Superficial Temporal Artery Pseudoaneurysm Following Facial Thread-Lift: A Rare Complication

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Thread lifting is a common nonsurgical facial rejuvenation method known for its ease of use and minimal downtime.
• While generally safe, thread lifting procedures can lead to rare complications, including pseudoaneurysms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of iatrogenic superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm (STAP) following facial thread lifting.
• To discuss the diagnosis and management of STAP in the context of cosmetic procedures.

Main Methods:

• A case presentation of a 60-year-old woman who developed a pulsatile mass in the temporal region two months after a thread lift.
• Diagnostic evaluation leading to the identification of STAP.
• Surgical excision of the pseudoaneurysm.

Main Results:

• The patient was diagnosed with an iatrogenic superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm (STAP) after facial thread lifting.
• Complete surgical excision of the STAP was performed.
• The patient experienced an uneventful recovery with no recurrence of the pseudoaneurysm.

Conclusions:

• Superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysms (STAP) are an extremely rare but potential complication of facial thread lifting.
• Surgical excision is an effective treatment for STAP, with other options like embolization or conservative management considered for specific cases.
• Adequate physician training and meticulous attention to facial and neck anatomy are crucial to prevent such complications during thread lifting procedures.