Quantitative analysis of polydioxanone thread effects on lid-cheek junction

Background : : Polydioxanone (PDO) thread is commonly used as a skin rejuvenation material in the field of cosmetic medicine. Its usefulness in the aged eye area was described previously, but, to date, no clinical study has proven it. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the rejuvenation effects of PDO thread on the aged lower eye area thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis. Methods : : We examined the changes in the lid-cheek junction in 32 participants who underwent the PDO thread insertion. They were followed up during 12 weeks after PDO thread insertion into the orbital fat area. Participants were categorized into three groups by tear trough grade; the eyelid to junction distance (EJD)/eyebrow to junction distance (BJD) ratio was measured before and after the PDO thread insertion. Differences in EJD to BJD ratio after PDO thread insertion and post-procedural differences in EJD to BJD ratio by tear trough grade were compared by the paired t-test. Results : : After PDO insertion into the infraorbital fat pad area, the overall EJD to BJD ratio significantly decreased from 0.35±0.03 to 0.33±0.04 (p=0.001). The significant post-procedural improvements in EJD to BJD ratio were found in grade 1 group and grade 2 group: 0.35±0.03 to 0.34±0.04 for grade 1 group (p=0.02), and 0.34±0.04 to 0.32±0.04 for grade 2 group (p=0.03); however, the changes were not found in the grade 3 group (p=0.21). Conclusion : : PDO thread insertion into the aged lower eyelid may be an effective method for improving signs of lower aged eyelid particularly in individuals with tear trough group 1 and group 2