A new lunchtime facelift procedure that promises immediate results in 30 minutes flat, with nary an incision or scar left behind, is now available in Australia.
At first glance, the $4,000 ‘puppet threads’ facelift may not be for the faint of heart.
The non-surgical procedure uses a re-absorbable thread that is inserted into the face with a needle.
But cosmetic nurse practitioner Katherine Millar-Shannon said the procedure is completely painless.
![Cosmetic nurse practitioner Katherine Millar-Shannon (pictured), who is providing the procedure at the Durquessa Skin Sanctuary, said puppet threads is completely painless](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/14/02/4440864E00000578-4882416-image-a-8_1505351641025.jpg)
Cosmetic nurse practitioner Katherine Millar-Shannon (pictured), who is providing the procedure at the Durquessa Skin Sanctuary, said puppet threads is completely painless
‘You feel nothing at all,’ she told Daily Mail Australia. ‘You can’t even feel the needle going in.’
Katherine is the owner of Duquessa Skin Sanctuary, which is bringing the puppet threads facelift to Melbourne and Sydney.
The treatment, suitable for patients 40 to 65, is meant to define facial outline, and can be used to help lift cheeks, brows, jowls, or the neck.
Katherine, who underwent the procedure herself, said a local anaesthetic with adrenaline is used to help eliminate bruising and numb the pain.
![Katherine, who underwent the procedure herself, said a local anaesthetic with adrenaline is used to help eliminate bruising and numb the pain](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/14/02/4440865500000578-4882416-image-a-9_1505351641332.jpg)
Katherine, who underwent the procedure herself, said a local anaesthetic with adrenaline is used to help eliminate bruising and numb the pain
‘There is no pain throughout the procedure, and you don’t feel anything for half an hour to an hour afterwards,’ she said.
The adrenaline also pulls blood away from the needle’s entry point, meaning you won’t need any bandages afterwards.
‘Unless you get a bruise, nobody at work would know,’ Katherine said.
There can be swelling and bruising for three to five days afterwards, but the procedure is also meant to provide immediate results.
![Puppet threads works in two simultaneous actions, giving an immediate lifting effect to the targeted area as well as a second regenerative effect that works over months](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/14/02/4440665700000578-0-image-a-4_1505351319527.jpg)
Puppet threads works in two simultaneous actions, giving an immediate lifting effect to the targeted area as well as a second regenerative effect that works over months
![Katherine said the regenerative action is gradual, making the procedure discreet - with results at their peak around the three to four-month period](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/14/02/4440665F00000578-0-image-a-5_1505351325857.jpg)
Katherine said the regenerative action is gradual, making the procedure discreet – with results at their peak around the three to four-month period
Puppet threads works in two simultaneous actions, giving an immediate lifting effect to the targeted area as well as a second regenerative effect that works over months.
After the local anaesthetic is administered, a special thread made of Polyactic Acid is inserted under the skin with a fine needle.
Tiny 3mm cones that are attached to the re-absorbable thread then anchor the tissue below the skin, tightening it while holding the thread in place.
After the suture is inserted, the practitioner applies a slight pressure to reshape the surface of the skin and provide the lifting effect.
![After the suture is inserted, the practitioner applies a slight pressure to reshape the surface of the skin and provide the lifting effect](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/14/02/4440665300000578-0-image-a-7_1505351333327.jpg)
After the suture is inserted, the practitioner applies a slight pressure to reshape the surface of the skin and provide the lifting effect
![But the thread inserted into the skin is re-absorbable and helps stimulate collagen production as well over the next few months](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/14/02/4440665B00000578-0-image-a-6_1505351332109.jpg)
But the thread inserted into the skin is re-absorbable and helps stimulate collagen production as well over the next few months
The cones and thread stay in the skin and stimulate the production of collagen, which begins declining in women around the age of 30.
Katherine said the regenerative action is gradual, making the procedure discreet – with results at their peak around the three to four-month period.
‘The lifting action is immediate, you can see the jowl tightening and tightening of the skin,’ she said. ‘It’s replacing volume, and pulling everything back toward the ear.’
‘But the threads have the added bonus of also stimulating your own collagen production, which makes the skin look both plumper and smoother over time.’
‘This is the future of anti-ageing.’