Lesson 1Skin and soft tissue biomechanics: collagen, elastin, and ageing changes affecting thread choiceThis section explains how collagen, elastin, and age-related dermal and fat changes affect tissue support, recoil, and thread performance, guiding selection of thread type, density, and vectoring for different skin qualities and degrees of laxity.
Collagen architecture and tensile behaviourElastin, recoil, and skin viscoelasticityIntrinsic and extrinsic ageing of facial tissuesMatching thread type to skin thicknessAdapting plans for severe laxity or volume lossLesson 2Material science: PDO, PLLA, PCL thread types—composition, biodegradation timeline, tensile strengthThis section examines PDO, PLLA, and PCL thread materials, detailing polymer composition, degradation timelines, tensile strength, and tissue response, so clinicians can match material properties to patient goals, skin quality, and longevity expectations.
Polymer composition and manufacturing basicsDegradation timelines and byproduct profilesTensile strength and elasticity comparisonsTissue integration and collagen stimulationSelecting material by patient age and goalsLesson 3Sterilisation, storage, and shelf-life considerations for thread suppliesThis section reviews sterilisation standards, packaging integrity, storage conditions, and shelf-life limits for PDO, PLLA, and PCL threads, helping clinicians maintain sterility, traceability, and performance while minimising contamination and product waste.
Sterilisation methods and validation basicsPackaging integrity, seals, and sterility indicatorsOptimal storage temperature, light, and humidityReading labels, lot numbers, and expiry datesInventory rotation, documentation, and recallsLesson 4Selecting thread length, gauge, and anchor configurations for lower face and midfaceThis section covers how to choose thread length, gauge, and anchoring patterns for lower face and midface, integrating vector planning, entry and exit points, and tissue thickness to achieve stable lift while preserving natural dental-facial harmony.
Assessing facial proportions and laxity patternsSelecting thread length by treatment vectorGauge selection for support vs subtle refinementAnchor placement for jowls and marionette linesMidface vectors and zygomatic anchoring optionsLesson 5Thread design features: monofilament vs barbed/cog, uni- vs bi-directional barbs, cone threads and anchorsThis section analyses how monofilament, barbed, and cone threads differ in structure, grip, and tissue interaction, and how barb direction and anchoring choices influence lift vectors, stability, and complication risk in dental thread lifting.
Monofilament threads: indications and limitationsCog and barbed threads: mechanics and gripUnidirectional vs bidirectional barb configurationsCone threads and soft tissue anchoring pointsChoosing thread design by treatment indicationLesson 6Nerve anatomy: branches of facial nerve, infraorbital and mental nerves and safe corridorsThis section reviews facial nerve branches, infraorbital and mental nerves, and safe corridors for cannula and needle passage, enabling dentists to avoid motor and sensory injury while planning entry points and thread trajectories in the lower face.
Main branches of the facial nerve in lower faceInfraorbital nerve course and exit foramenMental nerve anatomy and perioral innervationSurface landmarks for nerve-safe corridorsManaging neuropraxia and nerve irritation risksLesson 7Clinical implications of thread types: lift capacity, inflammatory response, longevity and touch-up planningThis section integrates how thread design and material influence lift capacity, inflammatory response, longevity, and touch-up intervals, helping dentists build realistic treatment plans, manage expectations, and schedule staged or combination therapies.
Lift capacity vs tissue thickness and weightInflammatory response and oedema patternsLongevity, resorption, and result fade curvesPlanning touch-ups and maintenance intervalsCombining threads with fillers and toxinsLesson 8Vascular anatomy: facial artery, angular artery, superficial temporal and mental branches and danger zonesThis section details facial and angular arteries, superficial temporal and mental branches, and key danger zones, teaching dentists to map vascular landmarks, avoid intravascular injury, and adapt thread vectors to reduce ischaemic and bruising complications.
Course of facial and angular arteriesSuperficial temporal and transverse facial vesselsMental artery and perioral vascular patternsHigh-risk zones for thread passageStrategies to minimise vascular complicationsLesson 9Relevant facial anatomy for thread lifts: superficial fascia, SMAS, platysma, facial fat compartmentsThis section focuses on clinically relevant facial layers for thread lifts, including superficial fascia, SMAS, platysma, and fat compartments, emphasising safe planes, depth control, and vectors for lower face and perioral rejuvenation in dental practice.
Layered anatomy from skin to deep fasciaSuperficial fascia and SMAS in lower facePlatysma anatomy and cervicomental contourSuperficial and deep facial fat compartmentsSafe thread planes in perioral and jowl areas
