Thread lifting of the lower third of the face

For women over the age of 35, lifting the lower third of the face is one of the ways to maintain a healthy, well-groomed appearance. It removes the first signs of age-related changes without disrupting the body’s natural processes. There are several correction methods: from surgical to pharmaceutical. The choice of procedure depends on the patient’s health status, the degree of change in appearance and the planned result.

Correction of the lower part of the face

Facelift (lifting) is a cosmetic procedure. It is aimed at restoring the shape of the face, maintaining muscle elasticity, and smoothing out wrinkles.

In the initial stages of changes in appearance, simple correction methods without surgical intervention are sufficient. If necessary, the doctor performs the operation under local anesthesia. He makes mini-incisions that heal quickly without leaving scars. The lifting procedure is completely safe, does not require special preparation, and its results last for years.

Age-related changes

Age-related changes mean: slower metabolism, skin dehydration, and a decrease in the amount of natural collagen. The skin is deprived of the necessary nutrition, becomes thinner, and sags more and more over time.

Additional complicating factors can accelerate aging:

1. individual characteristics of the body due to genetics;
2. cervical osteochondrosis;
3. incorrect posture;
4. excess weight;
5. aggressive exposure to ultraviolet rays;
6. visiting the solarium too often.

Bad habits and poor nutrition also lead to early loss of elasticity.

Indications and contraindications

When the muscles and skin are elastic, the angle between the neck and chin is 90 degrees. With age, the tissues gradually sag, the angle changes, and the clear outlines of the chin become blurred. A lower facelift is recommended for patients who have:

1. folds on the neck;
2. deep wrinkles running from the nose to the corners of the lips;
3. drooping corners of the mouth;
4. sagging cheeks;
5. double chin.

A consultation with a surgeon is required before the procedure. Any method of eliminating wrinkles requires a thorough preliminary examination, which will help identify hidden pathologies and determine possible contraindications. These include:

1. diseases of the cardiovascular system;
2. malignant tumor;
3. psychological disorders and mental illnesses;
4. infectious or viral diseases;
5. tendency to hemophilia (blood clotting disorder);
6. pregnancy and lactation period.

Correction surgery for the lower third of the face

The lifting procedure consists of preparation for surgery, surgical intervention and a course of rehabilitation. The patient must strictly follow the surgeon’s recommendations: the result of the procedure depends on this.

How plastic surgery to lift the lower third of the face is performed - video:

Preparation

Like any other surgical procedure, a lower face and neck lift requires preparation. It includes:

1. providing the doctor with information about previous operations, allergies to medications;
2. passing a general urine and blood test;
3. undergoing fluorography and ECG;
4. avoidance of blood thinning medications 2 weeks before surgery;
5. abstinence from alcohol and 1 week before surgery;
6. gentle diet 1 day before surgery.

Also, before the operation, the doctor takes photographs to be able to visually compare the changes. They are visible already 2 weeks after surgery, when the main swelling goes away.

Lifting methods

All methods of facial lifting are conventionally divided into two groups: surgical correction includes skin incisions with a direct effect on the muscles, and lifting without incisions is carried out using drugs.

Classic lower third face lift

With the classic correction method, the doctor performs the procedure under anesthesia. He makes small incisions: under the chin, behind the ears or at the back of the head. The skin is tightened along the oval line of the face and fixed with sutures. Then he cuts off the excess, placing the final seams on top.

This method, previously considered the most effective, is now practically not used. Its main disadvantage: disruption of natural facial expressions, creating a “mask” effect. The result of such a procedure is short-lived - the operation does not affect the muscles, they continue to lose elasticity, and after them the skin will sag again.

Endoscopic facelift of the lower face

An endoscope-assisted lift is a safer surgical option. It is low-traumatic, leaves almost no scars, and rehabilitation takes much less time. Endoscopic lifting is performed using a micro-camera, which allows you to monitor the progress of the operation. The image is displayed on the monitor, which helps the surgeon perform precise manipulations, reducing the risk of accidental injury to a minimum.

There are three options for endoscopic lifting:

1. SMAS lifting. The skin, muscle tissue and subcutaneous fat are tightened. The doctor makes a long incision from the earlobe to the top of the jaw and removes excess fat deposits. Then the fabrics are fixed in the desired position with a special “suspending” suture.
2. S-lifting. The cuts are made in an S shape in front of the ears. This type of correction involves minimal tightening, which does not require removing excess tissue.
3. Mini-lifting. Incisions are made along the hairline.

Endoscopic lifting is performed under local anesthesia. This allows the doctor to monitor the patient’s well-being during the procedure and avoid additional stress on the body that occurs during general anesthesia.

