J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 Feb;25(2):e70767. doi: 10.1111/jocd.70767.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mono and screw threads are increasingly used for facial skin rejuvenation. However, most currently described techniques rely on multiple skin entry points, which may increase procedural pain and negatively affect patient tolerability.
OBJECTIVE: To describe a single-entry-point thread implantation technique using the Gerbera pattern and to evaluate pain at needle penetration compared with a conventional multiple-entry-point technique in a prospective intraindividual controlled clinical study.
METHODS: This study included 20 adult female patients with mild-to-moderate facial skin aging. In paired facial regions (cheeks, malar areas, jawline, and temples), one side of the face was treated using the single-entry-point technique, while the contralateral side was treated using a conventional multiple-entry-point technique. Central regions (mid-forehead and mid-chin) were treated using shared modules due to anatomical considerations. Pain at needle penetration was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0-10).
RESULTS: All 20 patients completed the procedure on the side treated with the single-entry-point technique. Two patients discontinued the procedure early on the multiple-entry-point side due to pain but completed treatment on the single-entry-point side. Pain scores at needle penetration were markedly lower with the single-entry-point technique than with the multiple-entry-point technique. No serious adverse events were observed.
CONCLUSION: The single-entry-point thread implantation technique using the Gerbera pattern significantly reduced pain at needle penetration compared with the conventional multiple-entry-point technique, demonstrating good tolerability in clinical practice.
PMID:41715964 | DOI:10.1111/jocd.70767
