The Double Chin Is One of the Most Common Concerns for Asian Patients
A double chin or sagging jowl — where the skin beneath the chin and jawline loses definition and appears layered — is one of the aging signs Asian patients worry about most, since it blurs the jawline and can make the face look heavier and older than one's actual age.
Today, Dr. Pun wants to walk through research conducted specifically in Thai patients, published in Dermatology and Therapy in 2021 by a team from the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, in collaboration with an Italian research team, studying the use of absorbable barbed threads for lower facial lifting, including the submental (chin) area specifically.
Study Details
This was a prospective, evaluator-blinded study of 27 Thai patients with mild to moderate facial laxity, using Definisse™ threads (also known as Happy Lift™), placed along the mandibular angle to create a "J stitch" anchor point. The study compared two thread lengths: 12 cm and 23 cm.
The research team followed up at multiple time points: immediately after treatment, 1 week, and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months, with assessments from two blinded dermatologists as well as patients' self-assessment.
Results: Visible Improvement From the First Week
Of the 27 patients enrolled, 25 (92.6%) completed all follow-up visits. Key findings included:
- Immediate improvement after thread placement — facial laxity visibly improved from day one
"I think this research carries real weight, because it was conducted directly in Thai patients, not just Western populations with a different facial structure. It's also a blinded evaluation study, which helps reduce bias from both the physician and patient side."
Long or Short Threads: Which Lifts Better?
An interesting finding was that 23 cm threads produced slightly superior lifting results compared to 12 cm threads. The research team suggests this is likely because longer threads carry more barbs, providing greater tissue suspension and correspondingly stronger biostimulation.
Important Limitations to Understand Before Deciding
The research clearly states that a key limitation of this type of absorbable thread is that visible lifting results don't last as long as non-absorbable threads, since the threads begin to reabsorb from the 6-month mark onward.
"I want patients to understand this clearly — absorbable threads work through both collagen stimulation and mechanical lifting. Part of the result comes from mechanical tension, which gradually decreases as the thread dissolves, while another part comes from new collagen the body produces, which lasts longer. Discussing this upfront is really important, so patients can set realistic expectations."
Summary
Research conducted in Thai patients confirms that thread lifting with absorbable barbed threads along the jawline is a safe and effective method for lifting the lower face, particularly the double chin and jawline area, with visible results as early as one week. Longer threads tend to produce slightly better results. However, patients should understand the limitation that threads begin dissolving from month 6 onward, in order to plan appropriate follow-up treatment.
At Drema Clinic, we offer personalized consultations tailored to you. If you're concerned about a double chin and want to know which approach suits you best, feel free to reach out for a chat.