Overview
Rotational facial asymmetry affects facial harmony, and symmetrical treatments may not correct it. The authors placed JETEMA threads on only the affected side of the face to correct rotation. They treated 45 patients and assessed them with standardized photos and a newly developed 4-point Facial Rotation Grading Scale before treatment and at 6 months.
Findings
- 45 patients: 32 female, 13 male; mean age 41.3 years.
- Two threads inserted with a reverse technique on the affected side, near the nasolabial fold.
- Left side treated for clockwise rotation, right side for counter-clockwise rotation.
- Symmetry improved in 89% (40 of 45) at 6 months.
- All 11 severe cases (Grade 3) improved to mild (Grade 1).
- Most of the 26 moderate cases (Grade 2) improved to Grade 1; 5 did not.
- Mean patient satisfaction 8.3 out of 10.
- The grading scale is not validated and no objective measurement tools were used.
- Level of evidence: III.
What it means for a patient
- If one side of the face seems rotated or pulled, threads placed on one side only may improve the balance.
- Most patients in this study improved and were satisfied at 6 months.
- Limits: a non-validated scale made for this study, no objective measurements, 6-month follow-up, and no comparison group. The authors call for further study.
Why this paper matters
It proposes treating rotational asymmetry with one-sided thread placement instead of treating both sides equally. The authors present it as a possible minimally invasive option, pending validated measurement.
Terms
- Facial rotation: an asymmetry in which the face appears turned clockwise or counter-clockwise.
- Thread lift: placing threads under the skin to lift and hold tissue.
- Unilateral: on one side only.
- Nasolabial fold: the crease from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth.
- Reverse technique: the thread insertion method used here; the abstract does not describe it in detail.
- Validated scale: a scoring system tested to show it measures what it claims, consistently.