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Suture Suspension

Suture Suspension

1. Nature of the procedure

This is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure. Through small needle or cannula entry points — without a surgical incision — reposition-and-suspension threads or sutures are placed under the skin and directed along an upward (superior) vector to reposition descended mid-cheek (malar) tissue and improve cheek contour and projection. It is not a facelift and does not remove skin.

You understand this procedure is non-surgical and repositions your own tissue.

I understand this is a non-surgical repositioning procedure and not a surgical facelift.

Initial

2. What this procedure can and cannot do

• It repositions descended tissue and stimulates some collagen. Improvement is typically modest and varies from person to person.
• It does NOT add volume. If your goal includes restoring lost cheek volume, that requires a separate treatment (dermal filler or fat) — discussed under Alternatives.
• It is not a substitute for a surgical lift when there is significant skin laxity.

I understand this repositions tissue but does not add volume, and results are modest and variable.

Initial

3. Product used and regulatory status

The device/material planned for my treatment is: ______________________________________.

• [If absorbable suspension sutures with bidirectional cones are used: this class of device is FDA-cleared for midface tissue repositioning.]
• [If polydioxanone (PDO) barbed threads are used: many PDO threads are FDA-cleared for soft-tissue approximation, and use for cosmetic lifting may be an off-label use of an approved device. This has been explained to me.]

The specific product and its approval status (including any off-label use) were explained to me.

Initial

4. Expected results and duration

• Results appear gradually and are refined as swelling settles.
• Duration is limited and variable — commonly up to about 24 months for cone-type absorbable sutures and roughly 6–12 months for PDO threads. The material absorbs over time and the effect fades.
• Additional sessions, touch-ups, or revision may be needed, at additional cost. No specific result is guaranteed.

5. Risks and possible complications

No procedure is without risk. I understand the following may occur:

• Facial asymmetry or unevenness — the most commonly reported effect — which may require adjustment or revision.
• Bruising, swelling, tenderness, and temporary skin dimpling, puckering, or banding.
• Palpability of the thread/suture, or thread/cone extrusion (poking through) or migration.
• Infection, delayed inflammatory reaction, or nodule/granuloma formation.
• Injury to a nerve (causing numbness, altered sensation, or, rarely, weakness) or to a blood vessel or the salivary gland/duct.
• Rare serious vascular events; and outcomes that are unsatisfactory, short-lived, or require further treatment.

These threads/sutures are NOT reversible. Unlike some fillers, there is no dissolving agent; correcting an unwanted result may require waiting for the material to absorb or a minor revision procedure.

I understand the risks above, that asymmetry is the most common issue, and that the procedure is NOT reversible.

Initial

6. Alternatives

• No treatment.
• Dermal filler or fat transfer — to restore volume (a different goal than lifting).
• Surgical facelift or midface lift — for significant laxity.
• Energy-based skin tightening.

7. Photography

I consent to standardized clinical photographs before, during, and after treatment for my medical record and treatment planning. Any other use (education, marketing) requires my separate written authorization.

I consent to clinical photography for my record as described.

Initial

8. Financial acknowledgment

This is an elective cosmetic procedure. It is self-pay and is not billed to or covered by insurance or Medicare. Fees for the procedure and any additional sessions or revisions are my responsibility. Payment is for the service, not for a guaranteed outcome.

9. Patient acknowledgment

I have read (or had read to me) this form. My questions have been answered. I have had the opportunity to discuss the procedure, its limitations, risks, and alternatives with Dr. Le, and I consent to proceed.

 

 

After Your Non-Surgical Midface Lift

Home Care Instructions

CALL THE CLINIC RIGHT AWAY IF YOU HAVE:
• Skin that turns white, dusky, blue, or mottled, or severe or worsening pain — these can signal a blood-vessel problem and need urgent attention.
• Spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or a fever — possible infection.
• A thread poking through or out of the skin, or a visible thread tip.
• New or worsening facial unevenness, drooping, or muscle weakness, or numbness that does not improve.

Clinic: 206-395-4748. If you have trouble breathing, sudden vision change, or another emergency, call 911.

First 24–48 hours

• Sleep on your back with your head elevated; avoid lying face-down.
• Apply cool compresses gently (do not press or massage) to ease swelling.
• Eat soft foods; avoid wide yawning, big bites, and tough or chewy foods.
• Skip alcohol and strenuous exercise.

First 2 weeks

• Do not massage, rub, or apply firm pressure to your cheeks; be gentle washing your face.
• Avoid exaggerated facial expressions and, when possible, wide mouth opening.
• No facials, microdermabrasion, dental work, saunas, hot yoga, or heat treatments.
• Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach if you can.
• Keep skincare simple and gentle; protect with sunscreen.

What is normal

Mild bruising, swelling, tenderness, a feeling of tightness, and small dimples or puckers are common in the first days and usually settle within about two weeks as the tissue relaxes.

Follow-up

Your follow-up visit is scheduled for: __________________________. Please keep it so we can check your result and address any concerns. Bring any questions.

 

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