Ace Chiropractic

• - Mesotherapy
• - BOTOX®
• - Restylane® Dermal Filler
• - The Curl Lift

The Curl Lift

The Curl Lift is an amazing alternative to the conventional facelift. For people seeking less invasive cosmetic enhancement, the Curl Lift can be performed in less than an hour and requires no anesthesia. That's why it is often referred to as the "lunchtime facelift". Not only are there fewer potential complications, but there is also less downtime. Patients are usually back to work the next day.

Candidates for the Curl Lift are typically young to middle-aged and do not feel the need to commit to a traditional facelift. They procedure can provide mild to moderate correction to different areas - mid face, lower face and neck. Forgoing large cuts or incisions, the procedure involves the placement of non-absorbable sutures under the skin to "life" areas that have "fallen" due to gravity, volume loss and aging.

The Curl Lift, developed in France, is a subtle lift using a special needle to attach a nylon or prolene, non-absorbable, non-barbed suture thread from the area of the face or neck that is being "lifted" to a stationary point on the scalp. This procedure lifts the desired parts of the face or upper neck. Local anesthesia is used, resulting in a short recovery period and minimal discomfort.

The best candidates for the Curl Lift are young to middle age patients who want to slightly life their brows, checks and neck, or to diminish jowl formation. The Curl Lift will soften nasolabial folds, as well as marionette lines. The Curl Lift is not appropriate for the patient with a lot of excess skin. Those patients who have already experienced a surgical face lift may benefit from the Curl Lift to restore any diminishing results.

Complications and side effects are mild and few due to the limited invasiveness of the procedure. The results of a Curl Lift are not as good as dramatic as a surgical procedure, but give good results in selected cases with young or mature patients who don't want and don't need major surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is it performed?
Special markings are made on your face over the areas to be lifted. Then the skin is prepared with antiseptic solution and local anesthetic is injected under the skin. A small incision (about an inch long) is made at or behind the hairline where it will not be noticed. Then a fine cannula and stitch is passed through the fat, looped, and retracted back toward the hairline. The areas of concern are lifted and suspended immediately and the stitch is anchored at the incision for support. The small incision is then closed and the same procedure is performed on the other side.

Will I see results immediately?
Yes. The results are apparent immediately after the procedure, which takes about 1 hour. However, there is some deliberate over correction so the face may feel a little tight. This is normal and will improve over 1 week.

What are the side effects?
Adverse side effects with the Curl Lift are uncommon. There may be some swelling, tenderness and bruising following the procedure, but this is usual and will resolve in a couple of days.

What precautions should I take before and after the Curl Lift?
To minimize bleeding and bruising, you should avoid taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti inflammatories such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, herbal supplements such as St. John's Wort and Ginko Biloba and high doses of vitamin E, for about a week before the procedure. Following the procedure you will be prescribed antibiotics for 1 week, and provided with some simple instructions for aftercare. Otherwise, you can resume your normal daily activities.

How do I know if I am a suitable candidate for the Curl Lift?
If you have drooping cheeks or jowls, deep nose-to-mouth lines or lax skin over the neck, you may be suitable for this procedure. Those who are pregnant, have serious medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or mental health disorders, and those who are taking steroids or anticoagulants (warfarin) are not suitable and alternatives will be discussed.

How long will the effects last?
The procedure reverse the signs of aging, sometimes by several years, but cannot prevent the progression of aging. The beneficial effects of the Curl Lift usually last between 2-5 years, after which time the treatment can be repeated as desired..