While ageing causes changes throughout the body, inside and out, some of the most noticeable differences show on the face. Common signs of ageing include wrinkles on the forehead, fine lines around the mouth, and sagging skin at the jawline.
Other factors can affect how your appearance changes with age, including smoking and drinking alcohol. However, regardless of the causes, the latest cosmetic treatments allow you to address signs of ageing on your face and improve your appearance in amazing ways.
Once upon a time, undergoing a face lift treatment meant invasive surgery. But that’s no longer the case — you can try a thread face lift instead.
What is a thread face lift? We’ll answer that question below. We’ll also look at two of the most popular types of non-surgical face lifts available: APTOS and Silhouette Soft.
What is a Non-Surgical Face Lift?
A non-surgical face lift creates a smoother, more youthful appearance using a minimally invasive or non-invasive method. An extensive range of non-surgical face lift treatments are available, utilizing cutting-edge thread-lift techniques to reduce visible signs of ageing.
Unlike invasive surgical procedures, a non-surgical face lift requires little to no downtime for recovery. That places less physical strain on the body and makes a non-surgical face lift easier to fit into a busy schedule.
Thread-lift is a popular example of non-surgical face lifts. APTOS and Silhouette thread treatments can achieve extraordinary results in a simple, minimally invasive way. There is no cutting into the skin, no skin is removed, and the entire process is completed in less time than an invasive surgical procedure.
What is the APTOS Thread Non-Surgical Face Lift?
The APTOS thread treatment was introduced in 1996, and has continued to gain momentum since. This involves tightening the skin on the face without the need for surgery.
APTOS thread-lift uses medical-grade threads injected into the face’s soft tissues, just under the skin’s surface. The threads are small and fine, yet strong enough to hold skin in place as required.
Once positioned, the threads are tightened carefully to lift the skin and create a more youthful appearance. Wrinkles and fine lines will be smoothed away when the skin is pulled taut, and they will be less visible once the results start to manifest.
The threads gradually dissolve, which prompts the body to start healing the skin in the treated area. This stimulates collagen production in that area.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein and a key building block of bone, skin, and connective tissues. It’s vital for giving skin structure and firmness. However, collagen production naturally decreases with age, which is why skin becomes saggier across the body. But this sagging tends to be most noticeable on the face, showing on the cheeks, jawline, and chin.
By boosting collagen production, APTOS threads help to keep the skin lifted and smooth after they have dissolved.
Benefits of APTOS Thread Non-Surgical Face Lift
The main benefits of APTOS thread treatments include:
- The most up-to-date version of APTOS threads include hyaluronic acid. This is a naturally occurring substance and important for hydrating skin. As a result, APTOS threads tighten the skin and help it retain more moisture.
- Minimal downtime for recovery required
- Create tighter, smoother skin that improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with immediate effect
- Target sagging skin in multiple areas of the face
- Performed under local anesthesia only — no need for general anaesthesia
APTOS threads can improve the appearance of:
- Cheeks
- Jowls
- Nose
- Eyebrows
- Lips
- Ears
Beyond the facial area, APTOS threads may also be used to tighten skin on the neck, abdomen, inner thighs, breasts, and even the knees.
What is the Silhouette Soft Thread Non-Surgical Face Lift?
The Silhouette Soft non-surgical face lift is similar to the APTOS treatment in a number of ways. A thread is inserted into the face, then tightened to create tighter and smoother skin with a natural effect. Wrinkles and fine lines become less visible on the forehead, around the eyes, and in other areas.
Silhouette Soft threads are inserted into the skin with a fine needle for precision, and pulling the thread taut creates an instant lifting effect. This stimulates collagen production, which will help support the lift and ensure that the results last.
The threads contain polylactic acid (PLA), which is widely used in various pharmaceutical and medical applications. Molded cones secure the threads in the right position as required while collagen production increases.
Benefits of Silhouette Soft Non-Surgical Face Lift
Silhouette Soft thread lifts offer the following benefits:
- Performed under local anaesthesia
- Minimal downtime
- Creates an immediate lifting effect
- Safe for use in different areas of the face to suit different goals
- Achieves smoother skin in a simple way supported by natural processes
Like APTOS threads, Silhouette Soft can improve the appearance of:
- Cheeks
- Jowls
- Nose
- Eyebrows
- Lips
- Ears
Silhouette Soft is also safe for tightening sagging skin on other parts of the body, including the abdomen and neck.
How Long Does a Non-Surgical Face Lift Take?
A thread face lift is an advanced cosmetic procedure that promises to rejuvenate and redefine facial contours with minimal invasion and recovery time. This sterile procedure, which should only be performed by certified professionals, typically spans 60 to 80 minutes. Within this transformative window, patients can begin their journey to a more youthful appearance.
Now, let’s delve into the world of threads used in these lifts. While APTOS and Silhouette Soft threads are akin to Sculptra, known for their composition of PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) and PCL (polycaprolactone), PDO (Polydioxanone) threads bring their own unique benefits to the table. PDO threads, a newer innovation, are celebrated for their exceptional biocompatibility and safety, which have a long-standing reputation in medical applications.
What sets PDO threads apart is their ability to dissolve completely over time, stimulating natural collagen synthesis without leaving any trace behind. While APTOS and Silhouette threads are structured to engage with deeper layers of skin, promoting intense collagen types 1 and 3 regeneration, PDO threads are versatile, catering to different aspects of the lifting process. They can be used to provide a more immediate lift with a subtler stimulation of collagen production.
Choosing between these threads will depend on the specific needs and desired outcomes of the patient. Each type offers a tailored approach to anti-aging: APTOS and Silhouette for pronounced, longer-lasting structure and PDO for a delicate, natural lift that improves over time as the skin heals.
How Long Does a Non-Surgical Face Lift Last?
The results of thread lifting procedure lasts up to 24 months. The threads will gradually dissolve within 18 months, and the body absorbs them safely. However, the duration of results can vary. It is safe to perform thread-lifting procedures if planning to have surgical facelift in the future.
Are There Side Effects of Thread Lifts?
Thread lifts can lead to side effects, as with most cosmetic treatments. Potential effects include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Discomfort at insertion site
- Bleeding
- Infection at insertion site
We’ll discuss possible side effects during your free consultation.
Book Your Non-Surgical Face Lift Consultation
VBeauty Medical Spa offers expert thread lifts to address sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines.
If you want to book a free consultation and learn more about how our thread lifts can work for you, get in touch.