Thread LiftsConveniently located to serve Charleston, SC
Introducing Thread Lifts – Nonsurgical Face Lift Instalift
Sagging skin, early jowls, and loss of facial definition are commonf changes that come with age. If you want noticeable improvement without undergoing surgery, a thread lift can be an effective solution. At Dr. Sonny O Plastic Surgery & Medspa in Charleston, SC, we specialize in InstaLift® thread lifts that provide immediate lift and long-term benefits.
What Is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure often called a non-surgical facelift. Instead of removing skin, absorbable sutures are placed beneath the surface to lift and support tissues. Over time, these sutures also stimulate collagen, which helps improve firmness and skin quality.
While some practices use PDO threads, Dr. Sonny O Plastic Surgery recommends the new advancement, InstaLift, to address facial skin laxity, such as jowls and drooping cheeks. Used alone or in conjunction with the Timeless Glow or Timeless Lift, the InstaLift restores firmness to the skin.
What is InstaLift?
While only facial surgery can remove loose skin, InstaLift fills the gap between other non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments, such as dermal fillers, injectables, or lasers, and facelift surgery. The thread lift uses temporary sutures to produce a subtle but visible “lift” in the skin. Dr. Sonny O’s InstaLift Thread Lift instantly pulls the skin back slightly to lift and tighten the face. Threads provoke the body’s “healing response” by directing large surges of collagen to treated areas.
Dr. Sonny O’s patients often notice immediate improvement and ongoing rejuvenation as collagen production continues. The sutures are so fine that they are not felt, yet they continue working beneath the surface to firm and smooth the skin. This combination of an instant lift and progressive collagen renewal, often lasting up to two years, makes InstaLift a sought-after option for addressing mid-face aging and early signs of laxity.
* Individual results may vary.
How Thread Lifts Provide Dual-Action Rejuvenation
Immediate lift and support
InstaLift sutures are placed beneath the skin to gently reposition and secure facial tissues. As a result, it creates an instant lifting effect, softening sagging and refreshing your appearance right away.
Long-term collagen stimulation
As the sutures gradually dissolve, they stimulate your body’s natural collagen production. This ongoing process strengthens and firms the skin, extending the benefits of the lift for many months.
Areas We Can Treat with Thread Lifts
Thread lifts can be applied to multiple facial areas to restore definition and support where needed most, including these areas:
- Lower face and jowls: A thread lift for jowls can restore a more defined contour.
- Neck and jawline: A jawline thread lift sharpens definition.
- Cheeks and mid-face: Adds lift and fullness where volume has diminished.
- Eyebrows (brow lift): Creates a subtle, refreshed arch.
GIVE YOUR FACE A YOUTHFUL AND NATURAL APPEARANCE, INSTANTLY
Why Is The Instalift’s Collagen Surge Response So Important?
Collagen helps support “growth factors” that affect the skin’s appearance. As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen. The average 70-year-old experiences an 80% reduction in skin thickness. This loss of volume and strength leads to excess skin and wrinkles. Gravity pulls the weaker skin downwards, appearing sunken or saggy.
The InstaLift Thread Lift Infuses facial skin with fresh collagen, reducing looseness and preventing further sinking and sagging of the facial area.
Who Is A Good Candidate For The Instalift Thread Lift?
Patients need to maintain realistic expectations for this procedure. While thread lifts produce visible changes, they lift the face by a few millimeters, creating a subtle and natural-looking result. These make thread lifts most effective for patients with mild to moderate, rather than severe, signs of skin laxity.
The ideal thread lift candidate is in his or her late thirties to early fifties. For patients over 55, Dr. O often recommends facelift surgery, which offers more dramatic and longer-lasting results. That said, thread lifts can still be a good alternative for older patients who cannot undergo surgery for medical reasons. In many cases, individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease may safely have this treatment.
Thread lifts can also be combined with other options for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Pairing the procedure with the Timeless Lift allows Dr. O to lift the mid-face while tightening the neck and jawline. Some patients also choose to enhance results with BOTOX®, Dysport®, or microneedling, which target fine lines and skin texture, while the thread lift addresses sagging.
What Can I Expect From The Instalift Thread Lift Treatment?
The InstaLift thread lift takes about 45 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia in our convenient office setting. Dr. O minimizes patient discomfort by using a thin needle to insert the threads into the skin. Some patients experience mild soreness and swelling for a few days after having the procedure. A return to normal activities is expected within one day; however, physical activities will be limited based on Dr. O’s recommendations.
