Effectiveness, Longevity, and Complications of Facelift by Barbed Suture Insertion. (28th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bertossi, Dario; Botti, Giovanni; Gualdi, Alessandro; Fundarò, Piero; Nocini, Riccardo; Pirayesh, Ali; van der Lei, Berend
• Is Part Of: Aesthetic surgery journal. Volume 39:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 247
• Publication Date: 2018-06-28
• Subjects: Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjy042
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-820X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Minimally invasive facelift techniques involving barbed suture insertion have become popular among patients who wish to correct facial tissue ptosis. Objectives: The authors sought to determine the effectiveness, longevity, complications, and postoperative sequelae associated with facelift by means of barbed polydioxanone (PDO) threads. Methods: A total of 160 consecutive patients who underwent facelift with barbed threads were evaluated retrospectively. For malar augmentation and correction of nasolabial grooves, 2 or 3 PDO threads (23 gauge) were placed per side; for treatment of mandibular lines, 2 to 4 PDO threads (21 gauge) were inserted per side. Results: Immediately after suture placement and for 1 month postoperatively, patients experienced improvement in facial tissue ptosis. This aesthetic result declined noticeably by 6 months and was absent by 1 year. The overall complication rate in the early postoperative period was 34% (55 of 160 patients). Eighteen patients (11.2%) had superficial displacement of the barbed sutures, 15 (9.4%) experienced transient erythema, 10 (6.2%) had infection, 10 (6.2%) experienced skin dimpling, and 2 (1.2%) had temporary facial stiffness. Conclusions: Placement of barbed threads yields instantaneous improvement in facial ptosis that is no longer apparent by 1 year. Given this transient benefit and the complication rate of 34%, we recommend limiting this procedure to patients with contraindications for more invasive facial surgery. Level of Evidence: 4: