<p class="d-table">The one area of the body that is frustratingly stubborn for many people is the belly. Childbirth, hormonal fluctuations, weight changes, and the natural aging process all lead to the accumulation of excess skin and fat around the stomach area. Unfortunately, many people find that a healthy diet and regular exercise are simply not enough to get rid of the excess fat and loose abdominal skin around the middle.</p><p>A plastic surgery procedure called an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can be performed for successfully removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the remaining skin. This cosmetic surgery can give you a smooth and sculpted belly and curvaceous waistline. Many patients have a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover after pregnancy. This plastic surgery can also be combined with liposuction for more comprehensive body contouring.</p><p>However, you should know that a tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure. There are some things tummy tuck patients should know before undergoing this cosmetic procedure. This can help to ensure the surgery is safe and you get the desired tummy tuck results.</p><p>If you are planning on getting a tummy tuck, please continue reading to learn about some of the do's and don'ts before and after a tummy tuck. By doing your homework and fully understanding the benefits and risks of this cosmetic surgery, you can avoid complications and disappointments. Because while an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a highly effective plastic surgery with long-lasting results, it may not be right for everyone. Here are some facts to know before undergoing tummy tucks.</p><h2 class="d-table">What should you not do before a tummy tuck?</h2><h3 class="d-table">Don't undertake significant weight loss</h3><p>Plastic surgeons recommend that you don't undergo rapid weight reduction before your tummy tuck. If you are on a crash diet or other means of trying to lose a great deal of weight, you should stop a few weeks to months before your procedure. It is important for prospective patients to be at a stable body weight before a tummy tuck.</p><h3 class="d-table">Don't smoke</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/aa8aa444d849439ee1e65b8097649c59.jpg"></figure><p>You should stop using any form of tobacco at least 4 weeks prior to your scheduled tummy tuck plastic surgery. Smoking can lead to wound healing problems and increase the risk of postoperative complications.</p><h3 class="d-table">Don't drink alcohol</h3><p>Your board certified plastic surgeon will advise you to stop drinking alcohol for at least one week before and two weeks after your abdominoplasty. This is because alcohol cause dehydration and can interfere with blood clotting and anesthesia.</p><h3 class="d-table">Don't use herbal medications</h3><p>Some herbal medications can lead to complications during and after surgical procedures by interfering with blood clotting, blood pressure, and general anesthesia. Give your plastic surgeon a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over the counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products. Don't take anything before your procedure without checking with your doctor first.</p><h3 class="d-table">Don't hesitate to ask for help</h3><p>You will not feel like yourself for the first few weeks after your procedure. It is important to seek help from friends and relatives, for example, arranging for someone to drive you home after your tummy tuck, and, if possible, stay with you for a few days during your recovery.</p><h2 class="d-table">How do you prepare your body for a tummy tuck?</h2><h3 class="d-table"><strong>Be at a stable weight</strong></h3><p>A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty can very effectively sculpt your body and give you the shape that has eluded you despite a healthy lifestyle. However, it's important to understand that this plastic surgery is not a weight loss procedure. People undergoing a tummy tuck should be at or close to their ideal body weight (within 10-15 pounds of the goal weight) for 6-12 months before the procedure. Any weight fluctuation (weight gain or weight loss) after a tummy tuck can undo the results of the surgery and disrupt the contoured shape achieved with the surgery. This may lead to a need for additional procedures. If you plan to lose additional weight, it's a good idea to hold off on a tummy tuck for the time being.</p><h3 class="d-table">Fuel your body</h3><p>In the weeks to months prior to your tummy tuck surgery, you should follow a healthy lifestyle so that you are in your overall best health. This includes paying attention to nutrition and eating low-fat and high-protein foods. It will give you the optimal result and also speed up recovery after your tummy tuck.</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>Stay well hydrated</strong></h3><p>Drinking plenty of fluids like water to stay well hydrated will help you recover faster after surgery day.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/1c6a63148e4dfa40fcef158fac2aaec9.jpg"></figure><h3 class="d-table"><strong>Stop taking certain medications</strong></h3><p>Your plastic surgeon will advise you to stop taking certain medications one week before your tummy tuck. This includes blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen that can increase the risk of bleeding. You should also avoid diet pills, herbal teas, supplements, and other over-the-counter products because they can interfere with anesthesia or blood clotting. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is safe to take for pain control after the surgery.</p><h2 class="d-table">How do you prepare for recovery from tummy tuck?</h2><h3 class="d-table">Create a comfort zone</h3><p>You will need a place to rest while your belly area recovers from the plastic surgery. Ideally, this should be a comfortable chair or recliner that doesn't place pressure on the abdominal wall. Most patients like to have a table nearby where there are magazines, books, snacks, devices, the TV remote, etc., within easy reach.</p><h3 class="d-table">Prepare your home</h3><p>If you like to keep your home clean, it's a good idea to get this done before you go in for your tummy tuck cosmetic surgery, so you won't need to worry about it after you come back home. It's also a good idea to have a few meals prepared and stored in the freezer, especially if your support person is not much of a cook. Many patients like to have pre-made protein shakes in the fridge - they are a great way to boost energy and provide nutrients even when you don't have much of an appetite.</p><h3 class="d-table">Set out some comfortable outfits</h3><p>To avoid bending and reaching for clothes, it might be a good idea to have a few sets of comfortable outfits within easy reach to wear in the next several days after your tummy tuck. Loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes are the best.</p><h3 class="d-table">Fill your prescriptions</h3><p>Your plastic surgeon will give you instructions and prescribe certain medications to take during tummy tuck recovery, for example, pain medications. You should fill these prescriptions and also buy things like compression garments that you will need after your surgery.