Resumen

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of P(LA/CL) barbed threads in achieving static and dynamic facial symmetry. Secondary objectives included evaluating the degree of improvement in midface, lower face, and upper face asymmetries, as well as the overall satisfaction of patients as rated by independent physicians using the Likert scale. Introduction: Asymmetry in facial features, both static and dynamic, presents a significant challenge in aesthetic medicine. The use of threads, specifically the P(LA/CL) thread with barbs USP 2/0, EP 3, 80mm from the Aptos brand, has been gaining traction as a minimally invasive method to address facial asymmetry. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of this technique in improving symmetry in a sample of 20 patients, including 16 women and 4 men, aged between 32 and 54 years. The assessment was conducted using Vectra, ImageJ, and Catometry, alongside photography reviewed by two independent physicians u Materials / method: A total of 20 patients were included in the study, with 12 presenting with midface asymmetry, 6 with lower face asymmetry, and 2 with upper face asymmetry. The procedure involved the insertion of P(LA/CL) threads with barbs USP 2/0, EP 3, 80mm from Aptos. Vectra 3D imaging, ImageJ analysis, and Catometry were used to assess pre- and post-treatment symmetry. Photography was conducted at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up. Two independent physicians evaluated the photographic results using the Likert scale, where a score of 1 represented minimal improvement and 5 represented significant impro Results: The results demonstrated a significant improvement in facial symmetry. The R0, R5, and R6 parameters showed statistically significant enhancement, with R0 improving by an average of 22.7%, R5 by 18.3%, and R6 by 16.9%. The Likert scale results indicated that 85% of the patients had notable improvements in symmetry, particularly in the midface region. The Vectra and ImageJ analyses corroborated these findings, showing a measurable lift and alignment in the treated areas. The Catometry results were consistent with the photographic analysis, further confirming the effectiveness of the treatment. Conclusion: The use of P(LA/CL) threads with barbs from Aptos provides a significant improvement in both static and dynamic facial symmetry in patients aged 32 to 54. The procedure was particularly effective in treating midface asymmetry, with substantial improvements observed in lower and upper face regions as well. The results, as evaluated by both objective imaging techniques and independent physician assessment, support the efficacy of this minimally invasive approach in achieving facial symmetry without exaggeration. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are recommended