INTRODUCTION: Injectable use of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), biocompatible absorbable polymer with a high capacity to stimulate collagen, is already well-established in Cosmetic Dermatology. PLLA lifting threads, studded with poly-L-lactic-co-glycolic (PLGA) cones, besides triggering neocollagenesis through subclinical inflammatory response, provide a lifting effect due to the traction caused by these cones. The interest in thread lifting is in evidence and needs detailed studies for the evaluation of treatment indications, complications, and efficacy.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at evaluating safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction in regards to rejuvenation after facial lifting using the absorbable suture.
METHODS: Twenty-one patients with laxity of the middle and lower third of the face were selected and submitted to the treatment with lifting threads. A satisfaction questionnaire was applied.
RESULTS: In this study, 71.4% of the patients reported great aesthetic result three months after the procedure. Side effects such as bruising, pain and uneven facial skin surface were described mainly on the first week after the procedure.
CONCLUSIONS: PLLA sutures with PLGA cones was effective for the treatment of mild to moderate facial laxity in well-indicated patients, and the side effects were minimal when compared to invasive techniques. These results should be confirmed by studies with a larger number of individuals.

Keywords: Ambulatory surgical procedures; Sutures; Rejuvenation

Botulinum toxin has transient flaccid neuromuscular paralysis as its mechanism of action. Recent studies are identifying new ways to use botulinum toxin for a variety of purposes, both in the aesthetic and in the therapeutic field. This work aimed to conduct a literature review on these applications. In the aesthetic field, botulinum toxin has shown benefit in the treatment of hypertrophic scars, rejuvenation of the scrotal region, definition of the gastrocnemius muscle, and microdoses use. In the treatment of pathologies, the review has shown that botulinum toxin may be useful for the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia and other pain syndromes, craniofacial hyperhidrosis, rosacea, and Hailey-Hailey disease.

Keywords: Botulinum toxins; Botulinum toxins, Type A; Esthetics; Pruritus; Rejuvenation; Cicatrix; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic

Harlequin syndrome is a rare autonomic disorder characterized by anhidrosis and lack of unilateral flushing of the face, which may affect the cervical and thoracic regions. Paradoxically, there is compensatory flushing and sweating on the contralateral side to the alteration. It is idiopathic in most cases, but it can be congenital or secondary to structural or post-surgical iatrogenic lesions. Treatment is directed at the causative factor. We describe the case of a patient with a diagnosis of idiopathic Harlequin Syndrome with botulinum toxin application in the hemiface affected by compensatory symptoms with good therapeutic respons

Keywords: Hyperhidrosis; Blushing; Botulinum toxin type A