title: Neck rejuvenation with mastoid-spanning barbed tensor threads (MST operation).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Face rejuvenation with barbed tensor threads has been used in a variety of techniques by many authors focused mainly on cheek rejuvenation. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of detailed techniques and descriptions of surgical steps in barbed-thread neck rejuvenation. Here we describe our technique and analyze the results of this approach to minimally invasive neck rejuvenation with barbed threads.
  
  
  METHODS
  The main aspect of this technique is placement of a mastoid-spanning barbed thread, which deepens the cervicomental angle and provides more tension than other techniques that use barbed threads but that do not cross the neck midline. A retrospective study was conducted on a group of 67 consecutive cases who underwent this technique in a 34-month period starting in August 2009.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients' average age was 48 years old and the average follow-up was 18 months. Patient satisfaction was high as evidenced by a minimal request for secondary operations. Complications were few and mild, with no cases requiring reoperation for thread removal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study showed that neck rejuvenation with barbed threads that cross the neck midline is a powerful minimally invasive rejuvenation technique. The best indication is in patients with initial signs of facial aging.
  
  
  METHODS
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authors.affiliation: Chilean Society of Plastic Surgery, Private Practice, Vitacura 5250 Dp 904, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile, vdecarol@entelchile.net.
authors.forename: Vicente
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: De Carolis
authors.forename: Marcela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
mesh_terms: D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015595:Skin Aging; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures