The world has come a long way when it comes to cosmetics thanks to the evolution of thread lifting. From the days of gelatin and beeswax to lipsticks made of ochre clays, behold, we can now slow down our skin aging. While people used to recoil from trying out anti-aging procedures, it has become the new norm. Did you know in 2020, an estimated US$58.5 billion was recorded in the global anti-aging market?
The growing demand to look youthful has the cosmetic industry rapidly evolving. And that is how thread lifting came into being. Thread lifts, also called suture lifts, rose in popularity thanks to their ability to improve skin rejuvenation, skin lifting, collagen synthesis, and skin tightening.
But threads come in different types. These include polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL).
PCL was a novel introduction for sutures and drug delivery. But it later became an anti-aging repair method for the face. Besides, this is possible through the production and stimulation of collagen tissues type 1 and 3.
Read on to discover an in-depth discussion if you want to learn more about how the PCL thread works. But, first, let’s understand the types of threads.
Types and Functions of Threads
Like mentioned earlier, there are three different types of threads; PDO, PLLA, and PCL. These threads were invented to tighten skin and contour the face. PDO threads were developed in the late ’90s, and years later, PLLA and PCL came in.
Despite the time difference in the invention, the threads provide the same function on the skin. Moreover, due to the ever-evolving technology, the threads have different biodegradation periods. For instance, the absorption period of PDO is 6-8 months, PLLA is 14-18 months, and PCL is 16-24 months.
So what causes this big bio-absorbable time warp? Well, the thread lifts have different longevity, stiffness, and tensile strength. As the demand for better thread lift procedures continued, new thread types were invented that lasted longer.
1. PDO Thread Lifts
The PDO is made from synthetic polymers that are absorbed into the body by hydrolysis. PDOs work by causing fibroblasts to produce collagen in specific areas. And they were known for stitching with surgical sutures. Besides, there are three types of PDO threads:
- Cog
- Mono
- Screw
If you want a slight facelift, mono threads are the best. They have a smooth texture without barbs and are placed at a certain angle on your scalp or face. On the other hand, cog threads have spikes designed to peg on the skin for support and lift the surrounding saggy tissues.
Screw threads are complex. With one or two tangled threads, the bony areas of the skin are repaired through the volume created when collagen is produced in the surrounding tissues of the threads. The barbs are essential in restoring and refining skin feel and flexibility. As a result, the skin glows with improved skin elasticity.
2. PLLA Thread Lifts
With a lifetime of about two years, PLLAs are more effective than PDOs and are preferred for surgical sutures. They dissolve after thread lifting, converting into glucose, carbon dioxide, lactate, and water.
Essentially, PLLA helps fuel the creation of type 1 and 3 collagens. PLLA increases volume as they use a cone to hook to tissues. Besides, they do not cause inflammation on the surrounding tissues after the procedure.
3. PCL Threads
With a better structure and chemical bonds, PCL is the newest form of thread lifting. The PCL threads are improved and last longer than the PDO and PLLAs. From their complexity, PCL takes longer to be absorbed by the body.
While the PCL threads take longer to biodegrade, they are perfect for inclusion in the surrounding tissues over lengthy time frames. And that’s the reason for long lasting outcomes. PCL is the best collagen stimulator thread compared to PDO and PLLA. Though it dissolves like the other thread lifting types, it causes collagen production to last almost a year.
What are PCL Threads and How Do They Work?
PCL threads are the most recent threads used in thread lifting. The threads are made from a synthetic material known as caprolactone, and it is bio-degradable and absorbable. They ensure your skin is not slack by stimulating collagen for longer periods. Whether you want skin lifting or skin rejuvenation, PCL thread lifting will work it out.
While PCL thread lifts have been in existence, they were common in surgeries of the eye, wounds, cardiovascular, and gynecology. PCL thread lifting is a non-surgical medical process that has a slight invasion to achieve face lifting.
How do PCL threads tighten the skin
Well, this is possible through a collagen structure that’s left after biodegradation and backs up your skin, pulling it to prevent any drooping. Moreover, the thread provides a fibrotic reaction. It ensures your facial skin continues to stretch and lift away after the reabsorption of threads.
The PCL thread procedure further involves thread breakdown. It brings forth lightweight molecules that cause the skin to produce hyaluronic acid and collagen. After all the nitty-gritty details, the outcome is firm, refreshed, and moisturized skin.
It is also important to note how the procedure is done. First, anesthesia is introduced in the area the thread is to be inserted. Insertion of a threaded needle to the sub-dermal level of the face tissue follows. In a curved way, the hand goes beneath the visible layer of skin.
What Should You Do Before and After a PCL Thread Lift Procedure?
Saggy skin and fine facial lines on your face and neck are signs that your skin is aging and is breaking down some tissues.
While thread-lifting is usually done on the face and neck, PCL thread lifts can repair totally wrinkled knees, elbows, and slack buttocks. But, before you meet up with your plastic surgeon for the procedure, here are some things to consider.
