Thread Lift
HELPING YOU LIVE LIFE MORE BEAUTIFULLYHeadingA thread lift, or non-surgical facelift, can provide noticeable lifting and smoothing effects to rejuvenate the facial appearance. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Quenby Erickson is a top provider of non-surgical facelifts in Chicago and has helped countless patients restore a more youthful look they love with this minimally invasive procedure.
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift creates a visible “lift” in sagging skin. It uses absorbable sutures, which are placed underneath the skin, and gently pulled back to create a tightening effect. In addition to physically lifting the skin, the sutures contain beads of PLLA (a substance similar to Sculptra) that the body uses over time to stimulate the production of collagen, thereby plumping up the skin and smoothing wrinkles for a lasting result after the sutures have absorbed. The production of collagen and the lifting from the threads play a vital role in a natural looking, non-surgical facelift.
Who is a good candidate for a thread lift?
As you age, you start to lose collagen and elastin in your skin, which creates laxity or “sagging”. If a surgical facelift is not a viable option for a patient, a thread lift procedure can be considered to tackle the initial stages of skin laxity. These threads allow us to visibly lift the sagging skin, and help to restore the lost collagen over time.
Some threads also include additional ingredients or molecules that may create a microscopic “scaffolding,” which allows your body to build its own collagen.
Types of Thread Lifts
There are two kinds of thread lifts that can be performed: the Silhouette Instalift and PDO threads. The Instalift employs PLLA on the threads, which functions similarly to Sculptra in building collagen. PDO threads, on the other hand, are absorbable sutures that create a temporary lift, lasting approximately six months. Several brands of thread lifts are available, including Nova threads and, more recently, Renovatio.
Are there risks?
Though less common, there is a chance of minor bruising associated with any injectable. To lessen your chances of bruising, we recommend discontinuing use of products like Aspirin, Blood-Thinners, Fish-Oils, Alcohol, Aleve, and any aspirin-based products like Alka Seltzer for 2 weeks prior to your procedure. We do not treat patients who are pregnant or nursing.
Our office will provide you with more complete risk information at your consultation, and complete post-care instructions as well. These are widely performed procedures, and these FDA approved threads have great safety profiles. However, as with all medical procedures there is some risk. For example, allergy or vascular occlusion have occurred, although generally very rare. Please call our office for a consultation appointment, we are always happy to consult you and answer any questions you may have.
How much does a thread lift cost?
The cost of a thread lift varies for each patient and is determined by factors like their individual treatment goals. Dr. Erickson creates a customized procedure plan during the consultation appointment that will include price information.
What to Expect
Consultation
A consultation with Dr. Erickson is necessary to identify the optimal approach for your thread lift. Non-surgical facelifts are as unique as a surgical facelift, and they require expert customization for effective and natural-looking results.
During your consultation for a thread lift, Dr. Erickson will ask you about your concerns and expectations and physically examine your facial structure and skin. She will also review your medical history, including past treatments and current medications. Dr. Erickson can then determine whether NovaThreads or Silhouette InstaLift can best achieve your desired outcome.
During Treatment
Dr. Erickson will perform your thread lift in one of the state-of-the-art suites at Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology & Lifestyle Medicine. Once Dr. Erickson has marked the areas where sutures will be placed, your treatment can take place in less than an hour.
Thread lifting is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, and improvement is usually instantly noticeable, though you may have some minor swelling from the treatment. We offer all of the best comfort management options to make sure that you have the best experience possible.
After Treatment
Improvement is usually instantly noticeable, and there is no downtime or recovery time needed after a thread lift. However, patients are encouraged to have a lighter schedule for a week after this treatment. Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided. Some mild bruising and swelling and a feeling of tightness may occur. Complete healing should take approximately two weeks.
learn moreArrange Your Appointment
Schedule a consultation and discover how a thread lift in Chicago can rejuvenate your appearance. Dr. Erickson is a highly experienced thread lift provider and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.