Last Updated on May 26, 2022 by Zwivel
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.
FAQs
Is Lip Thread Lift Safe?
The expertise of the provider largely determines the safety of the procedure. A well-experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist will know about the technique and products used.
If not properly placed, the patient will likely suffer a poor outcome. Threads can cause infection, lumps, and an uneven look if done poorly.
Is Lip Thread Lift Painful?
Lip thread lift gives a feeling of a slight pinch of a needle. And it usually lasts for only a few minutes per session. The intensity of the sensation varies from one patient to another, but most find this procedure to be painless with little or no discomfort.
The treatment is painless because a numbing agent is applied or even injected into the area to be treated. If the lip line is tightened without discomfort, your treatments will be pain-free.
Some factors can affect the degree of pain, such as the amount of stretch and tightening administered and the practitioner performing the procedure.
Does The Lip Thread Lift Produce Permanent Results?
The procedure results can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months but may also last longer in some cases. The threads dissolve within about three months, but you will continue to see definition and height for a longer period because of the collagen production stimulated by the reaction to the threads.
However, smoking, sun exposure, and regular facial expressions may also speed up a thread lip lift breakdown.
How Long Does The Lip Thread Lift Procedure Take?
The treatment takes much less time than other surgical cosmetic procedures. It is usually carried out within an hour, and you will be able to go back to your normal routines right after the procedure.
How Much Does A Lip Thread Lift Cost?
The price may vary between $350 and $1,000 per session. However, this cost can vary depending on the type of thread used, the amount of tightening needed, and the location.
What Are The Healing Stages Of The Lip Thread Lift Procedure?
There are three phases to the healing process after lip thread lift.
- During the first two weeks, your skin will slowly recover and start to heal. In this period, you can eat and drink normally, but avoid anything too hot or cold.
- You should follow a diet low in salt and avoid spicy foods for the next two weeks because they can irritate your skin. During this period, your lips may get dry and feel swollen.
- Finally, after four-six weeks, your skin will completely recover, and the unsightly scars from the lip thread lift surgery will heal.
Can I Get A Lip Thread Lift If I Have A Scar From Another Cosmetic Procedure, Such As Dermabrasion Or Laser Resurfacing?
Lip thread lift is not recommended if you have had other plastic surgery because it may interfere with healing. You will have to wait for at least eight weeks until the skin heals completely and a thorough evaluation is performed before proceeding with lip thread lift to ensure there are no risks involved.
What Precautions Should Be Taken After Lip Thread Lift Procedure?
You should limit sun exposure after a lip thread lift. Apply sunscreen when necessary to avoid further damage to the skin on your face and lips. Also, avoid wearing lip gloss, lipstick, and any other type of heavy makeup that can make the skin on your lips dry.
How Many Lip Thread Lifts Should I Have?
The threading sessions depend on the patient’s expectations for natural-looking lips. You may choose to have the treatment done again if you notice signs of the fading lip contour.
Does Smoking Affect?
The healing process gets slowed down with smoking. So, it’s best to refrain from smoking at least two weeks before and two weeks after a lip thread lift. It’s also essential to keep your skin healthy and hydrated throughout the procedure and recovery period.
What Hygiene Requirements Do I Need To Follow?
To ensure proper healing, it’s important to follow hygiene practices. After the procedure, keep your lips and mouth clean through water rinses. Avoid touching the treated area around your lips and rinsing your mouth with hot water.
Hot water can cause the thread to dissolve prematurely. Instead, use lukewarm water to rinse your mouth or mouthwash.
Can I Have A Lip Thread Lift After Childbirth?
There’s no reason you can’t have a lip thread lift after childbirth, but waiting until your weight has stabilized and recovered well after childbirth would yield better results.
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.