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/42b19ee8f2e2a1261c14e5546b04501a.jpg"></figure><h2 class="d-table">What are the do's and don'ts after a tummy tuck surgery?</h2><h3 class="d-table"><strong>DO ask your doctor about laxatives</strong></h3><p>You will need to take some pain medications during your recovery from a tummy tuck to ease any discomfort. These medications and the lack of movement can cause you to become constipated in the days after your surgery. Stay well hydrated, eat lots of fiber, and start moving around as soon as your doctor says it's okay. Talk to your doctor about taking milk of magnesia or some other laxative after the surgery. Some doctors advise starting stool softeners a few days before the surgery. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>DO start moving after two weeks</strong></h3><p>Follow your doctor's instructions about movement and activities. Most patients can start taking gentle walks two to three weeks after a tummy tuck. Movement is important for circulation, to aid healing, and to prevent blood clots. But it's important to increase activity gradually. While you should not stay in bed all day, you also should not do strenuous activity until you've had a chance to heal fully.</p><h3 class="d-table">DON'T overdo it</h3><p>To maintain the results of your tummy tuck, you should aim to stay at a stable weight after your surgery. To this end, you should start doing light cardio and light weightlifting two weeks after your procedure. However, it's important to ease back to your exercise routine. Don't do too much too soon. You will need to avoid heavy lifting, such as lifting children, pets, or heavy grocery bags for 4 weeks. You will also need to avoid core exercises that target the abdominal muscles for 3 months. However, you can resume other types of exercises and activities after 6 weeks.</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>DON'T weigh or measure yourself immediately</strong></h3><p>There can be a fair bit of swelling and excess fluid for the first 4 weeks after your tummy tuck. If you weigh or measure yourself soon after your tummy tuck surgery, it can lead to disappointment when you see an increase in measurements or weight, which is from the swelling. Don't expect your body to change instantly. Give the swelling and water retention some time to go away. Remember that in most of the before and after tummy tuck photos you see online, the after photos are taken months after the procedure.</p><h2 class="d-table">What is the difference between a tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck?</h2><p>A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen. A mini tummy tuck only addresses extra skin, stretch marks, and loose muscles in the lower abdomen (below the belly button), leaving the upper abdomen untouched. &nbsp;</p><h3 class="d-table">Advantages of a full tummy tuck include:</h3><p>Removes excessive skin and tightens loose skin from above and below the belly button.</p><p>Provides complete transformation of the abdominal area.</p><p>Can address any belly button issues such as an outie.</p><h3 class="d-table">Disadvantages of a full tummy tuck include:</h3><p>The recovery period is longer.</p><p>Seroma and other wound healing issues are more common compared to a mini abdominoplasty.</p><p>Advantages of a mini abdominoplasty include:</p><p>Smaller scars.</p><p>Faster recovery time.</p><p>Disadvantages of a mini abdominoplasty include:</p><p>Upper abdominal issues are not addressed.</p><p>Less transformative than a full abdominoplasty.</p><h2 class="d-table">What they don't tell you about tummy tucks</h2><h3 class="d-table"><strong>You'll have surgical drains in place</strong></h3><p>For 1-2 weeks after your tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon will leave surgical drains in place to remove excess fluids and blood from the surgical site and keep the swelling down. These drains are vital for proper healing and require some care, including limitations on bathing. The drains are usually removed 7-10 days after the procedure, and this can be done quickly and painlessly in your surgeon's office. However, occasionally the drains may need to stay in longer.</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>You'll have to wear a compression garment</strong></h3><p>Your surgeon will ask you to wear an elasticized, stretchable garment shaped like a girdle for a few days after your tummy tuck. This garment places pressure on the area to provide support and keep the swelling down.</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>There is significant downtime</strong></h3><p>Remember that a tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure. You will need will need 4-6 weeks to heal from this plastic surgery. For the first 1-2 weeks, you might feel tired, sore, and swollen. You may even need to take pain medication for the discomfort. Keep in mind that you will need to do more than simply take time off work. You will need someone to help with household chores and childcare. It is important to take it slow and allow your body to heal.</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>Tummy tuck surgery leaves a permanent scar</strong></h3><p>The full abdominoplasty technique involves making an incision that extends from hip to hip. This incision leaves a permanent scar along the entire breadth of the abdomen, right above the pubic bone. The scar does fade a little with time, but it can be visible for several years after your tummy tuck. An experienced, board certified plastic surgeon can place the incision carefully so that it is concealed in clothing, including underwear and swimsuit bottoms.</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>Your clothes may not fit initially</strong></h3><p>If you've been waiting to jump into a pair of skinny jeans that's been sitting in your wardrobe for years, don't even think about it for 2-3 weeks after your tummy tuck. As mentioned, there can be a fair amount of fluid retention and swelling, so trying to fit into certain types of clothes, say in the first week after a tummy tuck, will only lead to disappointment. After a couple of weeks, however, you will find that your clothes fit much better.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/43f57909dd28636748011eca98b60702.jpg"></figure><h3 class="d-table"><strong>Complete healing can take up to one year</strong></h3><p>The results of a tummy tuck cosmetic surgery are not visible instantly. Rather, it takes several weeks for the redness, swelling, and soreness to subside. You should know that some subtle swelling can remain for 6-12 months. Similarly, there can be some numbness or loss of sensation that lasts for months and resolves slowly. You will feel like yourself after 3 months but it may take a year for full healing.</p><h2 class="d-table">Wrapping up</h2><p>When you're thinking about getting a tummy tuck or other such transformative cosmetic surgery, it's important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon. The MeTime app makes it easy to find the best plastic surgeons who perform tummy tucks in your area. You can chat with experts, share photos, do video calls, get quotes, and much more. A good surgeon will always be transparent and will discuss the pros and cons of the procedure with you frankly, so that you'll know what to expect with an abdominoplasty and can make an informed decision.</p>

