The Contour Threadlift™
What Is A Contour ThreadLift?
A Contour ThreadLift with FDA approved Contour Threads is a minimally invasive, safe and effective, non-surgical procedure that offers that offers subtle, natural-looking facelift-like results.
How Is The Procedure Done
And How Do The Contour Threads Work?
A Contour ThreadLift utilizes tiny surgical sutures to lift and support the droopy areas of the brow, cheeks, face and neck. Contour threads have tiny, hair-like barbs that will grasp on to and lift the soft tissues. The surgeon makes a tiny incision behind the hairline through which the threads are inserted in precise locations using a long needle. Once inserted under the skin, the barbs open in an umbrella-like fashion to form a support structure that gently lifts and repositions the tissues into a more vertical and youthful position. With the lift effect secured, the needle is removed, the end of the thread is cut and knotted, allowing it to retract deep under the skin where it cannot be felt or seen. The non-absorbable threads stay within the deep tissues and provide support. Once in position, your body generates new collagen bundles and fibrous tissue that surround each thread to help maintain the lifting effect. Since the Contour Threads are made of clear polypropylene, they are not visible through the skin.
Is There Much Pain Following The Procedure?
Pain and discomfort are very minimal after the procedure with most patients needing only Tylenol.
Is The Procedure Safe?
The procedure is very safe. Complications which can include infection and suture breakage are uncommon and usually easily correctable. The sutures are made from polypropylene, a material that has been used in brain, heart and abdominal surgery for many years. In the rare event of a complication, the sutures can be removed or repositioned as needed. Since a Contour ThreadLift is performed under local anesthesia, there are none of the risks associated with general anesthesia.
What Kind Of Care Is Required After The Procedure?
Following a Contour ThreadLift procedure, there are some practical instructions and care that must be followed to avoid traumatizing or dislodging the threads from their supportive locations in the deep fat of the face and neck. Some of these instructions include avoidance of forceful facial rubbing or trauma, minimal facial movement, putting pressure on the face, and avoidance of excessive mouth opening. After 3 weeks, there are no more restrictions.
When Can I Return To Work And Activities?
Depending upon your job and your tolerance for some minor bruising and swelling, you may be able to return to work in 2-3 days following the procedure. Most patients look good in makeup after a week.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Usually only one procedure is needed to achieve the desired lifting effect.
How Long Do The Results Last?
Although no one yet knows for sure, the results probably last about 2-3 years. Duration varies depending on the age of the patient at the time of the procedure, the degree of sagging, and the number of threads used. Additional threads may be added as needed to sustain the results.
Can This Procedure Be Combined With Other Cosmetic Procedures?
We usually combine the Contour ThreadLift with liposuction of the neck, eyelid surgery, and some browlifts. The procedure can also be performed in conjunction with fat transfer, Restylane, Botox, chemical or laser peels.
Are The Threads Permanent?
Yes. The Contour Threads are non-absorbable, and they will not dissolve over time.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
Contour Threads can be used to:
- Lift sagging eyebrows
- Adjust asymmetric eyebrows
- Reposition sagging cheeks
- Lift drooping soft tissue of the mid and lower face and neck
- Smooth out premature skin aging
When Will I See The Results?
The results of this procedure are visible immediately after surgery.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used?
We use local anesthesia with additional conscious sedation. You are awake but sleepy and comfortable during the procedure.
Can The Procedure Be Adjusted?
The Contour ThreadLift is simple to adjust. If there is loss of lift on one side or both, we can usually just tighten up the threads.
Will I Still Be Able To Have A Conventional Face Lift Or A Brow Lift At Another Time?
Having a Contour ThreadLift does not preclude or prevent having a traditional facelift and/or endoscopic or other browlifts at a later date should these be appropriate.
What Can Be Done If I Don’t Like The Result?
We can remove, replace or reposition threads as needed.
How Much Of A Lifting Effect Can I Expect?
Results vary depending on the extent of sagging and the degree of lifting desired and the number of threads used in each area treated. Generally we expect 50% of the improvement of a traditional lifting procedure with the Contour ThreadLift.
Who Is a Good Candidate For A Contour ThreadLift?
Women and men in their thirties through their sixties with moderate drooping of the soft tissues of the brow, face and neck are good candidates. This procedure is a good choice for those who want a more dramatic and long lasting effect than fillers and Botox or other treatments can provide, but do not want a full facelift or browlift procedure. The Contour ThreadLift will benefit those who need a bit more lift after having a prior facelift, necklift, or browlift. Above all, anyone considering the procedure must have realistic expectations as to the final results.
Who Are Not A Good Candidates?
Patients with a very thin, fragile, slack aging skin are not good candidates as are those with very heavy, jowly faces and those with very thin faces and very little facial fat. Anyone who wants a dramatic transformation should probably consider a traditional face and/or browlift instead.
What Fees Are Charged For A Contour ThreadLift?
We charge $400 per thread. The minimum amount of threads that can be inserted is usually four to lift any one area, (two per side or four total).
(Click here to learn more about the Contour ThreadLift)