“A surgeon with an artists touch”
freI am a nervous nellie when it comes to any type of procedure. I get nervous about the process and the result…well at least that is how I was. Dr. O and his staff always make me feel comfortable and they let me know exactly what to expect and what not to expect. Now I walk in and out with confidence. If you want a surgeon with an artists touch please schedule. You will regret waiting! I have had major stuff to lip aug and every time I am super happy…and everyone asks why I don’t age.
Angie Barnes
Recovering From The Thread Lift Procedure
Thread lift recovery is comparatively easy. Thread lifts are performed under local anesthesia with no oral sedation. Some patients will experience minor soreness, redness, and swelling after having a thread lift.
Most patients find they can return to work or daily living immediately. Strong pain medication is not needed after having a thread lift, making it easier for patients to return to their regular routine. It makes the procedure an excellent option for people with children at home or those with busy, demanding careers.
The thread lift recovery is minimal, but patients should:
- Avoid rubbing the face vigorously while cleansing or applying moisturizer for at least a week after having threads placed.
- Prop your head up slightly so you don’t roll over directly onto your face while sleeping.
- Avoid excessive facial movements for the first two weeks.
- Avoid physical activities for 1-2 weeks per Dr. O’s recommendations.
This minimally invasive thread lift has the following benefits:
- No scarring, severe bruising, bleeding, or other complications
- Affordability due to the ease of the thread lift procedure compared to facelift surgery
Thread lift results are not permanent, but they provide a noticeable lift that typically lasts one to two years. While facelift surgery can create results that last a decade or longer, thread lifts are ideal for those who aren’t ready for surgery or prefer a less invasive option. Because the procedure is low-risk and requires little downtime, new sutures can be placed once the original ones dissolve, helping you maintain a refreshed look without committing to major surgery.
Benefits of a Non-Surgical Thread Lift
Choosing a thread lift offers several advantages for patients who want results without the commitment of surgery:
- Minimally invasive: Performed in-office with no incisions or general anesthesia
- Immediate improvement: Enjoy visible lift right away, with results that continue to build as collagen develops
- Efficient treatment: Most procedures take less than an hour, allowing you to return to normal activities quickly
- Natural-looking results: Creates subtle enhancement rather than an overdone appearance
How Much Does A Thread Lift Cost?
The cost of a thread lift can vary depending on several factors, including the number of sutures used, the areas treated, and the level of correction needed to achieve your goals. During your consultation, Dr. Sonny O will carefully assess your facial skin, create a personalized treatment plan, and provide a clear breakdown of pricing.
Why Choose Dr. Sonny O for Thread Lifts?
With more than 18 years of experience in plastic surgery, Dr. Sonny O has performed thousands of procedures focused on facial and body rejuvenation. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and offers advanced non-surgical treatments such as the InstaLift thread lift alongside surgical procedures. His specialization in facial rejuvenation allows him to recommend the most effective approach for each patient.
Dr. Sonny O’s expertise extends beyond patient care. He has published peer-reviewed papers and presented at professional meetings, showing both his dedication to the field and the respect he has earned among colleagues. This combination of surgical skill, academic contribution, and focus on individualized treatment makes him a trusted choice for thread lifts in Charleston.
Frequently Asked Questions
The InstaLift uses biocompatible temporary sutures to lift the face. The InstaLift focuses more on lifting the skin than stimulating collagen production (though it will accomplish both objectives). The threads are designed with tiny “cones” that are adept at grabbing tissue and gathering more skin to produce a more noticeable lift to the cheeks and jowls. These InstaLift threads are designed to create long-lasting results for up to two years.
The biggest advantage of having a thread lift rather than a facelift is the significantly reduced recovery time associated with thread lifts. Full facelifts usually require two weeks of recovery to heal. The Timeless Lift would have a shorter downtime, approximately one week.
You’ll notice an immediate lift after the sutures are placed, with results continuing to improve as collagen production increases. The skin gradually becomes firmer and smoother over the following months.
When performed by an experienced provider, thread lifts are considered safe and well-tolerated. The sutures used in InstaLift are made of materials commonly used in medical procedures and naturally dissolve over time.
Yes, thread lifts can be repeated once the effects begin to fade. Many patients choose to have follow-up treatments every 12 to 18 months to maintain results.
Contact Our Office
When loose skin begins to blur your facial contours, a thread lift can restore definition without the downtime of surgery. For over 18 years, Dr. Sonny O has proudly provided his patients with safe and effective facial and body cosmetic surgery. If you want to learn more about the thread lift procedure, such as InstaLift, contact Dr. Sonny O Plastic Surgery & Medspa in Charleston, SC, to schedule your consultation.