A plastic surgery procedure called an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can be performed for successfully removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the remaining skin. This cosmetic surgery can give you a smooth and sculpted belly and curvaceous waistline.

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If you are planning on getting a tummy tuck, please continue reading to learn about some of the do's and don'ts before and after a tummy tuck.

MeTime - Things you should know before getting a tummy tuck

Things you should know before getting a tummy tuck

<p>Want a bigger, rounder butt? Unhappy with the size of your breasts? Want to do something about scars or volume loss in your face? Fat transfer could be just what you've been looking for. It is a natural method of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/patients/solutions/facial-contouring">contouring and enhancing your face</a> and body. Indeed, fat grafts are one of the most common methods of soft tissue augmentation.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/patients/solutions/fat-grafting">Fat grafting</a> involves placement of fat in areas where you desire more volume. The process starts with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/patients/solutions/liposuction">liposuction</a> to harvest fat cells. These fat cells come from your own excess fat in areas like the belly, flanks, or thighs. The fat tissue is then processed and the purified fat graft is re-injected into the target area where you want to add volume. This technique is frequently used in facial rejuvenation, scar treatment, natural <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/patients/solutions/facelift">breast augmentation</a> without implants, and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/patients/solutions/brazilian-butt-lift">Brazilian butt lift</a> (BBL) procedure.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/70a6af3122bde0a403e1ae11287f343c.jpg"></figure><p>But here's the thing. Only a portion of the fat survives in the new location after a fat transfer procedure. The percentage of fat that survives depends on various factors, such as the fat harvesting and fat graft processing methods as well as your surgeon's technique and skill. But there are also things <i>you </i>can do to maximize fat survival after fat transfer surgery.</p><p>Join me as I tell you about some of the ways to maximize fat survival after fat transfer. &nbsp;</p><h2 class="d-table">How long do fat cells survive after transfer?</h2><p>Human adipose tissue (fat) is a very delicate tissue. Surgeons can tailor fat grafting techniques and will always use the gentlest techniques to harvest fat with liposuction and reinject it into another area. Even so, approximately 30% of the transferred fat undergoes fat necrosis after autologous fat grafting. In non-sciency language, it means the newly transferred fat does not survive and is reabsorbed by the body in first 6-12 months after the fat transfer.</p><h2 class="d-table">Does fat grow back after fat transfer?</h2><p>Fat does not "grow back" after human fat grafting or fat transfer. However, the transferred fat cells that survive beyond 6-12 months are permanent. They remain in their new location and behave like other fatty tissue in the body. So, the transferred fat will respond to weight changes, hormonal fluctuations, etc. If you are going in for a fat transfer procedure, some simple precautions during the recovery period can help to improve fat graft survival.</p><h2 class="d-table">How do I make sure fat survives after BBL?</h2><p>Knowing some key fat graft failure points and taking the appropriate precautions can greatly enhance your results from fat transfer procedures. Whether you're having a Brazilian butt lift, facial fat grafting, or breast autologous fat grafting, here are some ways to maximize fat survival after fat transfer:</p><h3 class="d-table">Wear the right garments</h3><p>Your doctor may ask you to wear compression garments after your fat transfer procedure. These garments help with the healing process. But beyond anything recommended by your doctor, it's important to wear loose clothes in the treated area to enhance fat graft retention. This is because squeezing or putting pressure on the treated area is the fastest way to kill newly transplanted fat cells. Tight-fitting or restrictive clothing can lead to re-absorption of the transplanted fat tissue, so be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes in the weeks after your fat transfer.</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>Pay attention to your sleeping position</strong></h3><p>Keeping pressure off the subcutaneous soft tissue and new fat graft material can lead to improved fat transfer viability, i.e. fat survival. So, if you've had butt augmentation with a BBL, you should sleep face down for at least 2 weeks. If, on the other hand, you've had breast or facial fat grafting procedures, then you should sleep on your back.