Lifting Threads

In recent years, lifting threads, also known as thread lifts, have become a popular choice for beauty enthusiasts seeking non-surgical options to combat sagging skin. This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure involves the insertion of absorbable, barbed threads beneath the skin to lift and provide support to areas that have lost elasticity due to ageing or weight loss. The immediate lifting effect is just the beginning; as the threads are gradually absorbed by the body, they stimulate natural collagen production, enhancing the skin's firmness and texture over time. With minimal downtime and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional facelift surgeries, lifting threads offer a rejuvenating solution for the face, neck, and other areas in need of a youthful boost.

What are Lifting Threads?

Barbed lifting threads are made from biodegradable polydioxanone (PDO) and are designed to lift sagging skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and give you a more contoured and refreshed look.

The innovation here lies in the fact that these threads have tiny barbs that adhere to your skin for long periods. This unique design allows the threads to lift and hold your skin in place, without the need for any surgical incisions or general anesthesia.

The procedure is quick and relatively painless, with most patients able to return to work or normal activities within a day or two. The threads start to dissolve after about six months, but the lifting effect can typically last anywhere from six months to two years. However, with Silk Clinical Aesthetic's commitment to continued ongoing development and keeping up to date with industry-leading technologies and techniques, our lead nurse injector Shontelle Prasad is able to administer lifting threads using the latest techniques out of South Korea, the cosmetic medicine and plastic surgery market leaders of the world. With this technique, the lifting threads stimulate greater cross-linking of the tissue structure, extending the lifting effects up to five years, long after the threads themselves have dissolved.

Barbed lifting threads are a safe and effective alternative to invasive plastic surgery and can be used to address a wide range of concerns. From sagging jowls to deep nasolabial folds, these threads can give you the lift and contour you've long sought.

What concerns can I treat with Lifting Threads?

The most common areas that can be treated with barbed lifting threads include the face, neck, and décolletage. These areas are particularly prone to sagging and loss of elasticity as a result of aging, sun damage, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet.

Barbed lifting threads can help to;

  • Lift sagging cheeks, jowls, and brows.
  • Reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds
  • Define the jawline.
  • Tighten loose skin in the neck.
  • Reduce the appearance of neck bands.
  • Improve the contour of the chin and jawline.
  • Rejuvenate the skin in the décolletage area.
  • Reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
  • Improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.

Am I a suitable candidate for Lifting Threads?

A suitable candidate for barbed lifting threads is someone who is experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity on their face, neck, or other targeted areas. These threads are designed to lift and tighten the skin, which can help to smooth out wrinkles and reduce sagging. They are particularly useful for people who want to achieve a more youthful appearance without undergoing surgery or undergoing too much downtime.

While lifting threads are largely a safe procedure, those who are not suitable for this treatment include those who;

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Have been diagnosed with blood clotting disorders.

It is important to note that barbed lifting threads may not be the ideal treatment for everyone. If you have severe skin laxity or a substantial amount of excess skin, another option such as a facelift may be more appropriate for you.

Silk Clinical Aesthetics' lead nurse injector Shontelle Prasad will discuss your suitability for lifting threads during consultation before treatment occurs. Your consultation provides a non-obligatory opportunity to discuss and assess treatment options. Consultation appointment costs are redeemable on treatment or product on the day.

Shontelle's thorough knowledge assured me I was in the best and safest hands for my procedure. Due to the local I could only feel the sensation of movement and tugging during the procedure which made it more comfortable. I could see instant results from the threads with my smile lines reduced and more definition in my face. Highly recommend thread lifts for anyone wanting long-lasting results.

Monique R.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of threads are there?

There are two primary types, non-barbed floating threads and barbed floating threads. Non-barbed threads have sub-classifications such as braided threads and mono-filament threads, while barbed threads have sub-classifications like unilateral, bilateral, spiral, uni-directional, bi-directional, z-type, cutting barbs, and moulding barbs. You may have also heard of various barbed threads referred to as heart barbs, tornado or double screw.

At Silk Clinical Aesthetics, we provide two types of PDO threads namely, PDO mono-filament threads and bi-directional barbed threads.
Our PDO mono-filament threads are made of a single polydioxanone suture, and the barbed threads are made from the same material with tiny hooks or barbs along their length. Both types of threads have a smooth texture that limits tissue damage, while the barbs add an extra layer of support to keep the skin tissues lifted.

PDO mono-filament threads can subtly lift and rejuvenate your skin through the mechanism of inducing collagen production, helping to reduce sagging cheeks, jowls and other areas for up to two years. The barbed threads are slightly more aggressive than the mono-filaments, making them ideal for areas that require a higher degree of lifting and firmer skin structure. These barbs have varied lengths, allowing you to customise the amount of lift and support for each area.

At Silk Clinical Aesthetics, we use only the highest quality PDO mono-filament and barbed threads available to ensure that your results are safe and lasting. Our lead nurse injector Shontelle Prasad can help you to determine which type of thread is best suited for your unique needs during your consultation. With proper aftercare and follow-up treatments, your skin will look rejuvenated, refreshed and lifted for many months to come. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how threads can help you address the signs of ageing. On this particular treatment page, you will learn about bidirectional barbed lifting threads. You can read more about our PDO mono threads here.

What is the procedure for having barbed lifting threads inserted?

The procedure typically begins with a local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area. The provider then inserts the threads using a fine needle or cannula. Once inserted, the threads are adjusted to achieve the desired lift and then trimmed. The entire process usually takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of threads and treatment areas.

How long do the effects of barbed lifting threads last?

The results of barbed lifting threads typically last between 12-18 months. This duration can vary depending on factors such as the type of threads used, the area treated, and individual patient characteristics. Over time, the threads dissolve naturally, and collagen production stimulated by the threads continues to provide some lifting effect.