Have you seen ads for weirdly magical facelifts happening without surgery? Yeah, it made us curious, too! They're talking about thread lifts.
This technique is popular for turning back the clock without dramatic intervention. But just like any procedure, they're not all flawless - they come with potential issues.
One problem some folks run into is called thread lift puckering. While researching this method as experts in the industry, we became quite familiar with the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to results.
If you're thinking about trying thread lifts or already had one, let's break down the need-to-know.
What exactly is a thread lift?
A thread lift is considered a "minimally invasive" facelift using very fine medical threads inserted under the skin to pull and lift sagging areas. It is way less drastic than old-school surgical options.
The threads placed strategically beneath the surface obviously aren't standard sewing strings! They're made from purified PDO (polydioxanone). This special material has been used successfully and safely for various surgeries.
Here's the clever part - the threads instantly gather and tighten skin like you'd cinch together a drawstring bag. But that immediate lift isn't even the best perk. Over the next few months, they make the body ramp up collagen production, which keeps working its anti-aging magic.
Is a thread lift right for me?
If you're wondering whether thread lifts are a smart option for you, let's talk through what makes someone a good match. You might want to consider pursuing this if:
- You've noticed some mild sagging, wrinkles, or jowls forming and want to tackle those age-related changes.
- The thought of extensive surgery freaks you out right now, but you crave meaningful improvements without drastic measures.
- You like the idea of subtle refinements combined with low downtime. Thread lifts involve faster recovery compared to old-school facelifts.
- You have a reasonably healthy medical history. Even non-surgical treatments require meeting basic health precautions.
- Your expectations are realistic about the degree of correction thread lifts can provide. While beneficial, the outcomes are more modest compared to surgical options.
- Your skin still has decent elasticity rather than a very loose, thin texture from advanced aging.
Thread lifts tend to be especially fitting for people in their late 30s into early 50s, who notice their first serious signs of aging yet are not ready for radical solutions.
During a consultation, an expert can best assess your anatomy and goals to determine if thread lifts are a wise match or if another treatment would better suit your objectives.
What exactly is puckering?
Now that we've gotten the basics on thread lifts out of the way, let's address the elephant in the room. If you've researched thread lifts at all, you've probably come across this term used to describe an unwanted outcome.
It's when areas of skin appear bunched up or dimpled after the procedure. Do you know when you lightly pinch the skin between your fingers, it creates that gathered look? It's kind of like the after-effects of the threads sitting under the surface.
The puckering emerges as indentations on the complexion that may become more noticeable when making certain facial expressions. While not detrimental to physical health, it can be disappointing to end up with anything less than smooth results.
It's crucial to understand puckering is considered a cosmetic complication rather than a medical issue. This means it's not inherently dangerous - but when we pursue cosmetic treatments, looks ARE a main priority. That's why it's taken as a serious grievance.
Types of thread lifts and their susceptibility to puckering
Not all threads lead to the same likelihood of puckering. There are a few different types used, including:
PDO threads: The most widely used. Fully dissolved by the body over 6-9 months. Known for versatility with lower complication rates.
Silhouette Soft threads: Have small anchors that latch into the skin for lifting. Made of material that stimulates collagen before absorption.
PLA threads: Similar dissolving threads as PDO but generate more collagen in the long term. It takes longer to reflect the final results.
PDO threads are less associated with puckering issues. However, it's about more than just the threads themselves - insertion methods, the number used, and individual skin reactions also play into risks.
What causes puckering, and is it permanent?
Now that we know what puckering looks like and which thread types pose higher risks, let's talk about why it happens. There are a few potential causes:
Shallow placement: Threads inserted too close to the surface are more likely to cause visible dimpling.
Overcorrection: Sometimes, in hopes of dramatic tightening, too many threads get crammed into one area, resulting in bunching.
Excessive tension: If threads are pulled too tight during the procedure, it can make skin pucker together.
Skin quality: Those with thin, less elastic skin might be more prone to puckering complications.
Facial expressions: Puckering may also become noticeable when you're smiling, frowning, or making certain expressions.
Fortunately, there's some good news, too. In most cases, puckering isn't permanent. Your skin is incredibly adaptable and often adjusts within the first couple weeks post-procedure as inflammation goes down.
As threads dissolve and stimulate natural collagen production over the next few months, dimpling tends to gradually smooth out over time. This ongoing collagen regeneration process is called collagenesis.
However, it's important to note that while puckering is usually temporary, rare cases don't self-resolve. If indentations persist long-term or bother you significantly, there are treatment options to address it.
Treatment options for thread lift puckering
If you wind up with less-than-perfect results from puckering, try not to stress. There are a number of ways we can work on smoothing things out:
- Patience. As we talked about earlier, sometimes allowing a few weeks for the threads to settle, swelling to subside, and skin to adjust does the trick all on its own over time.
