Comparison of different thread products for facial rejuvenation: Materials and barb designs.

[BACKGROUND] In recent years, the thread-lifting technique has become widely used in clinical settings. Several thread products are used in clinical practice, and there are many differences between products in terms of many aspects.

[METHODS] Six commercial thread products were collected and evaluated. The general structure, microstructure, elastic modulus, and strength were evaluated using microscopies and tensile testing in vitro. Seventy-two female rats were divided into six groups. Tissue samples were harvested and histologically evaluated at 1st, 4th, 8th, and 12th week using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining.

[RESULTS] There were differences between products in terms of barb shape, microstructure, elasticity, and strength, and that could be attributed to the materials and barb structures. All threads showed good biological safety, and the density of collagen area in the dermis was increased compared to that in the control group.

[CONCLUSIONS] This study provided an objective evaluation of barbed thread products, which indicated that all products can be used safely with certain effects in different indications.