Thread Lifts

Ageing doesn’t have to be inevitable. At The Lovely Clinic, our diverse range of treatments can be tailored to combat a wide spectrum of skin concerns, from your first fine lines to the deepest creases. Thread Lifts are a firm clinic favourite when treating the early signs of ageing, including moderate skin laxity and wrinkles around the nose, mouth and chin. By repositioning facial tissue with under-the-skin surgical sutures, a more youthful look is achieved with entirely natural-looking results.

What Is A Non-Surgical Thread Lift?

Thread Lifts are minimally invasive procedures that lift sagging skin and boost collagen production. Dissolvable threads, similar to the medical sutures used by surgeons, are safely inserted under the skin using a cannula and then tightened. This resuspends sagging skin, providing a youthful lift and restoring facial contours. Treatments can be used to redefine the cheeks, jawline and neck, as well as raising droopy eyebrows.

In addition to pulling ageing skin back into position, the introduction of sutures triggers the body’s natural healing response. When the body experiences trauma, it boosts collagen production in an attempt to heal the wound. Collagen provides structural support for the skin and resilience when stretched. As we age, our levels of this essential protein begin to deplete, leading to the development of wrinkles and sagging skin. The anti-ageing benefits of this procedure continue after the sutures dissolve due to collagen stimulation.

Silhouette Soft

The Silhouette Soft Thread Lift uses sutures made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). Fine strings of PLLA containing small cone shapes pull target areas of skin into place and prevent it from sagging. Threads dissolve after around 12 months but the newly created collagen framework continues to provide anti-ageing benefits. Sutures are naturally broken down by the body into glucose, carbon dioxide and water.

Thread Lifts At The Lovely Clinic

Although Silhouette Soft Thread Lifts are a popular treatment, at The Lovely Clinic, we favour Nordyx and APTOS threads. Both treatments use sutures made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The PCL thread has recently received a lot of positive scientific attention, with research reporting that the highly elastic substance causes less discomfort than other thread materials. It is broken down by the body in around 18 months. PCL threads leave fewer residual monomers and have a higher molecular weight to prolong durability and enhance the efficacy of collagen synthesis.

Nordyx and APTOS treatments provide an immediate lift, with results continuing to improve over time as the body continues to produce more collagen.

Nordyx Thread Lifts

Nordyx has created several different types of thread that are used to combat various signs of ageing. Lifting threads come in multiple lengths to cater for different facial areas and contain bidirectional barbs. This prevents thread migration, firmly holding skin tissue in place with a prolonged lifting effect. Nose threads are specifically designed to provide volume along the bridge of the nose and lift the tip for subtle enhancement. monofilament threads can be easily positioned to augment the lips and are often used as a substitute for Dermal Fillers. They can also be inserted in a mesh-like pattern under the dermal layer of skin, providing tissue support to soften the appearance of wrinkles. Double screw threads redefine the cheeks and jawline by pulling the skin taut over the fat pads, creating the illusion of increased volume.

APTOS Thread Lifts

The pioneer of Thread Lifting, Dr Sulamanidze, created APTOS threads to replicate the results of the traditional facelift, without going under the knife. The design of the original thread has since evolved to contain hyaluronic acid. This naturally occurring substance attracts water and holds onto it, intensely moisturising the skin from the inside out. A recent study found that PLLA/PCL APTOS Thread Lifts have a significant effect on skin quality, including hydration, colour, fine lines and elasticity. In addition, the treatment increases tissue flexibility, creating a younger and brighter appearance.

Book Your Thread Lift At The Lovely Clinic

A Thread Lift is the ideal treatment for mild to moderate facial ageing. To explore whether Nordyx or APTOS threads are the right choice for your needs, schedule a consultation at The Lovely Clinic. Call 020 3695 5400 or complete our online booking form. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to find out more – you’ll find us on Instagram and Facebook.