Facial Plastic Surgery / Contour ThreadLift

Contour ThreadLift

Dr. Rubinstein was among the first to introduce the Contour ThreadLift procedure to the Hudson Valley as an alternative to traditional facial rejuvenation surgery. This is a truly innovative technique for lifting sagging skin tissue of the neck, jowl, and brow area, leaving a browlift/facelift- like effect without the risks or recovery time of traditional plastic surgery and heavy sedation.

Dr. Rubinstein performs the Contour ThreadLift under local anesthesia. The entire procedure requires 1 to 3 hours, depending on the number of areas to be treated and the type of ThreadLift performed. For each area, several Contour Threads, the first non-absorbable barbed sutures cleared for marketing by the FDA, are inserted into the deep layers of the skin using an attached needle to lift and elevate the area. Once inserted, the threads are fixated to form a durable support structure for facial tissues without any visible scars. The effects will continue to improve as your body generates new collagen bundles that surround each thread. Only one treatment provides a natural looking, long lasting result that leaves patients appearing younger, refreshed, and invigorated.

New Advances in the Contour ThreadLift Procedure

Dr. Rubinstein introduced the next generation of Composite ThreadLift procedure to the Hudson Valley last year. The Composite ThreadLift combines some of the lifting techniques used in traditional face and brow lift surgery in this advanced ThreadLift procedure. Rather than just simply inserting the threads into the skin, Dr. Rubinstein uses as special surgical wand inserted through the same tiny punctures used for thread placement to elevate the overlying skin between the threads from the deeper facial structures. This allows for true lifting of the facial structures rather than just rolling or pulling. The traditional ThreadLift relies exclusively on the threads doing the work in keeping the face elevated. The Composite ThreadLift uses the threads as an anchor until the skin heals in its new lifted position. By elevating the skin between the threads, the body produces fibrin, a natural glue, resulting in the elevated skin to become permanently adhered in the more lifted position without the need for the threads once healing is complete. By having the facial tissues lifted and glued in a higher position, the need for long term permanent threads may not be necessary. The threads simply serve the function of holding the soft tissue in its newly lifted position until the glue like effect is complete, which occurs around 6 weeks from the procedure. The results are more dramatic than the traditional ThreadLift procedure. The makers of the ContourThread are conducting research on producing threads that are absorbable and will last long enough for this fixation to occur and then dissolve once they are no longer needed. Recovery is slightly longer than the traditional ThreadLift procedure but is well worth it given the enhanced results. Dr. Rubinstein uses the 50:50 rule to describe its effects. It will give you about 50 % of the effects of traditional surgery, 50 % of the downtime, 50 % of the cost, and will probably last about 50 % as long as traditional surgery. This type of advanced ThreadLift procedure should only be performed by a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in invasive surgical rejuvenation.

Am I a candidate for the Contour ThreadLift procedure?

As the aging process begins, your tissue thins because the collagen and elastin fibers break down. The resulting changes are seen as sagging, deep creases, fold and wrinkles that usually begin to appear in your thirties. In general, the best candidates for a Contour ThreadLift include women and men in their thirties to their sixties who want a more dramatic and longer lasting effect than can be achieved with non invasive treatments, but do not want a full face lift, brow lift or neck lift procedure.

A Contour ThreadLift with patented Contour Threads is a safe and effective procedure that offers subtle, natural-looking results. This technique allows Dr. Rubinstein to produce a relaxed, refreshed appearance while preserving and enhancing the natural contours of your face. Contour ThreadLift does not replace a conventional face lift; rather it offers patients an innovative, minimally invasive approach to achieving face lift-like results.

A consultation with a physician who has been fully trained in the Contour ThreadLift technique is your first step. During your consultation, Dr. Rubinstein will evaluate your goals and specific anatomical considerations including skin quality, degree of sagging, underlying bone structure, and where you desire a lifting effect. The more Contour Threads used at one time, the greater the lift you can achieve.

What areas can be treated with a Contour ThreadLift?

In properly selected patients, the Contour ThreadLift can be used to:

- Lift sagging eyebrows
- Adjust asymmetric brows
- Reposition sagging cheeks
- Lift drooping soft tissues of the mid and lower face
- Smooth out premature skin aging

What are Contour Threads?

Contour Threads are the first and only non-absorbable barbed sutures cleared for marketing by the FDA for lifting the sagging contours of the brow, midface and neck areas. Unlike conventional sutures, which are smooth, Contour Threads have tiny hair-like barbs and are made of clear polypropylene, so they are not visible under fair or thin skin. Polypropylene is a material that has been safely used in the body for many years in medical devices.

How do they work?

Dr. Rubinstein makes tiny incisions or puncture in the hairline area and the Contour Threads are inserted under the skin. The tiny barbs on each thread open in an umbrella-like fashion to form a support structure that gently lifts sagging tissues of the brow, face, and neck. Once in position, your body generates new collagen bundles that encapsulate each thread to help maintain the elevation or lifting effect. The exact placement of the threads will vary from patient to patient.

How long does the procedure take?

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 total number of threads used. On average a typical procedure taxes approximately 60 minutes. In most cases, four threads is the minimum needed to address moderate sagging of one facial area.

How long is recovery?

Depending upon the extent of the procedure, patients can usually return to normal activities or to work within a few days to one week. In most cases, there is minimal discomfort, bruising and swelling. Concealing makeup may be worn the next day.

How many treatments will I need?

Usually only one procedure is needed to achieve the desired lifting effect.

How long will the results last?

Physician's experiences have shown that duration varies, depending on the age of the patient at the time of the procedure, the degree of sagging, and the number of threads used.

Are there any side effects?

The Contour ThreadLift is very safe and complications are very rare. Minor complications may include swelling, bruising, thread rupture, skin irregularities, asymmetries, puckering, and infection. In some cases, patients may feel some tightness or pulling or may be able to feel the threads.

Will I still be able to have a face lift, brow lift or a neck lift at another time?

Yes. Developed by a board certified plastic surgeon, the unique design of Contour Threads makes it simple for your physician to perform a traditional face lift, brow lift or neck procedure when you are ready.

Can a Contour ThreadLift be combined with Botox, fillers, peels or other cosmetic procedures?

This procedure is an ideal complement to other facial rejuvenation techniques. It is not uncommon to have a Contour ThreadLift combined with Botox to reduce facial muscle activity, dermal fillers to enhance volume, or peels and laser therapy to improve the skin texture. Chin augmentation and liposuction of the neck are some of the other procedures that can be done in conjunction with a Contour ThreadLift.