Thread Lift in Brownwood, TX

At Creative Image Laser Solutions, we offer a variety of skin tightening procedures meant to firm and rejuvenate the skin as we age. But if your skin has become loose, there really hasn’t been an alternative to a surgical facelift to address sagging jowls and drooping cheeks. But many patients aren’t interested in the extensive surgery and recovery dictated by a facelift.

Now we offer an alternative — the thread lift. A thread lift at Creative Image Laser Solutions uses the implantation of fine, absorbable threads to lift sagging tissues and to stimulate collagen production, providing lifting and tightening that can last up to two years.

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What is a thread lift?

A thread lift is a simple procedure where Dr. Butka uses temporary sutures to produce a subtle, but visible lifting of the facial skin. Unlike a surgical facelift, where excess sagging skin is trimmed and underlying support tissues brought back to a higher position on the face, a thread lift uses sutures to simply suspend the skin by stitching up portions of it. This has the effect of pulling the skin back slightly and lifting and tightening the face.

These procedures have a secondary tightening mechanism. The threads used are made of the same material as absorbable surgical sutures. Once these are placed for their initial tightening, the body begins the process of absorbing the sutures, a process known as hydrolysis. This stimulates the body to produce new collagen around the threads. As the threads are absorbed, eventually turning to water, the new collagen remains, firming the skin for from six months to two years.

How does a thread lift differ from a surgical facelift?

While both procedures lift and tighten sagging facial skin, they do so in very different manners. A surgical facelift removes the underlying connections of the facial skin. The skin is then lifted back to its former higher position and the underlying muscles and support tissues are anchored in their higher positions. Any excess skin is then surgically trimmed. These procedures create incisions that need to be hidden in the hairline or the crease in front of the ears, and they have long recovery times due to the repositioned skin.

In a thread lift, only local anesthesia is necessary, and the procedures take just 45 minutes. Dr. Butka inserts the threads with a tiny cannula or needle into the different layers of the skin. The threads have barbs or cones that help them hold the skin. By positioning the threads to elevate the skin, this creates lifting and rejuvenation. The body begins the process of absorbing the threads, which is an inflammatory response where new collagen is created. With a thread lift there are no incisions, and very little, if any, recovery.

Am I a candidate for a thread lift?

The best candidates for a thread lift at Creative Image are in the early stages of facial and jowl laxity. Although the results are not as dramatic as a surgical facelift, they provide subtle rejuvenation in the cheek, jowls, and neck. The procedure is especially good for those who’ve had a previous facelift but are starting to see some sagging again due to aging. For patients with more extensive skin sagging, a thread lift is probably not the best option. A surgical facelift can better address more significant sagging.

Are there different types of thread lift procedures?

At Creative Image Laser Solutions, we offer two types of thread lifts, a PDO thread lift using NovaThreads and a Silhouette InstaLift using somewhat different threads. Here are the two thread lifts in more detail:

Are thread lifts safe?

The FDA has approved both NovaThreads and Silhouette InstaLift threads for the purpose of lifting tissue. The thread used for PDO lifts has been used in surgery for decades. Silhouette InstaLift threads are very similar. These are absorbable sutures. Allergic reactions are exceedingly rare, and the material has been very successful.

Still, there is potential for some side effects. Bruising, swelling, tenderness, and slight asymmetry are possible. Sometimes the threads can be visible on the skin surface. Temporary skin dimpling can occur. These problems usually resolve over the following weeks. Remember that the body eventually absorbs the threads.

Is there recovery after a thread lift?

These are not involved recoveries. Most patients can return to normal activities or work the next day. Some bruising and swelling is common after the insertion of the threads, but this should resolve itself in 3-7 days. It is easily concealed with makeup. To allow the threads to intertwine with your tissue effectively, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise or exertion for at least one week.

Is there scarring after a thread lift?

Dr. Butka inserts the threads with a small needle or cannula. The insertion point is tiny and fully heals and cannot be seen. The threads themselves are under the skin and simply dissolve over time. Unlike a surgical facelift, there are no scars with a thread lift.

Schedule a thread lift consultation

To learn more about Thread Lifts or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Butka at Creative Image Laser Solutions, give us a call today at (325) 641-1927 or fill out an online contact form and our office will be in touch with you. Our practice serves Brownwood, TX and the surrounding areas!

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