From botox to fillers, non-surgical aesthetic treatments have become increasingly common in the last few years. And while it might seem like everyone from your auntie to your co-worker is nipping out for a quick tweakment on their lunchbreak, it's important you do your research and really weigh up your options before going under the needle.
The latest non-surgical treatment causing a stir in the aesthetics space? Say hello to 'threads' or 'threadlifts' – a less invasive option for those wanting a 'lift' in their skin.
Touted as a non-surgical solution for those considering everything from a face lift to rhinoplasty, the before and after pictures are impressive. So we caught up with Dr Mahsa Saleki to find out everything you need to know about threads – who might be a candidate for a threadlift and what you can expect.
Interested in threads? Keep reading for your threadlift 101 cheat sheet…
What are threads?
You might have seen threads as being responsible for everything from non-surgical nose jobs to eye lifts and jawline sculpting – but what are they? ‘Threads are a variety of traditional surgical sutures,’ explains Dr Saleki.
'A Thread Lift is a minimally invasive alternative to the conventional surgical techniques, aimed at lifting and tightening ageing skin.'
This procedure works by inserting a dissolvable thread discreetly under the surface of the skin using a blunt cannula. The thread provides a source of tension which will gradually anchor itself to the tissue and stimulate the body's collagen production.
What are the different kinds of procedures available?
There are many different procedures available with threads – meaning results can be bespoke and varied. 'For many patients looking for a hybrid option offering less invasive skin lifting, Threadlifts can be a great option to fight the ageing of the lower face, specially the jowls,' says Dr Saleki.
Threads can also be used to change the shape of the nose and eyebrows – something that has been previously impossible without surgery.
'Another huge benefit of a Threadlift is the long-term effects,' explains Dr Saleki. 'For thinning skin, the placement of smooth, hair-thin mono threads will in the long run create a collagen boost for organic and natural skin rejuvenation results.'
What’s the difference between threads and a traditional face lift?
Threadlifts can often be viewed as a non-surgical alternative to a traditional face lift. 'The biggest difference is the level of trauma incurred by the tissues,' explains Dr Saleki. 'In traditional surgery – the skin is cut, transposed and sutured back. Threadlifts use a 1-2mm entry point where the “feathered” sutures are inserted and the lift is focused. Making recovery a lot easier and quicker.' The risk of complications such as infection and scar formation is also much reduced with Threadlifts.
While this might seem like a no-brainer, the results from a surgical face lift will last much longer – with an average of 10 years. You can expect the results from a Thread Lift to last around three years.
Are threadlifts regulated?
At the moment this is an unregulated area of the tweakments industry, meaning it's vital to do your research before undergoing a procedure.
The JCCP (Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners) said: 'Threads are a surgical procedure requiring proportionate standards of competence, patient care and premises suitability. The JCCP are concerned that current legislation permits a '2-tier' approach to public safety, with certain groups of practitioner currently not required to register with the CQC to meet these, or any other standards. This is clearly a hazard to public safety.
The JCCP firmly believes that all products used for cosmetic procedures, including medicines and medical devices such as threads, should only be procured from and supplied to appropriate organisations. The JCCP will continue to work towards achieving these goals as part of a framework of licensing.'
Dr. Mahsa is keen to work with the JCCP to achieve these goals, and believes it's important to help introduce and implement protocols for the MHRA. She think that anyone ordering threads should be required to provide their CQC registration number. This would ensure that the supplier confirms the recipient clinics and practitioners are CQC registered.
She said: 'All thread treatments need to be done using a sterile technique in an appropriate environment as they are regarded as a surgical procedure. Much like filler which has become such a commercialised treatment that the DHSC won’t provide proactive measures to keep it in safe hands.
'Disturbingly there is no law in place for non-medics to be banned from using threads, much like filler which has become such a commercialised treatment that the DHSC won’t provide proactive measures to keep it in safe hands. Therefore, prior to threads becoming as commercialised as filler we need to enforce licensing laws, to ensure consumer safety under medical supervision.'
Who could consider getting threads?
While thread lifts can certainly produce visible changes, they will generally only lift the face by a few millimetres – so you can expect a more subtle and natural looking end result than traditional facelift surgery. 'Thread lifts are best suited to patients who are dealing with mild to moderate, rather than severe, signs of skin laxity,' explains Dr Saleki.
With every aesthetic procedure, there are risks involved – from infection to pain – so it's important to visit a qualified expert. A trained medical clinician will also understand not only how best to avoid complications but will also have in depth training of how to manage any complications if they do arise.
