Abstract

Objectives: 1. To outline the best practices on the integrated treatment approach of biodegradable, biostimulating threads with lasers and Energy-Based Devices (EBDs) including intense pulsed light systems, fractional ablative, non-ablative and hybrid lasers, and radiofrequency microneedling. 2. To propose protocols with respect to appropriate time intervals between each procedure to allow for the shortest possible recovery time and the best possible outcomes. Introduction: A multimodal approach to non-surgical facial rejuvenation often entails the combination of different minimally invasive techniques to achieve natural and harmonious results, whilst minimising the risk of complications. Within our established portfolio of non-surgical procedures are the bioresorbable suspension threads and a plethora of Lasers and EBD’s. There is a paucity in the literature regarding safe practices with respect to the combination of threads with EBD’s. Many practitioners are apprehensive about this combination and believe that EBDs might destabilise the threads. Materials / method: Patients who had undergone nonsurgical face lifting with bioresorbable, biostimulating threads, were subsequently treated with various lasers and EBDs including broadband light, fractional CO2 laser, hybrid lasers and a fractional radio-frequency micro needling system. A 3D imaging system was used for the objective assessment of skin repositioning and skin quality in each case. Results: All patients who received the combined treatment of bioresorbable, biostimulating threads and EBDs, were shown objectively to have positive results in terms of face lifting. All exhibited an improvement in skin texture and luminosity. Most importantly, the combined approach was not associated with any negative treatment emergent outcomes. Conclusion: The lasers and EBDs potentiate both the lifting achieved with the biostimulating threads as well as the improvement is skin quality and luminosity. The treatment of thread lift patients with EBDs is both safe and effective.