The one-stitch face-lift is supposedly a more subtle and less invasive procedure than traditional face-lifts. Sometimes referred to as a "lunchtime procedure," the one-stitch face-lift is done under local anesthesia and has a shorter recovery time.
History
Plastic surgeon Dr. Renato Calabria, from Beverly Hills, Calif., developed the one-stitch face-lift as an alternative to mini-face-lifts. He reportedly got the idea after seeing an actress use tape to pull up the skin around her eyes.
Procedure
The patient is placed under local anesthesia and small incisions are made along the hairline. Sutures are then threaded and anchored, effectively pulling up the skin without the need to cut it. The procedure is completed within minutes, and the patient can supposedly return to work the next day because swelling and bruising are minimal. Totally recovery time is around four days. The procedure costs between $5,000 and $7,000.
Results
The one-stitch face-lift is said to make the patient look up to five years younger and have a natural appearance. According to Dr. Calabria, it softens the nasal labia fold and tightens the jawline. While not meant as a replacement for an endoscopic, vertical face-lift, it can refresh a patient's look and can be used in combination with Botox and fillers.
Typical Patients
According to Dr. Calabria, patients who opt for this type of face-lift are usually in their 30s. Actresses who want some facial rejuvenation without the downtime are also known to get the one-stitch face-lifts. They typically have the surgery done before major events such as movie premieres or award shows.
Expert Insight
A forum poll of several plastic surgeons reveals that the type of face-lift is not as important as the plastic surgeon. These doctors caution would-be patients to thoroughly vet their potential surgeon. The doctors suggest calling up former patients and talking with the surgeon to ensure that he or she is on the same page. It is fine to consult multiple doctors to find the right one for the procedure.
