A contour thread lift is a relatively new anti aging procedure which stops just short of plastic surgery.

Also called a 'featherlift' or 'gentlelift' it's being widely advertised as a 'no-cut' lunch-hour procedure. Something that's less expensive and much less invasive than plastic surgery.

Seems to me a contour thread lift can just about be considered a non-surgical face lift. But it's certainly not a non-invasive procedure and it may involve more downtime and pain than you think.

So if you could be a candidate for a contour thread lift - here's what you need to know:

How does it work? Thin needles are used to insert clear polypropilane threads - surgical threads that have tiny barbs attached - under the skin that are then pulled tight to lift sagging skin and tissue on the face and neck. Unlike a conventional facelift - no skin is removed - so the procedure relies on the tightening effect of the threads to create a younger looking face.

Does it hurt? Yes - don't believe what they tell you. Just think about it. Pulling up your skin and underlying facial tissue even with a local anaesthetic is bound to hurt. You are almost certainly going to be sore and possibly bruised and hurting afterwards. Do your research and read the reviews on the net.

Won't my body reject a foreign body? Threads like these have been used internally for years in surgical procedures and - according to the experts - they are totally compatible with body tissues and unlikely to be rejected. Hmm - that's what they say but take a look at some of the reviews out there.

What's the downtime? While traditional facelifts involve general anaesthetic followed by an overnight stay in hospital and several weeks recovery time, a contour thread lift can be performed in under an hour with 'down time' just 72 hours. No bandages are needed and after care should be minimal. But remember - that's an average - assuming all goes well and there are no complications.

Is it suitable for everyone? Well if you're in your 30's and up and you haven't got a lot of sagging skin it could be for you. In general, the younger the patient and the less sagging involved, the more dramatic the result will be.

Will it improve my facial wrinkles? Not really - it's purely a treatment for sagging skin and jowls. The aim is to give a tightened and lifted appearance to the face not smooth out wrinkles.

How much will it cost? A contour thread lift is a relatively expensive anti aging treatment. From my research the average treatment costs are currently around $3200 although this amount will vary depending on the number of threads needed. You need about 4 threads per treatment area apparently.

Will I need any other treatments? Additional anti aging treatments that will enhance the effect of a contour thread lift include botox injections, chemical peels, collagen fillers and dermabrasion. A good physician should advise you what's best for you and your hopefully your wallet!

Are there any risks? The contour thread lift is a relatively new procedure and there have been quite a few problems. Some people have found they ended up with a lopsided look and had to have more threads inserted. Sometimes threads move or break and have to be replaced. I also spotted reports of the threads coming through the skin like tiny pimples and having to be removed.

How long will it last? Good question. On average, the effects last around 3-5 years which isn't a great deal of time considering the expense, the risks and the discomfort.

Of all the procedures I've looked at - there do seem to be more problems and disappointments around the contour thread lift than any other.

My advice would be to do your research thoroughly and choose your clinic and physician with great care. Alternatively - take a look at some of the other real non-surgical alternatives featured on this site.

A younger looking you is possible with facial exercise, great anti aging skin care and sensible lifestyle choices - and what's more it will cost you a lot less than a contour thread lift.

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