Understanding the intricacies of today’s procedure options is vital for anyone considering a cosmetic change. For those exploring facelift options, it is common to ask whether facelifts involve the use of threads. Spoiler: they do not!
Below, we compare “thread lifts” to traditional “facelifts,” break down the process of a facelift, and explain the role of sutures in Lafayette cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kevin Duplechain’s facelift technique.
Facelift
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that enhances the appearance of the face by reducing wrinkles and tightening sagging skin. Through incisions hidden in the contours of the ears, the tissues of the lower face (and neck, too, in most cases) are lifted and anchored higher on the bone structure, and excess skin is excised.
Dr. Duplechain uses the deep plane facelift technique, which lifts the skin and underlying musculature (the SMAS layer) as a unit for more natural-looking and elegant results.
Internal & external sutures in facelifts
Facelifts do not involve the use of threads (more on those in the next section), but they do require sutures. Dr. Duplechain uses permanent internal sutures for durable results. To close incisions, he uses either dissolvable external sutures that do not need to be removed or non-dissolvable external sutures that we remove about 1-2 weeks after surgery.
The internal sutures are an important part of Dr. Duplechain’s advanced deep-plane technique: Muscles and skin are lifted as a unit, and the muscles are secured in their higher position with permanent internal sutures. This method provides a strong and lasting result without placing tension on the skin—avoiding a “windswept,” overly tight appearance.
Facelifts do not involve the use of threads, but they do require sutures.
What is a thread lift?
Temporary, dissolvable threads are inserted just beneath the skin to produce a subtle but visible “lift” in the mid-face area by pulling the skin slightly higher and anchoring the threads near the temples. The threads also prompt collagen production long-term, which increases skin firmness as they gradually dissolve.
Key differences between thread lifts and facelifts
A thread lift is a different procedure altogether, and is considered to be a minimally invasive alternative to a traditional facelift with far less dramatic results. Instead of removing the patient’s loose facial skin surgically, the cosmetic surgeon simply suspends it by stitching up certain areas of it from within the skin. Over time, these threads dissolve, and the lift effect diminishes. Further, a thread lift primarily targets the cheeks, while a facelift primarily targets the lower face, jowls, and neck.
- Incisions: Thread lifts use only a small puncture to insert the thread, where a traditional facelift requires incisions around the ear contours and within the hairline to access the deeper layers.
- Areas treated: A facelift most often tightens and lifts the lower face and neck, while a thread lift only treats the midface, cheeks, and sometimes the nasolabial folds.
- Results: The results of a thread lift are more subtle and temporary compared to the more dramatic and lasting results achieved with a facelift, which is said to turn back the clock about 10 years.
- Recovery Time: Patients typically only need a few days of social downtime after a thread lift due to swelling and redness, while facelift recovery typically involves about 1 week or more of rest and pain medications while swelling and bruising subside.
Remember, whether you choose a facelift or a thread lift, the expertise of your surgeon is paramount for your safety and results. Always seek out a reputable, board-certified cosmetic surgeon for any facial rejuvenation procedure.
About Dr. Kevin Duplechain
Dr. Duplechain is a Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery with decades of experience performing cosmetic facelift surgery. He is a specialist in the advanced deep plane facelift technique, with incredible patient results to prove it. To schedule your consultation, call (337) 456-3282 or contact us online. We also offer virtual cosmetic surgery consultations to accommodate out-of-town patients!
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