This procedure instantaneously yet temporarily lifts sagging skin of the face, especially the cheeks, the eyebrows and other areas around the eyes, the jowls and the neck. A specialized thread is inserted to suspend the tissue and stitch up portions of it, with the result of a lifted and tightened face. Threads come in various configurations: short, bi-directional threads (APTOS, Feather lift); or long bi-directional slings (barbed suture lift), or long uni-directional threads (contour threads).
Different threads create different effects (such as firming or lifting). These threads can be used in conjunction with traditional open facelift surgery or endoscopic techniques. The huge disadvantage of this procedure is its longevity. But people with minimal signs of ageing, or those with hesitation or contraindication of invasive procedures can undergo this type of procedure because it cost less and shorter recovery time. People with excessive sagging may not benefit optimally from this procedure. Preparation may include a detailed history of medical history, allergies, immunological diseases, other systemic diseases, medications, and physical examination
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
The procedure approximately takes between 30-40 minutes.
Anesthesia
Usually local anesthesia, with or without light sedation.
Inpatient/Outpatient
This is most often an outpatient procedure.
Additional Information
Several conditions may apply after the procedure:
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Temporary pain
- Numbness (temporary)
- Puckering or dimpling of skin and pleating
- Difficulty of mouth opening
- Thread dislocation (migration, extrusion)
- Thread snapping
- Infection
- Granuloma (suture reaction)
- Contour irregularities
- Asymmetrical look
- Thread absorption
- Temporary facial stiffness
- Reoperation
A light pressure dressing on the lifted area will be applied for a couple of days after the surgery. Avoid rubbing the face for at least a week. Patients should not sleep on the area of the threads. There may be soreness, redness, or swelling in some patients, but it usually resolves on the same day of the procedure. People can immediately return to work.
Immediate results can be seen postoperatively. The results last only for one to two years, where new threads could be inserted to maintain or enhance results. Non-surgical rejuvenation technique such as thread lift produces a temporary result, where the loss of result after a period of time is not considered a failure.