The "golden thread lift": radiologic findings

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Thread lift suspension procedures are utilized for facial rejuvenation.
• The "golden thread lift" involves implanting threads to lift sagging tissues.

Observation:

• A 48-year-old female patient presented with persistent facial and neck pain.
• She had a history of three "golden thread lift" procedures over a decade, with the most recent one occurring two years prior to presentation.

Findings:

• Skull radiographs revealed complete fragmentation of all implanted "golden threads" into numerous small pieces.
• A significant loss of the original vector orientation of the fragmented implants was evident.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for long-term complications, including foreign body fragmentation and loss of structural integrity, following "golden thread lift" procedures.
• Further research into the biocompatibility and degradation patterns of various thread lift materials is warranted.
• Clinicians should be aware of these potential adverse events when considering or managing patients who have undergone thread lift treatments.