If skin changes are already significantly pronounced, there are wrinkles and a “swimming” facial contour, the choice of age correction methods is small - plastic surgery or thread lifting (face and neck lift). Both methods, each of which is related to surgery, have proven themselves well. The vast majority of women are satisfied with the results of the intervention - this is evidenced by their reviews. However, it is important to choose a method that suits you.
Each method of surgical correction has many varieties. It is easier to make the right choice by consulting with a specialist. The doctor should examine and palpate your face, ask about the characteristics of your body, care habits, favorite cosmetics and lifestyle. After analyzing all the facts, the doctor will offer one or more options for anti-aging correction. He will tell you about their essence, pros and cons. We invite you to compare two methods – facial plastic surgery and thread lifting.
Features of the thread lifting procedure
A facelift with threads, also called a facelift, is a low-traumatic procedure. You do not need to be hospitalized for the procedure. Threads can be placed on an outpatient basis or in a one-day hospital setting - that’s why sometimes patients suggest calling the method non-surgical.
Key points of the intervention
A facelift is an operation, but in most cases general anesthesia is not necessary. To place the threads, local anesthesia is sufficient. There are no skin incisions, only punctures with needles. The skin is picked up by special hooks on threads and stretched in the desired direction. The threads remove part of the gravitational load and prevent the skin from sagging and stretching. Excess tissue is redistributed sideways, backwards or upwards. In this case, the excess tissue is sort of “gathered”.
Threads are attached to muscles, ligaments or periosteum. The doctor must have extensive experience and an excellent knowledge of anatomy in order to carry out the “thread face lifting” manipulation correctly, because it is necessary to act in areas of pronounced blood supply and innervation.
The rehabilitation period is short and passes easily. A few days after a facelift with threads, most people calmly go to work, without attracting the attention of others with their appearance. There are no scars left on the skin. The threads for the face are completely invisible and cannot be detected by touch. The performed circular facelift is reversible: if necessary, the threads can be removed without harm to the person.
Preparation before the procedure
The main task of the preparatory stage is to identify possible contraindications. During the consultation, the doctor interviews the patient and collects anamnesis. You may need to be examined by specialized specialists, as well as undergo tests - a general blood test, a coagulogram to check coagulation, a test for hepatitis, HIV. These are standard studies before procedures involving violation of the integrity of the skin.
The work plan, implantation tasks, and mesothread material are also determined. Several types are often used to achieve the most natural result. The doctor assesses the condition of the skin and informs the patient what problems can be solved with the help of thread lifting.
Preparation for the event:
- You need to stop taking medications 2 weeks before;
- within a week, you cannot carry out cosmetic procedures that involve trauma to the skin;
- for several days it is not recommended to smoke or drink alcoholic beverages;
- the restrictions also apply to the menu, so that the recovery period passes quickly and without complications, it is worth excluding spicy, hot, salty dishes;
- it is necessary to reduce physical activity and sports.
How is facial plastic surgery performed?
This is a full-fledged plastic surgery with mandatory preliminary examination and hospitalization. The early rehabilitation period is also carried out in a hospital setting. The intervention is carried out in a well-equipped operating room by a team of experienced, certified specialists.
The scientific name is circumferential rhytidectomy. General anesthesia is used. An incision is made, the tissue is separated and stretched. Excess skin is cut off, so plastic facelift is effective even with pronounced wrinkles. The tissues are securely fixed to the ligaments or periosteum, ensuring long-term preservation of the result.
Get an online consultation
right now.
Get
Rehabilitation is long. The first weeks are the most difficult, then the process becomes easier. You will be able to go back to work only in a month. In addition, changes after plastic surgery on your face are irreversible. You'll have to get used to the new appearance. A scar remains on the skin. It is usually inconspicuous and located where it is not visible. However, much depends on the individual reactivity of the patient’s tissues.
