Many patients opt for a thread lift over dermal fillers as threads do not add volume and thus produce a far more natural aesthetic outcome. While it is considered minimally invasive, it is still classified as a minor surgical procedure; we discuss this more below.
Your procedure is carried out by either one of our teaching doctors or a medical healthcare professional under the supervision of clinical oversight medical professional, the choice is yours. Our focus is instilling best practices in aesthetic medicine. As such, at times your procedure may take longer than a typical treatment.
There is a move within the aesthetics sector to regenerative skin health. These are procedures that work to increase collagen and elastin production that we naturally lose as we age. It is a better treatment methodology as we are using the bodies natural components to fight the signs of premature ageing.
As we age we lose collagen and elastin and volume from our fat pads. The end result is everything starts to go south, threads offer a means to bring it all north again and thus look far more like our younger selves, Threads do not add volume as dermal fillers do and as such tend to be far more popular with male clients.
As the primary aesthetic medicine college in Ireland, the A.T.A.I Clinic is a quality assured audited ISO certified clinic for aesthetic procedures—this means we follow best practices in infection control and have equipment on-site to manage complications; we even have an AED. In the U.K such procedures are regulated by the CQC (Care Quality Commission.) The independent regulator of health and social care in England. As Ireland does not have such an oversight board, there is no quality control imposed on clinics to adhere to infection control, equipment, cleanliness standards, or who can carry out these procedures. It is due to this lack of regulation that A.T.A.I took the step to become accredited with the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) — Silhouette Soft and PDO Threads are classified as a minor surgical procedure.
Is there a difference between PDO Threads and Silhouette Soft?
Yes, PDO Threads come in a variety of configurations and types. There are three main types of threads currently available:
PDO threads are the longest in the market and are made of a synthetic biodegradable polymer that has been used in surgical procedures for many years. Over six months, PDO threads are absorbed into the body by hydrolysis and work by triggering fibroblasts to produce more collagen in a targeted area.
There are three main types of PDO threads used;
| Mono thread | Screw thread | Cog thread mono-directional | Cog thread bi-directional | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | Basic, thin mono-thread. Smooth without barbs | Thread in a twisted pattern. 1 or 2 threads intertwined | Cog threads have barbs Barbs hook onto the skin to support and lift. | Bi-directional cog thread |
| Effects within the skin | Suitable for fine wrinkle improvements. Improves skin elasticity small amount of lift | Enhances skin rejuvenation Enhances skin elasticity Volumising effect | Lifting effect Fine wrinkle improvement Enhances skin regeneration V-line Improves skin elasticity | Lifting effect Deep wrinkle improvement V-line Enhances skin regeneration Improves skin elasticity |
PDO threads: Most thread lift procedures make use of PDO threads. They have been around for the longest period of time and have been used in surgery for years. They are composed of a biodegradable polymer and dissolve within the body in 4-6 months. The procedure results can last for an additional 15-24 months, and they generally create type 1 collagen. Dissolving threads stimulate collagen synthesis, which enhances youthful appearance. Many choices of PDO thread are available for use, and closing the correct thread for your client may not be that easy. Usually, PDO threads are excellent for repositioning and rejuvenating, therefore, better suited towards younger clients.
PLLA threads: PLLA threads are composed of lactic acid derived biocompatible polymer and are used in various treatments. PLLA benefits include the ability to regenerate collagen over a longer period of time when compared to PDO threads. When inserted into the skin, this thread forms type 1 collagen with a very minimal (if any) inflammatory response. They last for 12 months within the skin.
PCA threads: PCA threads are not used as often as the PDO or PLC threads, but they last up to 2 years and create type 1 and 3 collagen. They are the newest threads, and they are composed of caprolactone (bio-absorbable monofilament). The structure within the PCA thread is more robust and therefore takes much longer to break down. It is highly potent at stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid. Even once dissolved, collagen production can last for another year. These treads provide a small amount of lift and rejuvenation. These threads provide a larger amount of lift when compared to PDO and PLLA threads and are better suited to older clients who need a small to moderate amount of lift.
Silhouette Soft
The Silhouette Soft thread is a PLLA thread, and instead of hooks or barbs, use cones as the anchor medium. The cone technology aids in restoring shape to the treatment area as well as providing lift. Using PLLA for the thread also increases collagen production as the thread takes longer to break down, resulting in the aesthetic outcome lasting longer. Poly L Lactic Acid is used for many medical devices, including dissolvable sutures, orthopaedic pins and bone plates, a safe, proven medical technology.
