Complications following thread rhinoplasty.

[BACKGROUND] The debate on thread rhinoplasty (TR) has never stopped owing to its complications. However, few studies have reported the clinical characteristics of TR complications, as well as their treatment.

[AIMS] We aim to summarize the clinical, ultrasonographic, and histopathologic characteristics of TR complications.

[PATIENTS/METHODS] This retrospective case series study included consecutive patients presenting with TR complications. Patients' demographics, medical history, complications, ultrasonography, treatment, histopathology, and follow-up outcome were collected through the electronic medical record.

[RESULTS] A total of 30 patients (28 females) with an average age of 28.7±6.8 years were included. The most common complication leading to consultation was infection (46.7%), followed by thread extrusion (30%), chronic inflammation (16.7%), and dimpling (6.7%). Most patients who developed complications received TRs at illegal nonmedical places (70%). Ultrasonography of infection showed multiple dotted heterogeneous hyperecho signals surrounded by a hypoecho area. Twenty patients (66.7%) received debridement, thread removal, or release of dimpling. Threads could be completely removed within one month of TR. Histopathological examination showed multifocal crystal-like material surrounded by excessive inflammatory cells in hyperplastic granulation tissues. All patients were satisfied with the clinical outcomes over a follow-up of 25.6 ± 14 months.

[CONCLUSIONS] Infection is the most common complication that always warrants thread removal. Ultrasonography is helpful in detecting the remaining threads and delineating the infection area. We do not recommend threading as a regular method for rhinoplasty owing to its complications for an expedience with short-lasting effect.