Effect of thread embedding acupuncture for facial wrinkles and laxity: a single-arm, prospective, open-label study

Abstract

BackgroundThere is a growing trend for patients to seek the least invasive treatments with less risk of complications and downtime for facial rejuvenation. Thread embedding acupuncture has become popular as a minimally invasive treatment. However, there is little clinical evidence in the literature regarding its effects.MethodsThis single-arm, prospective, open-label study recruited participants who were women aged 40–59 years, with Glogau photoaging scale III–IV. Fourteen participants received thread embedding acupuncture one time and were measured before and after 1 week from the procedure. The primary outcome was a jowl to subnasale vertical distance. The secondary outcomes were facial wrinkle distances, global esthetic improvement scale, Alexiades–Armenakas laxity scale, and patient-oriented self-assessment scale.ResultsFourteen participants underwent thread embedding acupuncture alone, and 12 participants revisited for follow-up outcome measures. For the primary outcome measure, both jowls were elevated in vertical height by 1.87 mm (left) and 1.43 mm (right). Distances of both melolabial and nasolabial folds showed significant improvement. In the Alexiades–Armenakas laxity scale, each evaluator evaluated for four and nine participants by 0.5 grades improved. In the global aesthetic improvement scale, improvement was graded as 1 and 2 in nine and five cases, respectively. The most common adverse events were mild bruising, swelling, and pain. However, adverse events occurred, although mostly minor and of short duration.ConclusionIn this study, thread embedding acupuncture showed clinical potential for facial wrinkles and laxity. However, further large-scale trials with a controlled design and objective measurements are needed.

A novel approach regarding the anti‑aging of facial skin through collagen reorganization

“…There are several methods derived from classical acupuncture that are intended for the treatment of various skin or musculoskeletal conditions. The embedding method uses threads in subcutaneous tissue or muscles at specific points in order to treat musculoskeletal pain (9). Another variant uses micro-needles to create microwounds that stimulate fibroblast proliferation and dermal neovascularization, which is applied in the treatment of facial wrinkles (10).…”

Clinical efficacy and safety of thread-embedding acupuncture for treatment of the sequelae of Bell's palsy

“…The thread types include metal materials and animal tissue such as catgut; however, recently, thread made from polydioxanone, which is safe and absorbed with low tissue reactivity, has been used for TEA. [15,31] The embedded thread affects the increase in tensile strength and stimulation of myoblast formation in connective tissue, and these mechanisms are considered to be the basis for the clinical application of this treatment. [20]…”

“…[9,10] TEA has been widely used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disease, [11,12] obesity, [13] and cosmetic purposes, particularly for reducing facial wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. [14,15]…”

Efficacy and safety of thread embedding acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture for chronic low back pain

“…[10] Polydioxanone is a synthetic monofilamentous polymer made of polyester or a polydioxanone polymer. [27] TEA is widely used in Korea, Taiwan, and China. [26] In China, TEA is frequently used in internal medicine departments for the management of conditions such as epigastric pain and obesity.…”

“…The success rate for TEA used for surgical and dermatological applications is more than 90% in Chinese studies. [28] In Korea, TEA is also used for facial rejuvenation in cosmetic clinics [27] and for the treatment of back pain. In a retrospective chart review, TEA combined with conventional acupuncture showed a better improvement in Numerical Rating Scale and Oswerty Disability Index scores.…”