Minimally invasive facial rejuvenation combining thread lifting with liposuction: A clinical comparison with thread lifting alone

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Barbed thread lifting is known to be a minimally invasive procedure compared with standard incisional surgery for facial rejuvenation. However, some studies have pointed out that the effects of thread lifting do not last long and disappear after several months. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and duration of anchoring-type absorbable thread lifting combined with liposuction for facial rejuvenation. METHODS: A retrospective review of 27 cosmetic patients who underwent absorbable barbed thread lifting with liposuction between July 2013 and December 2015 was undertaken. The efficiency of facial rejuvenation was evaluated through a patient satisfaction score and the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS). RESULTS: Subjects were divided into two groups thread lifting only and thread lifting combined with liposuction. The mean follow-up period of each group was 8.5 and 9.3 months, respectively. In the thread lifting-only group, the average patient satisfaction score was 2.36 (1=unsatisfied to 4=very satisfied), and the average GAIS score was 2.54 (1=very much improved to 5=worsen). In the thread lifting with liposuction group, the average patient satisfaction score was 3.06, and the average GAIS score was 1.85. CONCLUSIONS: Thread lifting combined with liposuction showed better patient satisfaction and GAIS results than thread lifting alone, even over a long follow-up period.