A new cosmetic procedure is providing an alternative to the somewhat costly and invasive facelift option. Thread lifts are becoming increasingly popular as an option for those desiring a younger and rejuvenated face. The thread lift, which typically ranges in cost between $3000 and $4000, is considered to be a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that takes only an hour or so to complete.
During the thread lift procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision at the hairline of the location and uses a thin, hollow needle to thread sutures into the skin’s tissue. The tension of the skin is then adjusted and lifted by the surgeon to achieve the wanted look. Once the skin tissue is tugged to the proper positioning, the needle is removed and the thread is knotted. Collagen forms around the threads to help hold the skin in its new placement.
While the thread lift has been commonly acclaimed as a quick “lunchtime” procedure, doctors forewarn that this is not a realistic expectation. The thread lift does not require general anesthesia as a facelift would, but still can leave the patient with swelling and pain and may require a day or even a week to fully recover from the procedure.
A 54-year-old woman who underwent the thread lift procedure claims that the Oprah Winfrey and Today Show depictions of the procedure are not totally accurate. The swelling initially after the thread lift was quite substantial and took nearly a month to subside, the woman alleges. She also added that she felt unprepared for several side effects and sensations associated with the thread lift procedure, such as feeling the thread when she touches her cheeks and a ‘ping’ in her jaw when she smiles too broadly.
However, the same women expressed her satisfaction with her results commenting, “It was mild enough so it helps you with your self confidence. It really is a pick-me-up.”
Many doctors however are still skeptical about the relatively new procedure. Concerns regarding inadequate research and adverse side effects are still somewhat prevalent some cosmetic surgeons.
Complications associated with the thread lift procedure include protrusion and bunching of the threads, swelling, pain and fishhooks and are not unheard of among patients.
Dr. Vander Kolk, director of the Johns Hopkins Cosmetic Center claims that of the 25 thread lifts he has performed, six patients experienced minor complications and one woman decided to have her threads removed. “I was very skeptical, but patients have been very happy,” commented Kolk on the majority of his clients. “They provide the results many people are looking for.”
The thread lift procedure is credited to inventors Dr. Gregory Ruff of Chapel Hill, N.C. and Marlen Sulamanidze, a Russian doctor. The company Surgical Specialties, which markets the Contour Threads for the procedure, requires a one-day learning course for doctor’s who purchase thread lift materials.
According to a marketing representative, to date, 1,400 doctors have participated in the course.