Ribbion Lift and Thread Lift

A thread or ribbon facelift is an innovative, safe, convenient alternative to traditional facelift surgery. Designed to be less invasive, it can reduce sagging around the cheeks, jawline, and neck more quickly and with less risk than the conventional approach. However, the lift and consequent rejuvenation achieved is lesser than that achieved with traditional facelift.

Before

After

Thread Lift

Special threads are used to discreetly hold repositioned skin and facial tissue in place after surgery. These anchorage clear threads provided with cogs or barbs which engage into the facial skin and underlying tissue. Once engaged the threads are pulled up and secured to an unyielding deeper tissue.

Thread lift can be performed under local anaesthesia or under intravenous sedation. A small incision is taken within the hairline in the temple region (for face) or behind the ears (for neck). The long straight needle of the device is passed through this cut in the desired direction. The threads are used in pairs so that they can be tied to each other and anchored to deeper tissue. The incision is closed at the end of the procedure. Adhesive paper tapes may be applied to minimize swelling and to facilitate the grip of the device on your skin. The tapes are removed after 2-3 days.

Ribbon Lift

Ribbons are slightly more powerful tools for face lifting. It is an absorbable device which is a flat strip approximately 5mm wide with strong unidirectional hooks on the underside. These hooks engage into the tissue under the skin and lifts it. The skin due to its inherent attachment to the underlying tissue also gets lifted.

Ribbon lift can be performed under intravenous sedation and local anaesthesia. A small incision is taken behind the hairline in the temple region. Through this incision a narrow tunnel is created for inserting the ribbon device. The ribbon is inserted with its sheath into the tunnel. Once the ribbon is in position, the covering sheath is withdrawn and the hooks are pressed to engage into the deeper tissues. The ribbon device is lifted superiorly to achieve the desired effect and anchored to the deeper tough tissue. Adhesive paper tapes may be applied to minimize swelling and to facilitate the grip of the device on your skin. The tapes are removed after 2-3 days.

Recovery

There may be some swelling and bruising on the treated area. You will be instructed not to rub, massage or move the area for the next 7 days. You may wash the area gently after 3 days, taking care that the washing and wiping movements are in the upward direction.

Thread lifts / ribbon lifts generally produce noticeable results almost immediately and with less risk and inconvenience than more intensive procedures, thread lift costs are quite reasonable compared to traditional options. On the flip side, the effect lasts for 2 to 3 years only and you may require another session after that. Complications are rare and may include –

• Bruising
• Pigmentation
• Painful scar
• Dimpling
• Asymmetry
• Premature wearing off of effect due to loosening of grip