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ALIA CLINIC suture lifts. CONTOUR LIFTS.
Suture lifts and Contour Lifts are straightforward, minimally invasive
treatments to lift the tissues of the neck, the eyebrow and most
commonly the cheek area. Both procedures can be performed at the clinic
with the use of local anaesthetic and mild sedation alone. Each takes
about 1-1 ½ hours to perform and most people can return to work in 2-3
days.
As we age the tissues of the face become looser. Suture lifts can improve mild and moderate amounts
of skin looseness without the need for extensive skin excisions
(face-lift) or the downtime associated with laser resurfacing or deep
level chemical peels. It can even be used for people who have had a face
lift and need a further minor lift. The suture lift technique was developed largely
by Dr. Des Fernandes in South Africa. Dr. Goyen has been very fortunate
to be able to visit Dr. Fernandes in Cape Town in 2005 to observe the
technique first hand. Since then, the Clinic has performed many traditional suture lifts and now performs both the suture lift and the newer Contour Lift.
Contour lifts are a different type of suture lift involving the use of transparent sutures with small barbs or hooks along their length. These strong sutures are specially designed and made to help lift skin and are positioned in the fatty tissue of the neck, lower face and the brow area. Common questions
What is a suture lift ?
A suture lift is a minimally invasive procedure designed to lift tissues
without cutting skin. The sutures are made of nylon and stay under the
skin permanently. After a few short weeks a reaction develops around the
nylon which helps to keep it in position.
Is it a facelift ?
A traditional facelift requires cutting of skin. More can be done with a
facelift than a suture lift, but face lifts leave scars which can be
obvious. People who have had facelifts can sometimes avoid or delay a
second one by using a suture lift or Contour Lift.
How long will it last ?
As the face ages the skin can droop, so the benefits of a suture lift
can diminish with time. The sutures should be of benefit for some years,
though. The options then would be to have further sutures positioned or
have a procedure that does involve some skin excision.
How is it done ?
After a small amount of local anaesthetic fluid is positioned in the
skin, a needle is placed beneath the skin behind
the ear or in the hairline. The needle of the Contour thread is then threaded through
the tissue in the subcutaneous fat. The small wound is situated in the scalp or behind the ear and is so small that
suturing is not
necesssary. The skin is then pulled back over the barbs of the Contour threads and this lifts the skin. Any excess skin is pulled towards the ear or towards the
hairline. The whole procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes to perform and
often the patients sleeps throughout.
Is there scarring ?
A small 2mm access scar is all that is needed to perform this
procedure, there are no extensive scars as in a traditional facelift.
There can be a small bunching of skin in front of the ear, behind the ear or in the hairline, which will
reduce in time, usually within a few weeks. This is not generally noticeable. If this is a
problem, the skin may be excised.
Can a Contour Lift or suture lift be used with other procedures ?
Yes, liposculpture to the neck is often performed with this procedure
and the combined effect can be more pleasing than either procedure performed
on its own. Fat transfers, subscision to the naso-labial fold using a wire
scalpel and dermal fillers can be used at the same time.
What about the cost ?
This varies from $2500 to $7500 depending on what combination of sutures
would be required. With Contour Lifts usually 12-16 threads would be used, 6-8 on each side.
How do I know what is right for me ?
Consultations for suture lifts and Contour lifts are required to assess
just what should be done and assess skin and soft tissue as well as
patient expectations. You can make a time for a consultation either by
contacting the surgery or consulting online. Remember, if you send some small digital photos over the Internet with your consultation, we will be able to help assess whether you are suitable for Contour Lifts and give you an accurate costing.
All of the " before and after" images used on this page have not been manipulated or enhanced in any way. There is no guarantee that other people will experience similar results to those shown here.
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