Healing period
Despite the swelling after correction, the effect can be assessed immediately. The result will gradually increase over the course of a month. The first week the integument is restored after reinforcement. Swelling, hematomas, and painful sensitivity may persist for up to 10 days. To speed up healing, no additional manipulations are required; it is important to follow medical recommendations.
Recovery period:
- for the first 3–5 days, hygienic care is carried out using sterile wipes and an alcohol-free antiseptic solution; after cleansing, Bepanten ointment is applied;
- It is not recommended to touch your face with your hands, you should sleep in a supine position, change your pillowcase daily;
- it is necessary to refrain from strong emotional manifestations;
- For a month, you should limit sports activities; you cannot visit the sauna, swimming pool, or solarium.
The threads dissolve within 4–8 months, during which time a dense collagen framework is formed. The pronounced lifting effect lasts for about 2 years, after which the procedure can be repeated. When combined with other types of mesothreads, as well as the use of mesotherapy, biorevitalization, hardware therapies, the result can be prolonged. The reduction processes are influenced by factors such as the patient’s age, skin care, and lifestyle.
When and to whom is plastic surgery indicated, and when can thread lifting be done?
Plastic surgery is definitely indicated for people over 60 years of age who have deep wrinkles and significant sagging skin (that is, excess skin). In all other cases, the situation is discussed with the doctor. The decision whether the intervention of a plastic surgeon is required to correct the skin of the face and neck is made based on objective data.
Threads for a facelift can be chosen if you:
- afraid of surgery;
- you are afraid of pain, adverse reactions and complications;
- do not tolerate general anesthesia;
- you don’t have time for long-term recovery;
- want to maintain naturalness and recognizable facial features;
- limited in finances.
Focusing on preserving the beauty and youth of their face, patients lose sight of the fact that their age can be revealed by the neck and décolleté area. It is possible that a correction method such as a facelift will be followed by thread neck plastic surgery. It is better to discuss this in the clinic with a surgeon.
Description of threads
Cosmetic linear threads are the easiest implant to install. The smooth structure and small diameter allow for rejuvenation for various areas of the face, the length ranges from 2.5 to 9 cm. Made of polydioxanone, a material that dissipates within 6-8 months.
Hypoallergenic properties do not cause rejection or unexpected reactions. It breaks down into carbon dioxide and water and is eliminated from the body without consequences.
Contraindications for thread lifting and plastic surgery
Both interventions (facial surgery and skin thread lifting) have common contraindications:
- period of acute infectious or somatic diseases;
- disorders in the blood coagulation system;
- decompensated diabetes mellitus;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- neoplasms;
- mental disorders;
- some skin diseases;
- period of pregnancy or breastfeeding;
- allergic reactions to anesthesia or materials used during the procedure.
Additional contraindications for face lifting include excess skin tissue, age after 60 years, and excess weight. An additional contraindication for plastic surgery is the tendency of the skin to form keloid scars.
Side effects
Carrying out reinforcement in a trusted clinic by a qualified, experienced doctor reduces the risks of unforeseen effects. Implantation of monofilaments requires practice and professionalism; the material is very thin and can break if subjected to strong tension.
Possible side effects:
- swelling, hematomas go away on their own within a few days, with a longer recovery they are caused by problems with blood clotting;
- bruises appear when the technique is violated;
- pain persists for 3–4 days; to eliminate discomfort, the doctor may prescribe painkillers;
- facial asymmetry is corrected by repeated correction, caused by a medical error;
- irregularities and tubercles are observed when the threads are inserted incorrectly;
- lack of results can occur if the number of implanted threads is insufficient.
Attention! The inflammatory process occurs when sterility conditions are not observed during the procedure or when hygiene standards are violated by the patient during the rehabilitation period.
Lifting or plastic surgery - which is more economically profitable?
The cost of any procedure (for example, we mean a facelift with threads in Moscow) is determined by the complexity of the intervention, the price of consumables, the amount of work, the experience and qualifications of specialists.
How much does a thread lift cost today?
