Lifting thread

Abstract

The lifting thread includes a thread body, multiple barbed structures, and multiple reinforcement structures. The thread body has a surface, on which the barbed structures are arranged. Each barbed structure includes a barb and a groove. The barb includes at least one flat tip, extends in a first direction, and has the groove positioned adjacent to one of its sides. The reinforcement structures are also arranged on the surface of the thread body, with each reinforcement structure containing at least one reinforcement barb, which extends in a second direction. The reinforcement structures enhance the structural stability of the thread body, making it more resistant to external tensile forces or stress, reducing the risk of breakage, and improving its anchoring capability within the skin tissue. This further enhances the stability and longevity of the lifting effect.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION(a) Technical Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention generally relates to lifting threads, and more particularly to a lifting thread with a novel structure for enhanced strength and effect.(b) Description of the Prior Art

[0002] Lifting thread is a modern aesthetic medical technique commonly used in facial anti-aging treatments. It is a non-surgical face-lifting method designed to address issues such as facial sagging and laxity, achieving lifting, tightening, and contouring effects. The lifting thread is a specially designed absorbable medical thread, typically made from biocompatible materials such as polydioxanone (PDO). Once inserted into the skin, the thread gradually dissolves within the body while stimulating collagen production, which helps improve skin elasticity and firmness.

[0003] For example, Taiwan Patent No. M580945, titled “Stitch for Orthopedic Surgery,” discloses a thread with multiple sharp protrusions (i.e., barbs). These barbs are formed by a dual-blade cutting process, which makes incisions on the surface of the thread at a specific helical angle in either the same or opposite direction. Each incision results in a sharp protrusion that helps anchor the skin.

[0004] In Patent No. M580945, the barbs are formed by a cutting process. Generally, the thickness of each barb is 0.23 mm, the width is 0.48 mm, and the spacing between adjacent barbs is 1 mm.

[0005] Another common method for forming barbs is imprinting, where the barbs have a thickness of 0.27 mm, a width of 0.24 mm, and a spacing of 3.8 mm between adjacent barbs.

[0006] The barbs influence several key factors: (1) Lifting Effect: A higher number of barbs enhances grip, providing a stronger lifting effect. This is particularly important for areas with significant skin laxity, such as nasolabial folds and double chin; (2) Fixation Stability: The barbs help secure the skin more effectively, preventing thread slippage or displacement, which contributes to maintaining facial contours, especially in the months following the procedure; and (3) Collagen Stimulation: The insertion of barbed threads creates micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen production, which contributes to long-term skin tightening effects.

[0007] In lifting thread treatments, the thickness and width of the barbs significantly impact the treatment's effectiveness, comfort, longevity, and post-procedure recovery. Barb thickness refers to the height or depth of the barb, meaning how much it protrudes from the thread surface. The thickness directly affects the barb's grip on the skin and tissue, influencing the lifting effect and anchoring strength. Thicker barbs provide a stronger grip, making them more effective for treating severely sagging areas such as the double chin, cheekbones, and facial contours. They deeply secure the skin, achieving a more pronounced lifting effect and improving facial contours. Stronger support from thicker barbs also helps stabilize the thread, ensuring a longer-lasting lifting effect. Barb Width refers to the base length of each barb. It affects the contact area with the skin, which in turn influences lifting power and skin grip. Wider barbs increase the contact surface, allowing them to distribute the skin's weight more effectively. They are suitable for patients with significant skin laxity, as they provide better support over a larger treatment area. Wider barbs help stabilize the skin, preventing thread displacement during treatment and prolonging the results. Barb Density refers to the distribution of barbs along the thread, including the number of barbs and spacing between them. Higher barb density means more barbs on the thread, resulting in stronger grip and lifting power, which is particularly beneficial for patients with noticeable skin sagging. High-density barbs can significantly enhance facial contouring, especially in areas such as the nasolabial folds, double chin, and cheekbones. They allow for faster and more noticeable lifting effects in a shorter period after treatment.

