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Reinforce and Rejuvenate

We catch up with Dr Ivona Igerc, internationally renowned Aesthetic Doctor and newly appointed course leader for Introduction to Threads at Wigmore Medical




1.  Why do you use threads? 
I have used threads since 2006, when I was first introduced to them in South Korea, and absolutely love the technique as it can be adjusted to work for almost every face. I use threads to improve the scaffolding of the face and simply reinforce its natural anatomy, as well as for acne scar treatments, rejuvenation and upper, lower, and middle face thread lifts.

2.  What is your favourite indication?
My favourite indication is without a doubt PDO face lifting, as well as lip lifting and lip enhancement. I always love to invent new treatments with threads – my signature treatment at the moment is a vertical face lift – and there’s more to come!

3.  Are threads difficult to use? 
Threads are easy to use for all injectors who are familiar with cannula injection. I always say practice makes an expert. So, the more you practice, the easier it becomes to use a technique. In the threads training course at Wigmore, I concentrate a lot on hands-on practice and guide delegates through the correct thread injection technique. In my opinion, it is crucial to understand the anatomy in order to produce good results with a thread lift. A good understanding of anatomy keeps us and our patient safe, which is why booking onto Wigmore’s threads training course will also grant you access to my online anatomy training module. The content of this training is delivered in a way that is fresh and engaging, with a modern digital twist! Anatomy could be boring otherwise, but I promise you this training is vibrant, visually pleasing, and easy to remember.

4.  Threads seem quite complicated as there are lots of different types - why is this the case?
Emphasis on ‘seem’ quite complicated – everything looks complicated until we master the technique. The different types of threads just ensure that we can offer bespoke or tailor-made treatments, as every face varies in shape and size. We need threads that are longer or shorter, or that offer a stronger or lighter pull – a different thread for every indication.

5.  What is the risk of complications? What could go wrong?  And how can any issues be resolved?
There are no big risks with threads compared with injectables. That’s why I would encourage everyone to come to our training course and discover how easy and versatile they can be! Sadly, there are lots of myths surrounding threads, and I am eager to prove them wrong! I would say the most important thing is knowing the anatomy, having a good understanding of ageing anatomy, facial mapping and designing the vectors of threads. Once delegates have completed the anatomy portion of our training, the theory of threads will be covered at the start of our threads training day at Wigmore, making sure everyone understands which thread techniques to use for different indications. Complications are mostly temporary and easy to prevent – the most important thing is to focus on preventing them!

6.  What age of patient are threads best suited for?
Threads can be used for every age group; just yesterday I had a teenager coming in for an acne scar procedure! We can use threads for young adults for collagen stimulation, for better skin oxygenation, or to treat stretch marks that can appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or other places on the body. We can also use threads for patients in their 40s and over (I don’t like to talk about age as everyone ages differently) or for patients who have the first sign of sagging skin. For aesthetic purposes, we can use threads for eye lifting, popularly known as ‘fox eyes’ or ‘cat eyes’, nose lifting and enhancement, lip lifting and enhancing and much more. However, threads are most famous for facial lifts, which deliver amazing results when the indication is right!

7.  Can threads be used in the body?
Threads can be beautifully adjusted to the body, and here are some of the indications that can be treated, just to name a few:
1) Cellulite
2) Striae or stretch marks
3) Crepey skin on the tummy, inner arms
4) Bat wings
5) Elephant skin around the knees
6) Lifting and preventing crepey body skin, especially after summer
7) Scaffolding of the skin
8) Back enhancement, very popular with my patients prior to summer

8.  How long will a treatment result last? 
I often say that threads own the skin, whilst dermal fillers and botulinum toxins rent the skin. Threads are not just performing an instant lift, which is visible immediately, but they also offer regenerative properties with collagen production after 40 days, delivering an organic and stable lift. The results of this regeneration will depend on the individual, but they usually last from about a year up to two.

9.  Are threads a profitable clinic treatment? 
Threads are a must have treatment in any clinic – they certainly are a hit in mine and most of my patients are asking for them! They are an amazing add-on to any other treatments you are offering in your clinic, and work very well as part of a combination treatment. If you are already offering treatments focused on regeneration, then threads will be a great addition to your portfolio. If you are doing a lot of makeovers, you would have the option to throw horizontal and vertical face lifts into the mix. Additionally, threads offer amazing solutions for crepey skin and other body imperfections. The profit you can make with threads surpasses that of most other aesthetic treatments and will also give you an amazing reputation among your patients. The cat eye, fox eye, mid face lift, nose tip lift… these are all such popular and profitable treatments that are very easy to learn.

10.  What support is offered after training?
After training, I will be available to answer any questions you may have and, should you require more hands-on experience, I can offer you a mentoring programme with assignments and further support. I have been in education of minimally invasive aesthetic treatments since 2008 and learned a lot about the process of learning itself. No two people learn in the same way – some of us are quick learners at the beginning, but later plateau and are not able to fully master the technique. Others struggle from the start, needing more confidence, but really bloom once they pass the initial stage. The learning process needs to be understood at every level, so that each delegate can benefit from a bespoke training experience. Join us for the next course to discover what great results you can achieve with threads, as well as the beautiful possibilities they can offer you and your patients!


Introduction to Threads Training 
 
What is included? 
An online anatomy training module, followed by a full day of threads theory learning and hands-on practice in a CQC registered training facility.
 
Who can attend? 
This training is suitable for registered doctors, dentists and nurse prescribers who are new to threads or are looking for a refresher.
 
What are the key learning objectives? 
To gain a thorough understanding of PDO threads and how they work, learn best practice and techniques for the mid and lower face, understand facial anatomy and thread placement vectors, develop patient assessment, master complication avoidance and management and understand post treatment management.
 
Are models provided? 
Each delegate is required to bring their own treatment model, but a model will be provided for the trainer to demonstrate the techniques on.
 
How much does it cost? 
The registration fee for this training course is £1,600 including VAT.
 
How many CPD points does it offer? 
10 CPD points will be accredited for completing this training.
 
Why attend this training? 
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to PDO thread treatments that will enhance your aesthetic offering and is led by Dr Ivona Igerc, a very experienced practitioner with a passion for threads and education.
 
When is the next training? 
This training takes place at Wigmore once a month, and the next scheduled dates are 14th September, 12th October, 23rd November and 7th December 2022.

To read more or register your place, please visit wigmoremedical.com/training/courses/Threads-Mid-Lower-Face and for any questions, please email training@wigmoremedical.com
 
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