Validation of Non-surgical Facial Lifting with PDO Thread using a 3D system

Abstract

Aim and objectives

Facial suspension threads have been used in the last decades for the reposition of facial soft tissue. Nonetheless, it remains unclear which technique and/or material has the greatest lifting effect for the middle and lower face. To evaluate non-surgical thread lifts we used a novel “1 Point, 2 Targets, 12 Threads” Vectors technique, verified by 3D imaging of horizontal skin displacement, volume changes at the nasolabial sulcus, jawline, and repositioning of fat compartments in the middle third and lower face.

Material and methods

Thirty-six Caucasian patients (35 females and 1 male), with a mean age of 42 ± 4 years and a mean body mass index of 22.72 ± 0.72 kg/m², were analyzed. Polydioxanone bidirectional cog-barbed facial threads were introduced using a 21-gauge, 90-mm cannula, and the “1 Point, 2 Targets, 12 Threads” Vectors technique aimed towards the nasolabial fold and the jawline. Vectra H2 software was used to calculate horizontal lift skin displacement changes, volume reduction in the nasolabial fold and jawline and volume reposition of the middle third.

Results

Mean horizontal skin displacement (left side, 2.75 ± 1.17 mm vs right side, 2.84 ± 1.40 mm) was 2.80 ± 1.06 mm, with no statistical significance (p = 0.8349). The mean volume change of the nasolabial fold was −0.09 ± 0.47 cc (left, −0.02 ± 0.45 cc vs right, −0.16 ± 0.58 cc), with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.1991). The mean volume change of jawline was −0.36 ± 0.43 cc (left, −0.36 ± 0.43 cc vs right, −0.37 ± 0.54 cc) with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.4561). Mean volume repositioning of the middle superficial fat compartments was 1.34 ± 0.79 cc (left 1.24 ± 0.84 vs right 1.43 ± 1.01 cc), with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.1897).

Conclusion

This is the first study to generate evidence of an objective measurement of non-surgical anatomical lifting with threads. More clinical studies utilising digital soft tissue facial anthropometry will be essential in clinical practice to verify this non-surgical lifting treatment.