This technique uses resorbable threads (sutures) featuring a cone technology to reposition skin and fat around the cheeks and jawline, creating an immediate lifting effect. This improves naso-labial folds and jowling. This technology also stimulates natural collagen production by your own skin, resulting in improved skin quality and volume restoration. This means that wrinkles are reduced, skin is refreshed and sagging is improved. When the lower face is treated, a slight lifting/toning effect of the neck can sometimes be achieved. Results are subtle and natural, not to be confused with those of a surgical facelift.
The threads are made of poly-L lactic acid (PLLA), a resorbable polymer that has been used for surgical stitches for many decades. PLLA cones are placed on the threads to anchor them in your tissues. As the threads and cones dissolve, collagen production is stimulated, so results continue to improve over time, and last up to 3 years.
The Silhouette Instalift® threads, used by Dr Thibaudeau, are the only threads approved by Canada Health.
Indications for Thread Lifts
Good candidates present mild sagging of the midface and/or lower face, and wished to avoid the risks and downtime associated that come with surgery. The ideal candidate has realistic expectations of the desired treatment. A thread lift provides natural and conservative results, and candidates for this procedure are NOT candidates for a surgical facelift.
Contraindications
Procedure
The procedure is done in office and takes approximately 45 minutes; it is performed under local anesthesia so discomfort is minimal.
Experience
Dr Thibaudeau will explore your concerns and expectations with you on the day of consultation. She will examine your face. Together, you will explore treatment options and determine the best options for you. She will explain the procedure in detail and answer all your questions. Pre-treatment photographs will be taken by a member of our team.
The procedure takes place at your next visit.
Your face will be thoroughly disinfected, and Dr Thibaudeau will draw markings. Local anesthesia will then be administered so the intervention is painless.
The procedure takes about 45 minutes, and you may go home directly after. Small dressings will be applied to your cheeks and may be removed the next day. There is no downtime following the intervention.
Lifting effects are visible immediately, but the effects of collagen stimulation take three months to reach their peak. Results last up to three years.
The most frequent complication is mild bruising; full recovery can take between a few days and two weeks.
Safety
The most frequent complication is mild bruising and swelling; full recovery can take between a few days and two weeks.
The following adverse reactions are extremely rare but remain possible:
Like with any aesthetic procedure, the main risk of thread lifts is to be dissatisfied with the results. This is risk is minimized by a thorough analysis of your desires and expectations by Dr Thibaudeau prior to the surgery. Tissues heal differently from one patient to the next, and this cannot, unfortunately, be controlled by the surgeon. There is always a risk that individuals will heal in a way that produces asymmetries or abnormal scarring that may require corrections.
Time
The procedure takes about 45 minutes.
Before & After thread lift
