My journey - mint barbed thread lift - I think the results will be pretty dramatic by 4 weeks post op

First of all, I've been researching and thinking about getting the barbed thread lift for over 5 years. I am a medical professional who theoretically could do this on others so I didn't take this procedure lightly.

For success with this procedure, you probably want to be about my age, 45 and have good skin tone and health but looking for a little "lift".

I had 12 barbed "Mint" threads placed. 6 on each side. 3 vectors of force on each side. I figured, "why not?" since we are all wearing masks anyways. I wanted to left the nasolabial folds and have a more defined chin without having to do a face lift. I am too young for that. I do Botox regularly for the past 12 years. I've had 3 Mohs Surgeries too.

I had smooth threads placed last fall at a different office out of state around my eyes and mouth and that was a very, very painful procedure. Eyes looked good. Didn't notice any difference around the mouth. I looked like I was kicked in the face for a month. I was terrible! I wasn't prepared so you can imagine my hesitation to do something even MORE invasive that could potentially leave my face paralyzed with one false move. Price point was a bit high but I appreciated the provider's confidence and she answered all the questions spot-on.

So day 1 I looked a bit beat up but to be honest, I told my kids and husband (kids are teens) that I had a facial and they bought it! Nobody knew. By day 2 I was sore and a little puffy but looked ok. Nobody noticed.

Day 3 post op I am still a little puffy but lol nobody notices still. It certainly looks more firm but puffy. I think the results will be pretty dramatic by 4 weeks post op.

Pain level honestly during the procedure was a 1-2. As compared to the smooth threads where I was given no local anesthetic (just topical), this was a million times better. I got about 16 small "bee stings" to prep of lido plus epi but felt nothing during the procedure and just took 2 motrin after and for 24 hours. Granted, I've had Mohs surgery which to me was 100x worse during and after recovery so this was a cake walk to me. I was so worried and it was totally fine!

Now, I am a doctor on RealSelf and have been for 10 years (of course under a different name) for other procedures so I am excited to share my journey as a patient!