The price of a facelift with threads is based on the initial consultation with a doctor; carrying out the necessary examinations, taking tests; categories of clinic and doctor’s qualifications; the type and quantity of facial threads used (the cost of threads for implantation into facial tissue varies widely); volume of work - the area of the skin area that is being corrected. Specialists most often work with aptos threads (the most popular variety). The cost of a range of services is from 30 thousand rubles.
Cost of facial plastic surgery
The price of plastic surgery includes: initial consultation with a doctor; taking the necessary tests and conducting examinations; category of the clinic and degree of qualification of the surgeon; cost of consumables; volume of surgical intervention; volume of manipulation - the area of skin that is subject to correction; anesthesiologist's work and anesthesia costs; work of auxiliary medical personnel; the complexity of the intervention performed, taking into account all possible risks. The plastic method of age-related correction of changes is more complex, complex, and therefore the cost of facial plastic surgery is higher - from 150 thousand rubles.
How does the procedure work?
First, a consultation is held, where the doctor finds out contraindications, the characteristics of the patient’s skin, and develops a plan for the procedure. It is important to choose a trusted clinic and an experienced, qualified doctor to avoid unforeseen complications.
You should also pay attention to the expiration date, quality certificates of mesothreads; the packaging is opened only in front of the patient. It is not recommended to eat heavily on the day of the event; it is better to arrange a fasting day for yourself.
A threadlifting session takes from 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the area of correction.
Note! After the procedure, the patient can go home; the condition does not require further monitoring by medical personnel.
Stages:
- Makeup removal is carried out using professional products.
- The skin is treated with an antiseptic solution at least 3 times.
- A special marker is used to mark the threads for implantation. Administration schemes are grids or parallel lines and are developed individually depending on the condition of the patient’s skin and the assigned tasks.
- If the pain threshold is low, an anesthetic cream is applied, and pain relief can also be provided by injection. Linear threads usually do not cause discomfort; it is advisable to use them when reinforcing materials with notches.
- The threads are inserted using thin needles; after installing all the units, the doctor removes them one by one, fixing the edge with a finger. Next, the frame is tensioned.
- The puncture sites are treated with an antiseptic, and restorative agents are applied to the skin to relieve puffiness and swelling.
To correct the forehead and chin, you will need from 10 to 15 pcs. To tighten the cheek area - from 10 to 15 units on each side, eyebrows - 5-10 units on each side. Circular lift - from 40 to 50 threads, neck - 20 pcs., nasolabial wrinkles 5-10 pcs.
What problems does it help solve?
The ligature procedure can be performed on patients aged 30+. It will be effective until the age of 50, when there is no significant need for surgical intervention. It is advisable to resort to this tightening technique for the following indications:
- drooping eyebrows, eyelids, facial contours as a whole;
- mesh around the mouth;
- sagging outer corners of the eyes;
- double chin;
- interbrow and nasolabial folds;
- skin sagging on the neck, chest, abdomen;
- withering of the dermis in the décolleté area.
Ligature lifting, mesothreads
You just return to your old self...
Mesothreads are not intended for lifting tissue, since they do not have rigid fixation points and are located subcutaneously in the area of superficial fatty tissue. Mesothreads are absorbed within four months, regardless of their thickness and location in the tissues. Mesothreads shift under mimic load and do not counteract gravitational load. Mesothreads can contour and cause discomfort to the patient if the placement technique is violated.
Important!
Mesothreads provide an indirect effect of light visual lifting, provided they are placed tightly in the tissues and the use of at least 100 threads per anatomical zone!
Which manufacturer should you trust?
We work with the best manufacturers of ligature threads and mesothreads in the world. In our practice, we use thread products “Promoitalia” and “Omega lifting”. These manufacturers are highly reliable: they are responsible to patients and doctors who work with their products. We do not work with Aptos products or low-quality uncertified thread products present on the Russian market.
Which specialist should you trust?
