ABSTRACT
Background
Aging is a global biological process characterized by degenerative changes in physiological systems, most notably a decrease in face muscle tone and soft tissue volume, which have a substantial impact on facial esthetics in the periorbital area. This systematic study assesses the clinical outcomes of different thread lifting procedures for brow rejuvenation, with an emphasis on safety, efficacy, and side effects.
Methods
To promote scientific rigor and transparency, this systematic review used the latest PRISMA-E guidelines (2020). A thorough literature search was carried out using numerous databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, TRIP, and the Cochrane Library. The I2 value of 0.92 indicates significant variety in study designs, patient characteristics, and therapies.
Results
A total of 6 studies were included, with 419 patients in sample sizes ranging from 12 to 193 (mean = 69). Participants had an average age of 55 years (range: 21–89) and were monitored for 10–11 months. All investigations used standardized photographic assessments (100%). Ecchymosis and post-procedural edema were the most common side effects observed, accounting for 83.4% of all cases. Notably, two-thirds of the studies (66.7%) demonstrated a low risk of bias, indicating moderate methodological robustness and internal validity.
Conclusion
Thread lifting procedures for brow rejuvenation have a positive safety and efficacy profile, providing a viable nonsurgical alternative to established approaches. Future research, particularly large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials, is critical for refining these strategies and developing evidence-based clinical recommendations.