Contour Lifting (thread lift)

The desire for a firmer, more youthful face without major surgery has led to the development of numerous minimally invasive procedures. One of the best known is the Contour Lifting, a marketing term that is generally used to refer to the Thread lift It can provide a visible lifting effect with minimal downtime, although results may vary from person to person.

This article provides a clear and realistic explanation of what a Contour Lifting is, how the technique using absorbable threads works, what results you can expect, and where the clear limitations lie compared to a surgical facelift.

What is a contour lift?

Contour Lifting is a minimally invasive procedure for tightening and lifting sagging areas of the face, known by the technical term Thread lift is well known. In this method, special, self-dissolving threads (usually made of polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL)) are inserted into the subcutaneous fatty tissue. These threads are often fitted with small barbs or cones, which anchor themselves in the tissue and enable the skin to be mechanically tightened and lifted into a higher position.

The dual action principle: mechanical lifting & biological regeneration

The effect of a thread lift is based on two consecutive processes:

The immediate mechanical lifting effect:

Immediately after inserting the threads, the doctor can lift and reposition the tissue by gently pulling on the threads. The barbs anchor the tissue in its new, lifted position. This effect is visible straight away.

The long-term biological restorative effect:

This is the actual regenerative part of the treatment. The threads are gradually broken down by the body. In doing so, they stimulate the formation of new collagen and connective tissue, which supports the regenerative effect. A new, internal support structure is formed from the body’s own tissue, which continues to tighten the skin even after the threads have completely dissolved.

Who is a thread lift suitable for?

A thread lift is not a substitute for a surgical facelift. It is ideal for patients with:

• Early to moderate sagging of the skin, particularly around the cheeks, the jawline („sagging cheeks“) or the eyebrows.
• Still good skin quality and elasticity.
• The desire for a a visible yet natural result without the downtime and scarring associated with surgery.

A thread lift is not the appropriate method in cases of significant excess skin or very thin skin.

The big comparison: thread lift vs. surgical facelift

Risks associated with the Contour Lift and the importance of insurance cover

Although thread lifting is considered to be a low-risk procedure, it is an invasive procedure that must only be carried out by an experienced doctor. Possible risks include:

• Swelling, bruising and mild pain (normal).
• Asymmetries or an uneven result.
• Visibility or palpability of the sutures, particularly where the skin is very thin.
• Tightening of the skin at the entry or anchor points.
• Infections along the thread canal.
• Slippage of the sutures (suture migration).
• Uneven skin contours (dimpling).

The costs of treating such complications or of any necessary corrective measures will be not covered by health insurance. One Consequential Costs Insurance provides financial security in the event that medically necessary follow-up treatment is required after your treatment.