Ligature thread lifting should only be performed by a specialist with surgical training. The key to the success and safety of this procedure is a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the face and neck. The specialist must know in which direction the fat “packets” are moving so that the result of the procedure looks natural, aesthetically pleasing and lasts for a long time. The doctor must have high artistic taste and not introduce his own “author’s” touches that are contrary to physiology and common sense. The procedure is carried out in the operating room, taking into account the high requirements for asepsis of the room and the instruments used.
Ligature thread lifting at the clinic is performed by Anna Skornyakova, a cosmetologist with a basic surgical education.
Ligature lifting, mesothreads
How often is the ligature thread lift procedure performed?
In our clinic, a repeat ligature lifting procedure is performed no earlier than after 2 years and only if there are indications. Correction is not carried out before this period due to the stability of the result. In most cases, only one ligature thread is required in the submandibular area.
What affects the effectiveness of the ligature thread lifting procedure?
First of all, objective age-related changes and the amount of suture material used. And also the type of aging of the patient; presence of excess weight, bad habits. All these parameters are determined by the doctor during consultation, and the result is predicted in accordance with them.
Is ligature thread lifting an alternative to plastic surgery?
Yes, it is, provided that the face is fully reinforced with ligature threads (these are three paired ligatures that are installed in the lower, middle and upper third of the face) with the simultaneous use of special “shrink” threads that level out excess skin and provide additional lifting of the skin and the strength of the ligature structure .
Who are ligature threads indicated for?
Absolute indications for ligature threads:
- Lack of desire to undergo surgery
- Pronounced deformation changes in the oval of the face and neck
- Lack of results from ultrasonic and radiofrequency lifting
- Contraindications to physiotherapeutic treatment
Relative indications for ligature thread lifting:
- The desire to maintain a clear oval face and neck line for many years
- Beginning tissue ptosis
- Lack of desire to carry out ultrasound or radiofrequency lifting
- Intention to use financial resources as efficiently as possible
The price-quality ratio of thread lifting will pleasantly surprise any client
What are the contraindications to ligature thread lifting?
- Severe somatic diseases
- Autoimmune processes
- Blood clotting disorders
Absorbable or non-absorbable sutures? Which ones should you prefer?
In our practice, in 90% of cases we use absorbable ligature threads for a number of objective reasons. Absorbable threads allow you to repeat the procedure many times without the risk of complications.
The use of non-absorbable sutures over time can lead to induration and fibrotic changes in the subcutaneous tissues. Subsequent placement of threads can be problematic. Additionally, doctors at our clinic take into account that soft tissues shift and the area of subsequent insertion of fixing threads changes.
How is the procedure for placing ligature threads performed?
After the consultation, the patient comes for the procedure at the appointed time. No special preparation is required.
After taking photographs and filling out a contract for the provision of medical services, you will be taken to a sterile room specially designed for this procedure. The procedure is performed under local infiltration anesthesia, which ensures complete comfort and absence of pain during reinforcement. Then the doctor inserts a cannula needle into a certain layer of soft tissue, which has a built-in tightening thread. The whole procedure takes no more than 1.5 hours.
Important!
After the procedure in our clinic, the doctor applies a fixing bandage, which ensures tight contact of the threads with the soft tissues, which eliminates pain and thread breakage. A tight bandage will provide you with a comfortable night's sleep, no swelling and an additional lifting effect.
On the third day, you come to the clinic to remove the fixing bandage. The doctor examines you and gives recommendations for taking home. As a rule, they involve occasional wearing of an elastic bandage throughout the day. The bandage is not worn during the day; it is put on only at night for several days for comfortable sleep. After the procedure, you receive prepared self-care products at home.
If necessary, our clinic can issue you a sick leave certificate.
Important!
The effect of a circular lift in our clinic has become achievable thanks to the variety of our own proprietary techniques, based on in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of age-related changes in the face and neck, as well as the use of the best threads. We not only move and fix stretched tissues, but also reduce excess skin using special techniques without a single incision.
Mesothreads with notches, fixing threads
We use mesothreads and fixing threads from the best Korean manufacturer.
