Over the last two decades, different facial skin tightening techniques using threads have become increasingly popular. Patients are seeking the simplest and least invasive cosmetic procedures, not only for the purpose of achieving their aesthetic goals and reducing signs of ageing, but also to keep their skin feeling healthy and strong.
Thread Lift – Age Filaments™ Sydney
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BEFORE and one and a half years AFTER AGE Filament™ Lift of the mid and lower face only by Dr Zurek.
What is a thread lift?
History of the thread face lift
The first phenomenon in the ageing process of the face is ptosis (facial laxity), related to diminished support against gravity. Although ptosis has traditionally been treated by facelift surgery (rhytidectomy), attempts to improve the signs of ageing without incisions were made over five decades ago.
In 1956, Buttkewitz reported his method of elevating tissue by means of subcutaneously applied nylon thread.
In 1999, Dr M Sulamanidze described a technique of lifting soft tissue of the face with barbed or notched threads, made from polypropylene, he called APTOS (Anti-PTOSIS) threads.
Dr Zurek thoroughly explored this concept, and as APTOS threads were not approved in Australia, he developed custom made, self-anchoring, bi-directional (barbed) threads using polypropylene (an approved suture material commonly used for many years in surgery). He trademarked the AGE Filaments™ (Anti-Gravity Elevation filaments) in 2002.
Benefits of a thread face lift
As a non-surgical alternative to a traditional face lift, facial threads can have a number of benefits.
- Suitable for the mild to moderate facial laxity.
- Threads are custom made from a biocompatible material.
- No skin incisions; only small punctures.
- Threads integrate with time, providing tissue support.
- Less risk and downtime compared to surgical procedures.
To learn more about how anchoring threads may benefit you, book your consultation with Dr Zurek in Sydney today and discuss your concerns and options available to address them, including AGE Filaments™.
Thread lift procedure
The anchoring threads procedure involves the use of skin punctures as opposed to incisions, which makes it a non surgical thread lift. During the procedure, AGE Filaments™ are implanted underneath the skin via small punctures using a special long needle. The introducing needle is then withdrawn, leaving the thread in the soft tissues. The barbs along the length of the thread anchor themselves. Your clinician will take care to position these in specific locations where you desire extra elevation and support. The ends of the threads are cut and retracted into the skin so they are not seen or felt on the skin's surface.
Generally, the body's reaction to the AGE Filament™ is to form an envelope of natural tissue around the thread (fibrosis). The filaments become totally integrated in time (several months). The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and light oral sedation. One area takes approx. 30 minutes to complete. Further details of the procedure will be discussed in person, during a thorough consultation with Dr Zurek.
Is a thread lift a suitable procedure for me?
As the ageing process begins, the mid face begins to deflate due to the loss of natural volume. This can lead to the jowl area becoming ptotic, along with a decrease in the definition of the jawline. Men or women may find that this procedure can help reduce these signs of ageing, if they are suitable candidates and have discussed their goals with Dr Zurek.
After over two decades of performing the AGE Filament™ Lift, Dr Zurek only offers the procedure on the lower face, which is the most requested area for treatment.
The soft tissue of the jowl and lower face can be elevated and supported with the AGE Filaments™, according to the patient’s desired appearance. They remain in the face permanently, providing against gravity.
However, if the face is too thin, a good coverage of the threads cannot be achieved and you may prefer to consider the Fat Transfer procedure as a way of attaining your desired facial volume and volumetric lift.
If the skin on your face is very loose, you may want to consider a facelift (rhytidectomy) with fat grafting, as the excess skin will need to be addressed.
Good candidates for a non surgical thread lift will have:
- Realistic expectations
- Good skin elasticity
- Mild to moderate facial laxity
- Mild to moderate ptosis
Contraindications may include:
- Unrealistic expectations
- Severe photo damage with loss of skin elasticity
- Severe laxity and ptosis
- Very thin faces, with atrophic subcutaneous tissue
The purpose of the AGE Filament™ lift is to provide or restore some support, as well as to elevate and reposition soft tissue of the face to some degree. The outcomes will vary according to patient desires and treatment plans.
Facial threads recovery overview
After your barbed threads procedure, you may experience some swelling expected to last several days. Bruising is usually minimal, if patients experience any at all. Most people can return to work after two to three days.
You may apply ice packs to the treated area at home and take pain medication to manage any discomfort that can be expected on the first day of the post procedure period. Antibiotics will be provided for a few days to reduce the risk of infection.
Avoiding strenuous exercise and excessive heat exposure for about one week will help to reduce irritation, bruising and swelling. You will be provided with instructions on how to keep the treated area clean, and these instructions will be important to follow in order to reduce the risk of infection.
To allow the skin to breathe and keep the area clean, you will need to avoid applying makeup and undergoing facials or other forms of treatment performed on the face for several days. If possible, try to avoid applying too much pressure to the area by avoiding sleeping on your stomach or on your side. If you are a smoker and were considered to be suitable for the procedure, you will be instructed to stop smoking for at least 14 days before and after your thread lift. This is because smoking hinders the body’s natural healing process and increases the risk of complications.
Heavy chewing, cleaning teeth and some facial expressions, such as laughing, may feel slightly uncomfortable for up to 14 days. Although the skin may feel slightly irritated, it is important to avoid rubbing or scratching the treated area.
How much does a non surgical thread lift cost in Sydney?
The approximate fee for AGE Filament™ Lift is between $4,500 and $5,500 plus GST.
An in person consultation with Dr Zurek is necessary to confirm the cost of your AGE Filament™ Lift.
Thread lift complications and side effects
Potential complications of a thread lift procedure with barbed threads (such as AGE Filament™ Lift) during recovery include pain/ discomfort, swelling, bruising, tenderness or numbness, and some rare complications such as infection, scarring, nerve injury, the movement of threads, skin dimpling and asymmetry. Some complications may require revision treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Tap to expand)
Are thread lift results permanent?
The AGE Filaments™ will remain in the treated area permanently, which means many patients can achieve long-lasting effects. However, this will vary between patients, and the body’s natural ageing process will still continue.
Will the threads be visible?
The custom made AGE Filaments™ are typically not visible beneath the skin.
How soon will I be able to see results after the procedure?
Since the AGE Filaments™ tighten the face and anchor in place, results can generally be seen straight away after the procedure, with further improvements over time as the body naturally heals. Initial side effects such as swelling, bruising or redness will also need time to subside before the full results of the procedure become visible.
Why choose Dr Zurek in Sydney for a thread lift?
Dr Zurek has over 45 years of experience in medicine and surgery and has focused on volumetric facial rejuvenation for over two decades, refining his own techniques with an aim to achieve patient satisfaction.
Dr Zurek has performed over 2,000 surgical facelift (rhytidectomy) procedures and performed the first thread lift in Australia, creating AGE Filaments™, which refined the way that thread lifts are performed.
Visit our about page to learn more about Dr Zurek and his qualifications.
Read articles about Thread Face Lift
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #36 – Less is More Facial Rejuvenation |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #27 – Facial Rejuvenation |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #23 – No Scar Face Lift |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #22 – The Soft Facelift |