Threads are fine synthetic fibers made of a material called Polydoxanone (PDO), which has a long history of safe and reliable use in surgery as 'stitches' to close wounds. The material will dissolve over time and be completely eliminated from your body.
Aqulift is a treatment method that is designed to help facial ageing, which happens naturally over time.
Aqulift offers a non-surgical, injectable alternative to this traditional surgery, and has the potential to improve the condition of the skin.
There are two major types of Threads used, and this depends on the objective of the treatment:
Mono Threads – designed for skin rejuvenation, tightening and reconditioning.
Cog Threads – designed for reduction of skin laxity by providing mechanical support and physically lifting sagging tissues.
Yes, A consultation is required prior to treatment so you can discuss your concerns with our Registered Nurse who will develop a personalised treatment plan, specifically for you. During your consult our Nurse will explain the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and after your assessment explain the potential results from Thread Lifting. During consultation, you will be advised of the thread type suitable and how many threads are required to achieve your desired results – and we will provide you with a quote.
The procedure is performed in clinic and does not require any incisions or sedation. A local anaesthesia will be injected at entry points and the procedure itself is virtually painless. The Threads are inserted just below the dermis using a long, soft needle or cannula. The skin is gently but firmly remodelled and the threads tightened into position. The unique little barbs connect with tissue and retain skin in the new compressed position. The sensation of threading is much like a standard dermal filler procedure using a micro-cannula. After diagnosing the condition of your skin, your practitioner will determine the type, number and position of Threads that are required to achieve the desired results. Then, anesthetic will be administered and the Threads will then be placed in the skin using a disposable micro-needle, which should be completely painless.
Treatment time will vary between 30-60 minutes, depending on the type and extent of the condition. While there may be some immediate improvements depending on the types of Thread that are used, all treatment procedures will result in continued improvement in your skin’s elasticity for the next 2-3 months. The Threads themselves will dissolve after just 6 months, but results will last for up to 2 years.
There is minimal or no downtime following a Thread Lift procedure for most patients, however, mild swelling or bruising may occur. We recommend the following post-treatment:
- Apply cold packs immediately after if required
-Take paracetamol for 2-3 days
-Sleep face-up and elevated on pillows for 3-5 nights
-Keep the treated area clean for 5 days, avoid makeup for 1 day
Immediately after treatment, the area will be numb for several hours, so it is important not to drink, eat or manipulate the treatment area until you regain sensation. The treatment area may be red, swollen and bleed briefly, resulting in some bruising.
Do not schedule any major events on the day of, or for two weeks following treatment, to allow for any bruising or swelling to subside.
After the anesthetic wears off, there may be some transient pain and discomfort, especially a tight, pulling feeling if you had the lifting procedure. These feelings usually ease within a week and can be controlled with medication.
A full list of post-treatment care instructions will be provided to minimise side effects and maximise results.
You should also schedule a review appointment with your Practitioner two weeks after receiving treatment, at which point further treatment may be required to achieve the desired outcome.
Thankfully, Threads have been shown to be very reliable and safe, not just in Aqulift, but in a variety of surgical uses. However, all medical procedures have the potential to cause unwanted side effects.
While problems are rare, the most common issues come from the injection process rather than the threads themselves – the use of micro-needles can cause short-term redness, swelling, itching, bruising, bleeding and skin infection. In some rare cases, the thread could potentially affect the function of muscles, nerves and other structures in the area, or the threads may move out of position.
Rest assured that your practitioner will conduct a thorough review of your health and medical history prior to delivering treatment to ensure that you are safe to receive this therapy and unlikely to encounter problems.
