What sagging skin is suitable for Thread lift? The dividing line between those who are suited to it and those who need a different approach

Thread lift is most suitable for people with mild sagging skin who want a slight tightening without surgery[1]. While thread lifts can provide temporary improvement, the effects are not dramatic and are not expected to last long.[2]. There are also reports of a trend toward lower satisfaction as age increases and as more threads are inserted[3].

Who is Thread lift suitable for?

It is suitable for early changes such as loss of skin firmness and a widened appearance of the face[1]. It is also chosen by those who find cosmetic products, injections, and machine treatments insufficient[1].

It is sometimes used for people with slight sagging skin after bone-shaving surgery or liposuction[1]. All of these are uses for "slight adjustment" rather than "major change".

How much does it change with age?

Age affects how satisfied patients are. In a Japanese study of 1500 people, 51 people (3.4%) who felt the effects were insufficient returned for a follow-up visit[3]. The proportion was higher in people aged 43 and older[3].

Researchers cited reduced skin elasticity with age as the reason[3]. It has also been pointed out that when threads are chosen with expectations similar to surgery, the gap easily leads to dissatisfaction[3].

However, this does not mean people over 40 cannot receive the procedure. Even if strong sagging does not completely disappear, the face shape and skin texture can be refined, resulting in a softer impression[1].

If more threads are added, can they be sufficient for heavy sagging?

Not necessarily. In the 1500-person study, dissatisfaction increased among those who had more than 10 threads inserted[3].

It is thought that people with stronger sagging tend to have more threads inserted, and they inherently have difficulty achieving results[3]. Researchers state that for such people, it may be better to combine treatments or surgery that add volume[3].

What should thin or thin-skinned people be careful about?

In thin people, nerves and salivary ducts may be closer to the skin surface than expected[1]. For this reason, there is a higher risk of damaging them when inserting threads, and more careful care is required[1].

Body composition and skin thickness are important points to discuss during consultation. If you think you have a thin build, mention this beforehand.

How do you decide whether to use Thread lift or another method?

The guideline is "how much you want to lift" and "how long you want it to last." If you want slight tightening, Thread lift is a candidate; if you want significant, long-lasting change, it is worth comparing other methods.

PCL threads are said to remain in the body for approximately 12 months[4]. However, the period during which threads remain and the period during which the lifted state continues are not the same.

In a large Japanese survey, thread lifts were increasingly performed in combination with other cosmetic treatments[4]. The line between which concerns threads address varies depending on the physician's approach and the patient's wishes, and there is no clear standard yet[1].

Based on the article alone, you cannot determine whether threads are sufficient for your sagging skin. At your consultation, discuss the severity of your sagging, skin thickness, and the degree of change you desire, and confirm whether threads alone are sufficient or whether other treatments should be combined.