Abstract
Objective:
We sought to provide short- and long-term data on the duration of results and patient satisfaction achievable with absorbable suspension sutures in the midface.
Design:
This study included a prospective, masked, controlled 12-week study and 12-month extension study.
Setting:
This study was conducted in a single center in Aventura, Florida.
Participants:
Twenty female subjects 41 to 75 years of age with moderate facial skin laxity were included.
Measurements:
Facial lift was measured using a three-dimensional surface imaging system. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores were reported by subjects and investigators and FACE-Q questionnaires were collected from subjects at Weeks 1, 2, 8, and 12 and Month 12 after treatment.
Results:
Statistically significant changes in lift were observed through Week 8 (30% of patients had ≥1.5mm of lift [
p
=0.03]) and mean surface area of lift through Week 12 (patients with ≥1.0mm facial lift had mean surface area of 4.4cm
2
[
p
=0.156]). Improvements in subject and investigator GAIS were observed, along with statistically significant changes in FACE-Q assessments and patient-reported apparent age at each timepoint through 12 months. Subjects tolerated the procedure well, and adverse events were minimal.
Conclusion:
Absorbable suspension sutures offer an adaptable, safe, minimally invasive approach to tissue lifting and repositioning. The suture provides immediate lift, followed by revolumization and ongoing recontouring that result from the collagen-stimulating properties of the suture, increasing long-term patient satisfaction.