I Am Considering an Endotine Face Lift and Would Like to Know How Long This Procedure Has Been Around?

Based on the other surgeon's responses there seems to be a lot of "misdirected chatter. Endotine implants do not refer to a specific type of facial lifting surgery but instead to a line of resorbable implants that are used to temporarily suspend repositioned facial tissue during the healing process. They are manufactured/marketed by the Microaire surgical device company (refer to the link supplied).

3 types of endotine devices are available:

1.      Endotine forehead. This is a triangular shaped device with a cylindrical extension on 1 surface that inserts into a drill hole placed in the bone of the upper forehead and sharp tacks on the other surface used to engage the soft tissue of the forehead on the other surface. They are used in forehead-brow lift surgery.

2.      Endotine midface device. This device is a longer flat plate with the upper end having holes through which sutures are used to secure it to the dense tissue found deep in the temple (deep temporalis fascia) and the other end having sharp tacks to engage the deep layer of the cheek mound. They are used in midface lifts.

3.      Endotine ribbon. A long ribbon with barbs that are used to engage the soft tissues of the lower face near the jawline. These are used in lower face-neck lifts.

Endotine implants are manufactured from resorbable material (polylactic or polyglycolic acid) which is similar to the material used for longer acting resorbable suture material. The identical material is found in resorbable screws and plates have been FDA approved and in use for over 20 years to secure bone fragments. A properly designed and executed facial lifting surgery will only yield long lasting results when the deeper tissues are elevated away from their attachments, moved to their new target position and then held there for a minimum critical period that allows scar tissue to form assume the suspensory role. This temporary suspension can be performed equally well by either sutures or devices such as endotines. The disadvantage of endotines are:

1.      Additional cost over sutures ($600 - $1,200).

2.      They will be palpable and somewhat tender before complete resorption occurs (9 to 12 months).

3.      Very rarely, because they undergo resorption by hydrolysis into organic acids, a local inflammatory response may occur.

 

Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS, FRCSC.

 

No, this is another passing fad in my opinion.  The same applies to Thread Lifts also.  Mini-Facelifts and Traditional Facelifts are very effective in the correct patients.  These operations have passed the test of time and have very high patient satisfaction.

I love the endotine for endoscopic brow lift. That being said I would never use their products in a face lift! A short scar face lift with SMAS plication sutures or excision and imbrication is the way to go. Good Luck!