Background: Polydioxanone used in thread lifting is mostly absorbed in skin tissues within six months, and its therapeutic effect diminishes gradually. However, we often experience a decrease in the effectiveness of thread lifting within 1–2 months. We performed a laser boosting treatment to maintain the long-term effect of thread lifting and reported its additional utility.
Objective: To investigated the impact of laser boosting treatment on therapeutic effect and patient satisfaction after thread lifting during the first three months.
Methods: This study was conducted between March and July, 2019. Severity of jawline and mouth corner sagging were graded by Merz Scale scores in seven middle-aged female patients. After the symmetrical thread lift procedure, 1,450-nm laser boosting treatment was applied to the side of the face with higher preoperative grade. Average pain scores at postoperative day (POD) 0, 3, and 7 were compared, including changes from POD 0 to POD 3 and 7. Face halves were compared regarding improvements in elasticity, skin tone, sagging of mouth corners, jawline sagging, overall satisfaction, and Merz Scale scores after three months.
Results: All the patients showed improvements in elasticity, skin tone, sagging of mouth corners, and jawline sagging with improved overall patient satisfaction. During pain assessment, five of the seven patients showed greater changes in the laser-treated side at POD 3 and 7. Comparing the Merz Scale scores, there was a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment in jawline sagging and between jawline sagging and sagging of mouth corner in the laser-treated side.
Conclusion: A 1,450‑nm laser boosting treatment can help reduce pain and discomfort during early stages after thread lifting and improve elasticity, skin tone, sagging of mouth corners, jawline sagging, and overall patient satisfaction. Laser boosting treatment should be actively considered during thread lift to improve sagging of the mouth corner and jawline.

Keywords: lasers, lifting, polydioxanone, rejuvenation, wound healing

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