Thread Lift

Facial threads have been used worldwide for decades to support sagging skin but are not to be used or thought of as an alternative to the more surgically invasive face lift.

They are bio absorbable and are used for the elevation of the mid face, lower face and neck area.

The unique design allows for recontouring and elevating sagging skin through a minimally invasive approach.

The threads correct weakening of the facial structure by adding support to the skin and underlying tissue.

Threads also enable the skin and subcutaneous tissue to be subtly repositioned slightly higher on the facial surface giving a more rejuvenated appearance, reducing facial sagginess and recreating the contours that are the feature of the juvenile face.

Although the result is not permanent, they create a long-term support to the skin and underlying soft tissue in the area, stimulating collagen production and improving the texture and tone of the skin. They can last up to two years. More threads may be added in later years.

• Your face will be marked out with a pen and you will have local anaesthetic injected into the areas where your threads are to be inserted.
• A tiny puncture hole is made, and a small blunt hollow tube is slid under the skin to place the thread.
• The placement of the threads is extremely important to ensure the correct amount of elevation for the individual’s facial structure.
• Once the threads have been positioned through the tiny puncture sites, they are then gently tightened and secured to the facial tissue and skin.
• Minimal dressing on the entry point is applied.
• This procedure usually takes approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of threads used.
• As the threads are very fine, they are vulnerable for the first few days until the body develops fibrosis, which then strengthens and holds the facial tissue surrounding the thread into its new position.

You should not have treatment if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, have certain autoimmune or medical conditions, have active skin connective tissue disorders in the area, have very thin skin or low volume of facial fat pads, are under the age of 30, or are currently physically unwell.

You may experience skin redness, swelling, discomfort, bruising, haematoma, pulling or tightness, puckering/dimpling of the skin, scarring including keloid scar formation, asymmetry, bleeding, infection, numbness, thread extrusion, altered skin sensation such as intermittent sharp tingles, hypersensitivity to polydiaxanone (reaction to thread material), shortened effect of the expected duration of correction, thread breakage. Most side effects settle within 2-4 weeks, however rarely these effects can be longer lasting.

They can last up to 2 years. More threads may be added in later years. Threads are bio-absorbable within 9-12 months. Treatment can be repeated in a few years.

Reassessment is required in 6 months.

For thread treatments, you are required to book a cosmetic consultation with our Appearance Medicine Dr Piergiovanni Marzinotto, only available at Skin Institute Takapuna, Remuera and Ponsonby.

See more about cosmetic consultations here or read about Dr Piergiovanni Marzinotto here.

Dr Marzinotto will guide you through a comprehensive 45-minute cosmetic consultation, to understand your individual needs and desires.

Sometimes only one type of treatment may be recommended, or we may suggest a combination of treatments to achieve the skin improvement you are looking for. Either way, you will know that the advice we offer you is customised just for your needs.