Korean Thread Lift: the new facelift for a youthful appearance
Written in association with:For women looking to turn back the clock there is a new minimally invasive procedure available that gives an instant facelift without having to go under the knife. The Korean Thread Lift uses PDO threads that are inserted deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production and tighten sagging skin. The procedure is so quick that it can even be done during a lunch break.
Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh is a pioneer in non-surgical treatments for the face. He has even collaborated with Cindy Crawford to create the bestselling skincare range Meaningful Beauty®. Who better than the cosmetic doctor himself to explain what happens during a K Thread Lift and how long the results of the facial rejuvenation procedure lasts.
What effect does the K Thread Lift have on the skin?
The K Thread Lift uses Korean threads made of Polydioxanone (PDO) that tighten sagging skin tissue once they have been inserted into the deeper layers of the skin. Once introduced they have the following effects:
- Instant skin lifting – through mechanical effects
- Cellular renewal – through collagen stimulation to improve skin texture, fine lines and elasticity
- Skin tightening – by contracting fat tissue
How is the K Thread Lift performed?
The skin is numbed with an infusion of local anaesthesia and the PDO threads are inserted via blunt tip needles (cannulas) into different layers of the skin. Once these have been inserted, the threads anchor the skin and lift it upwards. The excess threads are then cut off. The procedure takes between 15-45 minutes, but depends on the areas being treated. There may be some discomfort during the K Thread Lift.
What areas are suitable for PDO threads? Is it just the face?
Even though the K Thread Lift is typically performed on the lower face, jawline and mid-face, the PDO threads can also be used for a:
- Brow lift
- Neck lift
- Inner thigh lift
- Upper inner arm lift
How long do the results of a K Thread Lift last?
The results of a K Thread Lift are immediate. The threads provide support to lift skin in its new position, leaving it looking slightly tighter than the final result. Within a week it will begin to look much more natural.
The rejuvenating effects kick in after one to two months. The results reveal a better skin texture with firmer and smoother skin.
Around nine months after the treatment, the threads would have dissolved but the results will still continue for many more months.
Who is suitable for the face-lifting treatment?
The K Thread Lift is suitable for anyone looking to improve the appearance of sagging skin of the face and neck. The candidate has to be willing to undergo some injections. It is best suited for women and men who are unwilling to tolerate the long downtime of a facelift surgery but want to look refreshed and naturally lifted.
Is the K Thread Lift safe?
The K Thread Lift is surprisingly safe. The PDO threads are non-surgically inserted using blunt needles and are absorbed within nine months. There may be slight bruising, which depends on the areas treated.
There will be some mild swelling and soreness for three to five days after the procedure and a sensation of mild tightness for up to two weeks. Mild dimpling of the skin can also occur that is only temporary and resolves within a few days.
More serious side effects are rare although they can occur. These include infection, nerve damage, formation of nodules and damage to the salivary ducts.
In some cases such as migration and extrusion, removal of threads may be required. I previously had to remove some threads from my patients as some of the PDO unidirectional barb threads did not hook on well enough. There was no scarring after removal and the problems completely resolved.
Do not hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Sebagh now if you’re considering the K Thread Lift. Watch a video showing Dr Sebagh performing the procedure now. You can learn more about Dr Sebagh and his skincare range here.