Serdev Lift: The New Twist on the Thread Lift

by Edie Pastis

Most cosmetic patients are familiar with the thread lift. A minimally invasive facelift alternative, thread lifts are designed to visibly lift sagging facial features by manipulating a fine thread underneath the skin. A newer take on the thread lift concept is the Serdev Lift, or Serdev Suture Lift, created by renowned European surgeon Dr. Nikolay Serdev.

The Serdev Lift, and its modifications to the original thread lift, have been creating buzz among non-surgical anti-aging patients recently. But how is the Serdev Lift different from other thread lifts? Is this the right cosmetic lift procedure for you?

What Makes Serdev Lifts Unique?

The Serdev Lift is a non-surgical facelift and body sculpting alternative, as well as the latest thread lift variation on the market. One of the main differences between the Serdev Lift and past thread lifts (Feather Lift, Contour Thread Lift, Curl Lift and Silhouette Thread Lift) is the Serdev Lift's use of resorbable polycaproamide threads, as opposed to non-dissolving polypropylene plastic threads. Serdev Lift sutures are also barb-less, antimicrobial and semi-elastic.

Furthermore, the Serdev Lift is the first thread lift procedure to commonly treat the face and the body for sagging, wrinkled skin! Serdev buttock lifts, face lifts, thigh lifts and breast lifts are currently the most popular uses for Serdev sutures.

How Are Serdev Lifts Performed?

The Serdev Lift procedure can be performed in less than an hour, depending on the amount of work a patient is having done. Serdev Lift patients are first placed under local anesthesia, and then the barb-less threads are inserted underneath the skin, usually near the cheekbone. The inserted Serdev sutures are then manipulated by the plastic surgeon to "lift" the heavy SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) muscles, which are connected to aging, exterior facial skin or body skin. Once in the correct position, the Serdev sutures are secured to the sturdy, periosteum bone layer to anchor them in place.

Serdev Lift Results

Some Serdev Lift patients attain immediate, visible results, while other patients won't notice a difference for about a week post procedure. Either way, patients can return to their normal routines immediately following a Serdev Lift; the procedure requires no recovery time. The Serdev Lift is also known as a scar-less facelift, since no incisions or invasive surgery is required; this means patients should have no obvious scarring following a Serdev Lift. Wrinkle removal results with a Serdev Lift won't be as dramatic as with actual facelift surgery, but many Serdev Lift patients assert this procedure gave their aging skin a youthful boost.

Serdev Lift Risks and Side Effects

There are potential risks and side effects with every anti-aging procedure, and Serdev Lifts are no different. Serdev Lift side effects may include:

Swelling
Bruising
Light bleeding
Possible infection

Serdev Lift patients should also avoid exposing treated areas to direct sunlight for at least 2-4 weeks following the procedure. Occasionally, patients have reported sensing the sutures underneath the skin, but this is less common with Serdev Lifts than with traditional thread lifts.

Since Serdev sutures are resorbable, the risk of broken or protruding threads post procedure are greatly minimized. This was one of the more severe side effect that could occur with standard thread lifts.

Are Serdev Lifts Right for Me?

If you are seeking a quick, minimally invasive anti-aging treatment for the face or body, Serdev Lifts may be right for you. However, patients with more severe wrinkles or sagging skin may require a more intensive procedure, like these popular cosmetic surgery options: facelifts, brow lifts, buttock lifts, breast lifts and thigh lifts.

No matter what doubts or questions you may have about thread lifts or Serdev Lifts, the best way to get the information you want, and the treatment assessment you need, is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. They can give you more specifics on Serdev Lift costs and risks, and help you determine if a Serdev Lift is the right anti-aging treatment for you!