Is a Giampapa suture a good idea?

Question

I am 13 months post FL/NL and now need a revision platysmaplasty. During the revision procedure, my surgeon plans not only to revise the anterior platysmaplasty, but this time he also plans to add a Giampapa suspension suture. I don’t fully understand this technique and haven’t been able to find a good illustration of it online. Is this a good idea?

David A. Caplin, MD · Answer

That technique can be very effective in the right situation.  I have seen many of these suspension sutures hold their tension for a decade or more.  When properly used it can be a very valuable tool.  Good luck.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

This suture is a suspension suture from behind one ear to the other in order to support the healing of the central platysma in its proper position. I don't think it works well by itself but can be helpful to support suturing of the medial borders of the platsyma muscles.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Without good clinical evaluation it is impossible to say whether you need such a procedure. Generally within plastic surgeons experienced in face/neck surgery this is very rarely used procedure? However, some surgeons may have particular reason and skill to use this technique to patient benefit? Good luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Gore-Tex slings, the Giampappa suture, the thread lift have all been recipients of poor reviews over the years.

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS · Answer

You ask a very good question. I do not favor
such thread lifts as I have not seen them to offer longstanding value, unfortunately. Further,
I feel that a more classic approach in secondary face and neck lifting should
be sought as you should not be looking to undergo extensive revision work only
one year later from primary surgery.

Be healthy and be well,

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS

Is a Giampapa suture a good idea?

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Is a Giampapa suture a good idea?

Answers (9)

Answer: Foreign body to generate a facelift has been universally a failure.

Answer: Foreign body to generate a facelift has been universally a failure.

Answer: Revision Face and Neck Lifting 1 Year Later

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