People are exposed to many factors that contribute directly and indirectly to the appearance of wrinkles on the face such as tension, stress, prolonged exposure to the sun ray, ageing, smoking and vehicular exhausts.In addition, genetic can play a major role in wrinkles appearing in one's thirties and early forties, when the fatty tissues beneath the neck begin to atrophy, as well as the skin losing its flexibility. All these factors may lead to weakening of the skin tissue and result in facial sagging around the cheeks, jawline and neck. However, face tightening using the thread procedure is one of the cosmetic technique developed to restore and maintain the patient's youthful appearance, says Dr Ahmed Salem, skin and laser professor at Cairo University. Thread facelift technique is designed for use on patients of both genders, who are experiencing early signs of ageing, and is characterised by a relatively short recovery time says Dr Salem. The treatment takes from 60 to 90 minutes to restore brightness to the face in several areas such as forehead, the cheeks and neck. It is also used to raise the eyebrows and can also be applied to determine the shape of the lower jaw, as well as giving good results in cases of paralysis of the seventh (cranial) facial nerve. The results of the procedure can last from three to five years and can be repeated, says Dr Salem, adding that anaesthesia is often used locally in the area in which the threads are inserted. The technique is based on the insertion of threads into face through tiny cracks made in the target area. The aftermath is that the treated areas will be raised, sagging and wrinkles removed, as well as giving the patient a good and natural appearance, Dr Salem explains. The best candidates for the technique are people aged from their thirties to their sixties and the threads are a safe and non-surgical procedure. Some degree of risks may accompany any procedures; with thread facelift the side effects include slight swelling and bruising. However, the surgeon urges the patient to follow some instructions for a specified period after the procedure has been carried out to avoid the threads coming out. Thus, the patient should refrain from laughing and keep talking to the minimum and not rub the face and avoid sleeping on the back. These restrictions apply for less than one month after the treatment and the patients can resume their normal activities and work a few days after the procedure if consistent with these instructions. While there are no general contraindications, the process does not work if the patient has thin or sensitive skin and has a thin face.
