Thread Lifts: Tensor Threads | Dr Benjamin Cozanet Paris

What role do tensor threads play in aesthetic medicine? 

Facelifts can now be delayed or even avoided because aesthetic medical expertise is now able to gently slow down the visible signs of aging.

While the plastic surgery sector has grown only 3%, the aesthetic medical sector has grown by a whopping 17% per year in France. Tensor threads are making their mark, and the quality of absorbable sutures has significantly improved. 

For facial rejuvenation, tensor threads are now a medical alternative to surgical lifts and an absolute breakthrough in aesthetic medicine. This technology provides natural results: the face is reshaped; volume is restored, and wrinkles are reduced.

Thread Lifts and Facial Threading Explained

Thread lifts can be traced back to a Russian doctor who originally came up with the idea, once known as “Russian threads”, it is a non-invasive technique which employs suture absorbable threads, some are designed with bidirectional cones, which we insert under local anesthesia, 5mm below the skin’s surface.

The sutures and cones are made of Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or Polydioxanone (PDO) and are fully resorbable. These polymers are particularly biocompatible with humans and fully biodegradable.

After the threads are inserted into the subcutaneous layer, the lift effect is immediate because it results from the compression and elevation of the tissues when the sutures are positioned. On top of this lifting effect, over time, a regenerating effect comes into play thanks to the stimulation of the natural collagen production which comes from the resorption of poly-L-lactic acid.

How Facial Thread Lifts Work?

The aim is to lift and tighten facial sagging by pulling upwards and backwards. This traction mechanism is not produced surgically (face lift), but with suspension threads inserted under the skin. For example, to lift a cheekbone, with a needle or cannula, we insert a thread under the skin from the cheekbone, the other end of the thread comes out much higher at scalp level.

Since the thread is notched, you gently tug on it to produce tension in the skin which tightens and lifts the cheekbone.  Thanks to these notches, which anchor the thread and secure its position, you don’t even necessarily have to secure the other end of the thread. Depending on the position, you can then lift different facial zones which tend to sag:

• Cheekbones

• Nasolabial folds

• Eyebrows

• Jawline

• Mouth corners

• Facial Oval

• Neck

• Decolletage

Suspension threads provoke a fibrosis process which triggers the natural production of collagen and elastin fibers. This mechanism improves skin firmness in the long run.

The Thread Lift Procedure: What to Expect 

Inserting suspension threads does not necessitate hospitalization. Local anesthesia is all it takes. Between 4-6 threads are inserted, the upper end of each thread is positioned at scalp level or behind the earlobe. The thread placement takes less than 1 hour and there is no risk of allergy or rejection.

The Results

Tensor threads produce a dual effect: an immediate lift and a progressive regeneration effect.

The tissue lifting effect is immediate and does not in any way alter facial physiognomy. The results get better and better over time. The results are fully optimized after 2 months, the time it takes for the fibrosis process to kick in. The results can last anywhere from 3-5 years.

Post- Thread Insertion: Recovery time. 

After a thread lift procedure, some swelling, redness or bruises may show up. Irregularities and skin dimpling are common reactions. They disappear within a few days. Follow-up appointments must be scheduled. Recovery is short and complications are minimal, so you can quickly go back to your usual routine, often 2 days after the procedure. With very limited social downtime, you can go out with your friends and get back to work quickly!

Post-Treatment Recommendations 

 Dr Benjamin Cozanet’s aftercare tips:

• Apply ice or cold facecloth to the treated zones right after the treatment for 5-10 minutes. 

• Take analgesics for 2-3 days if you experience any pain

• Keep your head up and elevated for the first 3 nights and try to sleep on your back. 

• Don’t rub skin for 5 days, cleanse and dry your face gently.  

• Gently shave, wash hair and apply light makeup for 5 days. 

• Avoid all sun exposure for 15 days. 

• No facial massages nor skincare treatments on the face for 20 days. 

• Avoid all sports and contact sports for 20 days. 

• No saunas, no hammams for 3 weeks. 

• Avoid any excess facial movement while yawning, chewing and talking for 3 weeks. 

Tensor Threads for the body 

Tensor threads are also recommended to treat sagging body skin, like the stomach, arms or even buttocks. Despite regular physical fitness, which can also be considerably reinforced by EMSculpt Neo® (anywhere on the body), skin inevitably continues to sag.  Resorbable tensor threads for the body are another viable solution in aesthetic medicine.