Thread Lift Clinic — Skin Procedure Guide

Thread Lift: Why should you pay attention to it now?

A thread lift is more than just tightening the skin; it's a procedure that can improve the skin's internal environment, leading to long-term anti-aging effects. It aligns with the modern person's desire for natural changes through non-surgical methods and consistently gains popularity due to its advantage of achieving satisfactory results with a relatively quick recovery even in a busy daily life.

What is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is a procedure where medical threads are inserted into the dermal or subcutaneous layer of the skin to physically pull and fix sagging skin tissue. The inserted threads naturally dissolve over time, but as they dissolve, they promote the production of collagen and elastin in the surrounding tissues, increasing skin elasticity and helping to improve fine wrinkles. This allows for not only visible lifting effects but also the expectation of improved elasticity that builds up healthily from within the skin.

• Immediate lifting effect: Immediately improves sagging cheeks, jawline, and nasolabial folds.
• Collagen regeneration induction: As the threads dissolve, they promote collagen production within the skin, contributing to long-term elasticity improvement.
• Natural volume improvement: Threads can be inserted into sunken areas to create natural volume.
• Relatively short recovery period: Since it is performed without incision, the recovery period is shorter compared to surgery.

Various Types and Characteristics of Thread Lifts

There is a wide variety of threads used in thread lifts, and each thread differs in material, shape, duration, and effect. A thread lift clinic will combine the most suitable threads according to the patient's skin condition and concerns.

Classification by main thread material:

• PDO (Polydioxanone) thread: The most commonly used thread, lasting approximately 6 months to 1 year. It is effective in promoting collagen production and improving skin elasticity.
• PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) thread: Lasts longer than PDO (approximately 1 year 6 months to 2 years) and has a stronger collagen production effect. It is also effective for volume improvement.
• PCL (Polycaprolactone) thread: Highly flexible and has the longest duration (approximately 2 years or more). It can provide natural lifting and collagen regeneration effects.

Classification by thread shape:

• Mono Thread: A thin, single thread primarily used for improving skin elasticity and fine wrinkles. Multiple threads are inserted in a crisscross pattern to enhance overall skin condition.
• Cog Thread: Threads with barbs (cogs) that powerfully pull and fix sagging skin tissue. Primarily effective for lifting sagging cheeks and jawline.
• Screw/Spring Thread: Coil-shaped threads that exert strong elasticity within the skin, providing both volume and lifting effects. Used for improving nasolabial folds or deep wrinkles.
• Mesh/Net Thread: Net-shaped threads primarily used for improving elasticity and increasing volume in larger areas.

The Key to a Successful Thread Lift: Criteria for Choosing a 'Thread Lift Clinic'

A thread lift is a procedure where the delicate skill and aesthetic sense of the medical staff are very important. Therefore, when choosing a thread lift clinic, it is crucial to carefully check and compare the following key criteria rather than being swayed by price or advertisements.

Medical Staff's Expertise and Experience

A thread lift is a highly complex procedure that requires a precise understanding of the face's anatomical structure and meticulous design of the thread type, insertion direction, and depth according to the skin condition and degree of sagging. Skilled medical staff can minimize side effects and achieve satisfactory results.

• Experienced medical staff: You should check if the medical staff at the thread lift clinic has extensive experience in thread lift procedures and has handled various cases.
• Deep understanding of facial anatomy: The ability to accurately identify major facial structures such as nerves and blood vessels and perform the procedure safely is important.
• Customized design capability: Check if they offer personalized designs that consider each patient's face shape, skin thickness, degree of sagging, and desired improvement, rather than a standardized procedure.
• Dermatologist/Plastic Surgeon Specialist: Dermatologists or plastic surgeons have deep knowledge and clinical experience in their respective fields.

Safety System and Hygiene Management

Safety and hygiene must be the top priority in all medical procedures. Especially for procedures directly inserted into the skin, infection prevention and emergency response capabilities are crucial.

