A ‘facelift’ without surgery… is it too good to be true?
The short answer is ‘yes’. And ‘no’. Being of a temporary nature (although long-lasting), the thread lift cannot achieve the significant elevation and repositioning of contours that surgery can. But with the appropriate candidate it can delay the need for surgical intervention.
Nearly 23 years ago, Clinic 42 doctors Joanna Romanowska and Lynn Theron became very excited during a conference presentation that demonstrated a cutting-edge new concept in cosmetic medicine. The procedure used modified sutures, or ‘threads’, to lift facial contours, providing a developmental leap in the world of non-surgical facelifts. Cautious as they are, they had concerns regarding the permanent nature of thread material used at the time. They were also wary of the possibility of leaving prospective patients with the effects of a cosmetic decision for a lifetime, while this new procedure was in its inception. So, with prudence in mind, they decided to wait to see if technological advances would catch up with the impressive initial concept of this groundbreaking procedure.
Fast-forward 20 years and finally, after many iterations and modifications, in the thread lift field, the Clinic 42 doctors deemed the revised thread materials robust enough to safely offer impressive and meaningful results.
The innovative threads were now strong enough, without any breakage, to provide lift and support to the facial tissues, creating lasting contour changes. Now made of a durable, yet dissolvable material that stimulates the body’s own collagen production, the threads could maintain the suspension of the contour changes to the face even after they had dissolved.
Having waited impatiently for two decades and watching advancements and developments with great interest, the doctors at Clinic 42 were thrilled to see, as hoped, the technology had finally caught up with the concept. Clinic 42 doctors then obtained training from leading plastic surgeons, specialising
in thread lift procedures and began offering the treatment in-clinic to patients in 2018.
Prior to patients booking in for a thread lift procedure, doctors provide a thorough, in-depth consultation to educate patients on possible side-effects and recovery times. This gives the prospective patient a cool-off period, informs their decision, and allows them to timetable the procedure accordingly.
Equipped with the knowledge that a careful assessment and selection process is paramount, the consultation process helps the doctors determine optimal candidates for the procedure and ensures effective, powerful results. By taking this thoughtful and essential step, satisfaction in both patients and practitioners for this treatment is high.
The beauty of the thread lift is, that while it can be a stand-alone treatment with impressive outcomes, it complements a great variety of the procedures also available at Clinic 42 and can be offered in combination with many of their other treatments to enhance and maintain results.
Clinic 42 doctors adhere to the highest standards and methods, and with their proven experience can offer thread lift procedures safely and effectively while maximising the benefits of a lifted, more youthful appearance with this revolutionary treatment.
If interested in finding out more about a thread lift, you can visit the Clinic 42 website clinic42.co.nz to book a consult with Dr Joanna, or contact reception@clinic42.co.nz.
