How Do Permanent Silicone Suspensions Lift the Face?

How Do Permanent Silicone Threads Lift the Face?

The changes that occur in our face over time are not limited to wrinkles. With age, the fat pads, connective tissues, and anatomical structures supporting the face beneath the skin can shift downwards. This change may manifest as sagging cheeks, an ill-defined facial oval, looseness in the jawline, and downturned mouth corners.

Permanent silicone threads are a type of thread lifting method that aims to mechanically grasp and re-elevate downward-displaced facial tissues. Thanks to their special structure, they can create a lifting effect by holding the tissue multidirectionally along the thread, rather than pulling it from just one point.

Assoc. Prof. Hüray Hügül explains the structure of permanent silicone threads and how they grasp facial tissues.

What are permanent silicone threads?

Permanent silicone threads are special medical threads that are not absorbed by the body over time and are used to support facial tissues in a specific direction. The surface of these threads has numerous small projections or barbs that help grasp the surrounding tissue.

A standard straight thread can slide through the tissue. The multidirectional gripping structure of permanent silicone threads aims to create a stronger contact with the surrounding soft tissue. This way, the goal is to reposition the downward-displaced tissues upwards.

The word "permanent" here refers to the non-absorbable nature of the thread material used. However, it does not mean that the appearance created by the application will remain unchanged throughout life, as the facial aging process continues.

How do permanent silicone threads lift the face?

The mechanism of action of permanent silicone threads is based on the principle of grasping facial tissue in the appropriate anatomical layer and repositioning it upwards.

Small gripping structures can be positioned 360 degrees around the threads. These structures grasp the surrounding soft tissue from different directions after the thread is inserted. When tension is created along the lifting direction determined by the doctor, sagging tissue can be elevated.

Assoc. Prof. Hüray Hügül compares this mechanism in the video to small hands grasping and lifting the tissue. This multidirectional gripping system aims to support the mobile tissues beneath the skin, rather than merely pulling the superficial skin of the face.

Why is a 360-degree barbed structure important?

In thread lifting applications, the design of the thread is one of the key elements influencing how well it can adhere to the tissue. While unidirectional or limited grippers can only provide support in a specific direction, barbs distributed around the thread can create a larger contact area.

The purposes of 360-degree circumferential gripping are as follows:

• To grasp facial tissue from different directions of the thread,
• To distribute the applied lifting force over a wider area,
• To help reduce the likelihood of the thread slipping within the tissue,
• To ensure a more balanced reshaping of the facial contour,
• To create stronger mechanical support for sagging tissues.

However, the anatomical layer, angle, and lifting direction of the thread's placement are as important as its technical characteristics. The same thread can produce different results in different facial structures.

Which areas can be addressed with permanent silicone threads?

Permanent silicone threads can be used in different areas of the face depending on the need identified during the examination. The most frequently considered areas include:

• Midface and cheek area,
• Around the cheekbones,
• Nasolabial area,
• Mouth corners and marionette lines,
• Facial oval,
• Jawline,
• Double chin and neck area,
• Outer part of the eyebrows and temporal area.

The direction, number, and anatomical plane of thread placement may vary for each area. Therefore, the application should be planned according to the individual's facial anatomy, not a standard template.

What is the difference between permanent silicone threads and absorbable threads?

In thread lifting applications, both absorbable and non-absorbable materials can be used. While some threads like PDO, PLLA, or PCL are broken down by the body over time, permanent silicone threads remain in the tissue.

Absorbable threads are generally used to provide more limited or temporary mechanical support and to encourage collagen production in the surrounding area. Permanent threads, on the other hand, aim to create an ongoing support system in the tissue.

However, the use of a permanent material does not mean that the method is better for everyone. The choice of permanent threads should be evaluated based on factors such as the person's age, skin quality, facial anatomy, degree of sagging, previous procedures, and whether they plan to have surgery in the future.

Do permanent silicone threads provide the same results as surgery?

Permanent silicone threads can provide a noticeable lift and improvement in facial contour in some suitable patients. However, thread lifting is not the same as surgical facelift.

During a surgical facelift, excess skin can be removed, deeper anatomical layers of the face can be released and repositioned, and muscle structures in the neck area can be directly addressed. In a thread lift procedure, excess skin is not removed; existing tissues are attempted to be moved upwards along specific vectors.

Therefore, surgical methods may be more appropriate for individuals with significant skin laxity, pronounced neck looseness, or extensive tissue sagging. For individuals with mild to moderate sagging and suitable facial anatomy, permanent silicone threads can be considered as a non-surgical or minimally invasive alternative.

Who might be suitable for permanent silicone threads?

Permanent silicone threads can be considered particularly for individuals who are beginning to experience downward displacement of facial tissues but do not have significant excess skin.

Suitable candidates typically exhibit some of the following characteristics:

• Mild or moderate sagging in the cheeks and midface,
• An ill-defined jawline,
• A downturned appearance at the corners of the mouth,
• Laxity in the facial oval,
• A desire to avoid surgical operation,
• Preferring to lift existing tissue rather than adding volume with fillers,
• Having realistic and natural expectations for results.

