Contour ThreadLift - Thread Face Lift in Tampa Bay
Karl E. Swanson, MD
Clearwater, FL
What causes the face to lose its tight appearance over time? As we age, the skin’s connective tissue becomes thinner, the collagen and elastic fibers begin to break down, and the underlying support structures weaken. Some unlucky people suffer from this condition as early as their thirties. Over time, your face can end up with sagging, deep creases, folds and wrinkles. What are Contour Threads and how do they work? Contour Threads™ are like any other sutures used in the body permanently. The threads are anchored above the hairline and below the jaw, which allows for a minimally invasive surgical approach for elevating relaxed facial skin. Contour Threads™ have already received FDA approval for the elevation and fixation of the midface and brow area. What are the threads made out of? Contour Threads™ are made from polypropylene, a material that has been used inside the human body as a suture material for decades. They have patented dimensional barbs that attach to the tissue beneath the skin to facilitate lifting, suspending and fixating. What are “barbed” sutures? Unlike conventional sutures which are smooth, Contour Threads™ have tiny barbs that are spaced evenly apart. Once inserted under the skin, they are fixated in an umbrella-like fashion and with tension creates suspension that gently lifts sagging tissues of the brow and face. What is a Contour Threadlift? A lift procedure performed with Contour Threads is a safe, conservative and effective one that offers subtle, natural looking results. By gently, shifting sagging tissues in an upward direction, this technique allows the surgeon to produce a relaxed, fresh appearance while preserving and enhancing the natural contours of your face. This procedure does not replace a conventional face-lift; rather it offers patients an innovative, minimally invasive approach with immediate results. What areas can be treated? Contour Threads™ are used for lifting eyebrows and eliminating forehead wrinkles, pulling back sagging cheeks, or creating symmetry between the two sides of the face. What is the actual Contour Threadlift procedure like? The surgeon makes a tiny incision close to the ear and the threads are advanced along the previously marked contours toward the chin and jawline 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. The exact placement of the threads will vary from patient to patient. Unlike other thread products, Contour Threads™ are clear in color so they are not visible under fair or thin skin. How long does the procedure take? The procedure is quick and usually performed under local anesthesia, and if desired, light intravenous sedation. The actual length of time will depend on the number of threads used. A typical procedure usually takes about 60 minutes to perform. How long is the recovery? In most cases, there is minimal discomfort, bruising and swelling. Ice compresses are recommended for the first 24-48 hours. Patients can usually return to work or normal activities in a few days to one week. How many treatments will I need? Usually only one procedure is needed to achieve the desired lifting effect. The threads can be adjusted again later if you desire more lift. How long do the results last? 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. Additional threads may be added as needed. What are the possible side effects? The Contour Threads™ procedure is a simple procedure to perform. Complications are rare and will be less likely with an experienced surgeon. Since this technique is entirely reversible, unwanted effects are usually easily corrected under local anesthesia. Can this procedure be combined with other cosmetic procedures? This doesn’t have to be a stand alone procedure. It is not uncommon to have this procedure combined with botulinum toxin to reduce facial muscle activity, dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid or fat to enhance volume, or peels and laser therapy to improve skin texture. Liposuction of the neck are some of the other procedures that can be done in conjunction with a Contour Threads™ procedure. Will I still be able to have a conventional/traditional facelift or a browlift at another time? Absolutely. Developed by a board certified plastic surgeon, the unique design of Contour Threads™ allows a traditional facelift or browlift procedure when you are ready.
Karl E. Swanson, MD
| Dr. Karl Swanson is the top Botox & Restylane provider in the Tampa Bay area. He was also recently named the #6 Fraxel provider nationwide. |
Dr. Swanson is a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School, one of the top medical schools in the country and the largest in the United States. Dr. Swanson is board certified and was a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force flight surgeon program.
Dr. Swanson has received advanced Featherlift, Thermage, Botox, and Restylane training, as well as advanced course work in the use of lasers for hair and vein removal and intense pulsed light, skin photo rejuvenation of the face, d�collet� and hands. Dr. Swanson received Mesotherapy training from the American Society of Aesthetic Mesotherapy with American and French physician instructors. Dr. Swanson has also received specialized training in photo dynamic therapy using Levulan and blue light for the treatment of acne, rosacea, and sun damage.
Dr. Swanson is the medical director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Centre, located in Clearwater, Florida. Ultimate Image is the most comprehensive cosmetic medical center in the Tampa Bay area. Ultimate image offers nearly every available cosmetic procedure in an attractive, safe and friendly atmosphere. The caring staff of Ultimate Image and Dr. Swanson thoroughly evaluate patient needs and concerns and provide solutions using the newest most up to date procedures and equipment.
Dr. Swanson specializes in the following cosmetic procedures: Both the Featherlift and Thermage facelift and skin tightening procedures. Mesotherapy for fat removal (lipodissolve), cellulite reduction and skin rejuvenation. BOTOX, and/or Restylane, for wrinkles and lines of the face. Restylane lip augmentation, chemical peels including Obagi Blue Peel, laser hair and vein removal, photo rejuvenation, photo dynamic therapy, and Endermolgie Cellulite Treatement
Karl E. Swanson, MD
Ultimate Image Tampa Bay
29750 US Highway 19 North, Suite 207
Clearwater, FL
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