Facial tensor threads

Facelift is a generic term for any technique used to lift sagging volumes back into position.

Volume ptosis is always the result of sagging skin and the effect of gravity. Two factors contribute to volume ptosis: loss of skin firmness, as collagen disappears with age; and variations in volume weight, particularly during weight gain, edema or physiological tissue stretching (pregnancy).

Thread lift is a medical facelift, a possible alternative to surgical facelift if there is no excess skin.

The principle of tensor threads is to introduce a system of absorbable threads under the skin to restore tension to facial tissues, thereby restoring more youthful, less fatigued features. Tensor threads are usually covered with small cones or notches, which attach to the dermis like a harpoon: simply pulling the thread tightens the skin.

Tensor threads enable facial volumes to be repositioned and restored, improving facial aesthetics and rejuvenating the face.

Tensor threads have a second, medium-term effect, known as inductive: they activate the release of growth factors and the transformation of stem cells into young fibroblasts. The tensor threads then act as a framework on which new collagen fibers are produced through neo-collagenesis.

This explains the persistent effect of tensor threads, even after their resorption in around 6 months. The effects of absorbable tensor threads are immediate (mechanical effect) and can last up to 18 or even 24 months (inductive effect).

Several areas of the face can be treated with this soft-lift using tensor threads:

• face oval
• loss of cheekbone and cheek volume
• moderate sagging of neck and jowls
• eyebrow drooping for a sad look

Dr. Christelle Santini always performs a thorough examination to determine whether this type of medical facelift is right for you. If required, she can also propose a facelift or mini-facelift of the face and neck, more or less combined with liposuction of the neck in the case of fatty deposits.

A preliminary consultation with Dr Christelle Santini, a cosmetic surgeon in Paris, will enable us to check whether your anatomy and wishes are compatible with this technique: the application of tensor threads is not suitable for all patients.

Your aesthetic surgeon will carry out a detailed interview to check for any contraindications to certain products (allergies) or medical history requiring caution (herpes labialis, medication, recent aesthetic treatments on the face such as laser sessions, hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin injections, peels, etc.).

A careful examination of the face and signs of aging is carried out, using medical photographs. In particular, Dr Santini analyzes the skin's condition, tone and the dynamics of skin slackening.

Thanks to a dual medical and artistic approach, your aesthetic surgeon will be able to advise you on the best technique for your individual case and your aesthetic requirements. If your wishes and your anatomy allow it, the installation of tensor threads will give you complete satisfaction.

Dr Santini will provide you with a tailor-made estimate, and outline the main recommendations.

Aspirin-based or anti-inflammatory medications are prohibited 10 days before the placement of absorbable tensor threads.

It is preferable not to drink alcohol or expose oneself to strong sunlight the day before the tightening thread session.

The medical facelift using absorbable tensor threads takes place at the medical practice of Dr Santini, Paris 75116.

Thread lifting is performed under local anaesthetic, with a xylocaine-type injection at the entry points of the tensioning threads. This eliminates the sensation of pain.

For greater comfort, an anaesthetic cream can be applied one hour before the injection of local anaesthetic and placement of the tightening threads.

A session lasts from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of areas to be treated and the number of threads to be used. Every time, Dr. Santini performs a customized facelift, respecting the natural tension lines of the face so as not to alter your identity or expressions.

The number of tension threads to be inserted, their type (smooth, notched or cone threads) and their path (straight, Z, L, etc.) depend on each patient's anatomy, the extent of skin slackening and the number of areas to be treated.

For the first 6 hours after placement of absorbable tensor sutures, patients should rest and remain calm, refraining from physical exertion.

What are the after-effects of facial tightening?

It's important not to mobilize your face, not to make too many facial expressions, not to talk or laugh too much.

Alcohol, aspirin, anti-inflammatories, sunlight and sauna/hammam should also be avoided for a few days.

The immediate after-effects may be marked by slight swelling (edema) and skin redness. These post-facelift effects vary from patient to patient, but remain moderate and disappear completely within 5 to 7 days. In most cases, patients can resume their professional activities the very next day.

In the first few days, some temporary irregularities may appear, due to the heterogeneous distribution of the edema. This apparent hyper-correction in relief disappears within a few days. This is nothing to worry about.

Exposure to the sun is also not recommended, especially if bruising occurs after the tightening threads have been placed. These bruises disappear within a week.

What are the results of tensor thread placement?

The definitive result of the tensor thread effect is visible a few days after installation: this is the time needed for the tensor threads to be well integrated, for the oedema to have disappeared and for the facial tissues to have regained their suppleness.

This mechanical tensor effect restores volumes, firms the face and gives a fresh, rested and rejuvenated look.

Theremodelling-inducing effect of neocollagenesis is delayed, appearing after 2 to 3 months, with optimal results between 3 and 6 months. Occasionally, certain areas cannot be treated with threads, and the treatment may need to be completed on certain very deep, long-standing wrinkles, such as a marked nasolabial fold. In such cases, Dr. Santini may propose a filling injection of hyaluronic acid and/or Botox to smooth out expression lines.

What are the possible complications following the installation of tensor threads?

Any medical procedure, no matter how minor, presents a number of uncertainties and risks. These are very rare with thread lifts, so don't hesitate to discuss them with your aesthetic doctor.

Undesirable effects include :

• Exceptional allergic reactions
• Local post-injection reactions: swelling, redness, pallor, irregularities, sensitivity, itching, bruising... These reactions are only temporary.
• Outbreak of herpes labialis in predisposed patients.
• Acute or prolonged inflammatory reaction.
• Granulomas: small, indurated nodules of varying sensitivity, perceptible to the touch, sometimes visible and unsightly, appearing in a string along the thread. They correspond to a localized inflammatory reaction that can evolve in flare-ups. They may appear from a few days to a few weeks after the treatment.

• No work stoppage required.
• Return home after the session under local anaesthetic.
• Final result after 10 days, potentiated by the inductive effect in 2 to 3 months.

Tensor threads offer a non-surgical facelift, repositioning the skin for an immediate rejuvenating effect. Results are visible immediately after the procedure, but the optimum effect is achieved after 2 to 3 months.

Results generally last between 12 and 18 months, depending on the type of threads used. Discover the visible before-and-after transformations of this innovative technique.

What should I do before applying absorbable tensor threads?

• An aesthetic medicine consultation with a quote and photographs.
• Stop smoking 15 days before, stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs 10 days before the thread lift.
• Application of an EMLA-type anesthetic cream.

How is a facelift performed without tensor thread surgery?

• Threading is performed under local anaesthetic.
• This non-surgical facelift takes 20 minutes to 1 hour to perform, depending on the number of pairs fitted.
• Return home after thread-lift.

What are the after-effects of a facelift using tensor threads?

• Stop practicing sports for 24 hours after tightening sutures.
• No time off is required unless several pairs of threads are placed on the face.
• Thread lift results in 10 to 15 days
• Rejuvenating results from facial tightening threads for up to 18 to 24 months.