Until recently, the only way to treat problems caused by sagging facial skin - such as jowls and sagging cheeks - was facelift surgery. Skincare that helps restore firmness, and injectable compounds that can restore volume, have their limits, and depending on the case only facelift surgery can be the solution.
A new type of procedure has been developed to fill the gap between non-invasive facial rejuvenation and face “lifting” surgery: We call it the lifting by a thread.
The tensor threads open a new way in the world of aesthetics thanks to a non-surgical rejuvenation intervention that uses the advanced technology of Micro-Suspension.
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A thread "facelift" is a type of procedure in which temporary sutures are used to produce a subtle but visible “lift” in the skin. Instead of surgically removing the sagging skin from the patient's face, the professional simply hangs it up by gripping parts of it on the threads. This has the effect of pulling the skin slightly upwards and therefore lifting and tightening the face. The threads that are used at our Main d'Or Clinic are Instalift threads, the only threads approved by Health Canada. These threads are based on the use of biocompatible temporary sutures interspersed with tiny cones. When a thread is inserted into the skin at the level of the hypodermis, the cones grip the tissue and bring more skin together, producing a more noticeable lift to the cheeks and jowls. In addition to being ideal for lifting the skin, these threads (Instalift) fight aging by triggering the body's "healing response" and by causing the body to direct strong surges of collagen to the treated areas. This is important because of the vital role collagen plays in the aging process. Collagen helps keep our skin strong, plump, and supple.
Facing the mirror, have you ever rolled your cheeks up to evoke the younger look they had before? Tired of fillers but don't want to go under the knife? The “facelift” by a thread (Instalift) is the innovative non-surgical facelift treatment that will suit you perfectly. Thread treatment (Instalift) is indicated for adults (between 30 and 60 years old) who have good skin quality but they also notice a loss of elasticity with sagging skin and loss of volume in the middle of the face.
You start with a consultation with the professional. During this consultation, it is important to be open and honest about the treatment expectations. This will help the professional tailor the number of wires to be used and their locations according to the patient’s needs. The professional begins by marking the entry and exit points of the threads on the face with a marker and then cleans the face with the sterile solution. Local anesthesia will be injected where the sutures go in and out of the skin. Once the surface is numb, the threads (Instalift) will be inserted, the professional will position them precisely where they need to be in order to obtain the desired lift. The cones of the threads will be locked in place by gently massaging and sweeping the skin to create an immediate lifting effect. Before finalizing the “facelift”, the professional puts you in a seated position at 90° to check the symmetry and make the adjustments if necessary. The outgoing threads will be pulled and cut at the surface allowing the end of the suture to sink below the surface. In the end, the professional cleanse your face with gentle upward strokes using alcohol to remove the marker entry/exit points. The professional will give you post-treatment recommendations and a follow-up program to follow, to ensure the best possible result.
The treatment (Instalift) takes around an hour in the clinic to be completed with minimal discomfort. Instalift is recommended for clients seeking an immediate facelift with a rejuvenated but natural appearance. Instalift is designed to create fairly long-lasting results compared to other kinds. Patients can expect to enjoy the impact for one to three years.
BEFORE: You must avoid taking any medication that promotes bleeding the week before the operation.
DURING : This treatment takes less than an hour to complete with minimal discomfort.
AFTER : - Apply cold compresses immediately after the procedure if necessary (Cold packs must be wrapped to avoid direct contact with the skin and the insertion point). Acetaminophen can be taken for pain.
- Make-up can be applied gently after a minimum of 24 hours.
- Sleep face up, in an elevated position on pillows for 3 to 5 nights.
- Do not rub the face aggressively when washing, shaving, and drying the face for 5 days.
- Avoid excessive movement of the face and neck for 2 weeks.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays for 2 weeks.
- Avoid participating in high impact sports (ex: running) for 2 weeks
- Do not use saunas for 3 weeks.
- Avoid dental surgery for 3 weeks.
- Avoid facials or face-down massages and cosmetic facial treatments for 4 weeks.
NEXT : After this treatment, slight edema or bruising may occur with tenderness at the treatment site, dissipate within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Sometimes a slight depression or skin irregularity may appear at the insertion points. These usually go away a few days after treatment.
The results are immediate and very satisfying. You will notice an immediate “lifting” of the cheeks and the middle of the face thanks to the Micro-Suspension of Instalift. Its two-way cones will keep the skin in the middle of the face in an elevated position. However, results will continue to improve for about three to six months, as the suture and cones are naturally broken down and eliminated by the body. Collagen production will be stimulated in the placement areas. Results vary among patients, but on average, the duration of skin tightening results after Instalift lasts 12-18 months.