The Contour Threadlift system used in our series was approved by the FDA in 2005, but after growing numbers of problematic reports associated with their use, the threads have since lost FDA approval and are no longer available in the US market. New barbed suture variations remain available and continue to be advertised as nonsurgical face-lift alternatives (Silhouette Lift; Koister Methods Inc, Corona, California). These products all share a common concept: suspension of ptotic facial soft tissues via the subcutaneous plane. This approach is ineffective for facial rejuvenation for 2 reasons. First, it does not produce any volumetric change as can be performed with fat augmentation. Second, it repositions the soft tissues in a superficial plane without addressing excess skin.
http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamafacialplasticsurgery/fullarticle/407369
The Contour Threadlift system used in our series was approved by the FDA in 2005, but after growing numbers of problematic reports associated with their use, the threads have since lost FDA approval and are no longer available in the US market. New barbed suture variations remain available and continue to be advertised as nonsurgical face-lift alternatives (Silhouette Lift; Koister Methods Inc, Corona, California). These products all share a common concept: suspension of ptotic facial soft tissues via the subcutaneous plane. This approach is ineffective for facial rejuvenation for 2 reasons. First, it does not produce any volumetric change as can be performed with fat augmentation. Second, it repositions the soft tissues in a superficial plane without addressing excess skin.