[0008] Table 1 provides the various parameters for conventional barbs.TABLE 1Barbs formed byBarbs formed byMethod of forming barbscuttingimprintingBarb thickness (mm)0.230.27Barb width (mm)0.480.24Spacing between adjacent barbs13.8(mm)Thread tensile strength (N)6335Thread pullout strength (N)3.73.8

[0009] For conventional barbs, the barb thickness ranges from 0.23 mm to 0.27 mm (0.23 mm for barbs formed by cutting, 0.27 mm for barbs formed by imprinting). The barb width ranges from 0.24 mm to 0.48 mm (0.48 mm for barbs formed by cutting, 0.24 mm for barbs formed by imprinting). The spacing between adjacent barbs ranges from 1 mm to 3.8 mm (1 mm for barbs formed by cutting, 3.8 mm for barbs formed by imprinting). When barbs are formed by cutting, the thread tensile strength is 63 Newtons (N), and the thread pullout strength is 3.7 Newtons (N). When barbs are formed by imprinting, the thread tensile strength is 35 Newtons (N), and the thread pullout strength is 3.8 Newtons (N). A higher tensile strength indicates that the thread can withstand greater stretching forces before breaking, ensuring its structural integrity under tension. A higher pullout strength signifies stronger anchoring capability, enhancing the lifting effect by resisting gravitational forces and skin laxity caused by aging. In conventional technology, smaller barb thickness and width, combined with larger spacing between adjacent barbs (i.e., lower barb density), result in limited pullout strength of the thread.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Therefore, how to eliminate the aforementioned deficiencies is the technical challenge that the present invention aims to resolve.

[0011] To achieve the objective of the present invention, the disclosed lifting thread includes a thread body, multiple barbed structures, and multiple reinforcement structures. The thread body has a surface, on which the barbed structures are arranged. Each barbed structure includes a barb and a groove. The barb includes at least one flat tip, extends in a first direction, and has the groove positioned adjacent to one of its sides. The reinforcement structures are also arranged on the surface of the thread body, with each reinforcement structure containing at least one reinforcement barb, which extends in a second direction.

[0012] Specifically, the first direction and the second direction are different from each other.

[0013] Specifically, each reinforcement barb includes at least a flat tip.

[0014] Specifically, each reinforcement barb includes at least a spike tip Specifically, each reinforcement structure further includes a reinforcement groove positioned adjacent to the reinforcement barb.

[0015] Specifically, the barbs within the barbed structures are arranged on the thread body in either equal or unequal spacing.

[0016] Specifically, the grooves are arranged in equal or unequal spacing on the thread body.

[0017] Specifically, the grooves have a curved bottom side or a flat bottom side.

[0018] Specifically, the barbed structures and reinforcement structures are formed using both cutting and imprinting methods; the barbs have a thickness 0.35 mm; the barbs having a width 0.54 mm; and adjacent barbs having a spacing between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0019] The reinforcement structures of the lifting thread enhance the structural stability of the thread body, making it more resistant to external tensile forces or stress, reducing the risk of breakage, and improving its anchoring capability within the skin tissue. This further enhances the stability and longevity of the lifting effect.

[0020] The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.

[0021] Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram showing a lifting thread according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing a lifting thread according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram showing a lifting thread according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram showing a lifting thread according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective diagram showing a lifting thread according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram showing a lifting thread according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The following descriptions are exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, a lifting thread according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a thread body 1, multiple barbed structures 2, and multiple reinforcement structures 3.

[0030] The thread body 1 has a surface 11. Based on its material, the thread body 1 can be either absorbable or non-absorbable. Absorbable materials include plain catgut, chromic gut, Dexon, Vicryl, polycaprolactone (PCL), polypropylene carbonate (PPC), polytrimethylene carbonate, polydioxanone (PDO), polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), lactide (LA), and polydioxanone suture (PDS). Non-absorbable materials include silk, cotton, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), stainless steel, and polybutester. The surface 11 of the thread body may be coated with materials that promote skin repair, such as collagen.

[0031] The barbed structures 2 are arranged on the surface 11 of the thread body 1. Each barbed structure 2 includes a barb 21 and a groove 22. The barb 21 includes at least one flat tip 211 and extends in a first direction Y, while the groove 22 is positioned adjacent to one side of the barb 21. The barbed structures 2 refer to protrusions on the surface 11 of the thread body 1, which create a firm anchoring effect under the skin, gripping the tissue securely to provide stronger support and lifting effects. The barbs 21 function to hook onto the skin tissue, enhancing its grip. The grooves 22 increase the surface area of the thread body 1, providing additional stability. It has sufficient width and depth to interlock with the skin tissue, further reinforcing the anchoring effect. The barbs 21 within the barbed structures 2 can be arranged on the thread body 1 in either equal or unequal spacing. Similarly, the grooves 22 can also be arranged in equal or unequal spacing on the thread body 1.