Things to do Before PCL Thread Lift Procedure
Different skincare professionals will advise you on your dos and don’ts before treatment according to your skin type. But, there are standard guidelines to follow.
- It’s crucial to avoid products made with aspirin. For instance, do not take Naproxen, Ibuprofen, or Neurofen. These drugs might cause you to bleed or cause other avoidable complications.
- Alcohol and smoking are normally consumed by a lot of people. But, if you want quality results, you must avoid smoking or taking alcohol for at least a week before the procedure. Can you think of any reasons why you must eliminate these two from your diet? The skin needs its moisture to complete the anesthetic step, yet alcohol and cigarettes dehydrate it.
- So, you love exercising, your steam bath, and sauna; however, you’ll need to take a break. Heavy exercises and the steam bath are bad when preparing for a thread lift procedure.
- Ginger teas, vitamin E, omega fish oils, garlic, chili ginseng, or krill must be evaded two days before the surgery. Other supplements as well are harmful to the procedure.
To learn more about what to do, ask your health provider; they’ll give you all the guidance you need so that you don’t mess up.
After PCL Treatment Care
You’ve undergone the PCL treatment, and now you feel nauseated; what should you do? It should not worry you. Sipping water will help. Here are more guidelines:
- If your skin swells after the procedure, put ice in the area for about 30 minutes, 3 to 4 minutes a day for five days. It will help with the bruising.
- So, you love chewing, and you’ve undergone thread lifting. Sorry, however, it’s time to give it a break. Your skin rejuvenation requires you to eliminate leisure chewing for about 14 days.
- Take painkillers after your meals as recommended after the treatment.
- If your workout includes heavy lifting, you’ll have to tone down for about three weeks.
- Get a full day’s rest while avoiding facial movements.
- For nearly seven days, keep your head elevated.
- After the PCL thread lift, dental treatments are not allowed for two weeks and more.
- Do notwash your face less than 12 hours after the treatment. In fact, facial skin scrub, massage, or exfoliation should be restricted until three weeks elapse.
- For the next 48 hours, avoid facial cream or make-up.
- It is recommended to sleep on your back to avoid causing injuries on the face due to pressure that may misalign the PCL threads.
- Also, eat light food and drink more. Do you like using straws? You’ll have to take a break from it.
- When you feel a little distressed. Do not fret. The first two days might be uncomfortable, but it will pass.
- Did your plastic surgeon give you other guidelines? Follow them. You do not want to ruin your beautiful face.
Which is Better, PCL or PDO?
Over the years, PDO threads have been the regular thread and considered safe and reliable. While PDO thread lifts are recognized for soft tissue lifting, PCL threads are the best for durability and efficacy. The invention of PCL thread lifts was to ensure the development of threads that last longer and therefore were made with high molecular weight.
In a study to compare the effectiveness of PDO, PLLA, and PCL, the rate of type 3 collagen was high in the sample with PCL. Also, wrinkles reduced at a higher rate in PCL threads. With the high polymer concentration in the new PCL threads, tensile stress is reduced.
Despite all the rants on better threads, what’s best is what works for your facial skin. Your doctor will help you settle on an excellent line lifting procedure.
What to Expect in PCL Thread Recovery?
Like any other surgery, there are expectations after the recovery. And it’s wise to know and relate with the outcome. While some people might have immediate changes, some may have it much later after the thread lift procedure.
As days go by, your face will start healing, and new collagen develops, forming noticeable transformation. Depending on your age, you’ll need to visit your doctor every 6-12 months for check-ups. Though texturized threads have more instant results, all thread lifts cause stimulation of collagen. And this is the ultimate goal.
You should note that, due to the non-invasive nature of the PCL procedure, the recovery takes a short period. In fact, you can go back to work within a day to a week after the treatment depending on the nature of work and environment.
Is a Thread Lift Worth it?
Before you resolve to have thread lifts for your face, you must know whether it’s worth it? Thread lifts embroil the ringing of a surgical thread beneath the skin, and it’s pulled and tightened behind the ear. When it’s removed, areas in your face that are saggy are drawn, and the double chin and jaws are attuned.
The thread lift procedure is not intrusive; it doesn’t take much time to fix and is adjustable. Besides, the results are fantastic. So, do you want to look young, refined, and natural? Thread lifts offer a rejuvenating process, are simple, and can be undone anytime.
It’s exciting to note that thread lifts are recent and are continuously being reinvented. For this reason, a lot of risks are evaded as they get eliminated with new technology.
Conclusion
While skin aging is inevitable, the current medical technology offers thread lifting as a perfect solution. While choosing your skin lifting method, ensure you consult your doctor. Your preference might not be your prescription. Also, what you want to achieve should be your driving force for the choice of thread lift.
Now, you understand what PCL thread lifts are and how they work. If you want to get the highest quality PCL threads for thread lifting, then this is the place to be. We have state of the art PCL threads that not only do the job perfectly, but last longer and minimize health risks and side effects. Whether you’re a practitioner, a dermatologist or just looking for more information on PCL threads, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us through our email or call us now.