Non-surgical facelift with threads: a systematic review

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of nonsurgical facelifts using spiculated polydioxanone threads, focusing on clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and procedural safety. Methods: This systematic review (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42025101739) included observational and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of facelifts using spiculated polydioxanone threads. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, LILACS, and CENTRAL databases using Boolean operators and predefined indexed terms. Results: Eleven publications were included in the review. In most studies (n=9, 81%), a midface lifting effect was observed, with reported durability ranging from 3 to 24 months. One clinical study compared the efficacy of thread-based facelifts with that of threads combined with other minimally invasive procedures, demonstrating a greater lifting effect when threads were used in combination with other procedures at all follow-up time points. Another study evaluated the clinical efficacy of two different types of spiculated threads and demonstrated effective lifting with both types one month after the procedure. Conclusion: The use of spiculated polydioxanone threads was effective in producing a lifting effect, contributing to greater patient satisfaction and demonstrating a satisfactory safety profile. The duration of the lifting effect ranged from 3 to 24 months, with the greatest lifting effect observed at 6 months. A gradual decline in lifting effect and patient satisfaction was observed over time.