| What
is a Contour ThreadLift™? A Contour ThreadLift™ with patented Contour Threads™ is
a minimally invasive, safe and effective, non-surgical procedure
that offers that offers subtle, natural-looking facelift-like
results. How is it performed? 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
threads are inserted in precise locations using a long needle,
and once inserted under the skin, the 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. What are “barbed” sutures? Unlike conventional sutures which are smooth, patented
Contour Threads™ have tiny hair-like barbs that
are spaced evenly apart. Once inserted under the skin
tissue, the
barbs open in an umbrella like fashion to create a suspension
effect that gently lifts sagging tissues. What do the threads look like? Unlike other thread products, Contour Threads™ are
clear so they are not visible under fair or thin skin. How do they work? Due to the unique design of the barbs of Contour Threads™,
the surrounding tissues act to hold the threads in place
without the need for visible scars. The physician makes
a tiny incision behind the hairline and the threads are
advanced
along the previously marked contours so they create a firm
hold on the underlying tissues without causing additional
trauma. The barbs do the work of holding by being fixated
to tissue as they are softly contoured into place. Once
in position, your body generates new collagen bundles that
surround
each thread to help maintain the lifting effect. Does it hurt? Pain and discomfort are very minimal with this technique
and most patients can take only Tylenol for pain relief.
In most cases, ice compresses are recommended for the first
24-48 hours. Is it safe? When performed by a certified physician with experience,
the procedure is very safe. The risks and complications
are uncommon and usually easily correctable. The actual
sutures are made from polypropylene, which is 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, sleeping on your back, minimal
facial animations, 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 one 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? 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.
The lift effect of the Contour ThreadLift™ can
last 3-5 years in some cases. What are the possible side effects? The Contour Threadlift™ is a simple procedure to
perform. Complications are rare and will be less likely with
an experienced,
fully trained surgeon. Since this technique is entirely
reversible, unwanted effects are usually easily corrected
under local
anesthesia. Can this procedure be combined with other cosmetic procedures? The Contour Threadlift™ is a stand alone procedure.
However, it is not uncommon to have this procedure combined
with botulinum toxin to reduce facial muscle activity, dermal
fillers to enhance volume, or peels and laser therapy to
improve skin texture. Liposuction of the neck and jowls,
and chin augmentation, are some of the other procedures that
can be done in conjunction with a Contour Threadlift™ procedure. Are the threads permanent? Contour Threads™ are non-absorbable, and they will
not dissolve over time. What is the difference between Contour
Threads™ and
other threads? Contour Threads™ are the first non-absorbable barbed
sutures cleared for marketing by the FDA for the brow,
mid-face and neck indications. What areas can be treated? Contour Threads™ are
used for:
- 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
What type of results will I see? The effects are immediate. During the time of your consultation,
your physician will demonstrate in the mirror, the relative
amount of lift that the Contour Threadlift™ can
achieve. The procedure can also be combined with other
techniques
including blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), fat transfer,
dermal fillers, botulinum toxin, and liposuction of the
neck. Do I need to have anesthesia? In most cases, only local anesthesia is required.
Your physician may also offer you the option of having
light sedation
or twilight anesthesia, depending on the extent of the
Contour Threadlift™ you are having and the number
of Contour Threads™ to be used in one stage. General
anesthesia is not necessary for this technique. How long does it take to perform? The Contour Threadlift™ is most commonly performed
under local anesthesia and the procedure usually takes
less than 30 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on
the number
of threads used. Patients are able to go home soon after
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, your physician
can just
tighten up the threads at any time. Are there any other treatments that may enhance or preserve
the effect? Many physicians offer non-invasive outpatient treatments
that enhance or protect the effect. These adjunctive procedures
include botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, laser and light
therapy, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Will I still be able to have a conventional face lift or
a brow lift at another time? Developed by a board certified plastic surgeon, the unique
design of Contour Threads™ allows a traditional facelift
or browlift procedure when you are ready. What
can be done if I don’t like the result? The Contour Threadlift™ is entirely reversible.
Your physician can remove, replace or reposition threads
as needed. How much of a lifting effect can I expect? The exact placement of the threads will vary from patient
to patient. Results will vary depending on the extent of
sagging and the degree of lifting desired, as well as the
technique of the physician and 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 a Contour ThreadLift? In general, the best candidates for a Contour ThreadLift™ include
both women and men who want a more dramatic and long lasting
effect than fillers and botulinum toxin or other treatments
can provide, but do not want a full face lift or brow lift
procedure. How do I know if I am a good candidate? Ideal candidates are women and men in the thirties through
the sixties with moderate drooping of the soft tissues
of the brow, face and neck. Patients must have realistic
expectations. They should not be too heavy or too thin,
and should be medically well and not be taking blood thinning
medication. Who is NOT a good candidate?
- Patients
with a very thin, fragile, slack aging skin
- Patients
who want a dramatic transformation
- Very heavy, jowly
faces
- Too thin faces with very little facial fat
What fees are charged for a threadlift? Although each physician practice
will have a different fee schedule depending on the
market they are located
in, fees
for a Contour ThreadLift™ generally range from
$2,000 to $5,000 per region. The regions that can be
treated include
the brows, mid-face and cheeks, and jowls and neck area.
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