Facts about the Thread Lift Procedure

What is the Contour Thread Lift?

A Contour Thread Lift with patented Contour Threads is a safe, permanent procedure that offers subtle and natural looking facelift results whilst at the same time being minimally invasive.

How is it performed?

A Contour Thread Lift uses extremely fine surgical sutures to lift and support the droopy areas of the face, brow and neck. The Contour threads have tiny barbs that grasp on to and lift the soft tissues. The threads are inserted in position by the surgeon and once in place, the tiny barbs are gently opened which then lifts and repositions the underlying facial tissue into a more vertical and youthful position. The end of the thread is then cut and knotted, allowing it to retract deep under the skin. The threads then remain under the skin to provide structure and support. They cannot be seen or felt by the patient once they are in place.

What are Contour threads and how do they work?

Contour Threads have tiny barbs that are spaced evenly apart. Once inserted under the skin, they are fixated with tension that creates a suspension effect that gently lifts the sagging tissue. They are inserted via a tiny incision behind the hairline so there are no visible scars They cannot be felt and are clear so that they are not visible once in position. Once they are in place, your body will generate its own collagen which will maintain the lifting effect.

Is there as much discomfort as I would expect with a normal facelift?

One of the main advantages of this procedure over the traditional facelift is that discomfort is minimal due to the fact that there is no need for the extensive incisions.

Is it safe?

When performed by an experienced surgeon the procedure is very safe. Risks and complications with the Contour Thread Lift are uncommon and usually easily rectifiable. The actual sutures are made from a proven material called polypropylene, which has been used in brain, heart and abdominal surgery for many years. Since a Contour Thread Lift is usually performed under local anaesthetic, there are none of the risks associated with general anesthetic.

What kind of care is required after the procedure?

For 3 weeks after the procedure, you should avoid rubbing of the face and try to sleep on your back. Try not to contort your face into severe animations or put pressure on the face, and avoid excessive mouth opening. After 3 weeks you should be able to resume normality in these areas.

When can I go back to work?

Much quicker than if you have had a classic facelift! Depending upon what you do for a living and your tolerance for minor bruising and swelling, you may be able to return to work in 2-3 days following the procedure. Most women can cover the minor effects or slight bruising with makeup after one week.

What are the possible side effects?

The Contour Thread Lift is a very simple procedure to carry out and complications and side effects are rare when the operation is performed by an experienced and fully trained plastic surgeon.

What areas can be treated?

Contour Threads are used to:
• Lift sagging eyebrows
• Adjust asymmetric eyebrows
• Add support to sagging cheeks
• To lift drooping soft tissue to the mid and lower face and neck
• The smoothing out of premature skin aging

What type of result will I see?

The effects are immediate. During your consultation, your surgeon will demonstrate in the mirror, the relative amount of lift that can be achieved with the Contour Threadlift. The procedure can also be combined with other techniques including blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), dermal fillers, Botox and liposuction of the neck.

So, do I only need to have local anesthetic?

In most cases, only local anesthesia is required. Your surgeon may also offer you the option of having light sedation if you are still nervous about having the procedure, depending on the extent of the surgery you are having and the number of Contour Threads to be used in one stage.

How long does it take to perform?

The procedure usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on the number of threads used. Patients are able to go home soon after the procedure.

How much of a lifting effect can I expect?

Results will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of sagging and the degree of lifting required, as well as the number of threads used in each area treated. Many patients can achieve a 50% improvement after one treatment session.

Who is a good candidate for this procedure?

In general, the best candidates for a Contour Thread Lift include both women and men who want a better and more permanent effect than fillers and botox can provide, but do not want to undergo a full face lift or brow lift operation. You will, most likely be aged 35 - 65 and have moderate drooping of the soft tissues of the brow, face and neck rather than severe. Your surgeon will explain what can reasonably be expected from this procedure and whether or not you are likely to benefit.

Who is NOT a good candidate?

• Patients who have very thin, fragile, slack and aging skin.
• Patients who want a dramatic transformation.
• Very heavy sagging or jowly faces
• Faces that are very thin with very little facial fat

How much does a thread lift cost?

Various regions that can be treated include the brow, mid face and cheeks, and jowls and neck area and obviously prices vary according to the amount of work necessary and, therefore the number of threads needed to achieve the required result. This procedure tends to be cheaper than a conventional face lift due to the fact that it is quicker to perform and does not require a consultant anesthetist present. You also don't need an overnight stay in hospital. Email Dr Rommel Gloria for price’s and which is the best procedure for you.