Using thread lifts to reduce the double chin?

• How to prepare before a thread lift procedure?

  Before embarking on a thread lift for a double chin, it is essential to start with a consultation with a specialised doctor. This step allows the practitioner to assess your overall health, analyse the characteristics of your skin, and understand your expectations to determine if this technique is suitable for your profile. During this discussion, the doctor will gather a number of personal details, including your medical history, current medication treatments, and any potential allergies, to prevent any complications. Based on this assessment, they will provide you with specific recommendations to follow before the procedure. This could involve, for example, avoiding certain medications such as anti-inflammatories or anticoagulants which increase the risk of bleeding, or adjusting your diet or habits according to your particular situation. Adherence to these instructions is crucial to ensure the smooth running of the operation and optimise the results of the thread lift treatment.

• The procedure's progression.

  The thread lift procedure is relatively brief. It lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the area to be treated and the number of threads to be placed. Initially, local anaesthesia is administered. Following this, the surgeon inserts the threads under the skin, using a needle or a microcannula. The threads are pulled to reposition the tissues. This creates an effect of lifting. Once all the threads are in place, they are permanently implanted under the skin, ensuring the desired position is maintained. The tension exerted by the threads lifts the skin. Once the procedure is completed, there is no need to remove the threads as they are absorbable. As a result, they dissolve on their own.

• Post-operative monitoring of thread lifts.

  When the procedure concludes, some discomfort may be experienced. This is often accompanied by mild bruising or slight swelling, which will subside after a few days. Postoperative steps are the patient's responsibility. At the end of the operation, the doctor will provide specific instructions such as the use of cold compresses or a temporary halt to intense activities.

The outcome of the procedure is a swift skin lift in the area of the double chin. The skin is firmed and no longer sagging. This lifting effect is the anticipated result when using tension threads. The results are visible immediately after the procedure, but the final results, on the other hand, are visible after three months following the implantation of the tension threads and improve over time, as collagen production is stimulated. Depending on the threads used, the results can last between one and two years.

A study was conducted on six patients, including men aged 41 to 49 years and women from 48 to 68 years, monitored over a year. These patients received a treatment of facelift by bi-directional resorbable tension threads, composed of polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL). The results showed a visible improvement in skin tone and firmness among all participants, suggesting a certain effectiveness of the treatment. However, the small sample size does not allow for a definitive conclusion on the overall effectiveness of this method.

Thread lifts are generally well tolerated and seldom accompanied by complications. However, as with any medical procedure, adverse effects can occur, even though they remain infrequent.

Possible complications of a double chin lift using tension threads include the appearance ofbruises, swelling and temporary pain, often localised in the treated area. These symptoms are usually benign and disappear spontaneously within a few days. In rare cases, infections can develop around the thread insertion points, requiring medical treatment. Allergic reactions, although uncommon, can also occur in response to the thread material or products used during the procedure. Finally, incorrect placement of the threads or an unusual tissue reaction can lead to facial asymmetry or an abnormal appearance, which sometimes requires correction. Therefore, it is essential to entrust this procedure to a qualified and experienced professional to limit these risks and ensure a harmonious and safe result.