Thread Lift Information & Instructions

 

A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure for the face, neck, and jowls.  Dissolvable MINT Polydioxanone (PDO) threads, containing graspers, are passed under the skin via a blunt tip cannula.  Prior to thread insertion, local anesthetic is injected into the skin to minimize discomfort.  PDO threads lift and tighten sagging skin tissue.  They help improve an undefined jawline, sagging jowls, sagging neckline, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, unwanted midface wrinkles, and eyebrow ptosis. 

Prior to your treatment:

Before your appointment, we want to minimize your intake of blood-thinning medications, foods, and supplements.  Examples of this would be NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin), vitamins, such as fish oil, and alcohol.  Avoiding these things can help reduce and minimize your risk of bruising and swelling from treatment.  Do Not, however, discontinue prescription blood thinners without consulting with your prescribing physician. 

Taking Arnica Montana starting 1 day prior to treatment, and continuing 3 days post-treatment, can also help decrease bruising and swelling.  Bromelain can also be used.  These can be found over-the-counter.              

Day of treatment:

Please arrive with a clean face. 

After your treatment:

Recovery after a PDO thread lift is minimal.  Most patients are able to return to work and normal activity the day after their procedure with only minor discomfort.  It is common for patients to experience minor swelling, which typically resolves within 1 week.  Patients who do experience swelling can use ice packs for up to 30 minutes a day, for 3 days following treatment.  The treated area may briefly appear slightly red or irritated.  It is normal to have some skin dimpling and tightness for 2 weeks after the procedure.  Please call us with any questions or concerns.

• Avoid lying face down, or on your side, for 4 hours after the procedure to decrease the possibility of the movements of threads.  It is recommended that you sleep on your back with your face up for the next 5 days to prevent the movement of threads.
• Avoid taking a shower and washing your hair for the next 24 hours after the procedure.  You can wash your face after 24 hours, but with very delicate and gentle motions.  Speak to your provider about a gentle cleanser that is right for you.  
• Avoid drinking or smoking for 2 weeks to prevent possible infection.  Smoking and drinking can slow down the healing process.
• Avoid headstands, yoga, strenuous workouts, and exaggerated facial expressions for 3 weeks after treatment.
• Avoid dental treatments for 1 month, if possible.  You should also avoid aggressive or prolonged chewing, wide yawns, and big smiles during this time.     
• Avoid deep facial massages for the next couple of months, but laser treatments may be done after one month from the procedure.  Injectables may be done after a week from the procedure. 

Results: 

• There is an immediate improvement seen after a thread lift treatment with a visible lift in the areas treated.  This will improve over a period of 2-6 months as new collagen grows between the threads, providing further lifting and tightening to the skin.
• The PDO threads gradually dissolve over 1-2 years, but the resulting tightening from the collagen formation remains. 
• As with all non-invasive cosmetic services, treatment results are not permanent and will require maintenance over time to retain results. 
• A minor touch-up is recommended 2-3 months after your first treatment to achieve optimal results.
• MINT Lift is a temporary procedure and will not stop the process of aging; it will tighten skin and improve wrinkles.
• Lifting results from MINT Lift may vary from patient to patient.
• Like any other cosmetic procedure, there is no guarantee that the patient will be completely satisfied with the results and level of improvement that was anticipated.  The practice of medicine is not an exact science and there is no guarantee to the results of MINT Lift.