Droopy Jowls

If a thread lift is being considered for addressing jowls, understanding the procedure can help alleviate any concerns.

1. Consultation and Planning: As previously mentioned, a thorough consultation is the first critical step. Your practitioner will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine the most suitable type and number of threads. They will also map out the insertion points and the trajectory of the threads to achieve the desired lift.
2. Anaesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia. This means the treated areas will be numbed, ensuring comfort throughout the process. You will be awake but should feel no pain.
3. Thread Insertion: Small entry points, often barely noticeable, are made with a fine needle. Through these points, the threads, pre-loaded in a cannula or needle, are carefully inserted into the subcutaneous layer of the skin (just beneath the surface). The practitioner meticulously guides the threads to achieve the optimal lift and contour.
4. Anchoring and Trimming: Once the threads are in place, they are gently manipulated to engage with the tissue. The tiny barbs or cones on the threads grip the skin, allowing the practitioner to lift and suspend the sagging areas. The ends of the threads are then trimmed, disappearing beneath the skin.
5. Immediate Results and Recovery: You will likely see an immediate lifting effect, although some swelling or bruising can temporarily mask the final outcome. Recovery is generally quick, with most individuals resuming normal activities within a few days. Minor swelling, tenderness, or bruising are common but usually resolve within a week or two. Your practitioner will provide specific aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding vigorous exercise, certain facial expressions, and pressure on the treated areas for a period.

While the immediate lift from a thread lift is gratifying, the long-term benefit comes from the body's natural response. The foreign body reaction to the dissolving threads stimulates fibroblasts, leading to increased collagen and elastin production around the threads. This new collagen provides a natural internal support structure, helping to maintain the lifted effect even after the threads have fully dissolved (which typically takes around 6-9 months, depending on the material).

The longevity of thread lift results can vary, generally lasting from 12 to 24 months. Factors influencing this include the individual's age, skin quality, lifestyle, and the type of threads used. Many individuals opt for "top-up" treatments or combine thread lifts with other aesthetic treatments like dermal fillers or energy-based devices to enhance and prolong their results, creating a more holistic approach to facial rejuvenation.

It's important to have realistic expectations and understand that a thread lift offers a noticeable but natural enhancement. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a refreshed appearance without the invasiveness of surgery, effectively bridging the gap between non-invasive treatments and a full facelift for addressing early to moderate signs of aging, particularly droopy jowls.

Ultraformer III utilizes High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology. Unlike lasers or radiofrequency, which primarily target superficial skin layers, HIFU delivers precise, concentrated ultrasound energy to multiple depths within the skin and underlying tissues, including the crucial SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer. This is the same deep structural layer that plastic surgeons manipulate during a surgical facelift.

Here's a detailed look at its mechanism:

1. Targeted Energy Delivery: Ultraformer III uses different cartridges that allow the practitioner to deliver ultrasound energy at specific depths (e.g., 1.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.5mm, and even deeper for body contouring). For droopy jowls, the focus is on tightening the skin and the SMAS layer in the lower face and jawline.
2. Thermal Coagulation Points: When the focused ultrasound energy reaches the targeted depths, it creates tiny, precise thermal coagulation points. These controlled heat points cause the existing collagen fibers to immediately contract, resulting in an initial, subtle tightening effect.
3. Neocollagenesis (New Collagen Production): The "thermal injury" caused by the focused ultrasound energy triggers the body's natural wound healing response. This response stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing new collagen and elastin. Over the following weeks and months, this neocollagenesis leads to a gradual and natural tightening and lifting of the skin, improving firmness and elasticity in the jowl area.
4. Fat Reduction (for submental fat): Some Ultraformer III cartridges can also target deeper fat layers (e.g., 6mm or 9mm), which can be beneficial if a double chin or excess fat in the submental area contributes to the jowling. The heat energy can cause destruction of fat cells, which are then naturally cleared by the body

• Non-Surgical and Non-Invasive: This is a major advantage for many people. There are no incisions, needles (beyond the initial numbing if used), or extensive downtime.
• Targets Deep Layers: Unlike many other non-invasive treatments, Ultraformer III can reach the SMAS layer, providing a more significant and longer-lasting lifting effect that addresses the structural causes of jowling.
• Stimulates Natural Collagen: The treatment works with your body's own regenerative processes, leading to natural-looking results that improve over time.
• Minimal Downtime: Patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. There might be some mild redness, swelling, or tenderness, similar to a mild sunburn, which usually subsides within a few hours to a few days.
• Gradual and Natural Results: While some immediate tightening may be noticed, the full effects develop over 2-3 months as new collagen is produced, with optimal results often seen at 6 months. This gradual improvement helps create a natural, refreshed look rather than a sudden, drastic change.
• Suitable for Mild to Moderate Laxity: Ultraformer III is particularly effective for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity and early signs of jowling. It can help tighten and define the jawline, reduce the appearance of a double chin, and lift sagging cheeks.
• Long-Lasting Effects: Results can last for 12 to 24 months, and maintenance treatments can help prolong the benefits.

• Consultation: As with any aesthetic procedure, a thorough consultation with a qualified medical professional is essential to determine if Ultraformer III is the right treatment for your specific concerns and to discuss realistic expectations.
• Procedure: A gel is applied to the skin, and the Ultraformer III handpiece is moved over the treatment area, delivering precise pulses of ultrasound energy. You may feel a warm sensation, tingling, or a deep ache, which can be managed with local anaesthetic cream if needed. The treatment duration varies depending on the area, but a full face and neck can take around 60-90 minutes.
• Post-Treatment: Minor redness, swelling, or tenderness are common. Some people might experience a mild aching sensation for a few days or weeks. There are generally no specific aftercare restrictions that significantly impact your daily life, other than perhaps avoiding direct sun exposure.

While Ultraformer III is a highly effective treatment for droopy jowls, it's important to remember it's not a substitute for surgical intervention in cases of severe skin laxity. A qualified practitioner will be able to advise you on the most suitable treatment plan for your individual needs.