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31 July 2006
Face-Lift Lite Announced 
With aging, the skin starts to thin and it loses its ability to maintain its firmness, resulting in sagging, deep creases, folds and wrinkles. Until now, the only way to reduce those problems and tighten the skin was a facelift, which needs to be performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. Such operations have some risk attached and also have a relatively long recovery period. But now, a dermatologist claims there is a technique that can provide many of the same advantages of a facelift without the downtime and risks. The new technique, called a "thread lift," was discussed by dermatologist Victor A. Neel, of the Massachusetts General Hospital, at the American Academy of Dermatology's summer scientific meeting. "Thread lifts can be an alternative to a facelift for patients who want lifting and tightening of their cheeks, mid-face, jowls or eyebrows, but don't want to undergo major surgery," Dr. Neel said. "Patients find that it gives a more natural result and is very easy to tolerate because it is done with local anesthetic in the doctor's office." Thread lifts take about an hour to perform. The procedure involves placing a special thread below the skin to lift the sagging skin and tissue and anchor it underneath the hairline to give the patient a more youthful look. The recovery period is much shorter than that for a traditional facelift, says Neel. For the week afterward, patients are advised to avoid making exaggerated facial expressions and to be careful when sleeping to minimize the risk of pulling on the threads. Neel added that most patients can resume normal activities within a couple of days. However, there can be side effects, notably bruising and swelling that can last for a week, and some patients have reported being able to feel the sutures under their skin. But Neel said patients reported mostly positive results after the procedure. "In general, a thread lift is a safe, conservative and effective procedure," he said. "By gently shifting sagging skin upward, the physician can use this technique to produce a relaxed, fresh appearance while preserving and enhancing the natural contours of the face." Thread lifts are not permanent, lasting around two to three years. However, Neel said it can be repeated as necessary with few side effects. "While this is a great option for some patients, it's not something that will work for everyone with sagging skin," he concluded. "Patients who are interested in thread lifts should discuss their expectations with their dermatologist." Source: American Academy of Dermatology
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