Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing) threads are novel absorbable barbed lifting threads designed to achieve a non-surgical, minimally invasive and effective facelift.

Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing) threads are made of poly-L-lactic acid and caprolactone, p(LA-CL). Unlike some conventional sutures which are smooth, Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing) threads have tiny barbs that offer both an immediate lifting effect and a secondary long-term lifting effect.

After the barbs are positioned they can be opened like tiny umbrellas to form a support structure that lifts sagging skin to give the immediate, mechanical lifting effect. The secondary lifting effect is caused by the barbs stimulating the skins own fibroblasts to synthesise the extracellular matrix and collagen that act as scaffolding to lift and hold soft facial tissues in place.

As well as collagen the threads also stimulate the production of elastin and hyaluronic acid while inducing angiogenesis, a process where new blood vessels branch out and from pre-existing blood vessels. These natural responses in the treated area continue for 6 to 12 months to provide a gradual and natural revitalising and lifting effect which persists even after the threads themselves have been resorbed into the skin after about 12 months*. The combined effects offer longer-lasting results than most other kinds of sutures.

Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing) threads are suitable for those who have loss of volume in the face and/or sagging facial skin due to ageing. They are also suitable for those who have an unsymmetrical face — where one side has considerably less volume than the other, for example — and those who have lost skin elasticity.

There are three types of threads in the medical aesthetics market and they are:

1. Polydioxanone or PDO threads

2. Poly-L-lactic acid or PLA threads

3. Poly-L-lactic acid and caprolactone or p(LA-CL) threads i.e. Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing)

Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing) threads are made of poly-L-lactic acid and caprolactone, which gives greater elasticity and lower plasticity compared to PLA threads. This means, compared to PLA threads, Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing) p(LA-CL) threads can return to their original shape and length even after dramatic facial movements, ensuring the longevity of the lifting effect.

Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing) p(LA-CL) threads are also more effective than PLA threads. Like p(LA-CL) threads, PLA threads stimulate fibroblast formation where they are inserted, and are resorbed into the body after a period of time. However, p(LA-CL) threads have the ability to stimulate type 1 and type 3 collagen, while PDO and PLA threads can only stimulate type 1 collagen.

PDO threads are usually smooth with minimal barbing, while Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing) barbed threads act as a hook to lift sagging skin, forming an effective support structure to keep it in place.

Compared to other threads which are inserted in a straight line, Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing) p(LA-CL) threads are also inserted using a unique technique called J Stitch, which increases the threads’ strength and efficiency for holding soft tissues in place. While PDO threads also stimulate fibroblasts in the skin, the effects last only up to six months.

Before any treatment, you will have to undergo a consultation with the physician to assess whether or not you are a suitable candidate for Happy Lift™ (Revitalizing). At the consultation, you will discuss your expectations and any concerns with the physician. A good physician will be able to explain the entire process to you in detail, such as which area will be treated, where he is going to anchor the threads in your skin, if there will be any discomfort or side effects, and any precautions to be taken after the treatment.

You will then have your “before” photos taken. Your physician will need to compile the “before” and “after” photos for your comparison and for his further study. After taking your photos, the physician will draw patterns on your skin with a ruler to guide him in the treatment, marking the entry and exit points for the threads. Your skin will then be disinfected before the physician administers a lidocaine injection at each of the entry and exit points he marked earlier. The lidocaine injection is to numb the skin to make the treatment more comfortable.

Immediately after treatment, you may experience slight oedema and bruising and/or a slight depression or skin irregularity at the entry points. However, these will disappear a few days after the treatment.

Immediately after the procedure, cold packs will be applied to the skin, avoiding the entry and exit points of the threads. The physician will also provide analgesics such as paracetamol to be taken over the next few days in the case that you feel pain in the areas he has treated. You are advised to sleep on your back for three to five nights and to wash, shave and dry face gently without rubbing or massaging it for the next five days. You are also advised to avoid high-impact sports, direct sunlight, tanning beds, saunas, and hot baths as well as dental surgery for the next one week.