The Featherlift and Threadlift fall into the ‘lunchtime makeover’ category, a non-surgical facelift that helps to tighten up the skin and reduce drooping or sagging of the facial contours. These facelifts are considered to a be  ‘suspension’ procedures because they lift and secure the skin tissues in a higher position using only threads and small barbed sutures. They're also a convenient way to get a mini-facelift, and taking care of skin appropriately can promote healing and even boost collagen building for a rapid recovery.  

How the FeatherLift and ThreadLift Procedures Work  

The FeatherLift and ThreadLift procedure involves injecting an anesthetic mixture of epinephrine, saline and Lidocaine into the treatment area to constrict the blood vessels. This prevents excessive blood loss and will also reduce any pain and discomfort during the procedure. The surgeon can then dissect the skin and fat in the treatment area to insert a thread that trails out of the skin. A series of threads are inserted around the treatment area in a similar way so that tugging on the threads results in an immediate tightening of the skin tissue. When the tissues are realigned and in the right place, the threads are cut short to sit right near the surface of the skin. The treated areas are then taped to promote healing, but patients are advised to limit facial expressions for at least two weeks and avoid facial massage or excessive pressure for up to a month. (Source: Dr. Gail Humble, M.D. - Hermosa Beach, California).  

The Threadlift concept has been deemed the ‘lunchtime facelift’ by plastic surgeons such as Dr. Summers of the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center. He has developed the MOST  Facelift (Multiplanar One-Hour Threadlift Facelieft)  at his practice, a procedure that incorporates the Threadlift technique along with Lifestyle Lift techniques that tighten and tone the skin even further. Since this procedure also involve placement of sutures around the face and neck area, some swelling, bruising and light scarring is normal.   

Skincare Basics After the Threadlift or FeatherLift  

Most patients will need to wear thin, flesh-colored bandages for  7 – 10 days after the procedure since these protect the new sutures and help the bruises to heal. Still, managing the swelling, bruising and scarring after the bandages are removed can be a challenge. While the results of a Threadlift or Featherlift are immediate, the operated areas can remain swollen for up to 20 days, say the experts at Glancey Medical Aesthetics in the U.K.  Patients are advised to:  

• Avoid direct sunlight and sun exposure for up to 3 months after treatment
• Limit activities that may cause pressure to the face Use gels, ointments and skin-soothing beauty products to promote natural healing of the skin tissues
• Limit swimming and other water activities for up to a month after surgery
• Limit activities that cause excessive sweating
• Wash and cleanse the face with surgeon-recommended skincare products for at least 1-2 months after the treatment  

A Threadlift or FeatherLift can help create a more natural appearance because it does not remove skin tissue entirely like a conventional facelift, but simply repositions and tightens up existing skin. Overall, the minimally invasive facelift offers a convenient way to get rid of sagging skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and freshen up the face to create a more youthful, natural appearance.  The skin can heal quickly with the right skincare regiment and avoidance of various activities.  

Learn more about the Threadlift and FeatherLift procedure in our information guide, or consult with a plastic surgeon in your area who can walk you through the process of this procedure.