A lip enhancing procedure called lip threading or lip thread lift is one of the newest non-surgical procedures being offered by plastic surgeons to individuals who want to add volume to their lips. The procedure is more appealing for people who prefer a more natural look than the pouty plump look achieved through lip fillers.
How does lip threading differ from lip fillers?
Lip threading adds curve and definition to the lips particularly on the cupid’s bow area of the upper lip. Dissolvable threads are used to smoothen out the fine lines around the mouth and enhance the production of collagen. The procedure is different from lip fillers that are injected around the mouth and the lips to increase volume. The most common lip fillers used today are products that contain substances similar to hyaluronic acid.
The results of lip threading last longer compared to lip fillers. More definition and height will be apparent on the upper lips for about 6 months to a year. The body’s reaction to the threads will stimulate the production of collagen for a longer period of time.
The procedure of lip thread lift
The lip threading procedure takes about 30 minutes – 15 minutes to numb the area and another 15 minutes for the procedure. The plastic surgeon will make a small puncture hole at the corner of the mouth that is flush to the lip line. Afterwards, a thread will be inserted using a cannula or a thin tube. There are pre-packaged cannulas with a thin thread and a needle with a point that eliminates the need to create a puncture hole.
After the cannula or needle has been inserted, it will be gently pushed towards the cupid’s bow. The plastic surgeon will repeat the procedure on the other side of the upper lip and then on both sides of the lower lip. The thread used for the procedure ranges in size from that of a dental floss to a human’s hair. It can also be twisted or smooth.
After the thread has been placed, any excess thread beyond the insertion site will trimmed through a surgical scissor. After trimming the tail end of the thread, it will be manipulated into the hole so that it won’t be visible.
If additional volume is required, more threads will be used. A threaded cannula will be inserted on the initial puncture. Sometimes, additional punctures will be made using the pointed-tip needles that are pre-packaged with threads.
The procedure can be repeated once or several times over the course of several months depending on the thread that was used or the look that the patient wants to achieve. The procedure stimulates the production of collagen around the lip area and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
The lip threading is considered a safe procedure but it must only be carried out by qualified medical professionals. This will ensure excellent results without any negative side effects. There are also several alternatives to lip thread lift but make sure to discuss the options with the plastic surgeon before deciding on a treatment.
