How is it performed?

A Contour ThreadLift™ utilises a very small barbed surgical suture (Polypropylene) to lift and support the droopy areas of the brow, cheeks, face and neck. Contour threads™ are inserted in precise locations using a needle via very small stab like incisions. Once inserted under the skin layers into the fatty layer, the bars open in an umbrella like fashion to form a support structure that lifts and repositions the tissues into a more vertical and youthful position. Uniquely the Contour Thread™ is secured in deeper tissue on the hairline (brow and mid-face) and behind the ear (neck). This anchor supports the lift during the adjustment process and the months after. The threads are non-absorbable so they will maintain their strength over the first important 6 months.

What are “barbed” sutures?

Unlike conventional sutures, which are smooth, Contour Threads™ have very small hair-like barbs (similar in concept to a porcupine) that have been developed through extensive research and have the most effective geometrically patented “barb” design in the world.  They are manufactured in a strict and highly regulated facility, which has been designing and manufacturing sophisticated medical products for the past 25 years.

What do the threads look like?

Unlike other polypropylene sutures, Contour Threads™ are clear so they are not visible under fair or thin skin.

How do they work?

Due to the unique design of the barbs of Contour Threads™, the surrounding tissues act to hold the threads in place without the need for visible scars. The doctor makes a small ‘stab' incision behind the hairline and the threads are advanced along the previously marked contours to create a firm hold on the underlying tissues without causing additional trauma. The barbs 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 help maintain the lifting effect.

Does it hurt?

You will be given a local anaesthetic to have the procedure and possibly some light sedation. Patients say “the worst part is having the local”.  Post-procedure,  the pain and discomfort varies from patient to patient (usually depends on how many regions you have elevated). For some patients the pain is very minimal and in others the pain can be strong.  Most patients will need to take Paracetamol at the least for a few days (especially for sleeping) and for those patients who experience strong pain then Paradex or Paracetamol with codeine (Panadeine Forte) might be required for up to a week.

Is it safe?

When performed by a trained Contour ThreadLift™ doctor, the procedure is very safe. The risks and complications are uncommon and usually easily correctable. The actual sutures are made from polypropylene, which is a material that has been used in brain, heart and abdominal surgery for many years. In the rare event of a complication, the sutures can be removed or repositioned as needed. Since a Contour ThreadLift™ is performed under local anaesthesia, there are none of the risks associated with general anaesthesia.

How many treatments will I need?

Usually only one procedure is needed to achieve the desired lifting effect and the beauty of this procedure is you can go back to your doctor after a few months and discuss further elevation.

What kind of care is required after the procedure?

Following a Contour ThreadLift™ procedure, there are some practical instructions and care that must be followed to avoid dislodging the threads from their supportive tissue whilst the collagen reaction takes place.  Some of these instructions include avoidance of forceful facial rubbing (massage), strong active movement (support brow if coughing/sneezing), sleeping on the side of your face, avoiding excessive mouth opening (eating apples for e.g.) and some sporting activities.  Your doctor will explain these recommendations.

When can I return to work and activities?

Depending upon your workplace and tolerance for some minor bruising, swelling and possible dimpling you may be able to return to work in 2-3 days following the procedure; however it could take up to 7 days. It is very important to discuss this with your doctor, who will have a better idea based on your skin type and extent of the procedure you had done and how long you might take to get back to work.

How long do the results last?

Depending on the age of the patient at the time of the procedure, the degree of sagging and the number of threads used, doctors experience shows the duration varies from two to five years.

What are the possible side effects?

When performed by Contour ThreadLift™ trained doctor the procedure is very safe and complications are rare. All of the following minor complications are treatable and may include swelling, bruising, skin irregularities, asymmetries, puckering and infection. In some cases, patients may feel some tightness or pulling or may be able to feel the threads. Since this technique is entirely reversible, unwanted side effects are usually easily corrected under local anaesthetic.

Can this procedure be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

The Contour Threadlift™ is a stand-alone procedure. However, it is not uncommon to have this procedure combined with botulinum toxin to reduce facial muscle activity, dermal fillers to enhance volume, or peels and laser therapy to improve skin texture. Liposuction of the neck and jowls, and chin augmentation, are some of the other procedures that can be done in conjunction with a Contour Threadlift™ procedure.

Are the threads permanent?

Contour Threads™ are non-absorbable, and they will not dissolve over time.

What is the difference between Contour Threads™ and other threads?

Contour Threads™ are the first Industry registered non-absorbable barbed sutures. They are anchored to stationary fascia and are the only ones that are introduced into the tissue with a fine straight needle instead of a hollow needle, which makes the procedure faster and simpler.  Recent advances have made it unnecessary to use a knot to secure the thread further simplifying the procedure for Doctors and patients.

What areas can be treated?

Contour Threads™ are used to:

Do I need to have anaesthesia?

In most cases, only local anaesthesia is required. Your doctor may also offer you the option of having light sedation or twilight anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the Contour ThreadLift™ you are having and the number of Contour Threads™ to be used. General anaesthesia is not necessary for the basic Contour ThreadLift™.

How long does it take to perform?

The Contour ThreadLift™ is most commonly performed under local anesthesia and the procedure usually takes less than 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the number of threads used. Patients are able to go home soon after the procedure.

Can the procedure be adjusted?

Yes. If there is loss of lift on one side or both, your doctor can correct this with additional threads and if there is an irregularity or excessive pull then the thread can be released slightly to correct it.

Are there any other treatments that may enhance or preserve the effect?

Many doctors offer non-invasive outpatient treatments that enhance or protect the effect. These adjunctive procedures include botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, laser and light therapy, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

Will I still be able to have a conventional facelift or a browlift at another time?

Developed by a board certified plastic surgeon, the unique design of Contour Threads™ allows a traditional facelift or browlift procedure when you are ready.

What can be done if I don't like the result?

The Contour Threadlift™ is entirely reversible. Your doctor can remove or replace threads as needed.

How much of a lifting effect can I expect?

The exact placement of the threads will vary from patient to patient. Results will vary depending on the extent of sagging and the degree of lifting desired, as well as the technique of the physician and the number of threads used in each area treated. Many patients can achieve a 50% improvement after one treatment session.

Who is a good candidate for a Contour ThreadLift™?

In general, the best candidates for a Contour ThreadLift™ include both women and men from the mid thirties to sixties who want a more rejuvenated and longer lasting effect than what fillers, botulinum toxin, surface lasers or other non-invasive treatments provide, and yet do not want to have an open surgical face or brow lift. Ultimately it's for those looking for ‘rejuvenation' not ‘transformation'. All potential candidates need to be assessed by a Contour ThreadLift™ doctor to ascertain the individual suitability despite the age range quoted above.

How do I know if I am a good candidate?

Ideal candidates are women and men in the thirties through the sixties with moderate drooping of the soft tissues of the brow, face and neck. The best way to answer this question is to consult a Contour ThreadLift™ trained doctor, as he/she will know what this procedure could or couldn't do for you. You should not be too heavy, thick or thin-skinned or have too much skin laxity. You should consult with your doctor about your medical history and any medications you are taking, such as blood-thinners, as to how it could affect your suitability for the procedure.

Who is NOT a good candidate?

	Patients with a very thin, fragile, slack or aging skin
	Patients who want a dramatic transformation
	Very heavy, jowly faces
	Too thin faces

What fees are charged for a Contour Threadlift™?

This will need to be determined by your clinician.

How long does it take to perform?

The Contour ThreadLift™ is most commonly performed under local anesthesia and the procedure usually takes less than 30 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the number of threads used. Patients are able to go home soon after the procedure.