The current situation is unequivocal. Thread lift is considered effective only on minor facial ptosis and only for a few months. So many prefer the absorbable threads. This article aims to go further by presenting a technique, which I invented and I practice in my office, which can claim the same effectiveness and durability as the traditional facelift for patients from 30 to 60.

Exit simplistic approaches to obtain results

Before presenting the Infinite-Lift® technique, it is key to be clear on the need to accompany it with a quality permanent suspension thread and a real know-how. One must move away from simplistic approaches if one aspires to obtain an advanced quality result. The thread must be flexible without lengthening and have great anchorage thanks to non-aggressive notches for the patient's tissue.

The effectiveness through a high and deep positioning of the tensor threads

Suspension threads implanted into the right and left cheeks (A) of the patient pull up collapsed subcutaneous and cutaneous tissue. They are responsible for the effectiveness of the result. A certain length of the thread is obviously necessary to benefit from enough notches to be effective.

The entrance of the thread is sometimes wrongly done in front of the tragus area to prevent hair from penetrating. Such implantation irreparably creates wrinkles between the eye and the ear if significant tensioning. Therefore, the practitioner will limit the power of the thread and the result will be disappointing. That’s why it is necessary to penetrate the thread higher. Infinite-Lift® technique involves a penetration 1 to 2 cm above and in front of the upper part of the ear, at the temporal area (C), ensuring effectiveness without wrinkles. Moreover, this high implantation must be done in a deep level. The threads must be positioned in contact with the SMAS at the temporal area and in the malar fat at the bottom.

Durability, the effectiveness enemy

Obviously, short-term effectiveness was never really the problem over the last decade. The whole question was to maintain long-lasting quality results. Indeed, it is important to note that the longer the thread, the more tension it supports. Subsequently, the more tension on the thread, the more it will suffer stress and will tend to unhook quickly. As a result, it was necessary to work on the solution.

Past solutions that have never been satisfactory

Solutions have been pointed out in the past to solve this problem. The first was of a surgical kind and consisted of securing the threads on the temporal periosteum via a small solid implant. Unfortunately, such a thing always causes a surface devascularization of the bone. The system thus finally falls off on average 1 or 2 years after for all patients. This phenomenon is found in every bone surgery. The second attempt, of a medical kind, was to implant the thread with a X or inversed V shape with the aim of making a turn around a strong point, such as a connective or muscle fiber. Same experience here with the extension in time of the fiber supposed to serve over support point.

The solution: connect and secure the threads of both sides of the face

The major innovation of the Infinite-Lift® technique consists of joining together the cheeks threads, bringing the expected durability. This junction is performed by two, specially adapted, permanent suspension threads with notches. They are implanted under the scalp (B), forming two loops secured at the top by a knot (D) (infinite symbol giving its name to the technique). These threads, hung by their notches, ensure constant tension to the entire assembly for a long time. The flexible structure of the thread and its gentle notches implies no resistance to facial movement and no chronic pain for the patient. Therefore, I insist on the necessary use of thread with notches and especially not smooth thread, which would drop onto the periosteum and create a penetration in it.

It is understood that this technique employing permanent suspension threads with notches offers serenity to the patient and the practitioner since it is completely reversible. It means that the threads can always be removed, without sequelae and time limit. Furthermore, the Infinite-Lift® technique is performed with non cutting needles and without scalpel, making impossible any risk of allergy, devascularization, nerve damage or scar.