Dr Dorina Donici et Dr Gulnara Domracheva
The use of threads in aesthetic medicine was described for the first time in 1956 (H. Bukkewitz). Until now, lifting threads have played a key role among the minimally-invasive techniques in aesthetic medicine, as they can efficiently treat most signs of aging in one session.
The most frequent request made by patients over the age of 45 to their aesthetics doctor is to correct a double chin and create a well-defined oval of the face. The lower third of the face is quite a difficult area to treat without surgery.
Severe ptosis in the skin and soft tissue – which causes the deformation of the oval, nasolabial folds and marionette lines (from the lips down to the chin) – is difficult to treat using non-surgical methods. The main areas for aesthetic correction in the lower third of the face are:
1. Marionette lines
This area is the most complicated to treat as several pathogenic mechanisms are involved in the formation of creases at the corners of the mouth. They are caused by hypertonicity in the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle combined with ptosis in the cheek’s soft tissue. To reduce hypertonicity in the DAO, BTA injections are administered into the base of the muscle, 1 to 1.5cm above the edge of the lower jaw, which can considerably reduce the severity of the marionette lines.
2. The jawline
The non-surgical methods we can use to correct the oval of the face are considerably limited in patients displaying muscular aging with pronounced subcutaneous fat. The best results are achieved when the ptosis in the skin and soft tissue is only mild.
3. The chin
An aesthetic flaw due to a deposit of fat and sagging skin in the submaxillary region. This area is what we call a “fat trap”, which means that even in the case of slight excess weight, in some patients the fat accumulates here first, and when they lose weight, it is burned off last.
Correction method and results
To correct and prevent the signs of aging, we regularly use the Luxeface method, which is a lift using resorbable threads and is carried out in three stages. The threads can be made from polydioxanone (PDO), polycaprolactone (PCL) or a combination of polycaprolactone with polylactic acid (PCL & PLLA), which allows us to achieve the desired result for a longer duration. The PLLA contained in the threads is found naturally in the human body and is a bio stimulant. PCL is a biodegradable polyester used to make surgical sutures and fillers, which has both the ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and the extracellular matrix, and restore volumes by stimulating the tissues in the face.
The PLLA, PCL and PDO (polydioxanone) are eliminated by the human body in a natural way, through hydrolysis, with the formation of CO2 and H20.
The Luxeface range includes 18 types of resorbable threads, which allows us to work on different areas of the face and body and to address different indications. With the right patient profile and if the correct technique for inserting Luxeface threads is used, the results will last around 2.5 to 3.5 years. What is more, regenerative changes occur in the facial tissues, so we also see a significant rejuvenating effect, coupled with brighter and better-hydrated skin.
The concept and quality of Luxeface threads allow us to avoid excessive correction during the procedure. In these lifting threads, unlike other types of PLLA product, the thread itself delivers the active ingredient (PLLA) in a controlled form and volume. This makes the doctor’s job easier and guarantees the predictability of the therapeutic effect.
The additional effect of threads
The advantage of the Luxeface technique is not only the lifting effect of the threads but also their bio stimulating effect in the subcutaneous layer, thanks to the association of lifting threads with double curled smooth regenerating threads. The twisting of the thread causes the tissue to gently yet quickly retract. What is more, it is the combination of regenerative and lifting LUXEFACE threads in one session that allows us to enhance and prolong the results achieved by inserting lifting threads in the SMAS. Our practice has proven that, in addition to improving the lifting effect, this technique enhances the duration of the results and halves the recovery period.
For the last 13 years, Luxeface has proven its efficacy, even in difficult clinical cases. This method can be an alternative for patients who are not ready to have cosmetic surgery as well as to prevent aging or maintain the results achieved by plastic surgery.
Dr Dorina Donici: Doctor of medicine. Multiple specialist diplomas in obstetrics and gynaecology, oncology, anti-aging medicine and plastic surgery, with more than 25 years’ experience. Since 2013, she has been scientific director for the A SWISS GROUP (Geneva, Switzerland). Speaker at numerous French and international conferences (AIME, IMCAS, AMWC, SFME, etc.) and universities (Paris-Est Créteil). Vice-president of the World Society of Cosmetic Gynaecology (WSCG). Founder of the international Anti-Age Expert School.
Dr Gulnara Domracheva: Doctor, dermatologist-venerologist with more than 20 years’ experience. Anti-aging qualification from the Anti-Age Expert School. Certified trainer for the A SWISS GROUP laboratory for the Luxeface & Luxebody technology.
