Stitch in time

Thread Lifts

a stitch in time Move aside Vampire lift. Botox? Old news. Thread lifts are the latest anti-ageing treatment taking the cosmetic industry by storm, and they offer women and men what no other facial procedure has offered before – more volume, less wrinkles and a younger looking face neck and jaw in under an hour. Dr. Aamer Khan from Harley Street Clinic reports on the latest non-surgical facelift of the future … and it’s here NOW!

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as the old fashioned nip and tuck facelift had its day? It appears so according to recent reports. A recent study found that having a surgical facelift only makes you look just three years younger – and, doesn’t even improve your attractiveness. In America a leading beauty publication has declared that the surgical face-lift will soon be obsolete.

Certainly, over the last few years the cosmetics industry has seen the tide turning against invasive facial procedures which are now perceived to be excessive and a little too obvious. We’ve also seen too many go wrong and been scared off by celebrities with their wind tunnel and overstretched faces, and, for younger patients, facelifts are no longer part

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of their youthful generation but something their grandmother did.

At the root of this backlash is the success of non-invasive treatments and the current trend for looking refreshed and revitalized - a look so natural you couldn’t tell whether anything had been done at all.

We have also seen huge technological advances in clever non-surgical techniques which can make you look spectacular while enabling you to go to work the next day with no one being any wiser.

These softer options - from procedures for sculpting the face, ultrasound to give uplift, hi-tech lasers and radio frequency devices which tighten and smooth without cutting as

well as superior facials and collagenbuilding skincare can produce outstanding results. What’s more they are easier and less traumatic than facial surgery, are carried out using local anaesthetic usually at the doctor’s clinic making them a lot safer with a far speedier recovery.

But, for some patients with a little too much sagging, these nonsurgical ‘miracles’ still don’t quite cut it. There was a demand for a one off treatment to redefine the face without multiple treatments, to restore the volume without over-plumping, to reduce wrinkles without freezing, and which could be carried out even faster, with minimal downtime and, with results lasting longer than the average filler and botox route.

Thread Lifts

Thread lifting is the fastest growing non-surgical treatment with the biggest increase in enquiries (470%)

DID YOU KNOW… • In Korea patients as young as 20 have V shaped PDO threads to correct a square jaw • PDO threads are also used for frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, ligament report and fibromyalgia as well as hypotrophic scars

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Thread Lifts The new thread lifts fit that bill and are the perfect alternative for people between the ages of 35 to 65 who would not consider a traditional facelift or for those who aren’t quite ready, but want to test the water.

This breakthrough procedure – which sits between plastic surgery and devices such as laser and radio frequency - can smooth and tighten everything from drooping brows, cheeks, jowls and neck – all at the same time if necessary, with results that are subtle and discreet and which last up to two years.

What’s new about today’s thread lifts are the actual threads along with the technique to insert them and the instruments used, which are all far superior compared to the old style feather lifts launched a decade ago.

Then, the threads were bigger and had tiny little cones attached which only pointed downwards, embedding themselves into the facial tissue to keep the thread in place and at the same time causing stimulation under the skin to kick start collagen production to help thicken and plump the complexion.

Today, the new Silhouette Soft Lift , one of the latest thread lifts , uses ultra fine threads which are much stronger, with bi-directional cones attached.

These new threads, which measure around 30 cm long (developed in the U.S. and introduced here last year) are dotted with cones pointing up and down. As well as stimulating collagen production, the upward ones push into facial tissue, making skin tauter and giving more of a lift.

The threads are inserted through a tiny needle hole in the cheek, (below the subcutaneous tissue at a depth of between 5mm) an area so small it is not visible after the procedure . The newly-designed fine needle to which the thread and cones are attached are inserted into various points of the face depending on the areas to be treated and then come out though an exit point on

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the face. When pulled the threads will gently lift sagging skin back into place .

The number of threads used can vary from two to ten – more if necessary - and can form a trellis effect under the skin to further improve the skin’s structure. The threads can also be combined quite safely with dermal fillers, Botox and PRP therapy for complete overall facial improvement.

eyebrow area, cheeks, naso-labial folds (smile lines), mouth corners (marionette lines), lip lines and under the lower jaw. The threads will also improve skin quality and compared to other absorbable threads PDO is the longest lasting. It takes up to 180 days to be reabsorbed and replaced by fibrosis. I also use PDO threads to reduce crepy skin on the decollete, inner arms, inner thighs and knees and to reduce stretch marks.

Look younger, much faster …

Effects last up to two years , at which point the threads and cones —made of polylactic acid, the same material as Sculptra , biodegrade and are absorbed into the body. As they dissolve, there is an increase in collagen and elastin which improves the quality and appearances of the skin.

PDO (Polydioxanone) Beauty Lift threads are another type now being used to rejuvenate ageing faces. Polydioxanone has been used in medicine for over 30 years. It is safe and used on a daily basis in hospitals around the world, mainly for wound closure, and there are no problems with allergic reactions or any long-term complications.

