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[1]”, without any scalpel work and without any removal of skin.