Tightening with endotins

Correction using endotins - flexible thin plates made of polylactic acid - is a non-standard method, but it has many positive reviews. The doctor makes small incisions along the hairline, inserts plates through them, and fixes them in the desired position under the jawline. The plates are attached to the periosteum: they hold the muscles, preventing them from sagging. The surgeon cuts off the excess skin. The main advantage of using endotins is that some time after the operation they dissolve and do not harm the body at all.

Rehabilitation

During the standard procedure, patients are recommended to spend one day in the clinic. After a day, they can go home and come for examination at the time set by the doctor.

Postoperative rehabilitation includes wearing a tight bandage, which relieves pain during chewing and supports the sutures, preventing them from coming apart. To reduce swelling, it is recommended to apply a cool compress to your face and attend physical therapy sessions. Drinking alcohol is prohibited for two weeks after lifting; it is advisable to give up coffee. You cannot visit the solarium or engage in active sports.

Lifting without incisions

Non-surgical correction methods provide a short-term effect: they are preferable in the early stages of facial contour distortion. Among the types of lifting without incisions are:

1. Hyaluronic acid injections. The drug is injected into the subcutaneous tissue using mini-injections. It strengthens the skin and restores its elasticity.
2. Botox. The dense structure of Botox fills cavities in muscle tissue, due to which expression wrinkles are formed, smoothes them, and lifts sagging skin.
3. Fillers. A gel-like drug, the principle of action is the same as that of Botox.
4. Thread lift. Polypropylene threads are passed through sagging skin and secured. It begins to more actively produce collagen, due to which some of the elasticity returns. The threads will dissolve on their own after 6 months.

The use of any lifting method must be agreed only with the surgeon. A cosmetologist is not properly qualified to perform surgery. Therefore, in a beauty salon it is permissible to do only lifting without incisions, and surgery only in a hospital setting.

How are “jowls” formed?

Aging is a multi-level process. In addition to the fact that the quality of the skin noticeably deteriorates, the first wrinkles appear, pathological blood vessels and pigment spots appear, and adipose and bone tissues change quite significantly. Fat packets in the lower third of the face either increase or remain unchanged. In particular, it is usually the jaw fat packet that increases, which is the very “jowl”. And the fatty areas of the middle third of the face often atrophy, leading to an even greater displacement of all underlying tissues.

Methods for correcting jowls

There are many methods for correcting this aesthetic defect:

1. Plastic surgery;
2. volumetric modeling of the middle third of the face;
3. contour plastic surgery of the oval face and chin;
4. botulinum therapy for depressor muscles of the lower third of the face;
5. hardware methods (ultrasonic lifting, thermage);
6. thread lifting.

Do all these methods actually help to achieve a clear line of the oval face? Surgical lifting certainly gives good results, but, like any other operation, it is accompanied by certain risks and requires long-term rehabilitation. Volume modeling with HA-based gels is not suitable for all patients, especially if they have an excess of their own subcutaneous fat. Cosmetology devices also provide some reduction in skin area and a decrease in the thickness of the fat layer, but they do not return the tissue to its original place.

The only cosmetic method that today actually allows you to move tissues and fix them in this position for a long time is thread lifting. But even here everything is not so simple: not all threads are the same, and not each one actually has the ability to achieve noticeable lifting.

Threads and thread methods in the aesthetic market. Features of caprolactone threads with notches Dermafil Happy Lift

In order to understand what effect we can expect from a particular thread, we need to figure out a few key points.

The material of which the thread is made. Today, cosmetologists use only absorbable threads. In this segment of the market there are threads from polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PMK) and caprolactone, the latter lasts the longest in tissues.

Characteristics of the thread surface (smooth, spikes, knots, cones, notches, etc.) is responsible for the ability of the thread to anchor in the tissues and move them. Threads with notches have proven themselves best in this regard; smooth threads do not perform this function at all.

A tool used to insert thread into fabric. There are two options for introducing thread, which give two completely different effects. Reinforcing threads are inserted using a guide needle, and lifting threads are inserted using two needles, to which the thread is firmly attached at the factory. True tissue movement and strong fixation can only be achieved with the help of lifting threads.

Satisfy all thread performance criteria Dermafil Happy Lift (Promoitalia, Italy). This is a line of high quality absorbable cosmetic threads made of caprolactone with notches along the entire length. The line includes several products, including reinforcing threads (Free Floating) and true lifting threads (Double Needle and iNeedle) (Fig. 1). There are also threads for specific areas: for correcting purse-string wrinkles and lip contour - Boca thread, for lifting the tip of the nose and straightening its back - Nose thread.

Rice. 1. Dermafil Happy Lift threads for correcting facial contours (A–B)

Results of the action of Dermafil Happy Lift threads:

1. true movement of tissues and return of fat bags to their places (without introducing additional volumes from the outside, as with volumetric modeling with gels);
2. fixation of soft tissues prone to movement to strong retaining structures (ligaments and fascia);
3. the formation of additional retaining structures on the face that prevent tissue sagging;
4. compaction of tissues and elimination of sagging in response to injury and prolonged presence of foreign material in them;
5. improving skin quality.

