Journal of Cosmetic Medicine (Jun 2022)

Twenty-four months long-term follow-up report on the effect of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid suspension suture in Asian with mild-moderate face laxity

  • Phoebe Kar Wai Lam,
  • Chi Pun Fung,
  • James Yui Lam,
  • Wang Lung Luk,
  • Alvin Ka Wai Lee,
  • Cheuk Hung Lee,
  • Paul Man Kei Tam,
  • Edwin Kwan Chark Lau

DOI
https://doi.org/10.25056/JCM.2022.6.1.8
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 1
pp. 8 – 12

Abstract

Read online

Background : : There was evidence of improvement in mid-face laxity using three pairs of suspension sutures in mid-face lifting in our early and mid-term follow-up. Objective: This 24-month prospective follow-up study aimed to determine the efficacy of mid-face lifting and lower jawline contouring using poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) sutures in Asian patients. Methods : : Ten healthy volunteers received three pairs of 8-cones bidirectional cones sutures at the mid-face. One of the ten volunteers lost to follow-up, and all remaining patients followed up for 24 months. Our primary outcome measure is the change in the facial laxity rating scale (FLRS), an “improvement” defined as at least “one-grade change” in FLRS. Other assessment parameters include the severity of the nasolabial fold (NLF), assessed on the wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS). The secondary outcome measures were the self-satisfaction rating scale (SSRS) and global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS), rated by participants at each follow-up interval. Results : : A linear improvement in the mid-face was observed almost immediately after treatment, with progressive improvement up to at least 12 months following the intervention and no deterioration by 24 months. This improvement was significant (p0.8). Contour improvement for the lower face followed a similar trend, except for a delay in the observable differences at three months (Cohen’s d=0.29, 0.8 at six weeks and three months, respectively). The differences in the level of patient satisfaction were significant (p<0.05) from 6 weeks to 24 months, peaking between 12 and 18 months, based on both the GAIS and SSRS ratings. No observed complications. Conclusion : : Mid-facing lifting in Asian patients with mild-to-moderate laxity is safe and effective with PLGA bidirectional cone sutures, with concurrent improvement in the lower face contour and elevated patient satisfaction over the 24-month follow-up period.

Keywords