The one stitch face lift has been extremely popular because it fulfills the following criteria :
- simple 40 minute procedure carried out under local anaesthetic
- minimal scaring that is hidden mostly within the hairline
- minimal risks
- minimal recovery time – within a week with the right hairsyle
- subtle immediate result
The main criticism has been it’s unpredictable duration of result. In my search for a solution I came across the Serdev suture(thread) and needle
The Serdev suture is made of braided polycaproamide. It lasts for 2 years as opposed to the polydioxanone suture I was using which is completely absorbed in about 6 to 9 months. As the stability of the lift depends on the formation of scar tissue(fibrosis) and this is complete at about one to one and a half years, the Serdev suture is ideal.
In addition, the sutures can be threaded to special needles, Serdev needles, which are much longer than the conventional needles and it allows more exact placement of the stitch in its most ideal positiion for a stable lift.
These special sutures and needlesare manufactured in Sofia, Bulgaria. My search took me to Sofia to learn about these sutures and needles. I also spent a day with Professor Nicolay Serdev, the name behind these sutures and needles, to discover the best way to use these in the context of the one stitch lift.
I feel that these sutures and needle have been the missing link to a procedure which I feel addresses the needs of a large population of my patients seeking facial rejuvenation. It has made a good procedure better.