</p><h3 class="d-table">Stay off your butt</h3><p>This one's specifically for folks who've had a Brazilian butt lift or BBL. Pressure on the area could lead to decreased fat graft retention, which could affect your results. For improved fat graft survival, you'll need to avoid sitting on your butt for at least 2 weeks after the fat transfer. This includes no driving.</p><h3 class="d-table">Put those cigarettes away</h3><p>Your blood supply brings vital nutrients and oxygen to the newly grafted fat tissue. Chemicals in cigarette smoke affect your blood supply, and consequently, healing and tissue repair. Smoking can slow down the adipose tissue regeneration process&nbsp;by withholding blood supply and nutrients that the transferred fat needs to survive. So, if you are a smoker, it's critical that you refrain from smoking if you want the newly injected fat to survive. This could even be a great opportunity to quit altogether.</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>Eat healthy fats</strong></h3><p>Consuming healthy fats, such as walnuts, almonds, extra virgin olive oil, salmon, and avocado as well as an overall healthy diet can help to optimize your fat transfer results. Nutrient-rich foods will give your body everything it needs to optimize the fat graft microenvironment and ensure survival of the newly transferred fat.</p><h3 class="d-table">Hold off on strenuous exercise</h3><p>For the first 8 weeks after fat transfer procedures like Brazilian butt lift, natural breast augmentation, and facial fat transfer, you should avoid doing any strenuous or high-impact exercises that could potentially put pressure on the treated area. It is okay to do light exercises such as walking. After a couple of months, the fat tissue grafted will have settled and you can go back to more robust exercise sessions.</p><h3 class="d-table">Stay hydrated</h3><p>Staying well hydrated helps with in the healing process and increases the chances of the transferred fat surviving. Remember to stay away from empty calories in soft drinks and avoid excessive caffeine, salt, and sugar. Water is the best way to stay hydrated. You can add lemons or lime to your jug of water if you want some flavor.</p><h3 class="d-table">Maintain a stable weight</h3><p>Weight fluctuations after fat transfer surgery can have a significant effect on the results. A large amount of weight loss can lead to volume loss in facial fat transfer patients. Weight gain is less likely to affect facial fat transfer patients but can lead to less satisfactory results after a Brazilian butt lift.</p><h3 class="d-table">Ask your doctor about platelet-rich plasma</h3><p>Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can significantly improve the viability of an autologous fat graft. Meaning, it can lead to improved survival of the fat graft injection. PRP is made from a small sample of your own blood. It contains hundreds of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The growth factors in PRP support the newly transferred fat in resisting stress in the first few days after the fat transfer. PRP also helps in the proper arrangement of the newly transferred fat by supporting the surrounding extracellular matrix. Growth factors in PRP promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). As I mentioned, a healthy blood supply is vital to maximize fat survival after fat transfer surgery. PRP is also believed to improve fat survival because it can promote stem cell proliferation (adipose derived stem cells are cells that can develop into fat cells and other types of cells).</p><h2 class="d-table">Wrapping up: Improving survival of fat grafts</h2><p>Everyone is different and there's no way to predict how your body will respond to autologous fat grafts and how long the newly transferred fat will survive. Ultimately, fat graft resorption to some degree is inevitable. But if you follow the above-mentioned ways to maximize fat survival after fat transfer, you can increase your chances of getting the results you wanted.</p><p>Interested in finding out more about fat transfer surgery? The MeTime app makes it easy to connect with experienced medical aesthetic professionals in your area. You can chat with experts, share photos, do a video call, and get quotes. If you've got more questions about fat survival after fat transfer, MeTime can give you all the answers.</p>

Want a bigger, rounder butt? Unhappy with the size of your breasts? Want to do something about scars or volume loss in your face? Fat transfer could be just what you've been looking for. It is a natural method of contouring and enhancing your face and body. Indeed, fat grafts are one of the most common methods of soft tissue augmentation.

