Contour Thread

Who is a candidate?
Contour Thread or ThreadLift is a popular non-incisional facelift procedure. The best candidates are individuals in their 30 s through 60 s who want a more youthful appearance, but are not ready for a conventional facelift. These individuals typically present with signs of aging face such as droopy eyebrows, cheeks, jowls and neck.

Procedure description
ThreadLift is a popular non-invasive facelift procedure that is performed through patented sutures under local anesthesia. These specially designed sutures consist of polypropylene material that has been used in the body in many other medical procedures. The threads have small barbs that are spaced evenly apart and once they are placed underneath the skin they can lift the sagging tissue of the face evenly, lifting the area of correction. The barbed threads are clear in color and are not visible underneath the skin. ThreadLift can be used to correct droopy and sagging eyebrows, cheeks, jowls and the neck. It can be used to lift one location of the face or multiple locations. The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours and it can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.

Recuperation and Healing
ThreadLift procedure has minimal down time. Mild bruising, discomfort and swelling are common for this type of procedures and will resolve in few days. The majority of patients are able to return to work or their normal routine in 2-5 days. Results last for several years and it vary from one individual to another. Results also depend on the age of the patient at the time of the procedure and the number of threads used. Side effects are rare. In case of unwanted effects the procedure is entirely reversible under local anesthetic.

Can this procedure be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
ThreadLift can conveniently be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Restylane, FAMI, fat transfer and chemical peels. In addition, ThreadLift is not a contraindication for future traditional surgeries. This safe and effective procedure offers natural looking results and restores the youthful vitality to the face.

Fat Transfer & Fami

Facial aging occurs primarily as a result of volume loss or atrophy of soft tissue, including fat and facial muscles. This process results in sagging of the skin, and its excess tends to create folds, grooves, and wrinkles. Fat grafting for facial rejuvenation and tissue augmentation has been used for decades and was refined during the 1990s.

Fat autografting muscle injection (FAMI) – a newer, more advanced technique in fat grafting – is a three-dimensional filling administered into the facial muscles. It is a bloodless and safe technique that uses the patient's own fat to fill and correct the atrophied facial muscles, therefore correcting the lost volume and rejuvenating the aging face. The risks involving facelift surgery, such as damage to the nerves, arteries, veins, and other structures of the face are not associated with FAMI. In addition, it creates a natural look, not the “pulled look,” which is common after conventional plastic surgery.

FAMI is an excellent choice for patients who are uncomfortable with skin excision techniques, like a facelift, but wish to rejuvenate their look. FAMI can be used for patients who have already undergone a facelift, and seek correction. In addition, it can also be used to improve contour deformity or to alter an individual’s shape or facial anatomy.

After numbing the area with local anesthetic, the donor fat is taken from the part of the body where the fatty cells are mostly packed, such as from the abdomen or a patient’s “love handles.” The prepared fat is then injected into the area requiring treatment or rejuvenation. The transferred fat will revascularize and survive in the new location. The procedure takes about 2 to 4 hours and is performed in the doctor’s office, on an outpatient basis. Post-treatment care is minimal. There may be some swelling or bruising at the site of treatment, which is normal with any type of procedure. Swelling resolves in a few days and bruising can be covered up with makeup. Most people resume their normal activities the day after their procedure. Although, there are usually some restrictions on activities, such as with exercising or swimming for a few days, FAMI provides long-lasting, successful, and symmetrical results. It is effective, natural, and non-allergenic. The procedure can be performed multiple times, until the desired effect has been achieved.