Use of barbed threads in facial rejuvenation（1）
Rakesh Kalra
Dept. of Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery, Ashirwad Hospital, Ashirwad Enclave, Dehradun-248 006, India
Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery
Year : 2008 | Volume : 41 | Issue : 3 | Page : 93-100
Correspondence Address:
Rakesh Kalra
Ashirwad Hospital, Ashirwad Enclave, Dehradun-248 006 India
PMID: 20174549
Abstract
Use of barbed threads, available with uni- and bi-directional cogs or barbs, is a semi-invasive method of lifting sagging skin of the face. Areas treated with this method include the eyebrows, the cheeks, the jowls and the neck. Ease of use and a shorter down-time have made their use popular. Specific indications, operative procedures, risks and complications are described and some clinical results of the author shown.
Keywords : barbed threads, barbs, cogs, thread lift, facial rejuvenation, APTOS, SILHOUETTE, CONTOUR
How to cite this article :
Kalra R. Use of barbed threads in facial rejuvenation. Indian J Plast Surg 2008;41:93-100
How to cite this URL :
Kalra R. Use of barbed threads in facial rejuvenation. Indian J Plast Surg [serial online] 2008 [cited 2013 Sep 9];41:93-100. Available from: http://www.ijps.org/text.asp?2008/41/3/93/43605
Introduction
As we age, our facial support structure weakens, and we lose facial fat. The affected areas generally include the cheeks, the eyebrows and other areas around the eyes, the jowls and the neck. The result is a longer, older-looking face. As the skin ages, the connective tissue in the skin becomes thinner. The elastic fibres in the skin undergo a type of "breakdown". The face thus loses some of its elasticity. The lack of elasticity brings with it the departure of certain face-shaping supports. The face begins to "sag" and "wrinkle". Younger people may experience cheek and brow ptosis (sagging, here caused by weakened muscles) as well. [1]
For these people especially, a thread lift may be a good alternative to the more invasive procedures necessary to correct problems in older people's faces. Thread lifts emerged recently because many people would like a facelift, but can't afford it or don't want the long recovery time of the standard facelift. It is, perhaps, better considered as a lesser, or preliminary procedure. Thread lifts cost less and require less downtime for many people. Some surgeons promote the thread lift as a "lunchtime lift" or "weekend facelift." Usually it can be performed in about one hour.
Place of barbed threads amongst the spectrum of procedures for non-surgical facial rejuvenation
A wide variety of procedures are being offered these days as non-surgical modalities for facial rejuvenation. These are :
Botulinum toxin, which has a temporary effect lasting only three months.
Fillers, which are limited to providing only limited volume and also last for about one to two years.
Radio frequency which is limited to treating only very superficial wrinkles.
Mesotherapy, which deposits so-called useful chemicals just under the skin, supposedly enhancing their utility in rejuvenating the skin colour and tone.
Cosmetic camouflaging which is only a temporary measure to look good.
The thread lift provides an actual 'lift', and is a semi-invasive procedure. It has a long-lasting effect and in a milder form matches the effect of brow lift or a lower face and neck lift.
The Dynamics of Thread lift
Barbs along the thread act as cogs to grasp, lift and suspend a relaxed facial area. The barbs open like an umbrella to form a support structure that lifts the sagging tissue. These barbs under the skin also tend to gather tissues to fill out and lift the cheeks and sagging skin.
Barbs on the thread grab hold of skin tissue. This creates tension in the thread, and the tension lifts the skin tissue. Collagen formation occurs around the threads and their cogs or barbs, producing an increasing effect [2],[3] [Figure 1].
Figure 1 : Histological slide showing collagen deposit around the thread and its knots (Source-Product Presentation .Silhouette Lift Sutures Suspension System. by Roberto Pizzamiglio M. D., Marbella-Spain and Franco Perego, M. D., Monza-Italy.)
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