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Interested in finding out more about fat transfer surgery? If you've got more questions about fat survival after fat transfer, MeTime can give you all the answers.

MeTime - Ways to Maximize Fat Survival after Fat Transfer

Ways to Maximize Fat Survival after Fat Transfer

<h3 class="d-table">&nbsp;</h3><p>Cables are used to support bridges and buildings, to pull elevators up hundreds of floors in skyscrapers, and to transmit people in cable cars valleys above the ground beneath.&nbsp;So why not use a similar concept to <strong>lift the aging face</strong>?&nbsp; Doctors have been trying and testing threads to lift the face for many years—so it’s not a new concept at all.&nbsp; And now, in less than an hour you can have you brows, face, or neck suspended in order to defy gravity using little filaments that are injected or threaded through the skin.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/6ed8700e0199710b0a319dcc04899c01.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>STRING SUBSTANCE</strong></h3><p>Over several decades various materials were used to place in the face to deliver face lift results without invasive surgery.&nbsp; The idea was to avoid a big operation for people who wanted to look better but didn’t want to undergo traditional <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/patients/solutions/facelift"><strong>facelift</strong></a><strong> surgery</strong>, bandages and lengthy downtime.&nbsp; In the beginning, stitches like nylon were placed in the cheeks to pull back the nasolabial fold, that deep line that runs from the nose to the mouth.&nbsp; Then a substance called polypropylene or Prolene was used.&nbsp; Prolene is used every day in almost every kind of modern surgery, from abdominal surgery to vascular and heart surgery.&nbsp; It’s a strong substance that doesn’t dissolve inside the body: &nbsp;it sits there permanently.&nbsp; You might think that’s a good thing, but remember, a permanent type of material doesn’t mean a permanent result!&nbsp; Nothing is permanent, even a full facelift.&nbsp; To avoid complications after years of inserting permanent <strong>threads</strong>, doctors designed new threads made of dissolvable substances.&nbsp;One is <strong>PDO</strong> or <strong>polydioxanone</strong>.&nbsp; PDO threads are thin, short filaments injected into various parts of the face to support the skin, <strong>stimulate the collagen</strong> and provide a subtle but attractive <strong>brow lift</strong>, <strong>midface lift</strong>, <strong>lower face lift</strong> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/patients/solutions/neck-lift"><strong>neck lift</strong></a> [1].&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/5e9a6bec3b1056926dec3a7951359402.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Poly L-lactic acid or <strong>PLLA</strong> is another non-permanent type of thread lift material, used in threads such as <strong>Silhouette InstaLift®</strong>.&nbsp; PLLA has been used also for many years as a collagen stimulating agent, even in types of fillers like <strong>Sculptra®</strong>, a product used to plump the face after <strong>volume loss</strong>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>TECHNIQUE</strong></h3><p>Almost all <strong>thread lifts</strong> are carried out under local anaesthesia, the type of numbing a dentist provides.&nbsp; One of the most important parts of the thread lift treatment is marking.&nbsp; The doctor has to “map out” exactly where the threads will go, and in what direction or vector [2].&nbsp; The tail of the brow is lifted toward the forehead hairline; the plumpness of the cheeks upwards and backwards to soften the nose-to-mouth groove and highlight the cheeks; the <strong>jowls</strong> are suspended upwards.&nbsp; The neck can be pulled to improve the angle below the chin.&nbsp; Typically, these little threads are carefully positioned just below the dermis—the bottom skin layer.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/353803b9cb3c87a78d1877395845def0.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Threads with barbs</strong> or ‘hooks’ tend to be positioned such that the hooks grab the layers below the skin to provide a lift.&nbsp; Depending on which way the barbs are facing on the suture itself, they can lift the skin or project it or push it out to make the area look fuller.&nbsp; Only small marks remain after the treatment where the skin has been punctured and there are no stitches required.&nbsp; The threads stimulate the collagen in the skin and then slowly dissolve over time.&nbsp; Threads like these may take 10-12 months to dissolve.&nbsp; That’s not to say the results won’t last longer—they might.&nbsp; However, with such a minimally invasive procedure you simply cannot expect facelift-type results [3].&nbsp; Facelifts last longer and deliver more dramatic results because the deeper layers of the face are completely dissected and lifted through larger incisions.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/483aa7ef85c25ace9c42136deb565d77.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some threads are anchored to the bones or strong layers of tissue that envelope the muscles.&nbsp; To do this, an incision is usually required, exposing the layers in the temple to tie the threads down, securing them so they don’t come loose.&nbsp; Anchored threads may lift the face using cogs, cones, or simply loop around the fat or connective tissue structures of the cheeks or lower face.&nbsp; When the tissues are grasped and lifted up, some amount of puckering or pleating of skin is inevitable, unless a little skin is trimmed away at the same time.&nbsp; One method, a so-called <strong>One Stitch Facelift</strong>, suspends the <strong>drooping jowls</strong> or cheeks in this way.&nbsp; When incisions are made, stitched need to be removed after about a week.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/f9fd1982f8a5c9f4f4ce485ed6c2f7c8.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A <strong>drooping neck</strong> is the bane of many who reach their 40s, 50s and beyond.&nbsp; The sagging and loss of definition occur due to weakening of the skin itself, accumulation of fat, relaxation of the muscles under the skin and even falling of the salivary glands below the jawline bone.&nbsp; If a full “open” necklift is not on the cards, there’s always a thread lift to try to get some improvement without the downtime, drains and trauma associated with conventional surgery.&nbsp; Bear in mind, you’ll never get a surgical result with a few threads, but they can help.&nbsp; One innovative <strong>thread lift technique</strong> suspends the neck using threads literally passed from one ear to the other [4].