Stefania Guida1, Flavia Persechino1, Giuseppe Rubino2, Giovanni Pellacani1, Francesca Farnetani1, Giacomo Giovanni Urtis3. 1. a Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, Dermatology Unit , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena , Italy. 2. b Department of Maxillofacial Surgery , Galeazzi Hospital , Milan , Italy. 3. c DrUrtis Clinic , Milan , Italy.
Abstract
Background: The request for less-aggressive procedures to improve mandibular contour is increasing. Several kinds of threads have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, PLLA (poly-L-Lactic acid) traction thread procedure has not been previously described. Aim: To investigate the role of PLLA traction threads in improving mandibular contour. Methods: Twenty women were enrolled in the study. They were differentially classified for skin laxity. Patients were treated in a single session with two PLLA traction threads per side. Specific post-procedure instructions were given to patients, and complications occurred after the procedures were estimated. A Fisher's t-test was performed to identify criteria related to longevity of results. Results: We found longevity of results to be associated with younger age (p = 0.001), absence of severe skin laxity of jawline and neck (p = 0.001), and aesthetic satisfaction (p = 0.024). Edema, swelling, and temporary skin contour irregularities were found in most cases (N = 16; 80%), whereas paresthesia resolving without sequelae in 2-4 weeks was found in two cases (10%). Conclusions: Our results show that selected patients, younger than 51 and showing a mild-moderate degree of skin laxity of jawline and neck angle represent ideal candidates for PLLA traction thread treatment. Further studies will be performed to confirm our results.
Background: The request for less-aggressive procedures to improve mandibular contour is increasing. Several kinds of threads have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, PLLA (poly-L-Lactic acid) traction thread procedure has not been previously described. Aim: To investigate the role of PLLA traction threads in improving mandibular contour. Methods: Twenty women were enrolled in the study. They were differentially classified for skin laxity. Patients were treated in a single session with two PLLA traction threads per side. Specific post-procedure instructions were given to patients, and complications occurred after the procedures were estimated. A Fisher's t-test was performed to identify criteria related to longevity of results. Results: We found longevity of results to be associated with younger age (p = 0.001), absence of severe skin laxity of jawline and neck (p = 0.001), and aesthetic satisfaction (p = 0.024). Edema, swelling, and temporary skin contour irregularities were found in most cases (N = 16; 80%), whereas paresthesia resolving without sequelae in 2-4 weeks was found in two cases (10%). Conclusions: Our results show that selected patients, younger than 51 and showing a mild-moderate degree of skin laxity of jawline and neck angle represent ideal candidates for PLLA traction thread treatment. Further studies will be performed to confirm our results.