Incidence of complications and early recurrence in 29 patients after facial rejuvenation with barbed suture lifting.

BACKGROUND: Barbed suture lifting is a minimally invasive procedure for rejuvenation of the aging face. Few studies have examined its efficacy and associated risks.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morbidity associated with this procedure and its long-term effects.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective review of 29 cosmetic patients who underwent thread lifting was conducted. A chart review provided information on patient demographics, surgical technique, and postoperative course.

RESULTS: Analysis demonstrated that adverse events occurred in 69% and early recurrence in 45% of the patients in the study group. The incidence remained high upon extraction of independent variables, including technique used, location of thread placement, and number of threads placed.

CONCLUSIONS: Indications for performing minimally invasive cosmetic surgery include obtaining outcomes comparable with those of an established widely used criterion standard. The goal for new procedures should be to deliver predictable long-term results while providing less morbidity, less downtime, and greater patient satisfaction. The results of this study indicate that the barbed suture lift was unable to accomplish these goals. This study also reflects the importance of a critical review of the ever-expanding options available to aesthetic surgeons.