Ultrasonography-guided for Removal of Infected Non-Absorbable Thread in Temporal Lifting

Abstract

Thread lifting is a minimally invasive procedure with high demand in orofacial harmonization, aimed at repositioning facial tissues and stimulating neocollagenesis. Despite its effectiveness, complications such as infection, extrusion, and asymmetry have been reported, especially with the use of non-absorbable threads.This report describes the case of a 75-year-old patient who developed an acute infection following a temporal lift with a polypropylene thread. The failure to remove the thread using a conventional approach led to the use of ultrasonography as a tool for precise localization and removal, with real-time intraoperative imaging. Ultrasonographic imaging revealed inflammatory content surrounding the suture, allowing for a targeted incision, clamping, cutting, and complete removal of the thread. The clinical outcome was favorable after antibiotic therapy. Ultrasonography proved to be essential not only in prevention but also in the safe management of aesthetic complications in difficult-to-access areas such as the scalp. These findings reinforce the importance of diagnostic imaging in orofacial harmonization practice, promoting safer interventions.