Facial sagging is undoubtedly the biggest telltale signs of aging.
Achieving a plump and youthful face no longer requires you to go under the knife – minimally-invasive procedures such as thread lifts and dermal fillers are now growing increasingly popular given its minimal downtime period and extremely natural-looking results.
While it is not possible to reverse time – both face thread lifts and dermal fillers help to visibly lift the skin, restore facial volume and smooth out fine lines to reestablish one’s facial contours during their prime years.
If you are still wondering which is the better option for you – here is a summarized guide that can help!
Face Thread Lifts
Thread lifts are a relatively new procedure which first appeared in the early 2000s –and have since become widely accepted as the go-to treatment for facial lifting due to its safety profile and effectiveness.
Made up of specially patented-materials that have been tried and tested in medical implants for over 50 years – the 100% bio-absorbable threads are inserted via a cannula through tiny incisions in the skin, which is then tightened to sculpt the face and achieve the desired effect.
Containing barbed hooks that act to anchor and lift the skin, the threads also help to gradually stimulate collagen and tissue contraction to maintain and prolong the effect of the thread lifts long after it has been dissolved naturally by the body.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers on the other hand are most commonly made up of hyaluronic acid (HA) – a substance that also naturally dissolves in the body over time. This gives it a great safety profile and excellent hydrating properties to fill the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and reduce sagging and facial hollowness.
Dermal fillers too, require injections to the skin – with skin benefits such as a more even skin tone and texture.
However, the debate against dermal fillers is that there have been cases of necrosis and blindness due to nose fillers. However, it is considered to be rare and should not happen when the procedure is done with an experienced doctor.
The comparison: which is better?
Although both treatments are minimally-invasive and have the same purpose – they work very differently to help achieve facial contouring.
In a nutshell, here is a useful overview of both:
| Face Thread Lifts (e.g. Silhouette InstaLift) | Dermal Fillers | |
| Key Ingredient | Bio-absorbable threads | Hyaluronic acid |
| Pain | Slightly more invasive, 7/10 | 4/10 |
| Duration of Treatment | ~ 30 – 60 minutes | ~ 10 – 30 minutes |
| Downtime | Minimal downtime | Minimal downtime |
| Side Effects | · Slight swelling or bruising for a few days· Little to no side effects as compared to other treatments | · Swelling and bruising for a few days· Possibility of allergic reactions |
| Complications | · Poorly placed threads can lead to unsightly lumps.· Thread extrusion
· Possibility of infection |
· Fillers can spread and migrate which can cause vascular problems later down the line.· Overfilling can result in a puffy looking face. |
| Reversible | No | Yes |
| Cost | $1000 – $5000 | $600 – $1000 per syringe |
| Ideal Candidate | · Those in their 30s – 40s· People with relatively good facial volume and skin quality
· Mild-to-moderate sagging and nasolabial folds |
· Those in their 40s – 50s· People with mild skin laxity
· For those with crepey skin, wrinkles and fine lines |
| Treatment Results | · Can last up to 12 –18 months, depending on what threads are used· Mild to moderate lifting effect
· Collagen-boosting and rejuvenation effects overtime · Continuous sessions need to be done in order to achieve permanent lifting. |
· Can last up to 6 – 18 months, depending on type of filler used· Mild lifting effect
· Hydrating effects overtime · Require regular top-ups. |
| Contraindications | People on blood thinners | People on blood thinners |
As you can see, there are many similarities between the two, and none is actually better than the other. They are not substitutes for the other; but rather, some faces are better suited for thread lifts, while others may benefit more from fillers.
Important to highlight is the desired effect you wish to see, and which treatment is the most suited to your specific needs.
Thread lifts are undoubtedly the go-to choice for defining and shaping the face as it acts as the perfect scaffolding structure for our doctors to work with, while dermal fillers perform better to restore volume, fill up hollowness and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Our recommendation
The best way to decide which is the treatment for your specific facial structure is to consult a competent doctor.
We use the latest thread lift offered in the market – Silhouette InstaLift, which has been heavily supported by extensive research published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. Known as the “Queen of all thread lifts”, we like using these threads as they have superb lifting capacity that provides longer-lasting results.
Our doctors are highly trained and experienced to carry out both face thread lifts and dermal fillers. We are also one of the best acne dermatologist in Singapore, and offer acne scar removal treatments to help you achieve your best face ever!
While those facing more severe skin laxity may require more potent measures that require surgery – it is no doubt that thread lifts and dermal fillers are here to stay, and provide a more affordable and ideal solution perfect for today’s fast-paced society – at least for now.
FAQ
1. What is a typical procedure like?
During your treatment, our doctor will first inject a local anaesthesia into the treatment area to ensure maximum comfort throughout the entire session. Then, he will proceed to mark the points of the insertion site, followed by the actual injection of the threads into place.
Depending on the treatment area and the desired lift that you wish to achieve, 1 – 4 Silhouette threads will be used, and there is no need for these threads to be removed as they will be naturally absorbed by the body.
2. Is treatment painful?
Silhouette thread lifts are considered to be a minimally-invasive procedure with minimal downtime. This means that clients will be able to enjoy a facelift without the pain and long healing process of surgery!
As local anaesthesia is applied before the actual insertion of threads, many patients report minimal discomfort during their treatment – where they are able to resume their daily activities almost immediately.
3. What is the cost of treatment?
This is highly-dependent on the individual and how many threads are required, but treatment prices typically start from $2,500.
4. How long is a session?
The entire treatment takes just 1 hour to complete.
5. How long will it take for me to see results?
A benefit of Silhouette thread lift is that results are instant – with long-lasting effects that can last up to 18 months! Since the threads naturally dissolve into the skin and are able to stimulate collagen production overtime, the results of this procedure are both natural-looking and enduring.
It is important to note that individual results will vary, and the procedure is not a substitute for fillers; but rather a complementary treatment.
6. What are the side effects?
As there are no incisions done during the procedure, the downtime for the treatment is minimal; albeit some soreness and swelling can be expected.
While it is possible for dimpling of the skin and extrusion of threads to occur; however, if done with a professional doctor should be minimized.
Our doctors have over 10 years of experience in aesthetic surgery procedures, and are dedicated in attaining the best results for all our patients.
7. Am I an ideal candidate for the procedure?
Thread lifts are best suited for those who wish to achieve immediate lifting of the face and natural-looking results without surgery.
It is best recommended for those in their early 30s – 40s, with relatively good facial elasticity and mild-to-moderate sagging.
During your consultation with our doctors, they will be able to advise if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure – and tailor a treatment just for you!