Thread lifting and single-step facial volumization as an optimum balanced technique of aesthetic correction

BACKGROUND: Development and introduction of minimally invasive lifting techniques is considered a demanding and relevant objective of contemporary dermatocosmetology as these techniques result in nonsurgical lifting with minimal disruption of facial harmony due to the activation of a maximal number of key anatomic landmarks following the simultaneous insertion of lifting threads and hyaluronic acid fillers.

AIMS: To study the clinical efficacy and safety of minimally invasive lifting technique and filling up of the tissue volume deficiency with the combination of thread lifting from the temporal approach and hyaluronic acid filler augmentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 193 female patients (mean age 41.3 ± 8.5 years) with gravitational ptosis of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees. Group 1 (main) comprised 42 (21.8%) patients who underwent lifting by the method of implantation of 12 threads with shaped polydioxanone spikes DG-Lift and injection of 2 ml of hyaluronic acid biphasic filler. Group 2 (comparison) comprised 64 (33.2%) female patients who underwent lifting using only 12–20 polydioxanone DG-Lift threads. Group 3 (comparison) comprised 87 (45%) female patients who received tissue volumization with 4–8 ml of biphasic hyaluronic acid filler in each case.

RESULTS: A total of 82%, 59%, and 48% of patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, noted the optimal cosmetic result and full satisfaction with the result according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. The incidence of complications in group 1 (6.4%) was lower than that in group 2 (9.1%) and group 3 (17.7%). This is due to low invasive nature and lower tissue traumatization with the use of fewer fillers and threads to obtain optimal cosmetic effect.

CONCLUSION: The proposed technique of thread lifting with biodegradable threads DG-Lift from the temporal approach combined with tissue volumization with hyaluronic acid fillers is safe and significantly effective for patients with gravitational ptosis of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees.