Thread Lift

Thread lifting is a non-surgical procedure in which a barbed suture is used to elevate tired, sagging, and wrinkled skin in the face and neck.  This gives a more youthful appearance to the face.  In addition to lifting the skin, the threads stimulate the body’s own collagen production to cause skin tightening and to enhance the effects of the thread lift.  Often called a “lunch time facelift,” thread lifting is performed in the office with effectively no downtime. 

What Happens During A Thread Lift?

All thread lifts at California Center for Plastic Surgery are performed by an expert, specially trained plastic surgeon.  Only a physician will perform your procedure.  Your surgeon will numb the face using a small injection of local anesthetic (Lidocaine).  Tiny holes will be made using a hypodermic needle to allow placement of the threads.  The location and number of holes needed will vary depending on the area being treated.  Very thin smooth cannulas containing barbed sutures will then be placed through those holes to deploy the lifting threads.  The threads are then trimmed beneath the skin and will not be visible. 

What Is The Recovery Like?

Most patients have mild pain for 24-48 hours after the procedure.  This is usually treated with over the counter pain relievers.  You may have mild bruising or swelling.  You will need to avoid extreme facial movements for about 2 weeks. 

How Long Does a Thread Lift Last?

The sutures used dissolve slowly over 6-8 months.  However due to new collagen formation, results often last for up to one year.  Many patients report results lasting as long as 3 years!

How Is A Thread Lift Different From A Facelift?

A thread lift is a quick office-based procedure with minimal downtime.  No incisions are required.  However the results are far less dramatic than after a facelift. No skin is removed so it is not recommended for patients with large amounts of sagging skin.  A facelift tightens both the skin and the underlying connective tissue of the face providing a significantly more pronounced and long lasting result.  A facelift must be performed in an operating room with anesthesia.  There are large incisions and there is at least 2 weeks of downtime. 

Liquid Rhinoplasty

Liquid rhinoplasty is a great option for patients who want to change the shape of the nose without the expense and downtime of a traditional rhinoplasty.  While surgical rhinoplasty is the gold standard and gives the most dramatic and long lasting results, a liquid nose job can be performed in the clinic with no recovery time.  In this procedure, hyaluronic acid filler is used to add volume to different areas which will change the overall shape and contour of the nose.   Results typically last 6 to 8 months. 

Liquid rhinoplasty is perfect for someone with a medium to small nose who has a prominent dorsal hump or asymmetry.  It is also a great way to “try on” a rhinoplasty without having to commit to the full expense and pain of a surgical procedure.  It is not ideal for patients with large noses who desire volume reduction. 

Liquid Facelift

Liquid Facelift can be performed in the clinic to provide a more youthful appearance to the face by treating wrinkles and hollow areas of the face.  By using a combination of fillers and neuromodulators (such as Botox), we can achieve a dramatic improvement in facial glow, fullness and vitality.  The liquid facelift can also be combined with other procedures such as a thread lift, peel, or PRP injection for even more profound and customized results. 

California Center for Plastic Surgery doctors carefully consider the attributes and goals of each patient’s face when designing a liquid facelift plan.  This is a highly customized procedure that can vary widely for each patient.  We have access and expertise in all of the most advanced injectable products on the market today. 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Facial

A Platelet rich plasma (PRP) facial uses the patient’s own growth factors to achieve brighter, fuller, more youthful facial skin.  Also known as a Vampire facial, this procedure involves drawing your blood.  The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the plasma that contains a high concentration of platelets.  This plasma is the “liquid gold” that we use to revitalize your face.  The platelets are very high in growth factors that stimulate tissue healing and collagen growth.  This plasma is then injected into the face at the area of concern.  This can be used similarly to a filler to help treat fixed lines and wrinkles on the face.  It is generally recommended to have 2-3 treatments at 6-8 week intervals for the best results.  This can be combined with other therapies such as microneedling, laser, filler, and Botox. 

Kybella

KYBELLA® is the only injectable treatment for submental fullness (double chin).  Kybella is an FDA approved injection that actually destroys the fat cells in the soft tissue under your chin.  During the procedure, multiple small injections of the medication are given into the soft tissue of the upper neck and chin.  This is performed within 15-30 minutes in the clinic and there is no downtime.  Most people require 3-6 treatments to achieve optimal results.  Although there is no time needed to recover, you will develop moderate bruising and swelling in the area as the medication breaks down the fat molecules and your body slowly resorbs them.  Kybella is ideal for patients who are bothered by fat under the chin and who are not able to take the time off to undergo a surgical procedure such as liposuction of the neck.  However, the total cost of Kybella treatment is often similar to that of liposuction.