Tensioning wires: What Is It, | Risks, Results, Options and Cost

Introduction

Thread tensioning is a minimally invasive rejuvenating treatment that offers a lifting effect without the need for surgery. It is made with threads made of materials that are completely compatible with the body, which is inserted under the skin with very fine needles. Its effect is immediate and can be carried out on the whole body, although it is a treatment commonly used on the ice since it is where the effects of age are most noticeable. It is a technique originally from Korea, as mentioned by the International Clinic of Aesthetic Medicine (CIME)

What are tension threads?

The threads are inserted under the skin with a fine needle and, as it does not require surgery or incisions, there is no scar or stitches  The treatment with threads is carried out to rejuvenate and tighten the skin, to reaffirm the appearance of the area to be treated and eliminate various types of wrinkles, maintaining a natural appearance and avoiding forced expressions, or excessive expressionlessness. It is a very common treatment in the facial or neck areas, which are prone to wrinkles or sagging over time, although it can also be used to regain a smoother and denser appearance of the skin in other areas of the body.

In the treatment, local anesthesia is applied to the patient, and it is a procedure that can be performed in consultation, it is not necessary to resort to operating rooms  The number of threads used depends on the area and the state of what is to be corrected, it usually ranges between 6 and 40, and around the threads, collagen and elastin are stimulated which generates a lifting effect of the own skin, improves its density and thus effectively fights sagging. These are the most common types of threads:

• Monofilament tensioning threads: Of fine thickness, they are commonly used in treatments in the jaw and double chin areas. Despite this, it is also possible to use them in treatments of the rest of the face.

• Multifilament tensioning threads. Thicker than the previous ones, they consist of numerous threads and this helps the skin to fill in and show an appearance of greater density and less flaccidity without departing from the natural appearance and expressiveness of the patient.

• Spiculated tension threads. They are toothed threads, with small spicules, and are thicker than monofilaments, this allows them a greater grip on the skin and provides greater tension that favors the lifting effect. These threads allow the skin to obtain a smoother appearance thanks to the fact that they provide greater density to the tissues in the area. It is common to use these threads to treat large areas, such as the cheeks or neck, that can sag or suffer from pronounced sagging. Within the spiculates we now have a diversity of threads:
  • Cog threads: WTheseare threads create greater anchoring since there are two types:
    • Bidirectional Cogs: They have spicules in two directions creating bidirectional traction. They are used in cases of mild to moderate flaccidity
    • 3D Cog: It has spicules around the perimeter of the thread in a 360º direction. They create an ignore tightening effect, indicated for cases of moderate flaccidity.

• The latest generation Pof DO (Polydioxanone) polylactic, or polycaprolactone threads stimulate type 1 collagen and have a longer duration not only due to the traction effect but also due to the greater stimulation of collagen and improvement in the quality of the skin.

• Lift threads: These are threads that have micro-cones in the entire direction of the thread, making the fabric anchor much more, resisting the pulling power. They last longer and are indicated in case of significant or moderate to severe facial and body flaccidity.

• Cone threads: These are threads that have bidirectional cones that allow us to work by vectors according to the direction, repositioning the flaccid tissue. They also last longer and are suitable for moderate to severe flaccidity.

Likewise, also talks about another distinction of the threads depending on the material from which they are made, which marks whether or not they are resorbable for the body, having the average term of the mixed threads, and, therefore, it can also affect the duration of the treatment effects.

How do I know if I am a candidate for treatment?

The ideal candidates to undergo the treatment of tension threads are men and women between 35 and 65 years old who want rejuvenation of their appearance without resorting to surgical procedures.

There is no specific age to undergo the treatment, but it is advisable to do so when the first signs of wrinkles and aging appear, as specified in the since this will make it easier to correct those wrinkles and flaccidity. The threads also function as a forecast for the possible appearance of more wrinkles in the future. It is advisable not to wait long to undergo a Russian thread treatment, since it is an ineffective procedure in cases of advanced age or severe flaccidity and in which it is probably necessary to complement with another type of treatment such as volume replacement with hyaluronic acid or resort to cosmetic surgery.

The tensioning threads are very effective in cases of moderate flaccidity and laxity in parts of the face such as eyebrows, cheeks, eyes, and neck. They also work for patients who have previously undergone facelifts but the effects are wearing off.

The treatment is inadvisable for patients with skin problems or with skin weakened by aging and that is already thin and fragile. Likewise, in patients with considerable skin laxity and sagging of the skin of the face and neck, if the threads are raised, it can be done after a joint treatment to improve the skin in general and its structures, but always explain the guidelines of treatment to follow and the benefits it can achieve. Pregnant or breastfeeding women will also not be able to undergo a thread tension treatment.

How do I choose my surgeon/doctor?

Despite not being a very invasive treatment, it is advisable to find doctors who awaken us with confidence and with good references  It is usually advisable to find specialists through the SECPRE or SEME, as this guarantees that they are accredited to practice in Spain.

It may be advisable to consult various experienced specialists in facial treatments, to obtain different points of view, know the possible solutions, with the contraindications of each of them, and find the appropriate specialist that makes the patient feel comfortable.

