Kacey HAU
Dermatologist, Hong Kong
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Cosmo Trichol
Introduction: Barb suspension surgery is getting popular as a
supplementary choice for facial contouring and reshaping. Compared with
formal face lifting, barb suspension provides a safer, minimally invasive and
office-based surgical procedure. However, barb suspension surgery do have
certain risks due to the invasive nature.
Objective: We would like to evaluate the incidence of adverse events after
thread suspension surgery. Through this retrospective analysis, we would
like to standardize the possible adverse events to facilitate future reporting
and prevention strategies.
Methods: This is a single centre retrospective cohort study on the surgical
outcomes. A collection of 200 pairs of thread used in the period of 2017-
2019 (two years). The patients were followed up one week, two weeks and
four weeks after surgery. The adverse events are stratified according to
defined categories. Photos were taken for documentation after patientsâ??
consent.
Results: the incidence of adverse event rate in the first week is 13.5%.
It drops in the first 4 weeks, 9.6% at week 2, and 5.5% at week 4. The
reported adverse events which persist after 4 weeks(number in brackets)
include headache(0), redness(0), swelling and bruising(0), persistent
surgical site pain(0), surgical site infection(1), asymmetry(0), palpability
of threads(0), early recurrence(0), protrusion and extrusion(5), injury
of the local anatomical parts like parotid gland(1), post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation(0), bunching, pleating and dimpling(5).
Discussion and onclusion: Both patient factor, operator factor, material
and surgical field can contribute to the incidence. Barb suspension thread
surgery is a relatively safe procedure. With careful selection of candidates,
well-planned surgery, and respect to the sterility of surgical field and
individual anatomical structures, majority of the incidents are avoidable.
Clear post-operative care instruction and prompt intervention should
issues arise are essential.
Kacey Hau is a dermatology specialist in private practice. He is the global trainer in thread suspension surgery, botulinum toxin and minimally invasive surgery. He publishes in the literature, poster presentation and book chapters on thread surgery. He is the members of the committees of related advisory boards, expert panels and scientific board.
E-mail: drhau@perfectskinsurgery.com
Journal of Cosmetology & Trichology received 180 citations as per Google Scholar report