Introduction
Have you ever wondered how some people achieve a youthful look without undergoing invasive surgery? Thread lifts are one of the most preferred methods in medical spas and beauty centers for people who want to have a mild facelift. This non-surgical procedure entails passing thin threads beneath the skin in order to lift and firm specific areas and offer a youthful look without the need for surgery.
Like all other beauty procedures, thread lifts are not without their consequences. Therefore, it is important for anyone interested in this process to have adequate knowledge of complications of PDO thread lift and how they ought to be handled. Possible risks include simple side effects, including bruising, up to severe risks, including infections or asymmetry. Being aware of such issues and how to handle them can assist in avoiding any hitches when healing and also give the best outcome.
The following are eight possible complications of PDO thread lift that are discussed in this article together with measures on how to handle them. In turn, this information will not only assist you in making a wise decision but also set you up for a perfect thread lift.
1. Infection
1.1 Description
Bacterial infections can develop after the complications of PDO thread lift if the bacteria penetrate the skin tissues during or after the treatment. This risk is even higher if the threads are not inserted aseptically or if the patient does not adhere to the aftercare directions. Some of the complications that people develop as a result of infections include inflammation, pain, and at times other related complications in case the infections are not treated in the required time.
1.2 Signs and Symptoms
Potential signs of infection that people can experience after the thread lift process are redness of the skin especially around the area that has been treated. Pain can also accompany it and there may be inflammation and redness at the site which is painful on the touch. As with the previous sign, pain that rises instead of decreasing over time is another sign of an infection. Also, the area may be red and swollen, which are other symptoms of inflammation. Some possible complications are pus or unusual discharge from the insertion points; this may be the body’s way of fighting off infection. Last is the fever or chills meaning that the infection is beginning to impact the body in a more generalized manner.
1.3 Management
Hence, to avoid infections, one has to practice hygiene as a way of preventing and eradicating infections. Thus, it is necessary to wash the treated area and avoid contact with it using unwashed hands to minimize the likelihood of an infection. Patients should follow their practitioner’s aftercare instructions to the latter, which often includes refraining from activities which might expose the wound to bacteria such as swimming or physical activities. If an infection is suspected, it is important to seek practitioner’s help immediately as he/she could prescribe antibiotics to fight bacteria. The most important mitigation measures include a close observation of symptoms and presenting themselves for medical attention as soon as the first signs of infection are observed.
2. Bruising and Swelling
2.1 Description
Some of the complications of PDO thread lift that might be witnessed include bruising and swelling. This is because during the procedure the threads are sutured under the skin using needles or cannulas and this leads to the injury of small blood vessels. The body in return to this minor trauma with inflammation, and this manifests in cells swelling and consequent bruising in the treatment areas. Most of these reactions are relevant to the body’s response to injury and healing.
2.2 Signs and Symptoms
Standard reactions to complications of PDO thread lift are generally swelling and bruising at the points where the threads were sutured. Bruising can appear as dark or purplish marks on the skin and may last for a few days to a couple of weeks. However, this is marked by puffiness or a slight increase in the size of the tissue that has been treated, and this may reach a peak within the first three days after the procedure has been done, and then it gradually subsides. Despite these signs and symptoms, they are normally mild and temporary, especially when recovering from thread lift side effects.
2.3 Management
Some patients are able to prevent bruising and swelling or at least know how to manage these conditions better, which in turn improves the recovery process. There are several measures that can be taken in order to prevent or minimize swelling and bruising; this is by applying cold compresses on the treated area right after the procedure. One should avoid placing the ice packs directly on the skin hence they should cover it with a cloth and it should be applied in 10-15minutes interval for the first 48hours. Swelling and pain can also be managed with over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen but should first seek your doctor’s advice. However, there is more one can do as raising the head of the bed during sleep can also help reduce the swelling. Strenuous activities, and exposure to direct sunlight may cause the bruised and swollen areas to worsen thus should be avoided.
3. Thread Migration
3.1 Description
Thread migration occurs when the threads applied in a thread lift change their position. It can be caused by the improper position, gestures, or the lack of proper fixation of the threads. When threads move from one place to another, they do not offer the expected lift and support hence resulting in either poor or unbalanced outcomes.