What is the first appointment with the surgeon/doctorlike?

The first appointment with the specialist is dedicated to an exploration of the area to be treated, analyzing the quality of the skin, and carrying out a skin tension study,  and the patient’s clinical history will also be examined. In the consultation, a diagnosis and recognition of the skin and its needs will also be made, with this the appropriate treatment for each patient will be determined, analyzing and explaining the possible options for each case and the possible complications as a result of the procedure.

In this first visit, the patient will also be informed of the anesthesia that will be used in the procedure, which will be local, which speeds up the patient’s recovery process.

the total amount of the treatment and everything that that price includes must be clear.

How is the treatment of tension threads carried out?

the report that the treatment is introduced one by one with a fine needle after making a tiny puncture, totally painless for the patient. The number of threads will depend on the state of the area to be treated. achieving the desired tightening effect. Subsequently, after reducing the inflammation as a reaction to the placement of the threads, the collagen stimulation process begins after 25 days and up to 3 months, maintaining it over time, improving the tightening effect and the quality of the skin

How to prepare for the thread tensioning procedure?

Thread tensioning is a treatment that does not require extensive prior preparation it is only advised not to take aspirin, other similar compounds, or anti-inflammatory drugs that can contribute to the formation of bruises in the area to be treated. It is advisable to clean the area with mild products before application to prevent the appearance of irritations.

Advantages of tensioning threads

The treatment rejuvenates the skin intracutaneously allowing to firm the treated area. The threads are made of natural and absorbable products. The results of the treatment are natural and can last up to two years.

The session in which the treatment is performed is quick, normally lasts around 30 minutes and the effects can be seen immediately  The Nueva Vida Medical Center also highlights other advantages of the treatment  for example:

• It is compatible with other treatments.
• It does not require hospitalization.
• The threads cannot be seen and their presence cannot be guessed.
• Offers natural results.
• Leaves no scar.
• It can be reapplied or readjusted as many times as deemed necessary.

How is the recovery of the tensioning threads?

It is not advisable to wash the treated area until 12 hours after the placement of the threads. In the 24 hours following the treatment, the patient will not be able to perform physical exercise either and must avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays. There may be slight discomfort, for which it is advisable to apply cold compresses on the treated area and, perhaps, take pain relievers or paracetamol. Artis also recommended using a cervical cushion to avoid pressure on the treated area when sleeping in the 2 or 3 days after the treatment.

It is advisable to take nutritional supplements orally, the specialist will indicate in a personalized way the supplements indicated for any patient.

Results of the tensioning threads

The results are a rejuvenated and natural appearance that can be appreciated immediately  The face loses flaccidity and becomes smoother, and thanks to the enhancement of collagen stimulation, the quality of the skin improves being less fine and stronger.

There are usually no side effects except for small inflammations or bruises that may appear, although they disappear after a few days. The effectiveness of the treatment is worth noting in all parts of the body, being, in addition to the face, areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or arms, in which case, comments the threads are placed at the inner part of the limb.

Risks and possible side effects

There are no great risks or possible side effects in the treatment of tension threads, since it is not very invasive and, thanks to the fact that the materials are resorbable and compatible with the body, it does not cause allergies or rejection in the body. I treated the area and ay show bruises in the following days as commented, it is a good sign. The area may also be somewhat swollen, but it is important in these cases to follow the guidelines set by the specialist and take the appropriate medications.

Frequent questions

• The duration of the gluteal tension threads is indefinite but, with age, the effects will age? The duration of the threads, both in the buttocks and at the facial level, will depend on the material from which they are made, they can be non-resorbable permanent threads, such as silicone or other plastic materials, or PDO or polylactic. The permanent ones will be in any part of the body, and the temporary ones, in areas such as the gluteus that have a lot of mechanical stress, will last shorter than on the face.
• If when putting tension threads for the nasolabial fold, a lump appears and the medical thread is noticeable, what should be done? If the threads are PDO, with the injection in the area of physiological serum, we will get them to unravel in a few days. If they are polylactic, the problem is worse, because over time it goes away, but it costs more. It may be that they are injected very superficially.
• Does rhino modeling with tensioning threads work well There is no better or worse treatment, there are cases where it is better to use the threads and there are cases in which you have to use the fillers? The threads are used when we want to make the nasal flaps narrower or when we want to raise the nasal tip a little and in the case of fillings, it gives us more versatility and the possibility of making a greater nasal molding, improving irregularities, making the nose this straighter, and giving us the possibility of lifting the nasal tip. The fillers used are hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite.
• Could it be that with 4 soft silhouette threads, two on each side, I can see my oval face It can be an initial reaction to the stimulation process of the threads, however, if it bothers you, you can carry out radiofrequency sessions, with which the effect of the thread will decrease.
• Is it possible that when using spiculated threads they can be seen on the face? The professional who puts the threads should be consulted. Sometimes a knot is left on the outside that is cut days after laying.
• Can tensioning threads cause allergies? Any product that we introduce into our body can cause an immune reaction in each the patients