Who is a good candidate for this procedure?
Both men and women experience a degree of facial skin drooping and loss of volume in the face that gives the typical signs of ageing. Combined with sun damage, pigmentation, redness and thinning of the skin these structural changes start to become visible in our 30s and are quite well advanced by our 60s. As women generally have thinner skin and less elastin, they often exhibit the signs of ageing earlier than men.

For people with early signs of ageing, such as a small jowl along the jawline or lines around the lower parts of the face and mouth thread lifting is a procedure that can improve appearance without the down sides of a traditional face lift.

Threads a small and thin, not being able to support much tissue. Thus they are not a very successful treatment for people with advances signs of ageing - a face lift would produce far better results. However, if someone is not wanting anything surgical done then threads can be considered for a slight improvement.

Which areas of the face can be treated?
The threads are used to lift forehead, brow, midface, jowls, and the neck.

What is the technique used?
Under a local and sometimes sedational (‘twilight’) anaesthetic thin sutures are inserted under then skin. They have tiny barbs on them that grip the tissues like Velcro and allow traction to be applied in a direction opposite gravity. In the scalp they are anchored so that they remain firmly in position. Adhesive tape is applied for two days to prevent the threads from slipping and remind the patient to rest and avoid moving the face.

Are there any cuts in the skin?
Because the threads are inserted using special needles, there are no cuts on the face and therefore no suturing of the skin is required. In the scalp a couple of tiny nicks in the skin are necessary to allow anchoring of the threads to deeper tissues. These small cuts usually don’t need any sutures and heal very well on their own.

Can other procedures be done in the future?
If a client desires a more surgical procedure in the future, like a face lift for example, then having threads does not interfere with this.

What is the recovery like?
Generally people would be able to return to work after about a week. The main issue is of appearance as most people feel well enough the next day or two. There can be skin irregularities like puckering or gathering of skin. These can that be camouflaged with wearing the hair down or using make-up, but can be inconvenient and visible.

How long do the results last?
The results vary in their degree and duration, but last about 3 to 4 years for most people. What this really means is that the tissues are lifted and then continue to age at the background rate. To slow the rate of ageing it is a good idea to have a health diet with high quality food, do some moderate exercise, take nutritional supplements and avoid cigarettes and the sun. Not all patients are suitable for this procedure, and a consultation is required to assess your suitability, medical history and general health & fitness, and to allow you to discuss the procedure including risks and complications with Dr David Topchian. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second medical opinion.

Consultations can be arranged by appointment by calling the Endless Solutions on (03) 9681 7311 or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .