Thread Lift
A thread lift corrects the sagging of skin we often see with age by using supporting surgical sutures to lift and rejuvenate the face.
As we age there are many changes in the face. The effect of sun damage changes the quality of the skin, the cheek area loses volume, the brows drop and the lower face and neck sag creating deep folds in the cheek and the development of jowls and folds in the neck.
The trend in cosmetic medicine and surgery is for simpler treatments with less down time. Until recently there was no simple solution to ptosis – only surgical face, neck and brow lifting techniques. Now we have a few other tools in our armoury against ageing and these include thread-lifting which is particularly effective on eyebrows and cheeks.
Early techniques were developed by Dr Sulamanidze and is known as APTOS threads or ‘Russian Threads’. Later, South African Surgeon Dr. Des Fernandez suggested a different approach during a visit to Australia in 2003. He described a technique using standard sutures, which could be placed in such a way as to elevate the tissues. They could be used anywhere on the face or neck. We prefer the technique suggested by Dr Fernandez because of its universal application. It is more difficult to perform than APTOS but has superior ability to suspend and elevate the tissues.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and sedation in our Clinic procedure room. Depending on the problem to be corrected a small incision is made behind the ear or behind the scalp hair-line and the threads placed using a hollow needle. At completion the face is slightly swollen and may be bruised. There will be some needle marks on the face, which will disappear in a few days. The swelling will settle in about one week. There will be some initial folding of the skin in front of the ear or the scalp line which takes six to eight weeks to settle. This can be concealed by wearing the hair ‘down’ around the ears while healing.
There are few risks with this technique as there are no major incisions or cutting. The threads can be removed if necessary though this is very uncommon. Infection is a rare complication. Unlike face lifting, nerve injury is very unlikely. Patients with very loose or very thin, fine skin are not suitable for this technique.
The ideal candidate is someone with slight ptosis who does not want or need a full face lift. The procedure will last for many years and may be ‘topped up’ by the insertion of additional threads if needed.
There are several threads on the market but more commonly we use the promoitalia revitalizing, absorbable threads.
Other options for loss of facial volume
NON-SURGICAL
SURGICAL
Click here for FAQ’s on Promoitalia threads.
Dr Simon Rosenbaum
Dr Simon Rosenbaum trains other cosmetic physicians and plastic & reconstructive surgeons in the use of Promoitalia threads.
Consultations available with Dr Simon Rosenbaum in Ashmore (Gold Coast) and Melbourne.
For more information or to arrange a consultation, call 07 5509 0077 or complete our contact form below.