The products are manufactured under the Omega Lifting brand.
Why this manufacturer?
The effect of any thread technology directly depends on the quality of the material used. There are more than 4 thousand manufacturers of lifting threads in Korea, but only two of them produce the highest quality products that are supplied to many European countries.
Assessing the advantages of the method, based on illustrative examples of photos before and after mesothreads and looking at the cost, which does not differ from the prices of less effective procedures, you understand that mesothreads are a new word in cosmetology, giving hope for long youth and attractiveness.
Omega lifting threads are an innovative product that involves a new technology for applying notches to a smooth thread. Unlike the traditional technology of applying notches, on Omega lifting threads the notches are arranged in a spiral (and not on one side, like all other threads), which ensures stable fixation in the tissues and a more pronounced lifting.
Ligature lifting, mesothreads
Important!
In our practice, we extremely rarely use smooth threads due to their ineffectiveness and instability in tissues. Even our thinnest threads have micro-notches that guarantee lifting and stimulation of collagen production.
Ligature lifting, mesothreads
Why, in this case, don’t we use the Korean method of installing mesothreads?
The thread reinforcement technique used in our clinic is “adapted” to the Slavic face type and takes into account the skin tension lines, which plastic surgeons take into account during operations. The structure of the facial skeleton and the location of fatty tissue are different in ethnic groups.
Asian faces have well-defined zygomatic bones and fatty tissue in the zygomatic, temporal and infraorbital areas. These anatomical features allow a Japanese or Korean woman to look young until old age.
The author's method of reinforcement with mesothreads in “Helen Baden”, taking into account the vectors of skin tension. Powerful lifting and lipolysis of the chin and some areas of the face. 100 threads used
The traditional method of reinforcement with mesothreads does not take into account the vectors of skin tension. Lack of lifting and lipolysis of the chin. Light biorevitalization. 40 threads used
Important!
Slavic faces are characterized by early changes in the zygomatic region, lower eyelids, chin area and neck. To restore and rejuvenate these areas, a larger number of threads and a special technique for their placement are required.
What threads are used in Helen Baden for rejuvenation?
The uniqueness of our threads: the design features of our threads allow us to ensure strong fixation of tissues in a high position and a longer-lasting rejuvenation effect after the procedure.
Technique for installing mesothreads with notches in “Helen Baden”
Mesothreads do not have fixation points and lie freely in the tissues, so their lifting effect is indirect: due to stimulation of collagen production and lipolysis of certain areas of the face.
To lift and move tissue, we use special absorbable threads with multiple notches. Using these threads, we lift the displaced tissues, fix them in a high position, and form beautiful contours of the cheekbones, lower jaw, and chin.
Important!
The main condition for the effectiveness of the thread lifting procedure is the close placement of the threads to each other. Only if this requirement is met do we get a powerful collagen framework and a long-lasting rejuvenating effect.
If the distance between the threads is more than 5 mm, there will be no tightening effect, since the conditions for collagen production have not been created.
How many mesothreads are required for insertion in one procedure?
During the consultation, using a special stencil, the doctor calculates the exact number, thickness and type of threads you need.
Each anatomical zone requires threads of a certain length, thickness and configuration.
On average, to obtain a pronounced anti-aging effect, 50 to 80 threads are required per face. When reinforcing the neck, approximately 40–60 threads are used.
How is the procedure performed?
After assessing the objective condition and calculating the number of threads, a contract for the provision of medical services is concluded with you.
The procedure is carried out in a special sterile room under topical anesthesia. After the procedure, intense tension is felt in the areas where the threads are inserted and a slight swelling occurs, which, with the use of special decongestants, goes away within a few days.
Different types of mesothreads can be used for different areas of the body and face. In most cases, the cost of the procedure does not depend on the choice of type of material.
Complications, side effects, results
The results of a facelift using threads last for 1.5-5 years.
