Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Percutaneous Thread Lift Facial Rejuvenation: Literature Review and Evidence-Based Analysis

  • Review
  • Facial Surgery
  • Published:
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Interest in noninvasive facial rejuvenation procedures continues to grow. With the advent of the so-called lunch-time face-lift, suture suspension facial rejuvenation has gained prominence and much popularity largely patient driven rather than data driven. We have published a decade ago a review about this rejuvenation technique. Despite its popularity at that time, serious long-term studies and peer-reviewed data about longevity and patient satisfaction were lacking to our surprise. As 10 years have passed, we have conducted a new systematic PubMed database search limited to the last 10 years interval.

Methods

The search identified 192 publications. After screening the titles and abstracts, 20 clinical and 2 experimental studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review.

Results

Though thread lift facial rejuvenation is considered to be a promising modality, no new evidence has been added to the literature to support its use.

Conclusion

Until evidence-based efficacy and robust data are objectively documented, patients requesting percutaneous facial rejuvenation must be well informed about adverse events, longevity of effect, and limited available data on efficacy.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Han SE, Go JY, Pyon JK, Oh KS (2016) A Prospective evaluation of outcomes for midface rejuvenation with mesh suspension thread: “REEBORN lift.” J Cosmet Dermatol. 15(3):254–259

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Fukaya M (2017) Long-term effect of the insoluble thread-lifting technique. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 10:483–491

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Paul MD (2013) Barbed sutures in aesthetic plastic surgery: evolution of thought and process. Aesthet Surg J. 33(3 Suppl):17S-31S

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Villa MT, White LE, Alam M, Yoo SS, Walton RL (2008) Barbed sutures: a review of the literature. Plast Reconstr Surg. 121:102e–108e

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Tavares JP, Oliveira CACP, Torres RP, Bahmad F Jr (2017) Facial thread lifting with suture suspension. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 83(6):712–719

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. El-Mesidy MS, Alaklouk WT, Azzam OA (2020) Nasolabial fold correction through cheek volume loss restoration versus thread lifting: a comparative study. Arch Dermatol Res. 312(7):473–480

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Atiyeh BS, Dibo SA, Costagliola M, Hayek SN (2010) Barbed sutures “lunch time” lifting: evidence-based efficacy. J Cosmet Dermatol. 9(2):132–141

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Gülbitti HA, Colebunders B, Pirayesh A, Bertossi D, van der Lei B, Gülbitti HA et al (2018) Thread-Lift Sutures: Still in the Lift? A Systematic Review of the Literature. Plast Reconstr Surg. 141(3):341e–347e

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Tong LX, Rieder EA (2019) Thread-Lifts: a double-edged suture? a comprehensive review of the literature. Dermatol Surg. 45(7):931–940

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Sasaki GH, Cohen AT (2002) Meloplication of the malar fat pads by percutaneous cable-suture technique for midface rejuvenation: outcome study (392 cases, 6 years’ experience). Plast Reconstr Surg 110:635–654 (discussion 655–637)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Sulamanidze M-A, Paikidze T-G, Sulamanidze G-M et al (2005) Facial lifting with ‘“APTOS”’ threads: Featherlift. Otolaryngol Clin N Am 38:1109–1117

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Sulamanidze M, Sulamanidze G (2008) Facial lifting with Aptos methods. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 1:7–11

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Aitzetmueller MM, Centeno Cerdas C, Nessbach P et al (2019) Polydioxanone threads for facial rejuvenation: analysis of quality variation in the market. Plast Reconstr Surg. 144(6):1002e–1009e

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Villa MT, White LE, Alam M, Yoo SS et al (2008) Barbed sutures: a review of the literature. Plast Reconstr Surg 121:102e–108e

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Suh DH, Jang HW, Lee SJ, Lee WS, Ryu HJ (2015) Outcomes of polydioxanone knotless thread lifting for facial rejuvenation. Dermatol Surg. 41:720–725

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Rezaee Khiabanloo S, Jebreili R, Aalipour E, Saljoughi N, Shahidi A (2019) Outcomes in thread lift for face and neck: A study performed with Silhouette Soft and Promo Happy Lift double needle, innovative and classic techniques. J Cosmet Dermatol. 18(1):84–93

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Ogilvie MP, Few JW Jr, Tomur SS et al (2018) Rejuvenating the Fface: an analysis of 100 absorbable suture suspension patients. Aesthet Surg J. 38(6):654–663

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Nestor MS (2019) Facial lift and patient satisfaction following treatment with absorbable suspension sutures: 12-month data from a prospective, masked, controlled clinical study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 12(3):18–26

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Ali YH (2018) Two years’ outcome of thread lifting with absorbable barbed PDO threads: Innovative score for objective and subjective assessment. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 20(1):41–49

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Kang SH, Byun EJ, Kim HS (2017) Vertical lifting: a new optimal thread lifting technique for asians. Dermatol Surg. 43(10):1263–1270

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Kwon HH, Choi SC, Park GH, Jung JY (2019) Clinical evaluations of a novel thread lifting regimen using barbed polyglyconate suture for facial rejuvenation: analysis using a 3-dimensional imaging system. Dermatol Surg. 45(3):431–437

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Lee H, Yoon K, Lee M (2018) Outcome of facial rejuvenation with polydioxanone thread for Asians. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 20(3):189–192

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Myung Y, Jung C (2020) Mini-midface Lift Using Polydioxanone Cog Threads. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 8(6):e2920

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Savoia A, Accardo C, Vannini F, Di Pasquale B, Baldi A (2014) Outcomes in thread lift for facial rejuvenation: a study performed with happy lift revitalizing. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 4(1):103–114

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Fukaya M (2017) Long-term effect of the insoluble thread-lifting technique. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 10:483–491

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  26. Sulamanidze M, Sulamanidze G, Sulamanidze C (2018) Elimination of Aesthetic Deformations of the Midface Area Our Experience. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 42(3):774–790

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. de Benito J, Pizzamiglio R, Theodorou D, Arvas L (2011) Facial rejuvenation and improvement of malar projection using sutures with absorbable cones: surgical technique and case series. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 35(2):248–253

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. De Carolis V, Gonzalez M (2014) Neck rejuvenation with mastoid-spanning barbed tensor threads (MST operation). Aesthetic Plast Surg. 38(3):491–500

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Goldberg DJ (2020) Stimulation of collagenesis by poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and -glycolide polymer (PLGA)-containing absorbable suspension suture and parallel sustained clinical benefit. J Cosmet Dermatol. 19(5):1172–1178

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Rezaee Khiabanloo S, Jebreili R, Aalipour E, Eftekhari H, Saljoughi N, Shahidi A (2019) Innovative techniques for thread lifting of face and neck. J Cosmet Dermatol. 18(6):1846–1855

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Rezaee Khiabanloo S, Nabie R, Aalipour E (2020) Outcomes in thread lift for face, neck and nose; A prospective chart review study with APTOS. J Cosmet Dermatol. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13397

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Rachel JD, Lack EB, Larson B (2010) Incidence of complications and early recurrence in 29 patients after facial rejuvenation with barbed suture lifting. Dermatol Surg. 36(3):348–354

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Wattanakrai K, Chiemchaisri N, Wattanakrai P (2020) Mesh Suspension Thread for Facial Rejuvenation. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 44(3):766–774

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Sulamanidze MA, Fournier PF, Paikidze TG, Sulamanidze GM (2002) Removal of facial soft tissue ptosis with special threads. Dermatol Surg 28:367–371

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Sulamanidze MA, Shiffman MA, Paikidze TG et al (2001) Face- lifting with APTOS threads. Int J Cosmet Surg Aesthetic Dermatol. 4:275–280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Archer KA, Garcia RE (2019) Silhouette instalift: benefits to a facial plastic surgery practice. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 27(3):341–353

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. de Benito J, Pizzamiglio R, Theodorou D, Arvas L (2011) Facial rejuvenation and improvement of malar projection using sutures with absorbable cones: Surgical technique and case series. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 35:248–253

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Lorenc ZP, Ablon G, Few J et al (2018) Expert consensus on achieving optimal outcomes with absorbable suspension suture technology for tissue repositioning and facial recontouring. J Drugs Dermatol. 17(6):647–655

