Should I have thread lift for jowls done at a Med Spa?

Question

I am interested in getting a thread lift for my jowl area. There is a Medspa in my area that does this procedure and I found out that the Dr. that does the procedure is an OBGYN which seems very odd. I was going to have the consultation so I can learn more and see if I was a good candidate. I can't stand my marionette lines and am 53 years old. I have not had any success with filler including Sculptra. Should I be wary of having this procedure done at a Medspa let alone by a OBGYN?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

If plumbing repairs would not be left to a carpenter, why consider having a gynecologist perform rejuvenation procedures on the face. Over ninety percent of all nonsurgical rejuvenation technques, including Botox, fillers and threadlifts were developed and innovated by cosmetic dermatologists and then later taught by them to other specialties, like plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons. It would seem reasonable, therefore, to look to this specialty or other core cosmetic specialties for threadlifting. That being said, in general, robust fillers work quite well, in one treatment session, with immediate results for straightening the corners of the mouth and treating marionette lines typically in one treatment session. Sculptra does not give immediate results, is expensive, and generally requires about three treatment sessions. Threadlifts only pull skin and don't restore volume and also carry significant risks of infection, skin dimpling and even spitting out of stitches (which is why I gave up doing threadlifts several years ago).  I wonder if the previous filler treatments were performed by non-physicians or non-core physicians. Going forward, you would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Mark Godley, MBChB · Answer

You are right to be critical and discerning when it comes to your health. It depends on so much more than the practitioner's medical specialty...There are certainly very qualified thread practitioners who are Nurses, OBGYN's, Anesthesiologists by background; just as there are also Plastic Surgeons who do threadlifts with less than incredible outcomes. Your best approach is to read the practitioner's reviews, ask for patient referrals, and get their staff to show you as many before and after pictures as possible. A reputable clinic will be able to supply this and patiently answer every question you have about your thread lift.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

WOW so many red flags in this question. First, always seek in medical/surgical practice a consult by only the operating surgeon. Not a staff member or some receptionist! 2. Best results for minimally or non invasive therapies are with a boarded surgeon or true expert in aesthetics. 3. Choosing a "short cut" option usually gives very short lived results. If you need surgery then that is what you must consider before wasting $$s.

Should I have thread lift for jowls done at a Med Spa?

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Should I have thread lift for jowls done at a Med Spa?

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Everything you need to know about Thread Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.