Threading has become a favored option for people worldwide looking for a shorter downtime, less pain, and virtually no scars. Lip thread lift is a solution for the fast, easy, and painless shaping of lips. This procedure combines threading with an actual lip lift to provide a natural, youthful appearance.
The procedure is completed within about an hour and with minimal discomfort. Lip thread lift is suitable for both men and women and is especially popular for rejuvenating older lips.
Lip Thread Lift
A lip thread lift is an alternate nonsurgical procedure that utilizes tiny, dissolvable, absorbable threads that smooth out fine lines around the mouth. The goal of this procedure is to add definition but doesn’t necessarily add volume. Threads are injected beneath the skin along the borders of the lips to get a plumping and contouring effect.
The threads used in the lip lift procedure are sugar-derived polymers that get absorbed or dissolved naturally in the body over time. Threads come in different designs and compositions to accomplish different goals – Spiral Shape Threads (utilized to define the lip borders) and Fine, Wispy Threads (to correct fine lines around the mouth).
Lip Thread Lift Procedure
After prepping the area, numbing cream is applied locally around the mouth to relieve any discomfort. A small dose of lidocaine is also used at the insertion sites, where a cannula will be inserted. The cannula is prepackaged with a thin thread. After about 15 minutes, once the area is numb, the procedure begins. Threads are inserted under the skin with the help of a cannula.
After insertion, the threads are gently pulled upward, similar to facelift surgery to tighten the skin around the lips, soften smile lines, and wrinkles around the mouth. It helps boost up natural collagen production in these areas.
The procedure is done on the other side of the lip. The ends of each thread are trimmed with surgical scissors, and the tail end is manipulated into the hole to make it invisible. This procedure can be done on the upper lip, lower lip, or both lips at a time. More threads can be added to increase the height or volume through the initial puncture site or by making additional punctures.
Depending on the patient’s desire, the procedure will be done once or repeated over a few months. The effects can last from about 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of thread used.
Benefits
Lip thread lift provides a natural look when compared to the effects achieved through fillers. It will help you correct the following:
- Loss of volume and fullness in the upper or lower lip
- Sagging/chronic lip lines or wrinkles on the upper or lower lip
- Thinning of upper and lower lips due to age and sun damage
- Wrinkles and smile lines
- Nasolabial folds (marionette lines)
Lip thread lift stimulates collagen production and causes a modest, temporary change in lip volume. A series of dermal fillers can be used for maximum plumping along with the lip thread lift procedure.
Before and After Procedure
As with any procedure, it’s essential to keep in mind what the process will be like before and after the procedure. Following pre and post-procedure instructions can maximize the results. The following things must be considered if proceeding with a lip thread lift treatment:
Before Procedure
- Lip thread lift should not be performed on people under the age of 18
- Consult with a qualified plastic or cosmetic surgeon to ascertain if you are the right candidate for the procedure
- The lips must completely heal from any other procedure
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol a few days before the procedure
- Inform your surgeon if taking any medications for any conditions, blood thinners, etc.
- Pregnant women must avoid undergoing this procedure
- Do not wax or pluck around the mouth area before the procedure
After Procedure
- Allow the swelling to subside
- Apply ice 4-5 times a day for a few days following the procedure
- Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for a few days
- Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly when outside in the sun or cold weather to prevent chapping and dryness
- Do not scratch your lip line
- Apply the prescribed antibiotic ointment and over-the-counter medicated cream to the lips as directed
- You may inject dermal fillers along with lip lift to add volume and to maintain results
Possible Complications
Before proceeding with the procedure, it’s essential to understand the risks and complications of a lip thread lift. An accredited doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with appropriate training and expertise in lip thread lift procedures will minimize complications and maximize desired outcomes.
The risks can range from a mild setback in the healing process to a severe complication leading to lifelong disfigurement. Some of the possible complications include:
Discomfort – Lip thread lift might be uncomfortable following the procedure. The discomfort should settle down on its own. If it does not, you can take over-the-counter painkillers to help relieve pain.
Swelling – It is normal to have some swelling in the area for about a month after the procedure. The swelling will gradually settle down.
Infection – If properly handled, lip thread lift is a relatively safe procedure with a small risk of infection.
Numbness – Some people might experience temporary numbness in the area where the procedure was done. Unless the process has damaged any nerve around the mouth and lips, it should wear off after a while.
Hematoma – Damage to blood vessels rarely occurs in lip thread lift. In case of hematoma occurrence, the application of ice to the area may be of help. In case of severe and prolonged bleeding, seeking immediate care is advisable.
The Takeaway
The lip thread lift provides a shape and contour effect to the lips for both men and women. It also offers you the chance to make your face look even more attractive by eliminating fine lines and wrinkles.
A lip thread lift is slightly more pricey than fillers and can be a safe procedure if performed by an expert board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
