Thread-Lifts: A Double-Edged Suture? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

BACKGROUNDThread-lifting has experienced a recent surge in popularity as interest in minimally invasive techniques for facial rejuvenation continues to grow. By placing barbed sutures along specific trajectories to lift the superficial musculoaponeurotic system to address facial ptosis, thread-lifting carries several advantages over the traditional facelift. Over the past few decades, there have been ongoing advances in the implementation of thread-lifting using barbed sutures. OBJECTIVETo review the current evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of thread-lifting for facial rejuvenation. MATERIALS AND METHODSAn analysis was conducted of PubMed indexed English language literature regarding thread-lifting using barbed sutures. RESULTSEarly studies using nonabsorbable barbed sutures described high revision and complication rates. Newer techniques implementing absorbable sutures have fewer adverse events, although the long-term efficacy of these procedures remains unclear. CONCLUSIONThread-lifts play a substantial role in minimally invasive techniques for facial rejuvenation. Additional studies are needed to better evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of this quick, in-office procedure.