The method may not be suitable for individuals with very thin skin, advanced excess skin, active infections, uncontrolled systemic diseases, or unrealistic expectations. A definitive decision can only be made after a medical examination.

Why is facial analysis important before the procedure?

In a thread lift procedure, it is not sufficient to merely look at the area of sagging. The bone structure of the face, fat compartments, skin quality, muscle movements, and the balance between the right and left sides of the face must be evaluated together.

During pre-procedure facial analysis, the following questions are typically addressed:

• In which direction have the tissues shifted downwards?
• What should be the most appropriate lifting vector?
• How many threads are needed?
• In which anatomical layer should the threads be placed?
• Is there any initial asymmetry between the two sides of the face?
• Is the procedure sufficient on its own, or should it be supported with other applications?

For a natural appearance, the aim is not to tighten the face as much as possible, but to reposition the tissues to a location appropriate to the person's anatomy.

What can be observed after permanent silicone thread application?

After the procedure, temporary swelling, tenderness, bruising, a feeling of tightness, or differences during facial movements may be observed in the application area. In the first few days, slight indentations, folds, or asymmetry along the direction of the tissue lift may also occur.

Some of this appearance may resolve as swelling decreases and tissues adapt to their new position. The healing process can vary depending on the technique used, the number of threads, the application area, and the individual's tissue characteristics.

Complications such as infection, feeling or visibility of the thread, prolonged pain, significant asymmetry, and tissue irregularities are also possible. Therefore, the procedure should be performed by a physician who is well-versed in facial anatomy and the thread system used.

How long do permanent silicone thread results last?

The permanent silicone thread material is not absorbed by the body. However, the face continues to change over time due to aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, decreased skin elasticity, and mimic movements.

Therefore, the outcome of the application is not solely determined by whether the thread is permanent. Skin quality, age, lifestyle, smoking, sun exposure, and the initial degree of tissue sagging can all affect the result.

Assoc. Prof. Hüray Hügül states in the video that the nine-year patient results of procedures performed with permanent silicone threads have been published in the international peer-reviewed journal Dermatologic Surgery. Long-term evaluations are important for understanding the effect and follow-up process of the method over time.

Do permanent silicone threads look natural?

A natural result depends more on the planning of the application than on the strength of the thread used. If tissues are pulled too much or in the wrong direction, an artificial, taut, or face-altering appearance may occur.

Choosing lifting directions appropriate to the person's facial proportions, considering differences between the right and left sides of the face, and avoiding excessive tension can help achieve a more balanced result.

The goal of a thread lift procedure is not to transform the person's face into a different facial shape, but to move downward-displaced tissues to a more balanced position.

Can a thread lift be combined with other applications?

Permanent silicone threads aim to lift facial tissues upwards, but may not be sufficient on their own for surface skin imperfections such as spots, fine wrinkles, pores, or volume loss.

Based on the physician's assessment, the procedure can be planned in combination with the following applications:

• Botulinum toxin applications,
• Hyaluronic acid fillers,
• Mesotherapy and skin rejuvenation applications,
• Radiofrequency and laser applications,
• Supportive procedures for the neck and jawline.

In combined applications, the sequence of procedures and the waiting times between them should be determined individually for each person.

Frequently Asked Questions about Permanent Silicone Threads

Are permanent silicone threads absorbable?

No. Unlike absorbable PDO or similar threads, permanent silicone threads are made from materials that are not broken down by the body over time.

Is a permanent silicone thread procedure non-surgical?

The procedure does not involve large incisions and the removal of excess skin as in a classic facelift surgery. However, since medical threads are placed under the skin, it is an invasive medical application.

Do permanent silicone threads completely change the face?

The aim is not to completely change the face, but to reposition downward-displaced tissues upwards in a way that is appropriate for the individual's anatomy. The degree of the result varies according to the facial structure and the level of sagging.

Are permanent threads and PDO threads the same thing?

No. PDO threads are absorbed over time, while permanent silicone threads remain in the tissue. The purpose of use, lifting capacity, and suitable patient profile for both methods may differ.

Do permanent silicone threads replace surgical facelift?

They can be considered as an alternative for suitable individuals with mild to moderate sagging. However, surgical facelift may be more effective for individuals with significant excess skin and neck sagging.

Does the facial expression change after the procedure?

When correct anatomical planning and appropriate tension are used, the goal is to preserve natural facial expression. Any swelling and tightness that may occur in the first few days can temporarily alter facial expression.

Conclusion: Correct Anatomical Planning is as Important as Strong Threads

Permanent silicone threads aim to grasp and lift facial tissues upwards thanks to their multidirectional gripping structures. They can be considered especially for mild or moderate sagging in the facial oval, cheeks, jawline, and neck area.

However, a successful outcome does not solely depend on the characteristics of the thread used. Accurate analysis of facial anatomy, proper placement of the thread in the appropriate tissue layer, and personalized determination of lifting directions are as important as thread selection.

Whether permanent silicone threads, thread lifts, and other non-surgical facial rejuvenation options are suitable for you can only be determined after an examination by a dermatologist.

Disclaimer: This article is prepared for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or care recommendations. The suitability of the application, expected results, and potential risks should be evaluated after a personal examination.