Scottsdale, AZ – A new study in the May issue of the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery rated the long-term performance of a  popular type of face lift produce which utilizes barbed sutures, known as “thread-lift”.  The study concluded that only short-lived improvement in appearance is delivered, but no long-term benefit is seen, and the researchers  recommend that the technique no longer be used given its risks, poor results and discomfort for patients. (Source: Reuters Health)

The study examined a total of 33 patients using the thread-lift. Some of the patients had other aesthetic procedures. A control group of patients having facial plastic surgery without thread lift was used.  Four surgeons were blinded to the details of surgery (didn’t know which procedure patients had received) and rated the aesthetic improvement for each patient using a scale from 0 (no improvement) to 3 (considerable improvement). A month after the procedure, improvements were seen  in all the patients.  The average long-term follow-up time averaged 21 months and the thread-lift only group scored lowest on aesthetic improvement, with average scores ranging from 0.2 to 0.5. Patients with thread lifts plus other procedures, scores from 0.5 to 1.4. Patients with traditional procedures, scored the highest, ranging from 1.5 to 2.3.

“Thread-lifts don’t produce lasting results, ” said Dr. Rima F. Abraham of Albany Medical College, New York,  in her report.

The researchers concluded the thread-lift techniques do not work because the sutures do not change the shift in facial volumes that occurs with aging.  They felt that results seen a month after thread-lifting were likely due to swelling and inflammation. Complications with thread-lifts seen in the study included visible knots and dimpling of the skin. Three patients had to have a thread removed. The investigators conclude that thread-lifts carry a high risk of complications, while extensive scarring may make it difficult to remove the threads, which is problematic because studies have found up to 20% of patients need a repeat surgery (Source: Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery).

Whenever I see reports like this it makes me feel good that I didn’t fall for these “new quick fix” procedures. Even though it might be a tempting way to attract patients to the practice, I believe in the “tried and true” plastic surgery procedures. That is why patients will not find these “fly by night” procedures in my practice. I had a patient ask about thread-lift just a few months ago, and I wish this information had been available then. The results of this study, demonstrate that there are no long-term benefits from thread-lifts, something that I suspected all along. There sure are risks, however.

According to the article the thread-lift has been recalled by the FDA, but similar techniques are still available. These are probably just another “fad” that will soon also be unmasked.