Side effects and complications include:
- hematomas;
- swelling;
- painful sensations;
- whitening of the area due to decreased blood supply;
- a knot or notch, the edge of the thread can pierce the skin;
- unnaturalness of the lift (the thread line is visible to the naked eye);
- asymmetry caused by uneven insertion of threads;
- allergic reaction and individual intolerance to anesthesia.
With thread lifting you can achieve the following results:
- reduction of skin sagging;
- smoothing out pronounced wrinkles and folds;
- correction of facial oval;
- slowing down aging.
What material is used
For safe skin tightening that does not involve any incisions, cosmetology uses special surgical threads, which the specialist selects individually for each client, guided by the area of application, skin characteristics and the desired result. They are made from biocompatible hypoallergenic materials that, when introduced into the dermis, can form scar tissue - an internal fixation adhesion between the skin and muscles, stimulate the production of collagen types 1 and 3, and rejuvenate the skin at the cellular level, i.e. from the inside. They are inserted with the thinnest needles or cannulas.
There are two types of threads:
- biodegradable - resorbable. They are produced from a copolymer of L-lactide and e-caprolactone. This material is friendly to the human body and is an activator of collagen production, restoring youthful skin at the cellular level. The threads remain in the tissues for more than a year, and then, when they dissolve, they are excreted naturally. But the rejuvenating mechanism she launched continues to work;
- non-absorbable. Made from synthetic material polypropylene, used in surgery for almost half a century. Such threads have been tested for a long time, are safe, are not rejected by the body and help to obtain a long-lasting effect.
VIRTUSCLINIC specialists choose Aptos thread lifting technology and the material produced. The technique was created in 1996 by plastic surgeon M.A. Sulamanidze - the inventor of threads for tightening soft tissues. Its name is composed of the Latin “a” - “negation” and ptos - “omission”.
Absorbable for more than 360 days, Aptos threads have a unique composition and excellent rejuvenating properties. They are introduced through pinpoint punctures and reliably fix soft tissues in the required position thanks to special retaining notches until a reliable framework of its own collagen is formed in the skin. In assortment:
- Aptos Light Lift Thread 2G and Light Lift Needle 2G (classic and Soft, Blunt modifications) – threads are inserted with two double-edged needles through one puncture and distributed along the required contour in different directions. The tissues are tightened and the arch of the eyebrow gets the desired shape;
- Aptos Visage in Excellence Soft or Nano variants. Tightens, restores, reinforces tissues, moisturizes the skin of people of different ages;
- Aptos Nano Spring is an ideal delicate option for those with thin, delicate skin in the eyebrow area.
The cosmetology clinic offers you the following procedures:
- drug Laennec for rejuvenation;
- removal of blood vessels on the face;
- drug melsmon for rejuvenation;
- facial photorejuvenation;
- etc.
Weekend lifting
Ligature facelift is a non-surgical lift that does not require major surgical intervention and does not require a long period of rehabilitation. This minimally invasive procedure uses special threads that tighten not only the skin, but also soft tissues. This way you can correct natural sagging on the face associated with age and remove asymmetry. Ligature eyebrow lifting is the only correction option for patients who have contraindications to traditional surgical techniques.
The modern facelift, developed by surgeons from Russia, can deservedly be called a “weekend facelift,” which means there is no long rehabilitation period.
Indications
Thread eyelid lifting is used in the following cases:
- signs of eyelid ptosis;
- to obtain a quick effect in the absence of postoperative rehabilitation;•
- loose skin in the forehead, eyelids;
- dark circles and bags under the eyes;
- fine wrinkles around the eyes;
- mild to moderate severity of excess skin in the upper and middle third of the face;
- signs of the formation of a fatty hernia in the lower eyelid area.
Taking into account the age and structure of the patient’s skin, cosmetologists use different technologies and materials. The use of non-absorbable threads sometimes leads to the need for them to be tightened by a specialist, which gives a more effective result.
And one more thing: in case of strong expression of the mentioned signs, thread lifting is unlikely to correct the situation.
