What are Thread Facelift Applications?

An Innovative Lifting Approach
Modern cosmetic facial surgery aims to achieve both effective results and minimize complications with minimally invasive techniques. Since signs of aging appear most in the face and neck area, non-surgical treatment methods for these areas are increasingly preferred. In addition to methods such as laser treatments, chemical peeling, radiofrequency and photorejuvenation, thread facelift applications are among the techniques that have become prominent in recent years.

Development of Thread Facelift Technique
First introduced in the 1970s, thread suspension techniques became widespread with Aptos threads in the 1990s and became more effective with notched contour threads after 2005. Polypropylene threads are safely used in subcutaneous tissue thanks to their high biocompatibility and flexibility properties, creating a minimal inflammatory response. Thanks to their notched structures, a fixation and lifting effect is provided in the tissue.

Advantages
It is a bloodless and short-term procedure that can be performed with local anesthesia.

It provides a rapid return to daily life.

It can create a lifting effect similar to open surgery.

It is especially effective for reconstructing the facial oval.

Patient Selection and Contraindications
Appropriate patient selection is of great importance for successful results. Absolute contraindications include:

Serious systemic diseases (e.g. autoimmune diseases)

HIV or immune system disorders

Active infections

Psychological disorders or unrealistic expectations

Use of anticoagulants

Pregnancy

Relative contraindications are:

Smoking

Excessive thinness or thickness of subcutaneous tissue

History of keloids or hypertrophic scars

Presence of eczema or psoriasis

Post-Procedure Recommendations
Intense physical activities should be avoided for the first 3-5 days.

Pressure should not be applied to the facial area, and lying face down should be avoided.

Muscle activities such as facial movements, chewing and speaking should be limited.

The head should be kept above the level of the heart to reduce edema.

Common Complications
Edema, bruising, transient erythema (40-90%)

Asymmetry, paresthesia in facial muscles

String protrusion or migration

Nodularity, dimpling

Rarely in the late stages: pseudolymphoma, granulomatous reactions, pain

Clinical Findings and Literature Data
Studies report a complication rate of up to 10%.

The most common early complications are bruising and edema.

Transient asymmetry and loss of sensation usually regress within 2 weeks.

Pseudolymphoma and late pain may rarely develop in gold-plated threads.

Conclusion
Thread facelift procedures are an effective and safe alternative for non-surgical facial rejuvenation when performed with appropriate patient selection and correct technique. However, although these applications are minimally invasive, they require advanced anatomy knowledge and experience. Practitioners having not only superficial training but also in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge reduces the risk of complications and increases patient satisfaction.

Ankara Life Polyclinic, Dermatologist Doctor Fatma Yıldız