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Are Thread Lifts a Safer Alternative to Facelifts?5 min read

Are Thread Lifts a Safer Alternative to Facelifts?
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Aesthetica Editorial Team

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Thread lifts … They promise a youthful appearance without the intensive surgical process. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?

But is that all there is to thread lifts? As with any cosmetic procedure, weighing the pros and cons is crucial. 

Many of our patients have been asking about the safety and effectiveness of thread lifts compared to traditional facelifts.

While thread lifts have caught the attention of many, the longstanding benefits and reliability of facelifts, BOTOX, and fillers cannot be overlooked.

What are Thread Lifts?

Thread lifts are a sought-after cosmetic procedure touted for its non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation. The skin is subtly “lifted” using medical-grade barbed suture threads that are injected beneath the skin. Thread lifts aim to provide a “snatched,” more youthful facial appearance.

How Do Thread Lifts Compare to Facelifts?

While both thread lifts and facelifts aim for a youthful result, the methods and outcomes vary significantly. 

Thread lifts provide temporary results and are less invasive, often appealing to patients looking for a quicker fix. 

On the other hand, facelifts, whether traditional or mini, provide longer-lasting and pronounced results, with the benefit of surgical precision and full customization.

Benefits of a Traditional Facelift

Traditional facelifts and mini-facelifts offer transformative and longer-lasting results than their non-surgical counterparts: 

  • Long-Lasting: Traditional facelift results can last a decade or more, whereas thread lifts typically last up to a year.
  • Customization: Dr. Chang tailors facelift procedures to your needs and goals, focusing on your skin areas of choice.
  • Comprehensive Results: Facelifts can address sagging skin, muscle laxity, and excess fat, providing holistic rejuvenation.

What are the Risks Associated With Thread Lifts?

Every cosmetic procedure comes with its own set of risks. While complications are not the norm for thread lifts, they are notably higher than some other treatments. 

Potential concerns include:

  • Infection at the insertion site: This can lead to prolonged redness and discomfort.
  • Thread migration: The threads might not stay in their original place, causing asymmetry.
  • Skin irregularities: There’s potential for dimpling or bunching of the skin.
  • Visibility: In some cases, the threads might be visible beneath the skin, especially in patients with thinner skin.
  • Difficult to Remove: The barbs from the suture make it tricky to remove the threads.

How Often Do Thread Lift Complications Occur?

While thread lift complications are slightly higher than other cosmetic procedures, they rarely occur.

Why Might BOTOX and Fillers Be a Better Choice?

BOTOX and fillers have long been the preferred choice for many seeking non-surgical facial rejuvenation, and with good reason. 

First, these treatments have a well-established track record. Their effects, potential side effects, and benefits are extensively studied and well-understood. 

BOTOX and dermal fillers offer targeted results. Patients can expect predictable and refined outcomes, whether it’s smoothing out a persistent furrow between the eyebrows with BOTOX or restoring lost volume to the cheeks with fillers. 

BOTOX and dermal fillers also provide flexibility — they can be adjusted or built upon in follow-up sessions to achieve the desired look.

Are BOTOX and Dermal Fillers Safer Than Thread Lifts?

While no cosmetic procedure is entirely without risk, BOTOX and fillers boast a commendable safety profile when administered by trained and experienced professionals like Dr. Chang and his expert team. 

Unlike thread lifts, which might result in thread migration, skin dimpling, or infection, BOTOX and fillers have relatively lower and less severe complication rates.

While thread lifts present an exciting option for facial rejuvenation, the longstanding reputation, predictability, and safety of BOTOX and dermal fillers make them a compelling choice for many. Always consult with a board-certified professional when considering any cosmetic procedure.

Discover the Best Options for A Youthful Glow!

Don’t let fleeting trends define your beauty choices. Opt for treatments that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re considering BOTOX, a facelift, or fillers, make a choice that aligns with lasting results and safety.

Meet us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before moving forward with your procedure. If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process from beginning to end. Also, remember to check out our blog and social media for more information on cosmetic surgery trends!

References

  1. Watson, Kathryn. “Thread Lift: What to Expect, Cost, Recovery, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 3 Apr. 2023, www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/thread-lift. Accessed 13 Sep. 2023.

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