As we age, our facial support structure weakens, and we lose facial fat. The result is older-looking square face with Droopy cheeks, jowls, and brows. For many of us, a Contour ThreadLift™ may be a good alternative to the more invasive procedures necessary to correct these problems. Thread lifts emerged recently because many people would like a facelift, but can’t afford it or don’t want the long recovery time of the standard facelift.
The procedure using patented Contour Threads™ is safe and effective, and offers subtle, natural-looking results. This technique allows the physician to produce a relaxed, refreshed appearance while preserving and enhancing the natural contours of your face. Contour ThreadLift™ does not replace a conventional facelift; rather it offers patients an innovative, minimally invasive approach to achieving facelift-like results.
During the procedure, Dr. Raffi Dishakjian, the cosmetic surgeon at the Center, makes a tiny incision or puncture in the temporal area and inserts the Contour Threads™ under the skin using local anesthesia. The tiny barbs on each thread open in an umbrella-like fashion to form a support structure that gently lifts sagging tissues of the brow, face and neck. Once in position, your body generates new collagen bundles that encapsulate each thread to help maintain the elevation or lifting effect. The exact placement of the threads varies from patient to patient. Downtime is minimal, and the results are immediate.
The following are some frequently asked questions about contouring the face with Threadlift™. The answers are provided by Dr. R. Dishakjian, the cosmetic surgeon of the Center.
Who is a good candidate for a Threadlift™?
The best candidates for a Contour Threadlift™ are men and women who are beginning to experience sagging in the cheeks, brow, jowls or neck area. The procedure is not recommended for patients who are grossly overweight or extremely thin.
What areas can be treated with a Threadlift™?
Dr. Dishakjian will discuss your options and expectations thoroughly with you during your consultation appointment. Areas that can be treated are:
What are Contour Threads?
Contour Threads™ are the first non-absorbable barbed sutures cleared by the FDA for lifting the sagging contours of the brow, mid face and neck areas. Unlike conventional sutures, which are smooth, Contour Threads™ have tiny barbs or cogs and are made of clear polypropylene so they are not visible under fair or thin skin. Polypropylene is a material that has been used safely in the body for many years in medical devices.
How does the procedure work?
The physician makes a tiny incision or puncture in the temporal area and the Contour Threads™ are inserted under the skin. The tiny barbs on each thread open in an umbrella-like fashion to form a support structure that gently lifts sagging tissues of the brow, face and/or neck. Once in position, your body generates new collagen bundles that encapsulate each thread to help maintain the elevation or lifting effect. The exact placement of the threads will vary from patient to patient.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure is quick, and usually performed under local anesthesia, and if desired, light intravenous sedation. The actual length of time will depend upon the total number of threads used. On average, the procedure typically takes approximately one hour. In most cases, four threads is the minimum needed to address moderate sagging of one facial area.
What is the recovery time?
Patients can usually return to normal activities or return to work within a few days to a week. In most cases, there is only minimal discomfort, bruising or swelling. Concealing makeup may be worn the next day.
How long will the results last?
Physician’s experiences have shown that duration varies from three to five years or more, depending upon the patient’s age at the time of the procedure, the degree of sagging and the number of threads used.
Are there any side effects?
When performed by a certified, experienced physician, the Contour Threadlift™ is very safe, and complications are very rare. Minor complications may include swelling, bruising, thread rupture, skin irregularities, asymmetries, puckering or infection. In some cases, patients may feel some tightness or pulling or may be able to feel the threads. Since this technique is entirely reversible, unwanted effects are usually easily corrected under local anesthesia.
Can a Threadlift™ be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
The procedure is an ideal complement to other facial rejuvenation techniques. It is not uncommon to have a Contour Threadlift™ combined with Botox® to reduce facial muscle activity, dermal fillers to enhance volume or peels and laser therapy to improve skin texture. Chin augmentation and liposuction of the neck are some of the other procedures that can be done in conjunction with a Contour Threadlift™.
How much does a Threadlift™ cost?
Contour Threadlift™ costs are a fraction of a traditional facelift procedure. The cost varies depending upon the complexity of each individual case.
Dr. Dishakjian will discuss costs and financial options with you. He treats each case with sensitivity to the patient’s needs, and will suggest options that are appropriate for you.
