FeatherLift using
Aptos or “anti-ptosis” Threads
The “FeatherLift”, a.k.a. “quill,
silk, or Russian Thread” Lift, was invented in
Russia, in 1999 by a cosmetic surgeon named Dr. Sulamanidze.
Although they are currently pending FDA approval in
the United States, this procedure has been performed
all throughout Europe, South America, and Mexico for
about 6 years. The “thread” is made of a
monofilament material (polypropylene), (permanent suture
material), with multi-directional cogs. By introducing
this thread using a hollow needle under the dermis,
a lift can be achieved. The cogs or “hairs”
latch onto to underlying tissues and actually recontour
the face by restoring lost volume to the treated areas.
As collagen forms around these threads, the lift will
be optimized, as the actual healing process helps to
fixate these multi-directional cogs, thus enhancing
the lift. This procedure is minimally invasive and produces
a significant lift without the complications associated
with a traditional facelift or other methods of surgical
intervention. Results are subtle yet substantial.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Persons seeking to look younger, remove unwanted expression
lines, or lift their brow, cheek, jowl, or neck areas
can benefit from this procedure; however, not everyone
is a good candidate. While this procedure is safe, minimally
invasive and fairly easy to perform, persons with very
pronounced laxity, excessive skin, and very pronounced
signs of aging will only receive moderate success or
improvement using this technique. Patients with very
thin skin or with very little underlying fatty tissue
will not be good candidates either. Patients who are
seeking a subtle change who do not wish to resort to
a more aggressive means of addressing their concerns
are good candidates. Often times, older patients seeking
an alternative to traditional facelifts benefit greatly
from this procedure. It can also be used as a corrective
measure in that younger patients who are concerned about
the recent appearance of nasal labial folds or droopy
eyelids, etc. and are not ready for surgery are able
to prevent these signs of aging from further developing
by having this procedure performed.
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How Long Does it Last?
Realistically, about 5 years, although during this
time you may return to your physician to determine whether
you wish to have additional threads placed.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The placement of the threads may take approximately
as little as 20 minutes to 40 minutes depending on how
many threads (18 Maximum) you will require in order
to achieve the desired look.
How Long is the Recovery?
Patients can return to work in as little as a couple
of days, although it is advisable that they limit their
facial expressions and manipulation of facial skin for
about 5 days. The threads need this time in order to
properly fixate themselves successfully.
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Are They Easy to Remove?
Yes, removal of the threads is easy and can be done
in approximately 10 minutes.
What are the Complications?
Although extremely rare and statistically improbable,
complications are possible, and therefore, we must inform
patients that these include infection, bruising, or
swelling.
Conclusion
The FeatherLift is a very viable option for anyone
with signs of aging that include heavy brows, droopy
eyelids, nasal labial folds, heavy jowls, hollow cheeks,
marionette lines and does not wish to pursue a more
aggressive surgical approach to achieve a correction.
There are no scars, no scalpels, and very little pain,
discomfort or complications associated with the FeatherLift,
making it a very useful tool.
In his scholarly pursuit and desire to bring the latest
in technological/medical advancements to his patients,
Dr. Mel Thomas Ortega is proud to be one of only a handful
of Plastic Surgeons to offer this procedure as an alternative
to more invasive surgery.
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Please
Read Our Disclaimer.
Copyright 2004 Mel Thomas
Ortega, MD, FACS
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