Considerations of treatment
Threads are often marketed as a procedure you can have during your lunch break—minimally invasive with little to no downtime. Threads are minimally invasive when compared to a surgical facelift; if we compare threads to micro-needling, which indeed has three or so days of downtime, the thread procedure is quite invasive. The entire narrative is somewhat relative to the procedure taking place. Mono threads, the simplest of the thread procedures, can be done in 30 to 45 minutes. However, you would not want to be going to work afterwards as you cannot talk. You cannot wear makeup; you have had a minor surgical procedure.
Screws and Cogs for performing a thread lift are more invasive; the clinic room setup is sterile for surgical procedures. The practitioner will have an assistant. Local anaesthetic is used to allow painless insertion of the threads. As a general guide, you will need a few days off work or have the procedure before the weekend. Downtime significantly differs from patient to patient as age, general health, and individual healing pathways are highly individualistic.
Side effects
All aesthetic procedures carry some risk, and it is imperative you follow the home care advice that will be given to you after treatment. You will also have a consultation before treatment, and depending on the procedure, you may need to allow up to two hours for the process.
As we have said, this is classified as minor surgery, so please plan the treatment when you have no social events or work commitments for a period of two weeks. There will be some bruising and swelling; while this dissipates quickly, typically within a few days, individual results vary.
Discomfort: There will be a tightening sensation in the treatment area as new collagen is produced; this is very normal. The sensation may last for around two weeks. Sharp pain on occasion may also be felt as the thread settles within the tissue.
Bruising: Some people bruise easily, others hardly at all, which always feeds into individual results. We would suggest planning for bruising, and again is why there is a need to have no social events.
Redness and swelling: There will be some redness and swelling caused by the insertion of the needle and thread.
Scarring: While very rare, scarring can be a risk, but it is highly unlikely. Those unsuitable for treatment, like those with Keloid scar, will be rendered unsuitable for treatment during the consultation process.
Discolouration: This is also a rare side effect at the insertion point, and again the consultation process will advise on suitability.
Nearly all side effects resolve with no interaction from the practitioner within two to three weeks. Following home care advice will aid in your recovery, and your practitioner is available to talk through any concerns.
What should you do before treatment?
Plan for swelling and bruising: No social engagements or any event where you would not be happy with someone seeing you in the post-treatment state.
Alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking must be avoided for seven days before the procedure. Alcohol can cause excess bleeding, dehydrate the skin and can also affect the local anaesthetic. Smoking inhibits the body’s ability to heal, dehydrates this skin and generally impedes recovery.
Avoid supplements and medication which increase bruising or thin the blood. Avoid supplements including omega fish oils, vitamin E, chilli ginseng, garlic, green tea and other such supplements at least two days before the treatment. Aspirin-based products, like Naproxen/Naprogesic, Neurofen, and Ibuprofen, must be avoided as they can cause bleeding, unwanted side effects and complications. PLEASE NOTE: NEVER STOP PRESCRIBED BLOOD-THINNING MEDICATION. If you are prescribed blood-thinning medication, please tell the practitioner at the consultation to attain suitability for treatment.
Exercise: Avoid HIT or similar high-intensity sporting or gym events for three days before the procedure.
Sunbeds and Saunas: No sunbeds (you should never use sunbeds anyway; risk of Cancer is real and documented) — no saunas for three days before the procedure.
Post-treatment advice
Recovery is typical without issue; however, you do need to follow at-home care advice.
Swelling and bruising: Aid swelling and bruising with a cool pack: Available at the clinic, use a cooling pack three to five times a day for the first week.
Restrict facial movement: Drinking through a straw, laughing, eating substances that open the jaw, such as apples. Basically, any movement that puts stress on the jaw.
Facial washing: Avoid washing your face or touching your face for 12 hours when you finally wash your face or a mild non-allergenic facial wash.
Makeup: No makeup for 48 hours
Exercise: No exercise or any high-intensity activity, including any heavy lifting for a full seven days.
Head elevation: Sleep with an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated
Pain killers: You can take pain relief but avoid any pain medication that is aspirin based.
Chewing gum: No chewing gum for a minimum of two weeks
Facial touching: Do not touch your face, pull at your face or try excessive facial stretches for at least three weeks.
If you have any concerns during the recovery period, contact the clinic.
When you have your thread lift consultation, the practitioner will advise on the best threads to suit your objectives. Your age, the area being treated and what your desired aesthetic outcome is. In most cases, you will be asked to go and have a think about it all. It is a procedure you will be living with for an extended amount of time, so do not rush in, take your time, talk with friends about it and be sure it is the procedure you want.