3.2 Signs and Symptoms
Patients can notice thread migration through several symptoms. Some of the signs that are easier to observe include the fact that one side of the face may look different from the other, in a symmetrical manner. You might also perceive the threads beneath your skin in some other position than the one they were placed. It can cause an uncomfortable feeling or sensation of being pulled if the threads are moving. Also, if there are raised lines or indents on the skin where the threads have shifted, then that is also a sign of thread migration.
3.3 Management
Methods that must be followed in order to avoid thread migration are known as corrective procedures and preventive measures. Therefore, if thread migration is detected, one should seek the practitioner’s advice without delay. The practitioner may decide to extract the migrated threads and redo the threading process to optimize their position and fixity. Patients at times might choose to wait because sometimes these minor migrations can be self-limiting and can resolve on their own over time. The follow-up care is critical, which entails minimal facial expressions and avoiding any activity that will cause the fat to shift again.
4. Lumps and Nodules
4.1 Description
Other problems associated with complications of PDO thread lift include lumps and nodules which may be experienced when the threads are improperly positioned or if the body rejects the material. These lumps are usually small and slightly elevated from the skin surface while nodules are bigger and tender. They can be uncomfortable and may influence the final looks of the procedure’s results.
4.2 Signs and Symptoms
Lumps and nodules may manifest as palpable masses or swellings on the skin surface, but which are more often than not, felt than seen. They might be painful, or cause a sting, or become sensitive when touched. Sometimes the skin on these areas may appear slightly red or blue or even a little puffy. These are symptoms that if noted at the initial stage will go a long way in solving the problem before it gets out of hand.
4.3 Management
The following approaches can however be used in the management of lumps and nodules. Light massage in the areas where lumps are formed may help remove them and bring the threads to their proper position. This is why one should not attempt it without consulting a professional in order not to worsen the situation. In case lumps are present for a long time, there are treatments in medicine that can help such as corticosteroid injections that eliminate inflammation and dissolve the nodules. There are a few circumstances where other processes may need to be done to either revise or eliminate the threads.
5. Skin Irregularities
5.1 Description
Skin irregularities are another possible complications
of PDO thread lift . These irregularities can be present in several forms; they can present as dimpled skin, puckered skin, or skin that feels uneven to the touch. They appear when the threads do not blend with the skin well or when the skin has healed with some areas around the threads being thick while others are thin.
5.2 Signs and Symptoms
Some of the compilations of PDO thread lift of skin include skin pin prick marks, skin that looks like it is dotted with tiny pin pricks, skin irregularities or dimpling, and skin that looks like it has raised grain such as that of uncooked meat. Dimpling is visible as small indents on the skin, resembling the skin of an orange, which is a result of the threads being tied too tightly. Plunging happens when the material of the gown seems to be pulled in or looks wrinkled in some areas, usually because the threads are unevenly placed. Another sign is rapidity in which appearance of threads is not smooth and feels bumpy or rough to touch due to irregularity in the skin. Sometimes, the threads can become visible just under the skin and cause one to develop lines or ridges.
5.3 Management
There are several steps in skin irregularities management. Light rubbing is sometimes capable of reducing small unevenness; but this can only be done with a doctor’s supervision. Some problems might present themselves as more chronic and may need the help of a doctor. Such procedures as radiofrequency or ultrasound can assist in boosting the production of collagen and, therefore, make the skin smooth. Sometimes, it might be necessary to make some minimal surgical interventions to shift or cut some of the threads which caused the issue. Measures should be taken to avoid skin problems or skin conditions as much as possible. The practitioner who will do the work should be highly skilled and experienced to ensure that the right threads are placed in the right positions in the right tension. The possible complications of PDO thread lift that are discussed in this article together with measures on how to handle them.
6. Allergic Reactions
6.1 Description
Complications of PDO thread lift include allergic reactions to the thread materials used in the procedure. Such reactions take place when the body recognizes the threads as any other foreign substance and has to defend itself against it. The types of threads, for instance PDO, PLLA, and PCL are biocompatible and intended for gradual dissolution in the human body. However, there are cases where people may have special intolerance to such materials, which in turn results to reactions.
6.2 Signs and Symptoms
Allergic reactions are manifested by various symptoms, which can be divided into mild and severe and local and general. Some of the symptoms may include redness, swelling, and itching around the treated area. Sometimes, the skin may become red and sore when touched with the hand or any other part of the body. In the worst scenarios, the patients might develop rashes characterized by red, elevated, and itchy skin bumps known as hives. Some of the systemic signs are respiratory distress, facial and throat edema, anaphylaxis as well as an allergic reaction that can be fatal.
