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Gravity influences facial aging, of course, but so does nutrition, smoking, the physical environment, genetics, weight alterations, menopause and the passing of time. These factors contribute to aging characteristics such as descending cheek fat pads, deep nasolabial folds, deep marionette lines, jowling, and drooping of the brow. While many people find these changes bothersome, some are not ready for a surgical correction.
The Contour ThreadLift™ is the latest innovation in non-surgical facial lifting. The new Contour ThreadLift™ procedure will diminish early signs of aging without the post-operative recovery period associated with traditional facelift surgery. The best candidate for this procedure is a patient who is beginning to experience the effects of gravity on the soft tissues of the face and neck, weak aesthetic contours, and premature aging due to sun damage.
Utilizing sutures under the skin, the Contour ThreadLift™ procedure lifts the lateral brow, restores high cheekbones and tightens the jowls. While this procedure cannot provide the same degree of rejuvenation as the traditional surgical facelift, it can provide a younger, more contoured facial appearance.
The Procedure
The procedure actually involves facial lifting, rather than pulling, which is done with Contour threads. The Contour threads are made of a monofilament material called "polypropylene". These threads are designed with directional cogs and are inserted in a zig zag or arched pattern and then anchored to certain tissues in the face. Once inserted under the skin, the Contour thread cog will form a permanent support structure for the tissue of the face, actually lifting and contouring it. Once inserted into the subcutaneous fat, the tiny barbs on the thread attach themselves, and the body's own collagen forms around the thread.
The Contour ThreadLift™ procedure is performed with needles and there is no cutting involved. Therefore, no general anaesthetic or IV sedation is required and the patient remains comfortably awake. As little as three threads will significantly raise the cheek and two threads, correctly placed, will draw back the jowls. The Contour ThreadLift™ can also be used to raise the brow. The lifting effect is at its peak several months later when the collagen has formed around the threads. In all cases, the Contour ThreadLift™ can achieve uniform gathering and even lifting of the soft tissues for a new volumetric contour of the face.
Post-Operative Course
After the Contour ThreadLift™ procedure, the patient may return to work a few days after the procedure. There may be minimal swelling and bruising. The bruising can last up to 2 weeks, but can easily be covered with make up. The area must be treated very gently for 5 to 7 days to allow the barbs to take hold. Patients should not apply any direct pressure or rubbing to the area during this time and should not experience any heavy exertion. Surgical tape is removed at 3-5 days post treatment. Patients considering any other procedures such as fillers, peels, or blepharoplasty must wait for 6 weeks. Patients will feel a prickly sensation for the first few days, however this will subside. The swelling may last for a couple of days and can be treated with ice packs.
The Result
After healing, no scars or visible marks remain. Some patients will notice an improvement immediately, however, most will begin to see the results at the 6 week mark. The best results are seen after a few months, when the collagen has had a chance to form around the thread. The benefits of this procedure may last up to 10 years.
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