The affect of aging on facial contours
As we age, gravity takes its toll and tissue support is diminished. this has different affects depending on the different areas of the face.
Upper face:
The brows lower and the upper lids become heavier and may even cover the eyelashes and interfere with vision. To compensate, we may keep our eyebrows perpetually raised which suggests surprise or worry.
Mid face:
As our cheek fat drops downward and toward the midline, the tear trough appears first, and then another furrow running diagonally down toward the angle of the jaw appears. At the same time the nasolabial fold becomes more obvious.
Lower face and neck:
Here the jowels develop and our neckline looks fuller.
The youthful face gives the impression of an inverted triangle, whilst the aging face is more of a rectangle or an upright triangle. The aim of treatment is to reverse this.Solutions
Facelifts and necklifts reverse the affects of aging by pulling the tissues up and outwards, with the excesses being surgically removed. This is extremely effective and can create some spectacular changes. The scars are generally behind the hairline and in and around the ear. However not everyone needs or wants to go to this length.
For a number of years now a less invasive, more conservative solution has been developed - that of the
Suspension Suture Face and Neck Lift or
Contour Threads.These bring the tissue back up into place simply and easily with the use of suspension sutures placed under the skin. Depending on the types of procedure used, these sutures may be looped, laid parallel or curved through the tissues. Some are fixed, while others are "floating". All have their disadvantages and advantages.
Body Contour combines the best of all these variations to provide a suture that can be modified according the individual patient's needs and one that lasts longer.
What type of results can be expected?
The outcomes are not as radical as with a formal surgical face lift. This is more approprate for the younger patient. (35 to 55 year olds usually). It is not appropriate where the skin is excessively loose.
It is often combined with other procedures such as fillers, neck liposculpture and botox to maximise the improvement.
The advantages of the procedure are:
- Minimally invasive
- Relatively quick
- Done under local anaesthetic
- No hospital stays
- Vitrtually scarless (only tiny puncture wounds are necessary)
- Can be repeated
- Results improve with time (up to about 9 months) as your body's collagen is stimulated.
What is involved?
The surgery is done under local anaesthetic and may take up to 2 hours depending on how many areas are being treated.
Afterwards the area is swollen, but the affects are immediately apparant. There will be some bruising, but this is usually relatively minor.
Small dressings are applied to the entry points in the skin.
It is recommended that a few days to a week off work is necessary because of the swelling and bruising.
What are the complications?
Complications are relatively few, but specific to this procedure are the following:
Failure or early loss of affect - uncommon, but is due to the suture slipping
Knots that may be felt through the skin- generally of little concern, but may be removed if necessary
Nerve damage - particularly where nerves take unexpected routes. Uncommon, but more likely around the ear lobe resulting in numb lobes
How do I know what is best for me?
Everyone is an individual and will have teir own unique needs. What procedure is appropriate will depend on your own personal requirements as well as a professional assessment of the area. Once this has been done, a treatment plan will be discussed and formulated.
Costs?
Costs for the Suture Suspension procedure range from
$2200 to $4400 including GST. This will be discussed at your consultation.
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