Surgical Specialties Corporation, a U.S. manufacturer of barbed threads used in the Threadlift technique, has trademarked the name "Contour Threadlift" for branding and promotional purposes. Physicians throughout the country have attended 4-hour training courses to become "certified" to purchase and use the Contour Threads. Physicians who have taken the course have been instructed on how to safely perform the procedure as outlined by the company.
Of course, simply attending a training course does not impart the skill neccessary to achieve optimal results. If you took a 4-hour course on painting skills, would you be able to paint like Michelangelo? Of course not, and you should not expect any physician with limited facial rejuvenation experience and limited experience with the Threadlift technique to provide superior results.
It is important to understand that there are a number of different types of Threadlift procedures, and they are not all the same. However, all Threadlifts fall under one general category - Suture Suspension Lifts. To help clear up any confusion, below is a list of many of the different (and not so different) Suture Suspension Lifts.
Ability to adjust amount of lift post-op
Utilizing advanced techniques based on years of experience, Dr. Summers meets all of these goals in a customized fashion for each of his patients.
Suture Suspension Lift Variations:
Aptos Threadlift: This is the procedure Dr. Sulamandize, a Russian physician, originally developed and described in the 1990's. The procedure involved insertion of a polypropylene suture with bi-directional barbs. The suture was inserted using a needle and was not secured to deeper tissue.
Silk-Lift: This is another name for the Aptos Threadlift.
Endo-Aptos Threadlift: This is a modification of the original Aptos Threadlift. In this procedure, a small incision is made in or near the hair-line so the threads can be secured to the deeper tissues. A uni-directional barbed thread is used.
Sling Lift: This is the procedure described by Dr. Summers. This has been replaced by the Endo-Aptos technique, which is a combination of the Aptos and Sling Lift procedures.
Contour Lift: Technically, this is the same procedure as the originally developed Aptos Threadlift. The barbed suture in this case was developed in the U.S.A. by Dr. Ruff and granted FDA clearance for marketing in 2002. A variation on the Contour Lift involves anchoring the suture in a manner similar to the Endo-Aptos Threadlift.
Featherlift: Although this term has been used to describe the original Aptos Threadlift, it is now being used as a marketing term for a new type of suture suspension thread marketed by KMI, a medical products company. The new thread is called a "Silhouette Suture". Compared to barbed sutures, the real-life advantages and/or disadvantages of this thread, if any, are yet to be determined.
Gentle Lift: Another name for the Contour Lift.
Curl Lift: In the 1970's, Dr. Guillemain, a French physician, described using a loop of suture to suspend drooping tissue. There are several disadvantages to this type of lift, including: "cheese wire" cutting through tissue and significant dimpling distally.
Loop Lift: This is essentially the same procedure as the Curl Lift.
Soft Lift: Another name for the Curl Lift.
Mini Facelifts
There are dozens of variations on a mini-facelift. Recently, several surgeons have been marketing themselves using "trademarked" and "patented" names for their specific variations on the mini-facelift procedures. These procedures are not suture suspension lifts, but are mentioned here to clear up some of the confusion which can occur.
Quick-Lift: This is a true facelift. The deep soft tissue (SMAS) is elevated and excess skin is excised around the ear. Sutures are removed after one week and swelling can be present for several weeks.
Adam Summers, MD
Adam N. Summers, M.D. is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Summers graduated with Honors and Distinction in Research from St. Louis University School of Medicine. He trained in General Surgery and received specialty training in Plastic Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he was the Chief Resident.
Following his Plastic Surgery training, Dr. Summers completed a Fellowship in Microvascular and Hand Surgery with an emphasis on reconstructive breast surgery. Dr. Summers concluded his training in a Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship with Aesthetic Surgery Associates.
Since 1992, Dr. Summers' graphic artwork has received national recognition and top awards. Additionally, in 1994 his work was awarded display status at the National Library of Medicine. He has lectured at symposia around the country, where he has been responsible for training other physicians and healthcare professionals in surgical techniques. Dr. Summers has published many articles, won national awards and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Maryland.
In 2000, and as featured in Anne Arundle Medical Center's Vital Signs, Dr. Summers performed the first series of breast reconstructions using microsurgical techniques at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
Dr. Summers developed the first medical spa and cosmetic surgery center in the mid-Atlantic region and he has created new protocols for non-surgical rejuvenation. Currently, Dr. Summers is one of the only board certified plastic surgeons in the region who focuses exclusively on cosmetic surgery. He continues to develop new minimally invasive procedures that are designed to help patients achieve the look they desire while experiencing the least amount of downtime possible.
Adam Summers, MD
7704 Quarterfield Road
Glen Burnie, MD