• Availability of sterilization system: You must check if a thorough sterilization and disinfection system for surgical tools and environment is in place.
• Emergency preparedness system: Check if a system for potential emergencies during anesthesia and the procedure (e.g., oxygen supply device, emergency medications) is well-equipped.
• Verification of genuine thread use: You must confirm that only safe, genuine threads approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety are used. Some inexpensive procedures may use threads of unknown origin, so caution is needed.

Sufficient Consultation and Customized Design

A successful thread lift begins with sufficient consultation. It is important to accurately understand the patient's needs and set realistic expectations for the procedure.

• Listening to patient's needs and accurate diagnosis: You should check if the medical staff listens carefully to the patient's concerns and makes an accurate diagnosis considering the overall balance and harmony of the face.
• Consideration of individual face shape and skin condition: It is important to create an optimal treatment plan that comprehensively considers the individual's face shape, skin thickness, direction of sagging, etc., rather than simply inserting many threads.
• Clear explanation of expected effects and limitations after the procedure: You should choose a thread lift clinic that transparently explains the realistic effects that can be obtained from the procedure, along with potential limitations or side effects, rather than promising exaggerated effects.

Systematic Post-Procedure Care

Post-procedure care significantly influences the satisfaction and duration of the results of a thread lift. It is advisable to choose a thread lift clinic that provides a systematic post-procedure care program.

• Prompt response to side effects: You should check if they clearly guide on how to deal with symptoms that may occur after the procedure, such as swelling, bruising, foreign body sensation, and take immediate action if necessary.
• Swelling and bruising management program: Check if they offer a management program (e.g., cooling packs, regenerative lasers) to minimize swelling and bruising after the procedure and aid in quick recovery.
• Post-procedure progress check and additional care guidance: It is important to regularly visit the clinic after the procedure to check the progress of the thread lift effect and receive advice on additional care or lifestyle habits for long-term maintenance.

Thread Lift Procedure Process and Recovery

Understanding the thread lift procedure process in advance can help you approach the procedure with a more relaxed mind. Here is information on the general procedure process and recovery period.

Pre-Procedure Preparations

Through sufficient consultation with the thread lift clinic, confirm the procedure plan and be sure to inform the medical staff about any allergies or medications you are taking (especially aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers, etc., that may affect blood coagulation). Abstinence from alcohol and smoking is essential before the procedure, and additional preparations may be required depending on your skin condition.

General Procedure Process

1. Consultation and Design: Through in-depth consultation with the medical staff, the patient's needs are understood, and the degree of facial sagging and skin condition are diagnosed to meticulously design the type, number, insertion location, and direction of the threads.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthetic cream is applied or local injection anesthesia is performed on the procedure area to minimize pain. Sedation anesthesia may also be used.
3. Thread Insertion: Threads are inserted into the dermal or subcutaneous layer of the skin using a special needle along the designed lines. The medical staff's proficiency is very important in this process.
4. Fixation and Finishing: After pulling and fixing the skin tissue with the inserted threads, the insertion sites are disinfected and finished with regenerative tape or similar.

Post-Procedure Recovery and Precautions

Thread lifts generally have a relatively quick recovery, but there are individual differences, and the results can vary depending on post-procedure care.

• Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising may be most severe for 2-3 days after the procedure and usually disappear within 1-2 weeks. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling.
• Pain and Foreign Body Sensation: Mild pain, pulling sensation, or foreign body sensation may occur but will gradually subside over time.
• Washing and Makeup: You can gently wash your face on the day of the procedure and apply makeup from the next day, but be careful not to rub the treated area vigorously.
• Lifestyle Habits: It is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, alcohol, and smoking for about 1 month. Also, refrain from eating hard or chewy foods, and avoid sleeping on your side or stomach.
• Follow-up: It is important to visit the clinic regularly for follow-up checks as instructed by the medical staff after the procedure.