The applications of lifting threads in patients with facial nerve palsy – a systematic review

Introduction:
Facial expression is crucial for conveying emotions and non-verbal signals, and its loss can lead to depression, decreased quality of life, and social isolation. Facial nerve palsy can result in partial or complete facial paralysis and consequently facial asymmetry. Treatment includes dynamic methods, like nerve reconstruction, and static methods, like soft tissue suspension. Lifting threads pose an alternative to surgical approach, offering immediate results with minimal recovery time and rare complications.

Objective:
This review aims to identify the applications, effectiveness, and safety of lifting threads in patients with facial nerve paralysis.

Methods:
Several databases were searched for articles regarding the use of lifting threads in patients with facial palsy.

Results:
Eight articles met the inclusion criteria and were comprehensively assessed and summarized. The collected data originated from 144 patients aged 21–84 years, with varying etiology of facial nerve paralysis and diversified severity of symptoms. Most patients experienced improvement compared to their preoperative condition and positively assessed their appearance.

Conclusions:
Indications for the use of lifting threads in patients with facial nerve paralysis include correcting of ptosis of the eyebrows and lower eyelid, flattening of the nasolabial fold, drooping corners of the mouth, and sagging facial skin. Data, however limited, indicate the safety and effectiveness of such treatment, which provides an alternative to standard invasive surgical treatment.