Objectives: to see how much evidence lies in thread lifting
Introduction: Dr.Alcamo (USA) was the first who filed a patent for barbed sutures 1956, receiving approval in 1964. This was probably the first US patent which actually describes a “thread” with a roughened or barbed surface . He was the first to recognize the potential for “face- lifts and other cosmetic operations, where the sutures would provide lines of tissue support beneath the skin. Polypropylene threads have been brought on the market by Sulamanidze 2002 (Aptos), Contour threads were approved by the FDA 2004. Poly-l-lactic acid (Silhouette Soft) and Polydioxanone Threads (Promo Italia) are other b
Materials / method: Threads are placed beneath the surface of the skin to create scarring and tightening of the facial tissues. As a mild inflammatory reaction occurs, collagen is deposited around the threads- when it matures it will contract slightly, giving the desired facial enhancement used to shift the position of the malar fat pad, the jowls, or for elevation of the brow. In most cases the effects are powerful but short-lived because of the “cheese-wiring” effect which occurs as the loop of the suture cuts through the supporting tissues, consequently the effects are gradually lost. A wide variety of deploym
Results: In 2006, Villa et al. concluded in review article concerning the use of thread-lift sutures concluded that the technique was still in its infancy but had great potential to become a useful and effective procedure for nonsurgical lifting of sagged facial tissues. As 11 years have passed, again a systematic review to determine the real scientific current state of the art on the use of thread-lift sutures has been performed by H.A.Gülbitti (thread-lift sutures: still in the lift? A systematic review oft he literature).
Conclusion: within the past decade, little or no substantial evidence has been added to the peer-reviewed literature to support or sustain the promising statement about thread-lift in terms of efficacy or safety. All included literature in the authors’ review, except two studies, demonstrated at best a very limited durability of the lifting effect. The two positive studies were sponsored by the companies that manufacture the thread-lift sutures. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 141: 341e, 2018.) Future research should consider objective, standardized photographic analysis of facial suspension at fixed intervals po
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No
This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability
