In the world of cosmetics and minimally invasive procedures, facial threads represent a significant invention that has aided medical providers in meeting the needs of clients who want to improve their facial looks and aesthetics.
Thread Lift. Credit: Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
Although the use of facial threads may appear to be a relatively new phenomenon, its origin, however, can be traced back to the early 20th century when surgeons attempted to improve facial sagging by pulling the facial skin and tying the skin with sutures to eliminate wrinkles and sagging. This technique, when we think about it now, seems so crude; however, it was the method used back then. As the years rolled by, with medicine and technology improving, the early rudimentary facial threads were invented in the late 20th century, which helped surgeons strengthen their techniques. Currently, the threads that are used for modern minimally invasive facial lifts are essentially three types; they include the more widely known PDO ((Polydiaxone) threads, PCL (Poly Caprolactone) threads, and PLLA ( Poly-L-Lactic Acid) threads, all biodegradable.
Read Also: Why Many Are Now Opting for Thread Lifts Instead of Surgical Face Lifts
With the invention of these biodegradable threads, the technique has also improved because medical providers no longer have to use non-biodegradable sutures that come with complications. Instead, these biodegradable threads are employed. The way they work is that medical providers place the facial threads underneath the skin; these threads would then act as a platform that stimulates the production of collagen and fibroblasts under the skin, which would help to keep the skin in place essentially and what’s more incredible about this is that while the threads get to dissolve some months later, the collagen and fibroblast which has been formed will still be in place providing a more lasting effect.
Market Analysis
Table of Contents
United States
In the United States, PDO threads are more widely acceptable for use in facial lifting. What makes the United States production of facial threads reliable is that they must have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which drastically reduces the number of fake products and forgeries. The top three manufacturers in the United States include MINT, NOVA THREADS, and Yastrid. Each of these companies has earned a reputation for delivering high-end products and quality for customer use and satisfaction.
South Korea
The use of threads in the Korean market has grown exponentially and is widely accepted. This is partly because of the premium its society places on facial aesthetics. Leading manufacturers include Yurim Medial Co., EWELL Medical, Metro Korea, Layun Korea, CELLAbeauti Co., Ltd, Korea Med, and Academy. MINT also has approved use in Korea.
Read Also: How PDO Thread Treatment Can Help You Look Younger and More Radiant
Europe
In Europe, companies like The VICTORIA company, Euromexde, PrPmed, Top Dermal, Aptos thread, and Silhouette Soft represent some of the biggest companies that have EU approval and focus on delivering high-end quality facial threads.
China
Manufacturers and suppliers include Jinan Shangyang Medica Technology Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang Langland Technology Co. Ltd., and Yastrid. These companies represent leading manufacturers in the Chinese market, which is focused on supplying the needs of the large Chinese population while simultaneously ensuring that quality does not drop.
Distribution Channels
Ideally, practitioners get their products from various tested and trusted brands that have their country’s approval. They can make purchases either directly from the manufacturers, local retailers, sales reps, or online vendors. Generally, practitioners like to stick to products that provide the best value for money with optimal client satisfaction.
While this method may work for already established companies, it is not ideal for new brands just starting. These companies, therefore, have to become more creative in creating awareness for their brands through free samples to different practitioners through sales representatives while also offering incentives like discounts on products that provide the same value as the already established products. These are some of the ways new products try to break into the market to serve the general public.
Growth potential
The art of improving facial aesthetics and minimally invasive facial lifting has come a long way from the more invasive surgical techniques in the early 20th century to the use of the more widely known Botox and fillers. The use of facial threads has been growing in popularity over the last couple of years, and each year, more people seem to find the appeal of facial threads. Some of its more widely accepted appeals include the fact that it is minimally invasive, which is especially important for people who are not ready for more radically invasive techniques. Additionally, thread lifts are much more affordable compared to surgical facelifts and the shorter recovery period associated with them is also a plus
Read Also: Addressing Skin Sagging: Exploring Minimally Invasive Skin Rejuvenation Techniques
Research has also been ongoing on the use of facial threads as a viable alternative tool in the area of facial aesthetics. One such study carried out in Korea showed that about 94.3% of the participants were satisfied with the results; some other studies that have been documented through a systematic review of the literature show that not enough studies have been done to conclusively say that facial threads are better than other methods used in facial aesthetics.
Conclusion
Facial threads represent a significant alternative in the world of facial aesthetics to the more contemporary surgical facelifts, Botox, and fillers. While some research highlights their benefits, others feel that enough evidence is not yet available to place them above other, more conventional methods conclusively. More efforts are perhaps needed in this area so that practitioners and clients alike can feel more confident about the procedure.
References
Astrid (2023). 8 Types of Facial Threads and Their Respective Function. [online] yastrid. com. Available at: https://www.yastrid.com/types-of-facial-threads/ [Accessed 11 May 2024].
Atiyeh, B.S., Chahine, F. and Ghanem, O.A. (2021). Percutaneous Thread Lift Facial Rejuvenation: Literature Review and Evidence-Based Analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-020-02095-1
Lee, H., Yoon, K. and Lee, M. (2017). Outcome of facial rejuvenation with polydioxanone thread for Asians. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 20(3), pp.189–192. https://doi.org/10.1080/14764172.2017.1400167
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