Comparison of PLA/PCL+HA thread lifting versus surgical mini-lift for midface: A retrospective study
Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare mid face lifting between a traditional mini facelift (extended minimal access cranial suspension lift) vs. PLA/PCL +HA thread lifting.
Introduction: Midface ageing is a primary conern of people referring to an aesthetic practitioner nowadays.
More women and men from all ages and backgrounds are considering facial rejuvenation.
New minimally invasive methods are introduced, that provide a safer, economically better but similar result to surgical face lifting without the downtime and complications of undergoing a surgery.
Materials / method: 40 patients were used for this study:
-20 patients underwent the traditional extended minimal access cranial suspension lift (X-MACS)
-20 patients underwent midface lifting using PLA/PCL +Ha threads
All patients were treated by the same doctor to eliminate the surgeon’s experience factor in the limitations of this study and evaluated at a 3-month interval.
Results: With the X-MACS technique, 1 patient had a minimal complication of wound site infection and delay in closure. Expectations vs results tend to an average rate of 3.75.
In comparison, PLA/PCL +HA thread lifting group had 2 patients with a minimal complication of local bruising. Overall this group had higher satisfaction rates compared to surgical lift (4.5) and a lower downtime, minimal morbidity. Overall, patients satisfaction was particularly increased due to the HA effect on texture and quality of skin.
Conclusion: PLA/PCL +HA thread lifting methods provide fast, safe and satisfactory results for mid face lifting and preferred compared to other traditional methods and should be employed in cases that surgical intervention can be postponed to a later age, since as we prove the results are comparable to a surgical mini facelift.