I have heard celebrities mention in magazines that they have had a “ribbon lift.” What is this, and is it effective? Thanks,
Answer:
The “ribbon lift” is the name given to a procedure used to elevate the aging face. It gets its name from the use of a ribbon-like device that is placed on the tissues to elevate them. It is a small strip with little pegs that attach to the tissues in order to elevate them. The implant dissolves in three to four months. The procedure is not new and the implant has been around for about three to four years. In reality, procedure can be done with or without the ribbon implants. These ribbons are just a tool that the surgeon can use to sustain or hold the tissues up when they are being lifted. Traditional sutures can also be used and are just as successful in maintaining the tissues elevated while they heal in their new place. I personally do not use them at this point in time. I have used them in the past, but I prefer to use traditional sutures. I think that the same or better lifting can be done with traditional sutures. In addition, the ribbons can occasionally be felt in the neck during the healing process for several months. This can be unsightly and can cause undue stress on the patient.
Posted by Dr. Bustillo