The PDO thread introduction technology is based on using the natural skin tension lines, which also causes an effect similar to a surgical facelift and the thread can also be placed to limit the strength of facial muscles.

The procedure is similar to the Silhouette Soft Lift and is suitable for most people from 25 onwards. But in contrast to the previously used threads, the new PDO threads do not have hooks or tapers that raise the tissue. The lifting effect is achieved both by the special threads weave and the substance Polydioxanone (PDO) from which the threads are made. PDO has properties that stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin, thus providing lift and improving skin quality to the area treated. The threads can be used to correct horizontal and vertical forehead wrinkles, the outer

THE NEW SCARLESS FACELIFTS Thread lifts are currently the fastest growing treatment with the biggest increase in enquiries at a whopping 470% compared to 2014, when it also topped the trends list. They offer a great alternative to surgery with reduced costs and faster recovery time. Here’s a round up of latest facial threading lifting treatments we have introduced at Harley Street Skin Clinic

The Silhouette Soft Suture Lift What is it A one-off treatment this non-invasive procedure can lift sagging cheeks jowls and brows without pain and hardly any downtime. With this new procedure, which takes around 30/40 minutes, sutures are introduced into the skin through a miniscule needle hole in the cheek area, so small it is not visible after the procedures. Using local anaesthetic, tiny incisions are made near the hairline and along the jawline and soft sutures are inserted to lift sagging skin back into place.

Is it for you? An effective treatment for men and women which offers instant and subtle results in thirty minutes. Ideal for those with little loose skin, who have lost volume in their cheeks, a sagging jawline, and heavy brow - or for those who have had a facelift, which is starting to droop.

Thread Lifts Side Effects You may experience some mild swelling redness or bruising but this will disappear within a few days Mineral make up will cover any marks.

If irregularities occur, e.g. bumps and even skin texture, the doctor can treat.

The threads can be tightened up two weeks after treatment if more lift is required.

Results An immediate natural, rested and rejuvenated appearance – facial features will look refreshed and lifted and improve over time, as collagen is kick-started. Results last up to one year.

Cost from £999

The Cinderella Facelift What is it Hailed as the non-surgical alternative to a mini face-lift This innovative procedure uses a combination of different sized PDO threads to lift the lower face and jowel, and is combined with Botox and dermal filler to restore volume to sagging cheeks, smooth lines, tighten drooping brows, and give a gentle lift to the jawline.

Is it for you. Looking for a lift but too scared to take the plunge or worried about the scars associated with surgery? The new Cinderella Face Lift is perfect if you want an instant lift but don’t want the pain, downtime or scarring associated with invasive facial surgery.

Side Effects There may be a little bruising, which is easily covered up with make up, and a little swelling so allow downtime of around three to five days.

Results The 60-minute procedure will give immediate, natural results which improves over time as collagen synthesis takes place.

Results last around 18 months, Botox 4 months, and fillers up to 12 months

The French Lift What is it Gives a very natural effect through lifting of the midfacial fat pads. The new technique uses a brand new medical device, a specialized long needle with a hook, which is inserted through a tiny incision just above the ear and hidden in the hairline which lifts sagging mid facial fad pads muscles and droopy skin back into place which are then secured using surgical sutures. From £4,500 0207 436 4441 Is it for you? Ideal if you have a little facial sagging. such as droopy cheeks, tear troughs and nasolabial folds Side Effects Expect, slight bruising and swelling after the procedure for up to one week

Results The procedure using local anaesthetic will smooth and tighten, while scars are miniscule and hidden in the hairline, results last up to three years.

Cost From £4500

The WAF Face Lift (Wide Awake) What is it This new treatment - also called The Wide Awake Facelift – uses ultra fine threads which are injected into sagging areas of the face to form a trellis effect to lift the skin up and hold it in place.

The one-hour procedure can be combined with Angel Platelet Rich Plasma therapy to boost collagen and improve skin tone.

Is it for you Ideal for those with little loose skin, who have lost volume

THREAD LIFTS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW • Downtime after a Thread Lift is minimal, but you may experience some very slight bruising or swelling in the days following your procedure and some mild tension in the areas that have been elevated. Your doctor will give you individual advice tailored to your lifestyle to ensure your recovery is as quick and easy as possible.

• As the treatment isn’t particularly invasive, pain is kept to a minimum. Local anaesthetic is used during the procedure to prevent soreness, and you may experience some discomfort in the days following the procedure. You may require pain relief during your recovery, which your doctor will advise on.

• Patients may experience light bruising for the first 2-5 days after the procedure. In some cases a slight depression, bunching, or irregularity of the skin may appear at entry points

of the sutures, but again this should subside within a week.