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Karimi K, Reivitis A (2017) Lifting the Lower Face With an Absorbable Polydioxanone (PDO) Thread. J Drugs Dermatol. 16(9):932–934

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Park YJ, Cha JH, Han SE (2020) Maximizing thread usage for facial rejuvenation: a preliminary patient study [published online ahead of print, 2020 Aug 18]. Aesthetic Plast Surg. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-020-01919-4

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Park TH, Seo SW, Whang KW (2014) Facial rejuvenation with fine-barbed threads: the simple Miz lift. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 38(1):69–74

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. O’Connell JB (2015) Rhytidectomy Utilizing Bidirectional Self-Retaining Sutures: The Bidirectional Lift and the Extended Bidirectional Lift. Aesthet Surg J. 35(6):633–643

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Wang CH, Liu HJ, Tsai YT, Lin HI, Wu PY, Lin JW (2019) An Innovative Thread-looping Method for Facial Rejuvenation: Minimal Access Multiple Plane Suspension. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 7(1):e2045. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002045

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Bellity P, Bellity J (2017) Facial Rejuvenation Enhancing Cheek Lift. Arch Plast Surg. 44(6):559–563

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  45. Matarasso A (2013) Introduction to the barbed sutures supplement: the expanding applications of barbed sutures. Aesthet Surg J. 33(3 Suppl):7S-11S

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Kapicioğlu Y, Gül M, Saraç G, Yiğitcan B, Gözükara H (2019) Comparison of Antiaging Effects on Rat Skin of Cog Thread and Poly-L-Lactic Acid Thread. Dermatol Surg. 45(3):438–445

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Kim J, Zheng Z, Kim H, Nam KA, Chung KY (2017) Investigation on the Cutaneous Change Induced by Face-Lifting Monodirectional Barbed Polydioxanone Thread. Dermatol Surg. 43(1):74–80

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Tiryaki KT (2018) Commentary on: Rejuvenating the Face: An Analysis of 100 Absorbable Suture Suspension Patients. Aesthet Surg J. 38(6):664–666

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Adam A, Karypidis D, Ghanem A (2020) Thread Lifts: A Critical Analysis of Treatment Modalities. J Drugs Dermatol. 19(4):413–417

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Bernardini FP (2019) Is there a role for a noninvasive alternative to face and neck lifting? The polydioxanone thread lift. Aesthet Surg J. 39(8):362–363

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Braun M, Frank K, Freytag DL et al (2020) The influence of the insertion angle on middle and lower face tissue-mechanics when treating the nasolabial folds with facial suspension threads-an experimental split-face cadaveric study. Facial Plast Surg. 36(3):268–275

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Bertossi D, Botti G, Gualdi A et al (2019) Response to “Is there a role for a noninvasive alternative to face and neck lifting? The polydioxanone thread lift.” Aesthet Surg J. 39(8):364–365. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjz150

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Unal M, İslamoğlu GK, Ürün Unal G, Köylü N (2019) Experiences of barbed polydioxanone cog thread for facial rejuvenation and our technique to prevent thread migration. J Dermatolog Treat. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2019.1640347

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Lorenc ZP, Goldberg D, Nestor M (2018) Straight-Line Vector Planning for Optimal Results With Silhouette InstaLift in Minimally Invasive Tissue Repositioning for Facial Rejuvenation. J Drugs Dermatol. 17(7):786–793

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Ackley BJ, Swan BA, Ladwig G, Tucker S (2008) Evidence- based nursing guidelines: medical-surgical interventions. Mosby Elsevier, St. Louis

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

    Bishara S. Atiyeh

  2. Trad Hospital Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

    Fadel Chahine

  3. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

    Odette Abou Ghanem

Authors
  1. Bishara S. Atiyeh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Fadel Chahine
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Odette Abou Ghanem
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Odette Abou Ghanem.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Human and Animal Rights

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Informed Consent

For this type of study informed consent is not required.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Atiyeh, B.S., Chahine, F. & Ghanem, O.A. Percutaneous Thread Lift Facial Rejuvenation: Literature Review and Evidence-Based Analysis. Aesth Plast Surg 45, 1540–1550 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-020-02095-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-020-02095-1

Search

Navigation