Knife Styles

ThreadLift - Feather Lift, Aptos or Suture Lift

The surgery-free facelift that's said to leave you looking younger and fresher in just one hour.

What is it?

The ThreadLift - also known as the Feather Lift, Aptos or Suture lift - is a revolutionary, minimally invasive procedure that uses fine surgical threads to lift areas of the face that have headed south.

Think brows, cheeks, jowls and neck, all repositioned higher.

The Contour Threads that are used to lift and rejuvenate have tiny barbs or cogs that are spaced evenly apart. Once inserted under the skin (via a long needle), they open much like an umbrella and pull tight. This tension then creates a suspension that gently lifts soft tissue, creating a more uplifted and contoured look to the face.

Due to the unique design of the cogs of the contour threads, the surrounding tissues act to hold the thread in place without any telltale scarring.

This procedure doesn't replace a conventional facelift, rather it offers patients an innovative, non-surgical approach to looking younger.

What can it do for you?

The ThreadLift is touted as the hassle-free facelift that can make you lose a decade in less than an hour.

In properly selected patients, droopiness of the brows, cheeks, jowls and neck can all be lifted and improved with this procedure. The ThreadLift can be done on a single area of the face or several areas.

The results are said to be immediate. The lift effect can be up to 30-40 per cent of what a surgical facelift procedure could achieve. The amount of lift that the procedure's likely to achieve will be demonstrated during your consultation.

In general, the best candidates are women in their thirties through to their sixties, who don't want a facelift but feel their look would benefit from a little lift along with stronger facial contours.

However, patients shouldnt be too heavy or too thin or on blood-thinning medication.

The procedure

Performed under local anaesthetic, a typical ThreadLift is quick and easy to perform, usually only taking about an hour to complete. The threads are inserted through tiny (1.5mm) incisions in the hairline and then passed under the skin in precise locations using a small needle.

The threads and their tiny barbs grasp on to droopy fat and tissue, lifting and repositioning it to give a more uplifted and youthful appearance. Once the threads are in position, the body will produce collagen bundles which will surround each one and maintain the lifting effect.

The colourless threads used stay within the deep fat and subcutaneous tissue for life, with little risk of reacting. They're non-absorbable and provide prevention against further ageing.

Patients are able to go home soon after the procedure, but driving is not recommended.

Cost

Prices vary from £1,500 for brows, jowls or neck and £1,800 for cheeks to £2,000-£2,300 for two or three areas.

Recovery time

In general the skin will feel quite swollen, bruised and tight for up to a week after the procedure. Facial movements will be limited for the first two weeks - chewing gum and hard food, facial massages and sleeping on your face aren't allowed for three to four weeks.

However, pain and discomfort is said to be minimal and most patients can resume 'quiet' activities the following day.

What can go wrong?

Risk factors include slight asymmetries and bunching of the skin - in other words, pulling and surface irregularities of the skin.

However, this usually resolves itself spontaneously after two to three weeks.

The comforting thing about this procedure is that it's reversible - the threads can be adjusted or removed altogether if you aren't happy with the results.

There have been reports that the threads can break, but they can hold 61b of weight, so breaking would be very unusual. However, it's possible that you can disrupt the threads if you don't follow the aftercare advice carefully.

How long does it last?

Most ThreadLift results last for three to five years. However, because the threads don't dissolve, the procedure prevents further droopiness for many years.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion gives acne-scarred, blotchy and dull skin a brighter outlook.

What is it?

Microdermabrasion - otherwise known as mechanical exfoliation - is a controlled method of superior skin exfoliation or superficial peeling. It's an excellent treatment to make skin look younger and softer.

Microdermabrasion is the toast of well-heeled New Yorkers. It's the third most popular treatment in the US after Botox and collagen implants.

The procedure is carried out by a sophisticated machine which bombards the skin with a continuous blast of fine aluminium oxide crystals. The abrasive action of these tiny crystals gradually removes the stratum corneum (top) layers of the skin and scrubs away surface imperfections, as well as creating an all-over smoothness.

The crystals are then sucked back up into the machine along with the dead skin cells.

At the same time, microdermabrasion also stimulates collagen to encourage the production of new cells in the deeper layers of the skin.

Facial muscles can also be lifted - making the skin look younger and softer - by the powerful vacuum action, although this is only a temporary result.

What can it do for you?

The procedure can be used simply to inject a healthy radiance to your complexion. Skins that really benefit are those with uneven pigmentation (it treats all skin colours); have become prone to superficial lines and s wrinkles; have small scars; have large, blocked and congested pores; have milias (white spots); are acne prone and blemished; or have age spots and sun damage.

However, for many of these skin issues, one treatment won't be enough. A course of six is usually recommended and you'll need up to 10 sessions for serious acne scarring.

Microdermabrasion can't remove deep scarring, birthmarks or tattoos. You're not a suitable patient for this treatment if you have undiagnosed lesions, recent herpes outbreaks, weeping acne or active rosacea.

The procedure can also be used on the neck, hands and chest and is even offered as a cellulite treatment because the vacuum action helps with lymphatic drainage.

The procedure

Many patients have described the sensation of microdermabrasion treatment as being similar to that of slight sun or windburn. On lying down, the technician will cleanse your face and then direct the nozzle containing the crystals over you.

Via a combination of velocity and the abrasive nature of the crystals, old skin cells are removed layer by layer. Used crystals and dead skin cells are then drawn away by a vacuum action.

Discomfort during the session is minimal, although the sensation on the skin may feel a little strange and sensitive, especially when working round the eye area. If you find the pressure a little too much, the technician can turn down the controls on the machine to lessen the suction on the skin.

The treatment typically lasts about 20 to 30 minutes - longer if your treatment includes the neck and d6colletage area.

Cost

From £40.

Recovery time

Generally, it's said that there's no downtime with this treatment. But be warned: skin can feel hot and look pinkish straight after the procedure and high colour may be evident for a couple of days after.

Following treatment, be sure to use a good quality moisturiser to rehydrate the skin and, more importantly, a high sun protection factor - after all, the top layer of your skin has been removed.

What can go wrong?

If the microdermabrasion machines are used at a too high power or overenthusiastically by the technician, there's a risk of hyperpigmentation, streaking, perforation, bleeding and infection.

In very rare cases, the face may swell up. Infection can also be a concern if the machines aren't sterile. Ask about the hygiene levels the salon practises. Many components of the machine are supposed to be sterilised or replaced with a new disposable nozzle between treatments.

How long does it last?

If you have no specific problems with your skin, a microdermabrasion treatment can simply be used as a brilliant skin pickme-up.

In fact, it's a favourite procedure used by A-listers before a big event as it cleans the pores and livens up dull skin wonderfully.

Madonna, Thandie Newton and Gwyneth Paltrow are all said to be fans of the treatment.

For skin that needs treatment for sun damage or scarring, a course of 10 sessions carried out at least a week apart is recommended to even out skin texture. With each treatment, you'll see a gradual and progressive difference. Additional treatments every one to six months are recommended to maintain the condition of your newly polished skin.

Face Peel - At Home Kits

What can they do for you?

These light peels can subtly clean and brighten your skin. They come in a DIY kit for home use and are less irritating than salon peels.

They're also far less effective, but they're safer and can be done weekly if needed.

Home peels may help reduce enlarged pores, age spots,fine lines and slight sun damage and improve dull skin tone.

The procedure

This often consists of three steps: cleanser; acid; and soothing moisturiser or desensitiser, also available as pre-soaked pads. After the treatment, your skin will feel so soft, you won't want to put make-up on, so use these products in the evening or on a weekend.

You'll see some results immediately, but your skin will improve much more after several treatments.

What can go wrong?

Very little, unless your skin is very sensitive. You may feel a tingling sensation, but it's short-lived.

Ones to try

L'Oreal Renoviste Anti-ageing Glycolic Peel Kit, 118.99.

MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, £60 for 30 packets (from www.HQhair.com).

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