Contour threads

Contour threads are used in cosmetic/plastic surgery to vertically lift facial tissues that have dropped ("ptosed") or become sunken with age. The "ptosis" or descent of facial tissues with aging is a universal phenomenon to which much cosmetic facial surgery is directed.

Strands of 2/0 Prolene monofilament thread, with little notches cut into their sides, are placed in the subcutaneous plane under the ptosed facial skin. These are anchored under secure points in fronto-occipitalis and temporalis tissues. Dropped or "ptosed" facial skin is then elevated onto the barbed threads, and stay elevated because of the barbs. Thus the patient gets a "facelift", without any scalpel work and without any removal of skin.

PDO contour threads were approved by the FDA in 2005 as “contour threads to close easily approximated edges of dermis where use of absorbable sutures is appropriate.” They are used for the mid-face, lower face, neck area, and butt lifts. They lift, tighten, and realign sagging tissue, adding definition to desired areas. PDO threads are made of the same material as surgical sutures and come in several forms: Absorbable (polydioxanone (PDO), silhouette soft thread (Poly-L-Lactic acid sculptra in solid form), fine thread; Non-absorbable (APTOS thread, contour thread, silhouette lift, woffles thread (polypropylene); Barbed thread; Smooth thread; Spiral thread, They also come in different lengths. As they stimulate collagen production, the surrounding skin becomes tighter, leaving the patient with a firmer and more lifted look.

Risks and side effects include dimpling, thread exposure, alopecia, under-correction, asymmetry, parotid gland injury, inflammation, infection (moderate to mild).

In the event that a patient is unhappy with the results, the threads can be readily removed and the patient's face thence returns to its position prior to treatment. Thus, Contour threads have negligible permanent "biological cost", as the effect is reversible. Effects last for a number of years, quoted as 2–5 years, after which time the positive effect is gradually lost and the patient's face returns to its state prior to treatment.