Threads in aesthetic medicine. A systematic review from the Italian Aesthetic Medicine Association.

Threads and aesthetic medicine

Abstract

Importance:This is a systematic review that evaluates advantages, indications and different way of using and positioning traction threads in order to present an alternative technique to the more invasive surgical facelift.

Methods:

In this review we included all original papers, independent of the date of publication, evaluating the effectiveness of local treatment with traction wires. We excluded studies with insufficient data to elaborate and report results such as abstract, pilot studies and case reports.

Results and conclusion:

The success of threads treatment is linked to the fact that it is a conservative and minimally invasive technique, which doesn’t need for hospitalization and has a shorter post-treatment course instead of the surgical approach.

The main indication is an average degree of tissue laxity aimed at a target patient aged between 40/50 years old.

The use of suspension threads should be avoided in case of skin problems localized in the insertion areas, severe autoimmune diseases, pregnancy and breastfeeding, scarring and coagulation defects, collagenopathies, tendency to form keloids, treatment with immunosuppressants, major tumor or liver pathologies, ongoing systemic infections, residues of non-absorbable materials of previous operations, allergy or hypersensitivity to suture components, high BMI and lack of clinical indications.

The areas of the body that can be approached with this technique include not only the face, but also the abdomen, buttocks, forearm, breasts, neck, décolleté, hips, hands, inner thighs, armpits and knees.

Complications are possible, but minimal, transitory and easily avoidable in the majority cases.