Barb threads and COG threads are the best alternative to traditional surgical lifting due to their minimal invasiveness, lack of side effects, and long-lasting aesthetic effects. The wide range of thread sizes and their versatility, as well as their variety of applications, provide a basis to believe that the coming years will be dominated by procedures carried out using lifting threads.
Barb threads and COG threads are exceptional PDO threads with a specially developed system of microscopic hooks. Previously, the hooks were only on one side of the thread, but now they are densely distributed around the thread in two directions, in four dimensions, hence the name of the threads. Additionally, the thread is much thicker than traditional PDO thread, which maximizes the lifting effect. The lengths of the threads vary and are selected according to the needs of each patient.
The procedure is quick, safe, and easy to perform. It does not require cutting the skin, as the threads are inserted into the subcutaneous tissue using a thin needle-cannula or cannula with a trocar. Before the procedure, the area is numbed with an anesthetic cream, which completely eliminates pain. After implanting the hooks under the skin, they open up, lifting sagging tissues and providing a strong lifting effect. The entire procedure takes about an hour, and the only traces it leaves are possible slight bruising, easily concealed with makeup. The procedure can be performed at any time of year, including summer, and for optimal results, it is recommended to combine the thread lifting implantation with other rejuvenation methods (e.g., fillers, Radiesse).
THREAD LIFTING - HOW IT WORKS
The technique is fast, safe and easy to perform. It does not require skin incision as threads are injected via cannula-needle or cannula with the trocar into the subcutaneous tissue. Before the procedure, the area is lubricated with anesthetic cream, which completely eliminates the pain. Once implanted under the skin, hooks are opening, lifting the drooping tissues and thus providing a strong lifting effect. The entire procedure takes about an hour, and the only signs it leaves are slight bruises, easy to cover under makeup.
WHEN TO USE THREAD LIFT BARB 4D
First Thread Lift Barb 4D is recommended for patients over the age of 30. The indications for procedure are: loss of firmness and changes in the face features. It is perfect for lifting the chin, eyebrows, changing the contour line with of the cheeks and jaw. Patients who want to improve the appearance of other parts of the body are recommended to use the traditional PDO threads.
EFFECTS OF FIRST LIFT BARB 4D
Shortly after the treatment you can notice smoothing out of wrinkles and improvement in facial contours, resulting from the mechanical action of injected thread. Threads injected under the skin work as tension muscles, holding subcutaneous tissue in place. In the next stage biomedical properties of polydioxanone are being used. After about 14 days after surgery, the process of neocolagenesis starts, which stimulate the production of new collagen - the protein responsible for the tone and firmness of the skin. In addition, stimulation of fibroblasts results in stimulating the synthesis of elastin - the protein responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin, making the skin gaining new strong base. In vivo studies also found that the effect of polydioxanone causes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. Thanks to the synergy achieved during the procedure, aesthetic effects are spectacular and long lasting. They are lasting about 24 months - after that threads are dissolved in the tissue. With neocolagenesis processes and stimulating the synthesis of elastin and hyaluronic acid, after the dissolution of the thread your skin does not fall down and does not return to its previous state. Of course, you cannot stop the aging process, but it is slower, so to maintain the full effect, it is recommended to repeat the procedure every 2 years.
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR THREAD LIFTING PROCEDURE WITH BARBED THREADS
The procedure of implanting threads with hooks (e.g. Barb 4D, COG, Twin) is an advanced lifting technique that requires full medical qualifications. Due to deeper tissue intervention and the mechanical lifting effect, contraindications are more restrictive than in the case of smooth threads.
Absolute contraindications (procedure not performed):
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding - procedures that disrupt tissue integrity or affect skin metabolism are not performed due to lack of safety data,
- Cancer (during treatment or up to 5 years after its completion),
- Active autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus, scleroderma) - after individual assessment by a doctor,
- Blood clotting disorders and vascular disorders,
- Use of anticoagulant medications that cannot be temporarily discontinued,
- Tendency to develop keloids,
- Uncontrolled diabetes,
- Active skin infections at the planned site of the procedure (bacterial, viral, herpes),
- Severe atrophy of subcutaneous tissue where proper anchoring of threads is not possible.
Relative/temporary contraindications (procedure may be performed after the condition subsides):
- Systemic infections (e.g. flu, cold) - the procedure is performed after full recovery,
- Active herpes outbreak - the procedure is possible at least 2 weeks after total symptom resolution,
- Antibiotic treatment - the procedure is possible 14 days after the end of therapy,
- Menstruation (increased sensitivity to pain and bruising),
- Fresh sunburn or skin irritation,
- Use of medications/supplements that reduce blood clotting (aspirin, vit. E, omega-3) - requires individual assessment by a doctor.
RECOMMENDATIONS AFTER THE PROCEDURE WITH BARBED THREADS
After the implantation of barbed threads, it is important to strictly follow the recommendations because the mechanical anchoring of the threads requires tissue stabilization and avoiding displacements. Proper postoperative care directly affects the durability and quality of the results.
What to do:
- Sleep on your back for a minimum of 5-7 nights to avoid pressure on the treated area,
- Avoid touching, pressing, and massaging your face for at least 10 days,
- Apply cold (non-freezing) compresses in case of swelling - preferably for the first 24 hours,
- Follow a light diet for 1-2 days (to limit facial movements and chewing),
- Avoid intense physical exertion, sauna, sunbed, and swimming pool for 14 days,
- Use UV protection (SPF 50+) when exposed to the sun,
- Avoid blood-thinning agents (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen) for 5-7 days, unless medically recommended.
What to avoid:
- Excessive facial expressions (e.g. wide yawning, gum chewing, laughing with an open mouth) for 7-10 days,
- Cosmetic procedures, lasers, mesotherapy, and peels for a minimum of 3-4 weeks,
- Facial massage, manual therapy, and lymphatic drainage in the thread implantation area for 6 weeks,
- Using creams with heating, irritating, or slimming effects in the treated area,
- Dental procedures for at least 2 weeks (if threads are in the facial area).
Procedures using barbed threads (Barb, COG) provide spectacular and long-lasting lifting effects, but they require full medical qualification and strict adherence to postoperative recommendations. With proper care and caution in the first weeks after the procedure, you can enjoy the results of lifting, smoothing, and rejuvenating your face - without the need for surgery. If you have any questions or concerns - we are here to guide you.