Understanding Thread Lift Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Overview
A thread lift is a fairly recent cosmetic surgery technique that is designed for individuals who would like a little "pick me up" but are not necessarily ready to commit to a full facelift. In addition, thread lifts are less invasive, cost less, and achieve optimal results with minimal downtime. In some locations, cosmetic and plastic surgeons today call a thread lift the "weekend facelift" because it can be performed in generally about an hour.

Thread Lift Plastic Surgery Technique
One of the most beneficial aspects of thread lift plastic surgery is that plastic surgeons are able to achieve superlative results through less invasive techniques than ever before. Thread lifts involve the use of sutures that are barbed on one end. They are able to literally lift various aspects of facial features to achieve a smoother more toned appearance. The most common areas thread lifts are utilized are on eyelids and eyebrows, sagging necklines, and the crease between the nose and the mouth that deepens with age.
The two most commonly practiced thread lift techniques used today include:

• Contour Thread Lift
• Feather Lift (a.k.a. Aptos thread lift)

Contour threads, extremely popular in the U.S., have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The Feather Lift is quite popular outside the United States, though it too has been approved by the FDA. In addition, a survey of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons released stats that nearly 5,000 thread lifts are completed on an annual basis in the United States alone.

Contour threads are made of a polypropylene materials that have nearly invisible barbs on one end. The Feather or Aptos threads have barbs along the entire length of the thread. Both are used to anchor excess skin in place along various anchor points in order to fill out or lift trouble areas.

Subcutaneous tissues are lifted with the barbed end of these threads, which are then adhered to stable structures and underlying facial tissues. A closed technique involves no incisions and requires a plastic surgeon to carefully form or mold soft facial tissues over the suture's surface at various points to achieve optimal results. Open techniques of thread lift procedures involve a very small incision through which a surgeon inserts instruments to create a surface beneath the skin layers to which sutures can be adhered. Both techniques can be used during either thread lift procedure and the number of threads used with either technique can range from a few to a couple dozen.

Who Benefits from Thread Lift Plastic Surgery?
Anyone who is dissatisfied with a weak jaw line, sagging jowls, drooping eyebrows or eyelids may benefit from thread lift plastic surgical procedures. This type of plastic surgery is most effective on individuals who just need a minimal "lift" procedure, and those between the ages of 35 and 50. Eyebrows, eyelids, the folds between the eyebrows, as well as the folds found between the nose and the mouth, neck lines and chin lines are the most common locations for this type of procedure, for which results are very effective and beneficial.

How Much Does Thread Surgery Cost?
Consumers should be aware that elective plastic and cosmetic surgical procedures are generally not covered by United States health insurance plans. In the United States, thread lifts may cost anywhere between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the area to be treated, the severity of the appearance and the number of threads that may be needed to provide optimal results. The average patients spend on thread lift surgery approximately $3,000-$3,500 on this procedure. In Mexico, patients may pay approximately $1,000 to $2,500 for the same procedure while in Croatia, patient costs average about $1,600.

Who Performs Thread Lift Surgical Procedures?
Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon is of vital importance. The surgeon you choose should be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or a Society of Plastic Surgeons in the country of origin. In addition, the American Board of Plastic Surgery should also certify a plastic cosmetic or reconstructive surgeon in thread lift techniques. Surgeries should be performed in an accredited facility. Always take the time to check and verify training, education, credentials, and the type of board certification that a plastic surgeon hands, as well as his or her experience and number of times he or she has performed a thread lift surgical procedure.