Recently released results of a new study suggest that the combined use of a Smartlipo laser and a Quill suture in facelift procedures can improve long-term results.
The study, led by Albuquerque, N.M., plastic surgeon Farhan Taghizadeh, M.D., involved 29 female patients with a mean age of just under 64 years. After preoperative photos were taken, the patients received facelifts and simultaneous laser-assisted lipolysis using Smartlipo technology and lateral platysmal plication with 2-0 Quill sutures.
Postoperative photos were taken at six weeks and six months. They were scored by an independent board of physicians using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Assessment, Global Aesthetic Improvement and Cervicomental Angle scales.
The results of the study indicate that all 29 patients showed improvement in their six-week and six-month photos. No patients experienced complications during or after the lipolysis procedure, nor was there any damage from the Quill sutures.
“Use of a bidirectional barbed suture is safe and effective for ensuring minimal regression of the soft tissue,” the authors write. “This study also demonstrated that the Smartlipo 1064-nm laser is a safe and effective platform to combine with face-lifts.”
