Understanding thread lift cosmetic plastic surgery

Overview

A thread lift is a fairly recent cosmetic surgery technique that is designed for individuals who would like a little "pick me up" but are not necessarily ready to commit to a full facelift. In addition, thread lifts are less invasive, cost less, and achieve optimal results with minimal downtime. In some locations, cosmetic and plastic surgeons today call a thread lift the "weekend facelift" because it can be performed in generally about an hour.

The thread lift and Suture Suspension lifts are a great way to roll back the clock and look years younger with a minimally invasive procedure.

Thread face lift…Suture lifts…contour lifts…feather lifts…

Indications

1. Individuals seeking a more youthful appearance.
2. Individuals seeking minimally invasive procedure.
3. Those with early signs of aging and loose skin.
4. People who do not want visible scars.
5. People looking for short recovery time after the procedure.

There are numerous types of threads or sutures used to perform the lifts. These include the following:

• contour threads
• apthos threads
• Feather lift
• contour lift

The various types of material used in thread face lifts are:

1. Smooth sutures or threads that dissolve.
2. Smooth sutures or threads that do not dissolve.
3. Barbed sutures or threads that dissolve.
4. Barbed sutures or threads that do not dissolve.
5. Cross linked or hatched suture or threads that dissolve.
6. Cross linked or hatched suture or threads that do not dissolve.

Technique

One of the most beneficial aspects of thread lift plastic surgery is that plastic surgeons are able to achieve superlative results through less invasive techniques than ever before. Thread lifts involve the use of sutures that are barbed on one end. They are able to literally lift various aspects of facial features to achieve a smoother more toned appearance. The most common areas thread lifts are utilized are on eyelids and eyebrows, sagging necklines, and the crease between the nose and the mouth that deepens with age.

The two most commonly practiced thread lift techniques used today include:

• contour thread lift
• Feather lift (a.k.a. Aptos thread lift)

Contour threads are made of polypropylene materials that have nearly invisible barbs on one end. The feather or Aptos threads have barbs along the entire length of the thread. Both are used to anchor excess skin in place along various anchor points in order to fill out or lift trouble areas.

Subcutaneous tissues are lifted with the barbed end of these threads, which are then adhered to stable structures and underlying facial tissues. A closed technique involves no incisions and requires a plastic surgeon to carefully form or mold soft facial tissues over the suture's surface at various points to achieve optimal results. Open techniques of thread lift procedures involve a very small incision through which a surgeon inserts instruments to create a surface beneath the skin layers to which sutures can be adhered. Both techniques can be used during either thread lift procedure and the number of threads used with either technique can range from a few to a couple dozen.

Frequently asked questions?

Who benefits from thread lift plastic surgery?

Anyone who is dissatisfied with a weak jaw line, sagging jowls, drooping eyebrows or eyelids may benefit from thread lift plastic surgical procedures. This type of plastic surgery is most effective on individuals who just need a minimal "lift" procedure, and those between the ages of 35 and 50. Eyebrows, eyelids, the folds between the eyebrows, as well as the folds found between the nose and the mouth, neck lines and chin lines are the most common locations for this type of procedure, for which results are very effective and beneficial.

Procedure

The basics of a thread lift involve using threads that have tiny, painless barbs (looking a little like a rose stem). These painlessly hold on to tissue to lift areas around the eyes, lips or around the neck area. They are inserted by a thin needle, and the barbs gently lift the skin into its position. There is no need for stitches, and there is no chance for scarring.

Surgery

There are two kinds of thread lift being performed: The Aptos thread lift and the contour thread lift. There have been a combined 14 thousand procedures in 2006 alone. the only real difference between the two is the design of the threads. The contour threads work in a single direction, and are fixed to a point in the face, where as the Aptos threads are bidirectional. The contour thread is a material that is accepted by the body, and has barbs that open like an umbrella, giving the surgeon control over the facial area in terms of support. the Aptos thread has barbs along the entire length, give a filling performance.

The minimal invasive nature to a thread lift means that recovery is a simple and easy process, although until your system has fully healed, it is best to avoid any activity which is strenuous or of high activity to avoid any harmful damage.

Benefits

The face is ever changing with age and weight. The cheeks, eyebrows, the jowls and neck areas show weakening signs that give an aged appearance. Younger individuals may also experience sagging due to weakened muscles in the cheek and brow areas. The lesser invasiveness of the thread lift is especially beneficial for younger individuals who are not qualified for more intensive face lifts. The best candidates are those who need a touch up to reduce minor signs of aging. People who are undergoing a full face lift may also have a thread lift in order to provide support for softer tissue areas that have been elevated. The thread lift is also beneficial to those who need touchup after a face lift or other procedure.

• subtle, long-lasting results
• no general anesthesia
• less downtime
• relatively low risk

A thread lift is able to tighten up the face, as well as the neck, and while the results are not as dramatic, the procedure is able to give noticeable lift to sagging areas.

Risks

Risk involved in thread lift plastic surgery is minimal. Minor swelling and bruising might occur in some cases. But these tend to disappear after a certain period of time. No facial scars occur while undergoing a thread lift. You should avoid strenuous exercise for about a week after the surgery. Too much movement of facial muscles is also to be avoided in the area of the surgery.