[0032] The reinforcement structures 3 are arranged on the surface 11 of the thread body 1. Each reinforcement structure 3 includes at least one reinforcement barb 31, which has a flat tip 311 and extends in a second direction X. The reinforcement structures 3 are specially designed to enhance the structural stability of the thread body 1, ensuring greater lifting effectiveness and long-term stability. The first direction Y and the second direction X may be different from each other.

[0033] In the present invention, the reinforcement structures 3 enable the lifting thread to form a bidirectional barbed thread, where the barbs 21 and reinforcement barbs 31 are extended towards two opposite directions (first direction Y and second direction X). This design provides stronger traction and anchoring force, as the thread body 1 secures connective tissue in two different directions after implantation, making it particularly suitable for lifting large areas such as facial contours, chin, and cheeks. The bidirectional arrangement ensures a comprehensive and stable lifting effect, preventing overstretching or unnatural tension, which results in a balanced and natural aesthetic outcome. Additionally, the barbs 21 and reinforcement barbs 31 enhance microstimulation of the skin, continuously activating the skin's self-repair mechanism, leading to stronger lifting effects and increased collagen production for long-term skin rejuvenation.

[0034] According to a second embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 2, each reinforcement barb 31 includes at least one spike tip 312, which is distributed along the surface 11 of the thread body 1, forming a sawtooth-like structure. When the lifting thread is implanted into the skin, the spike tips 312 of the reinforcement barbs 31 act like hooks, firmly gripping the connective tissue within the skin to achieve an effective lifting and supporting effect. The advantages of this design include (1) enhanced grip strength: as the sawtooth-like structure increases the contact between the thread body 1 and the skin, preventing slippage or displacement, which ensures a more stable lifting effect; and (2) immediate lifting effect: the spike tips 312 provide lifting effect upon implantation, while the continued stimulation of collagen production further improves skin condition over time.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the number of reinforcement barbs 31 can vary depending on specific needs. In FIG. 2, a single reinforcement barb 31 is placed between two adjacent barbs 21, making it suitable for individuals with more sensitive skin, as it helps prevent discomfort or potential allergic reactions that may be caused by an excessive number of reinforcement barbs 31. In a third embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 3, multiple reinforcement barbs 31 are positioned between two adjacent barbs 21, making it more suitable for individuals with less sensitive skin, as the increased number of spike tips 312 further enhances grip strength and immediate lifting effects.

[0036] According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 4, each reinforcement structure 3 further includes a reinforcement groove 32, which is positioned adjacent to the reinforcement barb 31. The reinforcement groove 32 has sufficient width and depth to interlock with the skin tissue, further enhancing stability. The reinforcement barbs 31 within the reinforcement structures 3 can be arranged on the thread body 1 in either equal or unequal spacing. Similarly, the reinforcement grooves 32 can also be arranged in either equal or unequal spacing on the thread body 1.

[0037] The barbed structures 2 and reinforcement structures 3 can be formed using either cutting or imprinting methods. Cutting refers to the removal or incision of material from the thread body 1 using tools such as blades or lasers. Imprinting refers to the application of pressure to create raised or recessed features on the surface of the thread body 1. For example, in FIG. 1, the barbs 21 of the barbed structures 2 are formed using the cutting method, while the flat tip 211 and groove 22 are formed using the imprinting method. However, this is not a limitation, as barbs 21 can also be partially formed using cutting and partially using imprinting.

[0038] The barbed structures 2 and reinforcement structures 3 can be formed using both cutting and imprinting methods simultaneously, with a barb thickness of 0.35 mm, a barb width of 0.54 mm, and a spacing between adjacent barbs ranging from 0.1 mm to 1 mm. As a result, the thread body 1 achieves a tensile strength of 40 to 61 Newtons (N) and a pullout strength of 4.7 to 6 Newtons (N).

