DISCUSSION

The operations performed have demonstrated how easy the needle is to use, both in the single technique and in traditional face-lifting procedures. While the long-term results of suspensive face-lift remain to be evaluated, as of today they seem to be encouraging in comparison with those of the existing techniques.

Mini-invasive techniques, such as those made possible by the Elasticum suture (Jano needle® and the Elasticum® thread) are greatly appreciated by the patient, who can enjoy aesthetic improvement without undergoing complex invasive procedures.

Elasticum  face-lifting without blunt dissection has proved to be very popular among patients; it is less costly and less burdensome in terms of recovery time. Moreover, the Elasticum® thread is able to become a genuine suspensive ligament of the face, reinforcing the anatomical ligaments and preventing the drooping caused by gravity.

The needle and thread also have great potential in reconstructive plastic surgery for scar revision.  Now, our greatest commitment is to continue to refine the various procedures, not least because this surgical device has been utilised in both elderly and young patients. If necessary, face lift can be supplemented by a lipofilling or adipofilling procedure.

Among those who have already made a valuable contribution to this work, I would like to mention again Pierre Fournier, who has meticulously described the procedures (13). By pooling our experience, we will surely be able to provide a new and valid tool for use in the surgery of ageing, the objective of which is to become ever less invasive and more physiological.