• After treatment you should avoid facial massages, beauty treatments and dental work for two weeks. Contact sport and excessive exercise is not recommended for the first few weeks following a treatment, and patients are advised to sleep on their back to avoid any complications.

• An SPF minimum 30 should be used after treatment to avoid post inflammatory hyperpigmentation • Avoid blood thinning herbs and Vitamin E a week before and after treatment. If painkillers are needed, avoid Ibuprofen and opt for paracetamol.

• Immediately after procedure avoid heavy chewing including apples for at least a week. No alcohol for a week and no sauna or heat treatments. Arnica can help with swelling

Cost From £2000

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Thread Lifts CASE STUDY: in their cheeks, a sagging jawline, droopy brow and jowls and who want to improve skin tone

‘I HAD A WIDE AWAKE FACELIFT’

Name Julie Evans, a care-worker from The Midlands, Age 54, Procedure 60-Minute WAF Face Lift (Wide Awake)

Side Effects The threads leave no scars but there may be some bruising or swelling for around five days which can be covered with make up.

Results Gives a relaxed and lifted look with no downtime in less than an hour. Instant results, which last for up to 3 years and, which improve over the following three months Cost from £3000

The PDO Lift What is it The latest 30 minutes thread lift uses special threads made from Polydioxanone, (which have been used as absorbable threads during surgery for over 30 years).

The results are similar to a surgical face-lift, lifting & tightening the skin, softening wrinkles and because the threads boost collagen over time, the process will also tightening pores and create volume.

Is it for you The procedure is ideal for wrinkled foreheads, the outer eyebrow area, and sagging cheeks, smile lines as well as jowls and double chin.

Side Effects There may be some bruising or swelling for around five days which can be covered with make up.

Results The results, which last up to 3 years, are similar to a surgical lift, lifting & tightening the skin and because the procedure also increases blood circulation and boosts collagen, the process will have a rejuvenating effect on skin which improve over the following months.

Cost from £1800

Five Point Face Lift What is it A new non-invasive procedure Using local anaesthetic,

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“I knew a facelift would make me look better but was too terrified of having a general anaesthetic. I work as a full time carer and could only afford to take a few day’s off so couldn’t afford much downtime to recover from surgery. There was also the worry of scarring from the surgery but my biggest fear was that I would look too different, like I’d been ‘done’ as my girlfriends put it. . A friend then told me about the Wide Awake Facelift which gives a relaxed and lifted look with no downtime in less than an hour using absorbable threads and I knew that was the answer to my prayers. As it turned out to, it was the best decision I have ever made.

On the day of the procedure I took some arnica tablets to help prevent bruising and then arrived at the clinic mid morning. First my face was cleansed and then numbed with about four injections which was slightly uncomfortable but not painful. . After that I felt nothing only a sense of tugging and gentle pulling as Dr Khan used a fine needle to inject the special threads into my face. He worked on one side and then the other and

tiny incisions are made near the hairline and multi cogged PDO sutures are inserted at five points in the face to lift sagging skin back into place.

explained throughout what he was doing. In all I had about four threads injected into either side of my face which formed a trellis effect to lift the skin up and hold it in place. The entire procedure took around 30 minutes. When Dr Khan had finished I looked into the mirror and couldn’t believe my eyes. I’d lost about ten years. There were no scars, no bruises just a few red patches from the injection sites. I had cheekbones and there was no sagging around my jowls. Even my wrinkles looked smoother. Dr Khan explained that the result would get even better over the following months as the process boosted collagen and would improve skin tone. I went home on the tube and felt like a different woman. I was given some aftercare instructions, which were easy – sleeping upright for a couple of nights to reduce any swelling, being careful when applying any skincare for the first few days and not opening my mouth too wide. “Don’t go the dentist or eat any apples for a week or so “ Dr Khan told.

Everyone says I look fantastic now, rested and a refreshed version of my old self. It really is the facelift of the future.”

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Results Instant and results can last up to 3 years.

As with any treatment, your safety and final results depend entirely on the skill of the doctor performing it. Providing you work with an experienced medical practitioner, thread lifts are a highly safe treatment with proven results and success. Suture lifts are performed under local anaesthetic, meaning no sedation. The procedure is not suitable for patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases, Hepatitis B+, Hepatitis C+ and HIV. Also do not have if pregnant or breastfeeding as local anaesthetic lidocaine is used, if you are having anti-coagulant therapy, have existing infection in the areas to be treated or have a history of keloid scarring. It is advisable to avoid all cosmetic treatments if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Cost From £ 2500

Is it for youAs we age, a loss of collagen and elastin in our skin can lead to looser facial tone and the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and creases. Losing this protein, combined with a natural loss of fat on the face, can hollow the upper cheeks and create heaviness above the jaw line (jowl) and around the chin (marionette lines), giving a tired and aged look which can be rectified with this non surgical procedures.

Side Effects Bruising and swelling which can last up to two weeks before everything settles