Early Complications from Absorbable Anchoring Suture Following Thread-Lift for Facial Rejuvenation

Background Thread lifting has been known as a minimally invasive procedure compared with the standard incisional surgery for facial rejuvenation. Although there have been several reports on acute or delayed complications after using non-absorbable thread type, there have only been a few studies on such complications after using absorbable thread type. Hence, the aim of this study was to introduce various complications of thread lifting using the absorbable anchoring type for facial rejuvenation and to discuss about how to resolve it. Methods A retrospective review of 144 cosmetic patients, who underwent absorbable barbed thread lifting between July 2013 and December 2015, was performed. The procedure was done using the temporal anchoring technique. The thread used in this study are polydioxanone molding cog (PMC) and polydioxanone cutting cog (PCC), which are both the absorbable type. Results The results are as follows: Dimple was developed in 3 cases (2.1%); thread exposure was developed in 5 cases (3.5%); alopecia was developed in 3 cases (2.1%); undercorrection was developed in 3 cases (2.1%); asymmetry was developed in 1 case (0.7%); and parotid gland injury was developed in 1 case (0.7%). Out of the total 144 patients, sixteen (11.1%) patients developed at least 1 complication. There was no detectable inflammation or consistent skin excavation. Conclusions Most complications of absorbable thread lifting are minor ones, and such complications resolve by retouching or widening the anchoring gap, but it is important to keep in mind the possibility of parotid gland injury.