&nbsp; The threads pass just under the skin and recreate the angle of youth with traction.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/f89ad80436bff874d4022c4940cb82a7.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>THREADS IN A TOOLBOX</strong></h3><p>Threads are just one tool aesthetic physicians, <strong>dermatologists</strong> and <strong>plastic surgeons</strong> use to refresh and rejuvenate when a <strong>minimally invasive</strong> option is preferred.&nbsp;It’s one of many tools in the <strong>aesthetic medicine</strong> toolbox that helps fight against gravity.&nbsp; The power of thread lifts lies, though, in the synergy they provide to all of the other popular cosmetic procedures such as <strong>Botox®</strong>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/patients/solutions/facial-fillers">fillers</a> like <strong>Restylane®</strong> and <strong>Juvederm®</strong> and <strong>Belotero®</strong>, lasers and skin treatments.&nbsp; Most experienced Providers are well versed in the physiology of aging and what happens when men and women reach their 30s, 40s 50s and beyond.&nbsp; Threads provide a little lift, but they don’t address photoaging—the ravages caused to the skin by sun; they don’t add facial volume, one of the key features that leads to facial aging; threads don’t relax hyperdynamic muscles like botulinum toxins do. Don’t be misled—the transformative result achieved using threads is usually not just threads, but&nbsp; a skillful combination of threads with other non-surgical cosmetic procedures.&nbsp; Threads plus fillers, threads with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/patients/solutions/laser-skin-resurfacing"><strong>laser resurfacing</strong></a> peels, threads with botulinum toxins and fillers and heating devices all combined to deliver maximum effect.&nbsp;Some plastic surgeons even use threads during facelift surgery as an extra support for certain tissues, like the cheeks or midface.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/58b3f8afe25674020a27ad4806af88c4.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, there are believers and non-believers, and some aesthetic Providers are not advocates of thread lifts.&nbsp; So there are two sides to every story.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>STRINGS ATTACHED</strong></h3><p>Thread lift popularity comes in waves.&nbsp; Right now, they’re pretty hot, with doctors using them all over the world [5].&nbsp;Brands like <strong>Aptos®</strong>, <strong>Happy Lift®</strong>, <strong>Silhouette®</strong>, and a myriad PDO sutures garnish websites, <strong>YouTube videos</strong> and brochures in every continent.&nbsp; So with so much out there, what’s the main thing to look out for if you’re thinking of a thread lift?&nbsp; The cost?&nbsp;The type of thread?&nbsp; The surgeon performing your lift?&nbsp; Of course—all those things.&nbsp; But importantly, consider your expectations.&nbsp; Look in the mirror as you discuss what will make you happy with your doctor.&nbsp; Make sure you tell him or her what you would expect to see from such a lift.&nbsp;Frequently people think they are going to get a dramatic lift with a thread.&nbsp; Threads themselves can indeed deliver results, but they are typically subtle or moderate at best.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/55b3bb563f2bc70a5378bfc48a820f2a.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That’s appealing to many people,&nbsp;but if you want a facelift and think a thread lift will give you similar results, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.&nbsp; Having said that, experts in aesthetics can transform faces by using combination therapies such as fillers, botulinum toxins, peels and of course threads too.&nbsp; Don’t be surprised if your surgeon recommends volume, skin treatments or energy-based devices as a combination approach.&nbsp;They’re not necessarily upselling—combination is key in facial rejuvenation.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3 class="d-table"><strong>A THREAD OF EVIDENCE</strong></h3><p>So what’s the <strong>science</strong> behind threads, and where’s the evidence that they do anything at all?&nbsp; There aren’t that many scientific studies assessing thread lifts and how effective they are, so their value if often based purely on anecdotal evidence [6].&nbsp;However, a recent study analysed the benefits of different threads and revealed they did provide significant aesthetic improvement at two years follow up in some instances [7].&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/d6955741b789026c0f9a59648ca30f88.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also, as described above, these authors remind us that combining threads with other treatments gives overall more impressive results.&nbsp; It’s also widely acknowledged by experienced <strong>aesthetic surgeons and physicians</strong> that thread lifts do not replace traditional facelifts.&nbsp; Complications from thread lifts can include infection, pain, threads irritating or sticking through the skin, irregularities and short-lived results.&nbsp; It’s pretty rare that they require removal though, although it’s not uncommon for facial plastic surgeons to fish out old threads during subsequent open facelift surgeries!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Comparison of Antiaging Effects on Rat Skin of Cog&nbsp;Thread&nbsp;and Poly-L-Lactic Acid&nbsp;Thread.&nbsp; Kapicioğlu Y, Gül M, Saraç G, Yiğitcan B, Gözükara H.Dermatol Surg. 2019 Mar; 45(3):438-445</li><li>Thread-Lift&nbsp;Sutures: Anatomy, Technique, and Review of Current Literature.&nbsp;Halepas S, Chen XJ, Ferneini EM.J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2020 May; 78(5):813-820.</li><li>Facial thread&nbsp;lifting&nbsp;with&nbsp;suture&nbsp;suspension.&nbsp; Tavares JP, Oliveira CACP, Torres RP, Bahmad F Jr.Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2017 Nov-Dec; 83(6):712-719</li><li>Micro-Shuttle&nbsp;Lifting&nbsp;of the Neck: A Percutaneous Loop Suspension Method Using a Novel Double-Ended Needle. Tiryaki KT, Aksungur E, Grotting JC.Aesthet Surg J. 2016 Jun;36(6):629-38</li><li>Thread-Lifts: A Double-Edged&nbsp;Suture? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature.&nbsp; Tong LX, Rieder EA.Dermatol Surg. 2019 Jul;45(7):931-940</li><li>Thread-Lift&nbsp;Sutures: Still in the&nbsp;Lift? A Systematic Review of the Literature.&nbsp; Gülbitti HA, Colebunders B, Pirayesh A, Bertossi D, van der Lei B.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018 Mar; 141(3):341e-347e</li><li>Thread&nbsp;Lifts: A Critical Analysis of Treatment Modalities.&nbsp;Adam A, Karypidis D, Ghanem A.J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Apr 1; 19(4):413-417</li></ol>

