Dr Sheryl Smithies - Lifting The Veil on Facial Thread Lifts
10 Must-Know Facts
In our virtually inclined reality, more of us are spending our days running the world through an endless stream of Zoom calls. As we squint against shabby cameras, shoddy lighting and shiny screens we are left feeling vulnerable as we examine every imperfection in our faces. It is not surprising then that the facial aesthetics industry has seen significant growth in non-invasive treatments over the last 18 months.
Non-invasive facial enhancements, in general, create structure, soften ageing and remedy sagging. However, certain treatments are tailored to specific problems. The facial thread procedure, in particular, is exploding in popularity for its ability to lift your face making you look reinvigorated.
Digital aesthetics practitioner Dr Sheryl Smithies is an authority on holistic facial treatments that look at beauty through an integrated approach and explains everything you need to know about thread procedures.
What is ageing anyway?
When you age your facial tissues, like the muscle in the deep plane, diminish which leads to the increased laxity of the skin. The bone and the fat pads underneath the skin also change shape, migrate and often get smaller over time making the skin slightly saggy and wrinkly as the support underneath it decreases.
What are threads?
Facial threads are sutures that are placed under the skin in the deep plane to encourage our bodies to create the collagen needed to replace the facial structure that is naturally lost due to ageing. There are several different types of threads nowadays. Including barbed and smooth threads made from polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLA) or polycaprolactone (PCA).
How do threads work?
Whether you have smooth or barbed threads done, they work by causing a slight irritation under the skin that stimulates collagen growth. Over time, the thread is replaced by a band of collagen. This means that once the thread has dissolved, your collagen will remain, creating a stronger support structure for your skin.
Even though the threads themselves last 12-18 months, the effects last longer due to the collagen build-up. Whilst by no means permanent, the collagen that is stimulated will last in your skin for 18 – 24 months.
What can I expect?
First, you need to have had a consultation with your doctor and settle on the ideal treatment as every face has unique asymmetries that make it beautiful. Every procedure begins by mapping out your face and giving you a numbing injection which will also decrease post-treatment bruising. Once you are numb, a small puncture site is created through which the thread will be inserted.
Depending on the type of thread treatment done you can expect to feel varying levels of discomfort. If you are having anchor threads done to lift skin, you may feel significant tightness during the procedure. Threads are so popular particularly because they are not unusually painful. However, they are still a medical procedure that involves inserting a foreign body under the skin and tugging on it so you can expect a little discomfort.
How can I prepare For treatment?
Mentally preparing for any procedure, even non-invasive ones have been proven to have a positive effect on your healing process. Knowing the facts, having realistic expectations, being content with your motive for having the procedure, and having a doctor you trust is important to your treatment outcome. You will also need to stop any blood thinners or supplements that may cause bleeding such as Turmeric and Omega 3’s. In terms of home care, a good quality skincare regime will maintain your skin in its best form for this procedure.
What are the risks?
Because of its minimally invasive nature, not much goes wrong with the thread procedure. However, there will always be a chance of having unwanted effects after the treatment such as bruising and uneven skin are all potential side effects of a thread treatment. Luckily, however, these are all short lived.
Whilst the risk is very minimal, any treatment that involves needles can have unwanted outcomes such as haematoma formation, nerve damage, uneven results and allergic reactions. The chances are minimal but this is why it is very important to tell your practitioner all of your medical history before proceeding with the treatment.
If there is a medical reason such as allergies or auto-immune diseases you should not proceed with the thread treatment.
Why is the latest technology important?
Technology is continuously improving and allowing us to digitally map and tailor holistic facial improvement programs to give patients results better than they dreamed of. I personally love working with the Aptos brand as they are at the forefront of material technology. Their use of embedding Hyaluronic acid - which is naturally found in skin cells - into the threads creates an extra boost of moisture and tissue conditioning for better results.
For anyone battling against the emotional drain of feeling like they look less than their true selves, threads can offer not only a more youthful appearance but hope. Ideal for anyone looking for minor reshaping that will enhance their natural beauty threads can leave you feeling empowered, confident and revitalised if your motivations for the procedure are sound. The gift of looking and feeling like yourself again through facial enhancement improves how you perceive and are perceived by the greater world and will leave you feeling comfortable in your skin - no matter your age.