[0039] Table 2 provides the various parameters for the barbs of the present invention formed with cutting and imprinting.TABLE 2Barbs formed by cutting andMethod of forming barbsimprintingBarb thickness (mm)0.35Barb width (mm)0.54Spacing between adjacent barbs0.1~1(mm)Thread tensile strength (N)  40~61Thread pullout strength (N)4.7~6

[0040] According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 5, each reinforcement structure 3 includes a reinforcement groove 32 positioned adjacent to the reinforcement barb 31, in addition to having a spike tip 312 on the reinforcement barb 31. As such, the spike tip 312 of the reinforcement barb 31 acts like a hook, firmly gripping the connective tissue within the skin, thereby achieving an effective lifting and supporting effect. Additionally, the reinforcement groove 32 has sufficient width and depth to interlock with the skin tissue, further enhancing stability.

[0041] According to a sixth embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 6, the grooves 22 have a curved bottom side, in contrast to the grooves 22 of the previous embodiments, which have a flat bottom side.

[0042] Compared to prior art, the present invention offers the following advancements:

[0043] 1. By incorporating reinforcement structures 3 on the surface 11 of the thread body 1, where each reinforcement structure 3 includes at least one reinforcement barb 31, the structural stability of the thread body 1 is enhanced, ensuring a more stable and long-lasting lifting effect.

[0044] 2. The reinforcement structures 3 enable the lifting thread to form a bidirectional barbed thread, with barbs 21 and reinforcement barbs 31 protruding in two directions. This allows the thread body 1 to anchor connective tissue in two different directions after implantation, providing stronger traction and gripping force.

[0045] 3. The number of reinforcement barbs 31 can be adjusted based on specific needs. Multiple reinforcement barbs 31 can be placed between adjacent barbs 21, making it suitable for individuals with less sensitive skin. The increased number of spike tips 312 enhances grip strength and immediate lifting effects.

[0046] 4. The reinforcement barb 31 can include at least one spike tip 312 (or alternatively, a flat tip 311). The spike tip 312 functions like a hook, firmly gripping the connective tissue within the skin.

[0047] 5. The reinforcement structures 3 also include a reinforcement groove 32, positioned adjacent to the reinforcement barb 31. The reinforcement groove 32 has sufficient width and depth to interlock with skin tissue, further enhancing stability.

[0048] 6. The barbed structures 2 and reinforcement structures 3 can be formed using both cutting and imprinting methods. The barb thickness is 0.35 mm, the barb width is 0.54 mm, and the spacing between adjacent barbs ranges from 0.1 mm to 1 mm. As a result, the thread body 1 achieves a tensile strength of 40 to 61 Newtons (N) and a pullout strength of 4.7 to 6 Newtons (N). Compared to conventional lifting threads, the pullout strength of the thread body 1 can be improved by up to nearly 60%, calculated as (6N−3.8N) / 3.8N≈57% or (6N−3.7N) / 3.7N≈62%.

[0049] The reinforcement structures 3 of the lifting thread enhance the structural stability of the thread body 1, making it more resistant to external tensile forces or stress, reducing the risk of breakage, and improving its anchoring capability within the skin tissue. This further enhances the stability and longevity of the lifting effect.

[0050] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lifting thread, comprising:a thread body having a surface;a plurality of barbed structures arranged on the surface of the thread body, where each barbed structure comprises a barb and a groove, the barbs extend in a first direction, and each groove is positioned adjacent to one side of a barb; anda plurality of reinforcement structures arranged on the surface of the thread body, where each reinforcement structure comprises at least a reinforcement barb, and the reinforcement barbs extend in a second direction.

2. The lifting thread according to claim 1, wherein the first direction and the second direction are different from each other.

3. The lifting thread according to claim 1, wherein each reinforcement barb comprises at least a flat tip.

4. The lifting thread according to claim 1, wherein each reinforcement barb comprises at least a spike tip.

5. The lifting thread according to claim 1, wherein each reinforcement structure further comprises a reinforcement groove positioned adjacent to the reinforcement barb.

6. The lifting thread according to claim 1, wherein the barbs within the barbed structures are arranged on the thread body in either equal or unequal spacing.

7. The lifting thread according to claim 1, wherein the grooves are arranged in equal or unequal spacing on the thread body.

8. The lifting thread according to claim 1, wherein the grooves have a curved bottom side or a flat bottom side.

9. The lifting thread according to claim 1, wherein the barbed structures and reinforcement structures are formed using both cutting and imprinting methods; the barbs have a thickness 0.35 mm; the barbs having a width 0.54 mm; and adjacent barbs having a spacing between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

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