Cosmetic Surgery procedure -Thread Lift

THREAD LIFT
The aim of modern aesthetic (cosmetic, beauty) surgery is to create pleasing forms and proportions for the face and body with the purpose of beautification. In Aesthetic Surgery rejuvenation has a similar meaning - achieving beautification by restoring proportions and angles typical of younger people. Traditionally, rejuvenation of the face was achieved by a full or lower 'face lift', however advancements in cosmetic surgery have meant that it is now possible to lift the face without the need for a traditional face-lift. As a clinic known for its cutting edge procedures, we have selected the new, scarless, thread lift technique, based upon a technique developed by Bulgarian surgeon Dr Serdev, which allows for remodelling and/or rejuvenation of sagging skin of the face and body.

This technique allows serious surgical interventions to be replaced by more simple procedures. This technique uses specially designed threads to lift and correct flabbiness of the tissue. The Thread Lift technique is used mainly in the face, with excellent results. Threads can be safely used to give lift to a sagging brow - opening up the eyes and possibly eliminating the need for blepharoplasty (skin removal above the eyes), to lift the mid face - decreasing deep furrows around the mouth and tightening the skin on and around the cheeks, as well as to lift and tighten a sagging jaw line. This non-scaring, elastic suture method has replaced the old, open incision face-lifts by pulling up the skin and muscle with the use of specially designed threads. However, as with all cosmetic procedures, there are limits to the amount of skin that can successfully be 'lifted' with this technique. In certain cases, it may be necessary to perform an open incision MACS face-lift (short scar face lift).

Using this technique, means a less traumatic experience for the patient leaving few or no scars, a rapid recovery, less oedema (swelling) and ecchymosis (bruising) and allowing patients to resume normal activities practically immediately.

Is the thread lift technique suitable for me?
A major indication for the use of this technique is a patient who, with the normal aging process, has sagging skin on the jaw line; deep furrows, due to sagging skin, around the mouth and nose; loose skin on the upper eyelid due to a dropped brow. Although this technique is ideal for patients who do not require a full face-lift, it is unrealistic to expect the same results from this technique as from a face-lift.

The advantages of this technique, is that it is a quick and simple procedure, carried out under local anaesthetic (it is also possible to perform this procedure under IV sedation if the patient so wishes). The procedure itself will take around half an hour, depending upon the amount of areas being 'lifted', and you may leave the clinic about 30 minutes after your procedure. You will be left with no visible scars and are able to resume normal activities immediately with few obvious signs that your have just had a cosmetic procedure.

We have provided a form on the website if you would like to request further information or an appointment. The cost of a consultation is £130. Alternatively if you prefer the telephone we are happy to take your call.

further information and appointment
more information about the procedure


	BEFORE YOUR SURGERY In the week before, you should not take any medications containing aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid), since these products affect the bloods clotting mechanism and therefore may lead to excessive bleeding during and after surgery hence resulting in increased bruising. Taking high doses of vitamin E preparations, eating large amounts of garlic and consuming alcohol can also produce the same result and should be avoided. If pain medication is necessary, we recommend you take ibuprofen/paracetamol. It is in your own best interests to quit smoking, at least two weeks before and until 2 weeks after surgery. It is well known that smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels, which leads to a decreased blood supply to the skin, thus slowing and interfering with the healing process. Be sure to inform your surgeon of any medications you take, as well as possible allergies including (drug, latex, plasters and so on). Your surgeon will decide whether preliminary examinations are necessary, such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram, or x-rays of the lungs. If this is the case, these tests should be performed several weeks before the surgery. It is best not to wear any makeup when you come in for your operation, and to tie your hair back if possible.
	THE PROCEDURE During the procedure, the area to be 'lifted' will be injected with a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Once the area is sufficiently anaesthetised, a very small incision (about 0.5cm) is made behind the ear (for the mid and lower face) and a special needle will be inserted under the skin and muscle, this allows a specifically designed thread to be drawn under the skin and around the muscle. Once the thread is in place, the surgeon will pull the thread tight, lifting the muscle, which in turn lifts the skin. This thread will remain in the body, either permanently or lasting about 6 yrs before it is broken down and dissolved completely, depending upon the thread used. Immediately after the procedure you may be left with slight 'folds' on either side of the face, these folds will release and disappear completely within one to two weeks, leaving the skin lifted and the face more youthfully looking. Please bear in mind that the results from this procedure will vary from person to person, depending upon the area to be treated and the condition of each individuals skin. It is important to have realistic expectations, and to know that, although cosmetic surgery can improve your looks, helping you to look more youthful, we cannot perform miracles. Both the doctor and the patient should have realistic ideas of the final results, taking into account the limitations of the treatment and the nature of each individual case.
	AFTER THE PROCEDURE As this technique uses only a small needle to pass the thread through the tissue, there will be limited bruising. In fact, most people do not experience any bruising at all. You may also notice a small amount of swelling, mostly due to the local anaesthetic that was injected. Applying ice to the area intermittently for the first 12 hrs will ease both the swelling and bruising. After your procedure, you will remain in the clinic for about 30mins, then you may go about your daily business as normal. You will be given some pain medication, if necessary, and a course of antibiotics to take. You may or may not need to return after one week, for the nurse to check the incision sites and remove any sutures, otherwise you will have a 6 week review with the surgeon to check the results and make sure you are pleased with you new look. All surgery carries some uncertainties and risks. Although the thread lift is a relatively simple procedure, it is important to note that, like with all cosmetic procedures, it is not without some risks and does have its limitations. After the procedure, it is possible to develop an infection, bleeding may occur under the skin, causing increased bruising, symmetry of the face may affected and it is possible for the threads to break or relapse. If any of these complications do occur, they are easily corrected/treated and it is possible to remove the threads, if necessary. If you have any further questions or queries about this procedure, please feel free to call and speak to either Dr Roberto Viel, Dr Maurizio Viel or any of our nurses. Please note that it is necessary to attend a consultation prior to your operation, this is also the case with existing patients and it may also be necessary to have repeat blood test.	top