Cables are used to support bridges and buildings, to pull elevators up hundreds of floors in skyscrapers, and to transmit people in cable cars valleys above the ground beneath. So why not use a similar concept to lift the aging face?  Doctors have been trying and testing threads to lift the face for many years—so it’s not a new concept at all.  And now, in less than an hour you can have you brows, face, or neck suspended in order to defy gravity using little filaments that are injected or thread

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Thread lifts are a popular non-surgical option people choose to lift sagging cheeks, jowls and provide a neck lift. 

MeTime Blog - Thread Lift Trends and Facts

Thread Lift Trends

LUNCHTIME LIFT: THE THREAD LIFT TREND

<p style="margin-left:0px;">If you're sick of shaving, waxing, plucking, and threading unwanted facial and body hair week after week, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/patients/solutions/arion-lasers">laser hair removal</a> offers a more permanent solution. But there are so many myths about laser hair removal treatments that, like many people, you may have written them off without fully understanding the process.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">If you've been wondering - What is bad about laser hair removal? Or - Can laser hair removal go wrong? Read on. We've got the answers to all your questions. Even the ones you're embarrassed to ask, such as - Is laser hair removal safe for private parts?</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/b2f0308bb38645c7b46d9316f986b8f2.jpg"></figure><p style="margin-left:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Today, we're busting the most common myths surrounding laser hair removal. When you're finished reading this blog, you will be armed with all the information you need to make a decision on whether laser hair removal is right for you.</p><h2 class="d-table"><strong>Myth: Laser Hair Removal Treatments Only Work on Fair Skin</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">This is not true, but there's a reason why many people think laser hair removal is only suitable for people with light skin. Here's how laser hair removal systems work: The basic principle is that the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle and not the pigment in the skin. The light energy damages the hair follicle without damaging the surrounding skin. In older laser hair removal systems, a contrast between the hair cells and skin color was necessary for the laser to identify and target the hair follicles. For this reason, a dark hair and light skin combination got the best results from a laser hair removal treatment. But this is no longer a concern with newer laser hair removal technologies.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/094deaa6a2a928cf60939007e395f303.jpg"></figure><p style="margin-left:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">If you have dark skin or tanned skin, you can safely and effectively undergo laser treatment and get rid of unwanted hair. Just make sure you pick a provider who is experienced in laser hair removal safety (hint: the MeTime app makes it easy). Provided you choose a certified aesthetic provider who knows the right laser to use (for example, a long pulsed 1064 Nd;YAG laser for dark skin), the risk of complications is low. An efficient laser treatment should not result in problems like scarring, burns, and permanent discoloration, even in darker skin tones.</p><h2 class="d-table"><strong>Myth: Laser Hair Removal Will Make Hair Grow Back Faster</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">A common misconception is that laser hair removal makes hair grow back faster. The truth is that the laser will destroy hair follicles so hair cannot grow from them anymore. Keep in mind that all the treated hairs will not fall out immediately after the treatments, but&nbsp;will shed over the following days to weeks. Some people mistake this for continued hair growth.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">In a very small number of people, the hair can grow back thicker and darker after a laser hair removal session. This is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis and is very rare. It occurs because in some people the laser light stimulates fine hairs called vellus hairs to grow.</p><h2 class="d-table"><strong>Myth: You Only Need One Laser Hair Removal Treatment</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/c431e4c8e66e2a613f938ce95b381637.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">We all love treatments that are one-and-done, but laser hair removal is not one of them. Complete hair removal with a laser requires repeated treatments. This is necessary because hair growth occur in cycles. Laser hair removal works by targeting new hair follicles that are actively growing. To achieve permanent hair removal, you need to come back for a series of treatments to catch all the hair follicles in the growth stage.