Do they use threads in face lifts?

Question

Hey guys so I've been given this odd answer from an estetician; as I did not knew exactly if facelift means that you will have threads inside your skin, I asked what type of threads does he offer in Temporal Face lift ? He said pdo threads. Now I researched the internet and I found out that threads are other type of procedure besides face lifting so what exactly it is going on ? Is he a professional scammer or are threads used in face lifting ? please answer on topic only !

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @andreeamax, thank you for your question. Thread Facelifts can be mostly confused with the surgical procedure called Rhytidoplasty which achieves a permanent facelift. Rhytidoplasty is a common procedure for people who wish to address the signs of aging, such as sagging skin, wrinkles and loss of facial volume. It is achieved by repositioning the facial muscles and improving the sagging of the skin, restoring the tension and position of the tissues. In case you are looking for a less invasive treatment, in my case, I do not recommend facelift procedures with tensor threads, since this type of treatments generate certain problems such as fibrous scars under your skin. As an alternative, we use high-end technologies such as ULTHERAPY and FIXER DV9 for the control and prevention of aging that not only have immediate effects but at the end of the treatment there is no reaction of gravity in the treated area. Be sure to talk openly with your doctor about all treatment options available so that together you can decide what will work best and make a non surgical protocol according to your goals and needs! Best wishes!

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing barbed sutures under the skin and pulling the skin back to tighten over the barbs.  While this may be marketed as a painless and noninvasive approach toward facial rejuvenation by nonsurgical practitioners, it is not the same as a facelift and may interfere with the ability to perform a future facelift effectively.  A facelift is a surgical procedure where the skin and deep tissues are raised and resuspended into a more youthful position.  While a facelift also uses sutures to lift and suspend, these sutures are placed individually under the skin under direction visualization to restore proper anatomy.  I caution against thread lifts as the results of these procedures typically disappear within months and can cause excessive scar tissue under the skin, making a future facelift more difficult to perform.

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear Andrea,

Thank you for your question, and it's important to clarify the terminology surrounding facial rejuvenation procedures.

In traditional terminology, a "facelift" refers to a surgical procedure known as a rhytidectomy. During a facelift, surgeons surgically reposition the underlying muscle and fatty tissues of the face and neck while removing excess skin. There are various techniques and approaches to achieve this, but the common factor is the surgical nature of the procedure.

On the other hand, a "thread-lift" refers to a minimally invasive procedure typically performed in a medical office under local anesthesia. During a thread-lift, small sutures with barbs are inserted beneath the skin to lift and reposition sagging facial tissues. It is known for its quick procedure time and minimal downtime. However, it's important to note that the effects of a thread-lift are usually temporary and may last for about 4 to 6 months.

It's crucial for individuals considering facial rejuvenation procedures to understand the differences between these approaches and to consult with a qualified medical professional who can provide guidance on the most suitable treatment based on their specific goals and preferences.

Cory Bovenzi, MD · Answer

Hi there, facelift surgery does not involve the barbed PDO threads used in threadlifts. Rather, facelift surgery uses multiple types of sutures used to hold the muscle and fat in the elevated and youthful position. Sutures are different from threads, though the material used in threads can be similar to some types of materials used in certain sutures.

The most important takeaway is that facelifting addresses the underlying anatomical aging changes to the muscle and connective tissue and provides long-lasting results. Like most surgeries, facelift surgery involves the use of sutures in both the deep layers and the skin surface. Threadlifting does not address the underlying cause of facial aging and does not give you long-lasting results.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

A "thread-lift" is a technique performed percutaneously, where no soft tissue elevation is performed, and barbed "threads" are used to elevate soft tissues on a very temporary basis.  It's a classic price to result mismatch which I would not recommend.
There are many different forms of facelift, so I will describe the technique that I utilize, known as a deep plane facelift:  The SMAS and skin are elevated after a skin incision is made, the SMAS and deeper soft tissue re-positioned and held in place with long acting monofilament sutures, followed by appropriate skin removal and wound closure. My analogy to patients is that the carpet liner is tightened so that extra carpet can be removed.  Thread-lifts are not a part of this procedure.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

When a surgical facelift is performed, threads are normally not used.  Threads are used by some physicians instead of a facelift.  The threads can provide some lifting but the results usually would not last as long as results from a facelift.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

PDO threadlifts are not typically used in facelifts.  Some people do, but it is not the norm.  There's your on topic answer.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The situation you mention is confusing. Is the surgeon only doing a thread lift and not an actual facelift.?  There is no need to use pdo threads if you are having a facelift. So maybe if they are using threads you are probably only getting a thread lift. You need to clarify with you surgeon

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. A facelift does not utilize PDO threads to achieve its outcome. PDO threads are barbed, dissolvable sutures used in "thread lifts" which, when placed under the skin, create a relatively short-lasting pulling effect. A thread lift is very different from a surgical facelift in many ways, and may be marketed as a 'non-surgical facelift' by those who perform it as an aesthetic service. This overlapping use of terminology may explain your confusion. A well-executed surgical facelift is far superior in terms of outcome and longevity. 
Best,Dr. Tower

Russel S. Palmer, MD · Answer

Threads are often suggested by non surgeons looking to provide limited lifting. In my opinion, there is no need for using threads when doing a facelift.