Contour ThreadLift Florida

Frequently asked questions

What is a Contour ThreadLift™?
Dr. Clevens performs the Contour ThreadLift™ with patented Contour ThreadsT. It is a minimally invasive, safe and effective non-surgical procedure that offers that offers subtle, natural-looking facelift-like results.

How is it performed?
A Contour ThreadLift™ utilizes tiny surgical sutures to lift and support the droopy areas of the brow, cheeks, face and neck. Contour threadsT have tiny, teeth-like (barb-like) cogs that will grasp on to and lift the soft tissues. Dr. Clevens carefully inserts the threads in precise locations, and once inserted under the skin, they open in an umbrella like fashion to form a support structure that gently lifts and repositions the tissues into a more vertical and youthful position. With the lift effect secured, the needle is removed, the end of the thread is cut and knotted, allowing it to retract deep under the skin where it cannot be felt or seen. The non-absorbable threads stay within the deep tissues and provide support.

What are "barbed" sutures?
Unlike conventional sutures which are smooth, patented Contour ThreadsT have tiny teeth-like barbs or cogs that are spaced evenly apart. Once inserted under the skin, they are fixated with tension that creates a suspension effect that gently lifts sagging tissues.  

What do the threads look like?
Unlike other thread products, Contour ThreadsT are clear so they are not visible under fair or thin skin.

How do they work?
Due to the unique design of the cogs of Contour ThreadsT, the surrounding tissues act to hold the threads in place without the need for visible scars. Dr. Clevens makes a tiny incision behind the hairline and the threads are advanced along the previously marked contours 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.

Does it hurt?
Pain and discomfort are very minimal with this technique and most patients can take only Tylenol for pain relief. In most cases, ice compresses are recommended for the first 24-48 hours.

Is it safe?
When performed by a certified physician with experience, such as Dr. Clevens, 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. Since a Contour ThreadLift™ is performed under local anesthesia, there are none of the risks associated with general anesthesia.

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 traumatizing or dislodging the threads from their supportive locations in the deep fat of the face and neck. Some of these instructions include avoidance of forceful facial rubbing or trauma, sleeping on your back, minimal facial animations, putting pressure on the face, and avoidance of excessive mouth opening. After 3 weeks, there are no more restrictions.

When can I return to work and activities?
Depending upon your job and your tolerance for some minor bruising and swelling, you may be able to return to work in 2-3 days following the procedure. Most patients look good in makeup after one week.

How many treatments will I need?
Usually Dr. Clevens can perform your Contour ThreadLift in only one procedure is needed to achieve the desired lifting effect.

How long do the results last?
Physicians' 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.

What are the possible side effects?
The Contour ThreadLift™ is a simple procedure to perform. Complications are rare and will be less likely with an experienced, fully trained surgeon such as Dr. Clevens.

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 Dr. Clevens often performs in conjunction with a Contour ThreadLift™ procedure.

Are the threads permanent?
Contour ThreadsT are non-absorbable, and they will not dissolve over time.

What is the difference between Contour ThreadsT and other threads?
Contour ThreadsT are the first non-absorbable barbed sutures cleared for marketing by the FDA. They are Anchored or Fixated to stationary fascia or tissue points. Other barbed sutures "float" in tissue and are inserted using a hollow canola. Contour Threads are made of "Clear" Polypropylene and will not be visible in light or thin skinned patients. Dr. Clevens has elected to use only Contour Threads as this technique has the longest proven track record in patient care.

What areas can be treated?
Contour ThreadsT are used for:

• Lift sagging eyebrows
• Adjust asymmetric eyebrows
• Reposition sagging cheeks
• Lift drooping soft tissue of the mid and lower face and neck
• Smooth out premature skin aging

What type of results will I see?
The effects are immediate. During the time of your consultation, Dr. Clevens will demonstrate in the mirror, the relative amount of lift that the Contour ThreadLift™ can achieve. The procedure can also be combined with other techniques including blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), fat transfer, dermal fillers, botulinum toxin, and liposuction of the neck.

Do I need to have anesthesia?
In most cases, only local anesthesia is required. Your physician may also offer you the option of having light sedation or twilight anesthesia, depending on the extent of the Contour ThreadLift™ you are having and the number of Contour ThreadsT to be used in one stage. General anesthesia is not necessary for this technique.

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 60 minutes to complete, depending on the number of threads used. Patients are able to go home soon after the procedure.

Are there any other treatments that may enhance or preserve the effect?
Dr. Clevens offers non-invasive outpatient treatments that enhance or protect the effect. These adjunctive procedures include botulinum toxin, dermal fillers like Radiesse, Restylane, Juvederm, laser and light therapy, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

Will I still be able to have a conventional face lift or a brow lift at another time?
Developed by a board certified plastic surgeon, the unique design of Contour ThreadsT allows a traditional facelift or browlift procedure when you are ready.. Dr. Clevens has performed numerous face and browlifts without difficulty on patients that have previously had Countour ThreadLifts.

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. 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 who want a more dramatic and long lasting effect than fillers and botulinum toxin or other treatments can provide, but do not want a full face lift or brow lift procedure.

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. Patients must have realistic expectations. They should not be too heavy or too thin, and should be medically well and not be taking blood thinning medication. Dr. Clevens and his staff will assist in determining whether you are an appropriate candidate for the ContourLift.

Who is NOT a good candidate?

• Patients with a very thin, fragile, slack aging skin
• Patients who want a dramatic transformation
• Very heavy, jowly faces
• Too thin faces with very little facial fat

What fees are charged for a threadlift?
Although each physician practice will have a different fee schedule, fees for a Contour ThreadLift™ generally range from $2,500 to $6,000 per region. The regions that can be treated include the brows, midface and cheeks, and jowls and neck area.