6.3 Management
Allergic reactions require both acute and chronic intervention measures. In case of mild manifestation, patients can use cold compress and take antihistamines in case of itching and swelling. However, if there is development of symptoms of this nature or if the symptoms worsen, it is advisable to visit a practitioner. They may use a stronger medicine, which is corticosteroid, to bring down the inflammation and help control the reaction.
In instances where the allergies are severe, for instance, anaphylaxis; the patient should seek medical help immediately. In cases of severe allergic reactions, self- administration of an epinephrine injection can help reverse the symptoms and avert complications, but always need to take expert consultation. The precautions against such reactions begin with a consultation before any procedure that is to be undertaken. Allergies and any sensitivity to certain materials should be reported to the practitioner by the patient. Some possible reactions to the thread materials can be tested by carrying out a patch test.
7. Asymmetry
7.1 Description
One of the complications of PDO threads lift that might occur include asymmetry. This condition is felt when one side of the face is not in sync with the other side which is the total opposite of what the surgery aimed at achieving. There are several reasons which can explain why the threads’ result seems to be asymmetrical; the threads may have been placed poorly, the facial muscles move differently, or the skin has a different reaction to the threads.
7.2 Signs and Symptoms
There are several signs that can be observed to indicate that there is asymmetry. You may have one side of your face that seems to be more lifted or more sculpted than the other. That is the reason why you can find that one cheek is bigger, or one brow is situated higher. Such a noticeable imbalance can compromise the aesthetics of the face and the looks of a person in general.
7.3 Management
Several measures should be taken while managing asymmetry to ensure that the problem is solved appropriately. First of all, if there are any signs of asymmetry, it is crucial to report this situation to the practitioner. They can weigh the circumstances to establish what led to the occurrence and then decide on the right action. If asymmetry is as a result of thread migration or incorrect positioning of the threads, the practitioner might decide to have the threads removed and reinserted. This is to make sure the threads are set properly and well anchored to provide the right lift and balance. Small amounts of imbalance can be addressed using non-surgical procedures such as injectable fillers or Botox to modify either the thickness of the skin or muscle activity to correct the imbalance. They also require preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of asymmetry. The selection process is the key factor here, and one should ensure they select a practitioner who is qualified enough to handle the task. Careful consultations before the treatment assist in determining the right place to lay the threads.
8. Scarring
8.1 Description
One possible complication of PDO thread lift is scarring, and this happens when the skin does not heal properly after the treatment. That said, scarring at the site of insertion points of the threads can occur occasionally even though thread lifts are practically less invasive. This risk is even higher if the threads are placed wrongly, or if the skin type of the patient tends to develop scars easily.
8.2 Signs and Symptoms
Any marks left by a thread lift are generally in the form of fine, slight elevations at the point where the threads were inserted. They might be red or darker than the skin at first and gradually fade with time. Perhaps some of the wounds left behind would be slightly raised or have a rougher surface than the surrounding skin. In other rare instances, the scar becomes raised and larger than normal and is referred to as keloid or hypertrophic scar. These scars are normally palpable and could elicit sensitivity or pain.
8.3 Management
There are several measures that can be taken in order to reduce scarring. After the treatment is done, a patient should follow aftercare advice given by the practitioner very closely. There are no risks of getting an infection, thus the area should be cleaned, and it is discouraged to pick or scratch the insertion points to minimize scarring. For the silicone gel or sheets to be effective in flattening and softening the scar, the patient needs to use them as directed for an extended period. However, for the scarring that is a little more stubborn, a skin specialist may recommend laser treatment, microdermabrasion or corticosteroid injections. The role of the practitioner and compliance with all the recommendations regarding further care can significantly influence the process of scarring.
Wrapping Up
Thread lifts are among the most preferred treatments that do not involve surgery, but it is necessary to know about the possible complications of PDO thread lift . Knowledge of these complications, namely infection, bruising, thread migration, lumps, skin irregularities, allergy, asymmetry, and scarring and their management, will make the postoperative period run more smoothly and the outcome more successful. It is often suggested to adhere to the practitioner’s aftercare advice and seek help if any issues arise.
For more information or to schedule a consultation about our complications of PDO thread lift, you can visit Diaminy. Our experts are here to help you achieve the best possible outcomes with your thread lift procedure.
