ThreadLift

Many women and men see the signs of aging in the droopiness of their skin. Prior to the ThreadLift, the only significant option seemed to be a surgical facelift, which results in several weeks or even months of recovery and pain. Today, the ThreadLift is an option, which is a non-surgical, in-office procedure with minimal recovery and little pain. Dr. Rueckl was the first physician in Nevada trained to perform these procedures and he has been perfecting the ThreadLift since 2006. He does this procedure differently than any other physician so not everyone may be a good candidate for his procedure.

What is a ThreadLift and what does it do?

The ThreadLift is accomplished by using tiny surgical prolene sutures to lift and support droopy elements face, without removing any skin. Different sutures and lengths will be used depending upon the area(s) you need lifted. Prolene sutures are FDA-approved and are used in all medical procedures requiring permanent sutures. The only difference with these prolene sutures is that some are “barbed” for specific facial contouring and elasticity. Please note that these sutures are NOT PDO threads and are not absorbable. We do not do procedures with PDO threads in our office.

The threads are inserted under the skin in precise locations using a small hollow needle. The inserted thread is then able to grasp onto the droopy skin and soft tissue. With the lift effect secured, the hollow needle is removed without leaving any scars. The end of the thread is cut off very short where a loop is tied securely and the knot cut, allowing it to retract deep under the skin where it cannot be seen or felt. The threads used during the ThreadLift procedure stay within the deep fat and subcutaneous tissue forever, as they are non-absorbable.

What areas does the ThreadLift treat?

Good candidates for ThreadLift are those patients who are starting to see some droopiness of specific facial areas, but do not want the risk, scars, or recovery of a real surgical operation. The number and placement of the threads depends upon the specific area(s) being treated. Please note that Dr. Rueckl has designed his own technique to perform this procedure so not everyone is a candidate and not all areas of the face may be treated.

How is a ThreadLift different than a traditional facelift?

Traditional surgical procedures require a significant amount of recovery time and can be very painful during recovery. Because no skin is cut out during a ThreadLift, pain and discomfort are minimal, and the recovery time should be no more than a week. Surgical procedures are normally done under full or twilight anesthesia; however, the ThreadLift is done only during with localized numbing injections to the treated area, making recovery time much quicker. Having a ThreadLift does not compromise your ability to have a subsequent facelift or surgical procedure in the future, should you elect to do that at a later time. If Dr. Rueckl feels that a traditional facelift or LifestyleLift is a better option for any patient, he can refer you to another physician for those procedures.

What is a ThreadLift procedure like?

Prior to the procedure, you will begin taking an antibiotic, which you will also take a few days post-procedure. On the day of the ThreadLift, Dr. Rueckl and a Medical Assistant will discuss your procedure with you, have you sign a consent, and go over post-operative care with you. Some patients may elect to take a light sedative before the procedure, but this is not required. Dr. Rueckl will begin by marking the areas to be treated with a skin marker and then numbing each area with lidocaine with epinephrine, which will minimize bruising, swelling, and any pain. A very small incision will be made for the hollow needle to allow each thread to be inserted. Each prolene thread will then be inserted into its proper location for the lift effect. Each thread will be tied securely and knotted, allowing the end to bury deep within the skin. The tiny incision for each thread will then be closed with a stitch, which will be removed a few days after the procedure. The number and placement of the threads depends upon the area(s) treated. The ThreadLift takes about 90 minutes depending upon the location and number of threads.

Like any procedure using a needle, there is a risk of bruising and swelling, which should last about a week. We will discuss all post-operative care with you so that you can achieve optimal results and comfort. Some patients may experience tenderness and puckering of the skin at the end points of some threads, but both will resolve within a short amount of time. Dr. Rueckl will be happy to discuss any other concerns you have during your initial consultation.

What kind of results can I expect from a ThreadLift?

The ThreadLift effect is immediate. During your consultation, Dr. Rueckl can discuss the relative amount of lift that the ThreadLift procedure will likely deliver for you. Most ThreadLift results will be pleasing and noticeable for years, but your skin will continue to age and/or droop over the years. As the aging process continues, additional threads can be inserted for more tightening. Additionally, if you elect to have a more intensive surgical procedure or facelift at a later point, this can be done without any problems from your prolene threads.s.

How much does a ThreadLift cost?

The price of a ThreadLift depends upon the number and location of the prolene sutures used. Prices begin at $2,500. Your price will be determined with you at your consultation as your needs are discussed. Additionally, other services may be suggested for the best results, such as dermal fillers, FotoFacial Intense Pulsed Light, BOTOX® or Dysport®, or other procedures. A combined package can be created, or you can do your ThreadLift without any other services.