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">How many treatments you will need will depend on the treatment area and your growth patterns. Some people need only a few sessions (2-3) while others need more (6-8), but you <i>will </i>need multiple sessions. Given how the laser works, you may also need maintenance treatments to maintain smooth, hair-free skin. Results from laser hair removal vary because everyone has their own hair growth patterns. You should know that the treatments may not completely eliminate hair growth. Most people, however, lose body hair effectively and report 80-90% reduction in hair growth in the treated area.</p><h2 class="d-table"><strong>Myth: Laser Hair Removal Is Not Safe</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Laser hair removal is very safe when performed by a certified laser treatment practitioner or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://metime.com/provider">aesthetic medical professional</a>. An experienced provider knows the procedure well and is trained to use laser machines. While it's a myth that laser hair removal exposes you to radiation (these devices do not emit radiation), they can nonetheless be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Certified providers in laser treatments also know which laser is right for which skin types, hair type, hair thickness, and different hair colors. Some lasers work well on lighter skin but not on darker skin. For effective treatment that is also safe, it is very important to choose your provider carefully (the MeTime app is your go-to source for skin rejuvenation and hair removal treatments with a laser system).</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/4bbd3e2decc82d94a71cb5ef26601aa7.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">Indeed, laser hair removal is safe enough not only for stubble free legs but also for delicate parts like the bikini area. And women are not the only ones seeking significant reduction in hair growth. In recent years, more and more men are opting for laser hair removal. The male Brazilian (mankini or brazilian) has become particularly popular.</p><h2 class="d-table"><strong>Myth: Laser Hair Removal Is Painful</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">This is one of the most common myths about laser hair removal. The truth is that laser hair removal is not painful. Most patients describe it like a rubber band snapping against the skin. Others call it a pinching or heat sensation.</p><h2 class="d-table"><strong>Myth: Laser Hair Removal Is Expensive</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">Many people don't even inquire about laser hair removal treatment because they assume it will be unaffordable. Here's the thing. The average woman spends anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 on hair removal over a lifetime. Not to mention the innumerable hours spent on getting rid of unwanted hair. The cost of laser hair removal varies greatly based on where you live and the experience level of your provider. But a laser hair removal session can start as low as $99 for a small area. Even after you add up the costs of multiple laser hair removal treatments, it still works out to be cheaper in the long run.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://d35gtrzsfcghde.cloudfront.net/828c4a3aae45c02d38335d490a932542.jpg"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><h2 class="d-table"><strong>Myth: You Can't Do Laser Hair Removal in Summer</strong></h2><p style="margin-left:0px;">No matter the skin type, to avoid problems after laser hair removal, you need to limit sun exposure. So, the problem is not with the laser hair removal treatment itself, it is that you are more likely to expose your skin to the sun in the summer. If you do get laser hair removal done in the summer, you will need to be careful about avoiding the sun as much as possible and protecting your skin when you go outdoors. Or you can choose to start in the fall or winter so that you are completing initial treatments when sun exposure is likely to be low anyway.</p><p style="margin-left:0px;">So, that's 7 laser hair removal myths busted. If you can't wait to see what laser hair removal treatments can do for you, download the MeTime app today. With MeTime, you can connect with laser hair removal experts, share photos, get quotes, and even book your appointment from the comfort of your home.</p>

There are so many myths about laser hair removal treatments that, like many people, you may have written them off without fully understanding the process. 

Today, we're busting the most common myths surrounding laser hair removal. When you're finished reading this blog, you will be armed with all the information you need to make a decision on whether laser hair removal is right for you.  

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Tthere are so many myths about laser hair removal treatments that, like many people, you may have written them off without fully understanding the process. 

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