AILESBURY COSMETIC: 'Contour Threads explained' by Dr. Patrick Treacy

PR Log (Press Release) – Jun 22, 2009 – The Contour Thread is a patented, FDA-Approved, self-anchoring suture that permits a non-surgical approach to lifting skin.

Contour Threads are made from clear polypropylene, a material that has been used inside the human body as a suture material for decades. Contour Threads? are designed with patented dimensional barbs, or cogs, that attach to the subdermal tissue, lifting, suspending and fixating contour of the brow, midface and neck areas.

By gently shifting sagging tissues in an upward direction, this technique allows the surgeon to produce a relaxed, fresh appearance while preserving and enhancing the natural contours of your face. This procedure does not replace a conventional facelift; rather it offers patients an innovative, minimally invasive approach.

An ideal candidate for Contour Threads may have moderate drooping of the soft tissues of the brow, face and neck. The best candidates for this procedure include both women and men in their thirties through their sixties who want a more youthful appearance, but do not want a conventional full facelift or browlift procedure.

Contour Threadsare used for:

Repositioning sagging cheeks
Lifting sagging eyebrows
Adjusting asymmetric brows & face


How it works:
For the midface procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny incision close to the ear and the threads are advanced along the previously marked contours toward the chin and jawline so they create a firm hold on the underlying tissues without causing additional trauma. The cogs do the work of holding, by being fixated to tissue as they are softly contoured into place.

Once in position, your body generates new collagen bundles that surround each thread to maintain the lifting effect. The exact placement of the threads will vary from patient to patient. Unlike other thread products, Contour Threads are clear in color so they are not visible under fair or thin skin.


Procedure:
The procedure is quick and usually performed under local anesthesia, and if desired, light intravenous sedation. The actual length of time will depend on the number of threads used. A typical procedure usually takes about 60 minutes to perform. Usually only one procedure is needed to achieve the desired lifting effect.

Recovery:
In most cases, there is minimal discomfort, bruising and swelling. Ice compresses are recommended for the first 24-48 hours. Patients can usually return to work or normal activities in a few days to one week.

Results:
Duration of lasting results varies depending on the age of the patient at the time of the procedure, the degree of sagging, and the number of threads used. Additional threads may be added as needed.