Gold Thread Implantation was the original technique into ageing and sagging facial skin developed in France about 30 years ago. This has somehow been shared with the rest of the world only for last few years. Gold is considered superior in view of its safety profile, purity, density, colour, malleability and inert nature.
Gold Thread Implantation procedure
This technique involves the insertion of gold threads into the subdermal level of the skin. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis. Occasional sedation may be required as and when necessary. The entire process takes about 1 – 2 hours. Most patients are able to resume their routine activities immediately after procedure without any downtime.
Sites of Gold Thread Implantation
The Science behind Gold Thread Implantation
The skin rejuvenating effects of surgical gold threads appears to be due to the promotion of local microcirculation, the activation of reparative processes and the stimulation of collagen production.
The presence of Gold thread stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis resulting in better torgor and elastic skin texture, disappearance and smoothening of fine and deep wrinkles and narrowing of skin pores. There is improvement of facial colour as well due to an enhancement in blood supply. The first results can be seen in a few weeks and increase over the next 2 years. Studies have shown that results can last more than 10 years. Ideal for patients between 30 – 60 years.
Such claims have been substantiated by various clinical studies using electron microscopy that demonstrated improved organization and orientation of collagenous fibres and the development of extensive capillary network.
The presence of granulomatoid reaction, rich in reticulin fibres, around the gold thread promotes an increase in the skin support and tension through the formation of a network and stimulates collagen production, improving the quality of the skin. The presence of epitheloid cells and the absence of giant multinuclear cells were observed, demonstrating the absence of foreign body reaction and tissue rejection at the implant site. Doppler fluorometry demonstrated an enhanced microcirculation in the immediate post procedural period and remained elevated over 6 months of follow up.
