The thread lift has been marketed as a non-surgical alternative to a facelift, but plastic surgeons have significant reservations about this technique. Results are often short-lived, complications such as thread migration and asymmetry are common, and the procedure does not address the underlying causes of facial ageing. At Blooming, our surgeons believe in honest, evidence-based advice. In this article, we explain exactly why we do not recommend the thread lift and what safer, more effective alternatives we offer for facial rejuvenation.
A facelift is the perfect solution if you wish to address wrinkles and folds on your face and neck. The latest trend in facelifts is the thread lift. However, plastic surgeons are calling for the procedure to be banned, as they consider it ineffective and dangerous.
The treatment
Prior to a thread lift, a plastic surgeon marks the areas of skin laxity on the face. With a thread lift, wrinkles and folds on the face and neck are addressed using threads. The threads are equipped with small barbs that are inserted under the skin. The surgeon determines the direction of the threads and the number of threads required. Using a sterile needle in which the threads are already embedded, a small hole is made in the skin. The threads are then placed under the skin. The thread anchors itself in place and the needles are immediately removed. The threads dissolve on their own after having stimulated a network of subcutaneous connective tissue. This connective tissue is said to improve the elasticity and support of the skin. After several sessions, a significant improvement is reportedly visible.
Surgeons raise the alarm
The Dutch Society of Plastic Surgery (NVPC) calls the treatment ineffective and unsafe and is now raising the alarm. Dutch surgeons find the treatment ineffective because the inserted threads are absorbable. As a result, the effect is temporary and the results disappear after a few weeks. They also consider the treatment unsafe. The threads have barbs to anchor themselves under the skin. This can cause serious scarring and infections in the face. Furthermore, they consider the material used for the thread lift dangerous; the material is the same as that used for permanent fillers. These have been partially banned since 2014 because this material can cause serious complications.
Choose a safe facelift at Blooming
Would you still like a facelift? Then consider having hyaluronic acid injected into the areas of skin laxity, or opt for a surgical facelift by a plastic surgeon. Feel free to visit us for a personal, no-obligation consultation. During this consultation, we can discuss your wishes and answer any questions you may have about facelifts.