Real-World Study of Definisse Threads for Facial Reshaping in Indian Patients: REDEFINE FACE Study.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, thread lifting has gained popularity as a less invasive cosmetic surgery. It helps raise and realign sagging tissue. The newest thread type for thread lifting procedure is poly-lactic acid-polycaprolactone (PLCL) Definisse threads (RELIFE S.r.l., Florence, Italy). These are fourth-generation absorbable suspended barbed threads. Their double action involves an immediate elevating impact through mechanical action and, over time, the promotion of histological rejuvenating activity through inducing fibroblasts and the synthesis of elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. OBJECTIVES: The REDEFINE FACE study assessed the effectiveness and tolerance of Definisse threads in a real-world setting for facial reshaping in patients in India. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective observational research included patients treated with Definisse threads for face contouring. RESULTS: Three hundred seventeen patients with a mean follow-up of 4.9 months and an average age of 48.6 years participated in the study. All patients underwent thread lifts using either a single or a combination of Definisse thread reshaping techniques. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale for Physicians and Subjects (PGAIS and SGAIS) reported improvement instantly following the treatment (mean score- 3.23 and 3.18, respectively). Improvements continued to enhance during the follow-up visits (mean score- 4.09 and 4.03, respectively). Following the procedure, 96% of patients on the PGAIS and SGAIS exhibited enhancement. Most procedure-related side effects were minor and went away on their own in a few days without the need for proactive care. CONCLUSION: The results of this real-world analysis showed that the latest Definisse threads effectively achieve facial reshaping on patients in India and have both immediate and long-term effects. Treatment was generally well tolerated, and no patient experienced serious adverse events.

Retrospective real-world study of Definisse threads for jaw line reshaping in Indian patients (REDEFINE JAW study).

BACKGROUND: Thread lifting is a minimally invasive aesthetic procedure that lifts and realigns sagging tissue. Definisse double-needle threads are the latest fourth generation absorbable, monofilament, suspension barbed threads of synthetic origin with convergent bidirectional barbs. Definisse thread produces dual action; mechanical action gives a lifting effect and over a period, it promotes histological revitalizing action. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the real-world efficacy and safety of Definisse double-needle threads for lower facial lifting for jaw line reshaping in Indian patients. METHODS: This is an observational, retrospective study involving patients who underwent treatment for lower-face reshaping using Definisse double-needle 12 cm threads. RESULTS: Fifty patients with a mean age of 47.44 years were included in the study with an average follow-up of 5.14 months. All the patients have undergone Jawline Reshaping (JR) procedure, while 70% of patients also underwent Malar Reshaping (MR) technique simultaneously. Mean of Physician and Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (PGAIS and SGAIS) showed improvement immediately after the procedure (mean scores 2.82 and 2.7, respectively) and showed further improvement at the follow-up (3.72 and 3.58, respectively). Moreover, most of the patients immediately after the procedure rated the improvement in PGAIS and SGAIS as "much improved" compared to pre-procedure appearance (78% and 66%, respectively), while, at follow-up, 76% and 66% of the patients, respectively, rated "improved very much" compared to pre-procedure appearance. CONCLUSION: Current study has demonstrated the effectiveness of the latest Definisse threads in Indian patients in performing tissue repositioning to provide a noticeable lifting effect. Procedure was also well tolerated and none of the patients developed serious complications.

Non-Surgical Lower Face Contouring in an Indian Patient: A Case Study.

A 31-year-old Indian female patient presented with a ptotic face with signs of lower face ageing. She was concerned about sagging, an older look, and blunting of the jawline. She wished to have a more oval and narrow face contour. After the evaluation of the patient, we decided to perform a sequential treatment. Initially, the lower face was debulked with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Following that, the jawline reshaping (JR) and malar reshaping (MR) techniques were performed with Definisse double needle 12 cm poly-ε-caprolactone-co-l-lactic acid (PCLA) threads. Lower-face hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injections were given for final contouring. Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and subject level of satisfaction scores showed consistent improvement with the sequential procedures and at the six-month follow-up. Overall, the treatment procedures were uneventful and without any major adverse events. The current case of an Indian patient with a ptotic face and evident signs of lower face ageing showed improvement with a combination of procedures including Definisse threads.

How foreign aid and remittances affect poverty in MENA countries?

Foreign aid and remittances augment the income of economies. The present study examines the relationship between economic growth, poverty, inequality, remittances, and foreign aid in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries using panel data methods from 1991 to 2019. The study focuses on the MENA region due to the rise in labor immigration and significant foreign aid. The empirical findings reveal that remittances, foreign aid, and economic growth play a significant role in bringing down the MENA region's poverty levels. Besides, a rise in income share accruing to the lowest quintile is observed despite the negative income growth, which indicates that on average, the income increased more rapidly of the poor in comparison to the non-poor households. Thus, the study finds evidence supporting the hypothesis that remittances and foreign aid augment per capita income and income share in the MENA member countries.