Three options for correcting facial contours

Depending on the severity of age-related changes and the skills of the cosmetologist, you can correct the oval of the face in three different ways using three different Dermafil Happy Lift products (Fig. 2).

Rice. 2. Three options for correcting the oval of the face: low (A), medium (B) and high (C) degree of complexity

First option (low degree of complexity) is intended for doctors with little experience working with threads. It is used for minor changes in the oval of the face in young patients without pronounced pancreas, who want to correct the initial signs of aging and prevent further sagging of tissues and are not ready for long-term rehabilitation.

Second option (medium complexity) is offered for specialists who actively use threads in practice. This method is suitable for 90% of patients of any age without significant volumes of the pancreas and gives a very pronounced result.

Third option (high degree of complexity) is recommended for experienced cosmetologists who want to obtain the most pronounced and longest-lasting correction results.

First option

This correction option is based on the use of 23 cm Free Floating threads. They belong to the category of reinforcing threads and are introduced into the tissue using a guide needle. To correct the oval of the face, you will need 3-6 threads on each side (it all depends on the severity of tissue ptosis). On rice. 3 shows the scheme for introducing threads when setting the minimum and maximum numbers and the marking option for our patient.

Rice. 3. Use of Free Floating threads 23 cm to correct the oval of the face. Introduction diagram when setting the minimum (blue lines) and maximum (blue and purple lines) number of threads (A). Pre-procedural marking for our patient (3 threads installed on each side of the face (B)

Second option

The second correction option involves the use of Double Needle threads 23 cm - this is a thread attached at both ends to the ends of two needles. The thread belongs to the lifting category and is most popular in the practice of a cosmetologist, as it is easy to install and gives a pronounced result.

To correct the oval of the face, most often it is enough to insert one Double Needle thread on each side. This will allow you to eliminate the “jowl”, smooth out the lower half of the labial-marginal sulcus and eliminate the “double chin” thanks to a very long and maneuverable needle. If the patient has pronounced age-related changes (deep labial-marginal groove, heavy tissue and a very noticeable “double chin”), then one more thread may be required on each side.

On rice. 4 shows a scheme for introducing threads using a minimum and maximum number of threads (2–4 threads) and a variant of marking in our patient.

Rice. 4. Scheme of introducing Double Needle 23 cm threads when setting the minimum (purple lines) and maximum (purple and blue lines) number of threads (A) and pre-procedural markings for correcting the oval of the face (the patient is planned to have one thread installed on each side) (B)

Third option

The most complex correction option using iNeedle threads. This is a thread 23 cm long, attached at both ends to the middle of two double-edged needles. Its main feature is that it allows you to enter and exit the skin as many times as needed, without the risk of getting retractions. The difficulty is that you need to learn how to make a U-turn correctly.

On rice. 5 a diagram of the installation of iNeedle threads proposed by D. A. Gruzdev is presented (one thread on each side of the face with the formation of additional fixation near the ear in the form of a loop), and pre-procedural markings performed in our patient.

Rice. 5. Scheme of introducing the iNeedle thread with the formation of a fixation loop near the ear (A) and pre-procedural markings (B)

Results of thread correction of facial contours

Below are clinical examples of facial oval correction in several of our patients. (Fig. 6).

Rice. 6. Patient A., 41 years old. View before (A–C) and 3 months after (D–E) skin reinforcement with FreeFloating threads. Noteworthy is the significant improvement in skin quality

The presence of different products in the line of Dermafil Happy Lift threads allows the use and gradual introduction into practice of thread methods of aesthetic correction even by doctors who have not previously had much experience in installing threads. The presence of complex products, such as iNeedle thread, opens up space for creativity for mature specialists, allowing them to achieve more pronounced results, sometimes comparable to the results of plastic surgery.

The lower third of the face reveals the true age of a person first of all. This is due to the force of gravity, because over time the soft tissues sink down. This process is called ptosis. The problem can be eliminated using many technologies, among which chin lift with threads is one of the most popular. It is less traumatic than surgery, and the effect lasts up to 7 years. Let's consider all the features, advantages and disadvantages of the technique.

How threads work

Eliminating age-related changes and lifting the double chin with threads is the best option for those who are not ready to go under the scalpel of a plastic surgeon. The essence of the procedure is that implants (threads) are inserted under the skin through micropunctures in certain areas of the face. They create a strong frame and fix soft tissues in a new position, tightening them.

As a result, aesthetic defects are eliminated. The skin is tightened, the double chin disappears, and the clear oval of the face is restored.

Photos confirm that in some cases patients look 10 years younger. Cosmetologists and their clients love the technique for its low trauma and high efficiency.

Lifting threads

The days of using gold and platinum threads for chin lifting are over, as more effective and safe procedures have been invented. The fact is that metal implants do not dissolve and do not provide the opportunity to perform rejuvenation using other methods. It is for this reason that slowly absorbable or biodergradable mesothreads are increasingly used.

A striking example of this type of product is the Aptos line of implants. They are made from materials that are biologically compatible with human tissue. Polylactic acid present in the top layer promotes better absorption of threads. It also triggers natural regenerative processes in the body.

The technology works as follows:

1. threads installed at a certain angle allow you to tighten the skin and soft tissues;
2. Over time, connective tissue forms around the implant insertion site, which acts as a facial frame;
3. The active components contained in the threads trigger the production of elastin and collagen.

For each patient, the type of threads, the method of their installation and the amount of material are determined individually. The final cost of rejuvenation depends on all these factors. It is calculated by the doctor before the procedure.

Who to install

Threads may not only be needed by people with obvious signs of aging on their chin. In some cases, they are installed after sudden weight loss. Cosmetologists also recommend preventing tissue sagging using this technique for patients with a predisposition to early aging.

General indications for the procedure are the following:

1. presence of a double chin;
2. shaved in the lower part of the cheeks;
3. excessive amount of fatty tissue in the chin;
4. asymmetry of the lower third of the face;
5. loss of skin tone.

Reviews from experts confirm that you should not resort to the procedure to eliminate age-related manifestations from 35-40 years of age. If there are other indications, then a lift can be done earlier. In any case, it will provide rejuvenation and correction of aesthetic imperfections.

Contraindications

Inserting threads under the skin is not a very complicated procedure, but it also has a number of contraindications. Since the integrity of the skin and inner layers of tissue will be compromised, lifting should be abandoned in the following situations:

1. poor blood clotting;
2. inflammatory processes in the body;
3. infectious diseases;
4. malignant and benign tumors in correctable areas;
5. mental disorders;
6. pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Before a thread lift, the doctor must make sure that the patient has no contraindications to the procedure. For this purpose, various studies and even consultations with specialized doctors may be prescribed. The slightest violations cannot be ignored, otherwise complications may occur.

Tightening stroke

Chin lifting is done with threads in a cosmetology center or clinic. The doctor must be certified and experienced. From the videos posted on the Internet, you can understand that the entire procedure takes no more than 30-40 minutes. It consists of the following stages:

1. Cleanses the skin of cosmetics and impurities.
2. Administration of local anesthetic.
3. Treatment of the thread insertion area with an antiseptic.
4. Marking for punctures and installation of implants.
5. 
   
   
   
   Insertion of threads using cannulas - thin needles with a rounded tip. They minimize the risk of hematomas, since they do not injure blood vessels and capillaries.
6. Lifting the chin tissue and fixing it in the required position.
7. Withdrawal of cannulas, re-treatment of the dermis with an antiseptic.

As a rule, the first results can be seen immediately after correction. The oval of the face becomes clearer, jowls and double chin disappear, folds are smoothed out. However, it will take several weeks for the patient to fully recover.

Rehabilitation and side effects

Immediately after the tightening, unpleasant phenomena such as swelling, soreness of the skin, hematomas and bruises at the puncture sites, bumps on the skin, and tightness may appear. However, side effects go away on their own within 2-7 days.

For rehabilitation to be successful, patients should follow certain rules:

1. do not allow the skin to come into contact with water until the punctures heal;
2. do not use cosmetics during recovery;
3. avoid overheating (hot bath, shower, sauna);
4. avoid skin exposure to ultraviolet rays;
5. sleep in the first 2 weeks only on your back;
6. do not massage the treated areas or touch them;
7. limit physical activity;
8. give up alcohol and cigarettes during rehabilitation.

Compliance with these rules largely determines how the face will ultimately look after a thread chin lift. Also, responsible care will prevent the development of complications.

Is it worth getting a facelift?

Despite the fact that the price of thread lifting is quite reasonable, the effect lasts up to 7 years, and rehabilitation is quite fast, some patients choose other rejuvenation methods. The lift has its advantages, but it is not without its disadvantages. First of all, few clinics perform the procedure according to the protocol.

An assistant must be present with the doctor during the manipulation, since the skin must be stretched when installing implants. Taking courses on working with specific materials is another mandatory criterion for a specialist.

If the patient has no direct contraindications to the installation of threads, and he has chosen a reliable specialist, you can try this type of lift. It is best to choose biodegradable threads, after which other rejuvenation procedures will be available.

conclusions

A thread chin lift can be an excellent solution for people who have aesthetic imperfections caused by aging or body conditions. Implants securely fix tissues, keeping them in a given position for several years. However, keep in mind that the procedure is invasive and therefore requires high responsibility from the doctor and the patient himself.

Rejuvenate yourself using the techniques that suit you and enjoy the results.