Contour Thread™Surgery

In Denver, Colorado
The Art of Compassion    The Science of Beauty

Before and After Gallery

Contour Threads™ are the only FDA-approved, non-absorbable, barbed sutures for lifting the sagging contours of the forehead and cheeks. They were developed by at Duke University.

The beauty of contour threads™

As the aging process begins, the connective tissue thins and collagen and elastic fibers break down. These changes in the support structures appear in your thirties or soon afterwards, as sagging, deep creases, folds and wrinkles.

Contour Threads™ provide a safe, conservative and effective procedure that offers subtle, natural-looking results. These are specially designed barbed sutures made from clear polypropylene, a material that has been safely used in the body for many years in other medical products.

Contour Threads™ are used to:

  • Reposition sagging cheeks and jowls
  • Lift droopy eyebrows
  • Adjust asymmetrical brows and face

Barbed sutures - how they work

Unlike conventional sutures which are smooth, Contour Threads™ have tiny barbs or cogs that are spaced evenly apart. Inserted under the skin, they are fixed in an umbrella-like fashion. With their tension, they create suspension that gently lifts the sagging tissues of the forehead and cheeks.

  • Dr. Fante marks contour lines on the cheeks down as far as the chin
  • From a tiny incision close to the ear the threads are advanced along these contour lines toward the chin and jawline such that they create a firm hold on the underlying tissues without causing additional trauma
  • Due to the unique design of the cogs of Contour Threads™, the surrounding tissues hold the threads in place without the need for visible scars
  • 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.

This procedure is quick and usually performed under local anesthesia, and if desired, light sedation. The length of time will depend on the number of threads used. A typical procedure takes about one hour.

Recovery time

  • There is minimal discomfort, bruising and swelling
  • Ice compresses are recommended for the first 24-48 hours
  • You can probably return to work and normal activities in about one week

How long does it last?

Usually only one procedure is needed to achieve the desired lifting effect. Duration varies depending on:

  • Your age at the time of the procedure
  • The degree of sagging
  • The number of threads used

Additional threads may be added as needed.

Possible side effects

Complications are rare. Since this technique is entirely reversible, unwanted effects can be easily corrected under local anesthesia.

Can be combined with other procedures

Contour Threads™ can be a stand-alone procedure. They can also be combined with other procedures such as:

  • Botulinum toxin to reduce facial muscle activity
  • Dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid or fat to enhance volume
  • Peels and laser therapy to improve skin texture
  • Liposuction of the neck

If at a later date you’d like to have a traditional face lift or browlift, that won’t be a problem.

Contour Threads™ don’t replace a conventional facelift. They offer an innovative, minimally invasive approach for people whose aging changes are not yet advanced enough to require more involved techniques.

For more information on Contour Threads™ visit: www.contourthreads.com

Contour Thread Frequently Asked Questions

A consultation with Dr. Fante is the first step. In general, the best candidates for this procedure include both women and men in their thirties through their sixties who want a more youthful appearance, but do not want a conventional full face lift or brow lift procedure.

If you’re interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, cosmetic surgery, eyelid lift, facelift, eyelid tuck, necklift, puffy eyelid, brow lift, plastic surgery, blepharoplasty, or any other cosmetic surgery, in Denver or Boulder, Colorado, contact Dr. Fante for an initial consultation.