- Massage. Light, specialized massage techniques performed properly may help gently coax indented areas back into line. But only attempt massage under guidance from your provider - incorrect motions run the risk of messing up placement.
- Injectable fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be strategically used to temporarily pad and plump up dimpled spots. However, an expert injectionist is required for optimal, seamless outcomes from this approach.
- Radiofrequency treatments. Some doctors have had success using specialized devices to deeply heat tissue. This stimulates your body's natural collagen production and elasticity, which can slowly smooth away irregularities.
- Thread removal. In rare unresolved cases causing emotional hardship, problematic threads can be carefully taken out through tiny incisions. Buthat's’s usually an absolute last-ditch effort.
- Wait and see. There is encouraging evidence that when given enough time as swelling fades and threads naturally dissolve, puckering often improves on its own whether additional steps are taken or not.
So, in most cases, the bumpy ride is only temporary until things self-resolve within a few short weeks. However, various options are on the table if extra help is desired.
How Can You Minimize the Risk of Puckering?
While it’s really not possible to eliminate chances of puckering completely, you can take steps to lower risks:
Choose an experienced provider
Make sure your artist does high thread lift volume weekly. Their knack for ideal placement and avoiding overdoing it comes from vast specialty experience.
Follow aftercare procedures carefully
Your doc provides post-procedure instructions for a reason - stick to them! Tips like avoiding exercise, sleeping upright, gentle cleansing, etc, in the first 1-2 weeks help stabilize things.
Maintain a healthy skin habit
Consistently hydrated, nourished skin with decent elasticity withstands injections best without reactions like puckering. Steer clear of sun damage, stay moisturized, and get beauty rest!
Give the initial result sometime
Avoid examining with a critical eye or worrying about puckering immediately post-procedure. It takes several weeks as swelling fades before the actual results are visible.
Limit excessive facial moves
In an initial couple of healing weeks, try your best not to scrunch your nose, gasp dramatically, grin wide, pout, etc., as it risks applying unwanted tension on the embedded threads.
Stay well hydrated
Aiming for at least 64 oz of water daily keeps the complexion bouncy and less likely to pucker when the skin is manipulated. Hydration helps!
Protect your skin from the sun
Sun damage makes skin lose elasticity, possibly contributing to puckering risks down the line. So commit to SPF anytime you go outside!
Weigh your skin considerations
If you have paper-thin or very fragile skin, share this with your provider pre-procedure. They may suggest a different approach or special steps to minimize complications.
What to do if you still get puckering
You may follow all the proper steps for thread lifts and still end up with some degree of puckering – it happens! If you do notice dimpling, keep this need-to-know guidance in mind:
First, take slow, calming breaths rather than spiraling into panic mode. The appearance of puckering is common, and we have techniques to smooth it out.
The next imperative move is to call or schedule a visit with your cosmetic provider's office. Don't sit at home stewing about it alone! They'll want to physically examine the areas of indentation and customize a game plan tailored for you from there.
We can’t emphasize enough the importance of patience as you work through the post-procedure phase together. It takes a full 4-6 weeks for treated skin to fully settle and show final results as residual swelling completes its course. Allow your resilient complexion adequate time to adapt around the embedded threads. Try not to demand instant perfection.
Do closely adhere to your doctor's guidance,e whether recommendations include specialized facial massage once healed more, hyaluronic acid filler touch-ups, or additional skin-plumping laser treatments. They know best how to smoothly tweak and perfect results.
Conversely, don't attempt manipulating or self-treating puckers like trying to push them out with your fingers. That usually backfires by worsening dimpling or kicking up infection risks. Leave all hands-on work to the aesthetic professionals only.
Keep track of subtle changes through consistent progress photos; it is especially helpful to review side-by-side during follow-up visits. Collaboratively figure out if indentations are slowly fading with time or may require extra TLC attention.
Remember to maintain diligent skincare to keep your complexion in ideal shape to rebound after any invasive procedure. Commit to hydration, nourishing ingredients, daily SPF, and being extra nice to your face!
Conclusion
In closing, thread lifts can be a phenomenal alternative for those seeking tighter, lifted skin without the big commitment of surgery. They provide noticeable rejuvenation with less recovery time compared to traditional surgical options – when executed properly and realistically.
We’ve covered that puckering can be an annoying potential occurrence. But remember this dimpling effect is typically short-term and manageable with patience and properly caring for your skin throughout the healing period and beyond.
An expert will evaluate your individual anatomy, skin type, and aging concerns and help determine if these injections – or perhaps an alternative treatment – are most likely to get you the refreshing, natural-looking improvements you have in mind without the likelihood of complications.
At the end of the day, every patient needs to weigh their personal tolerance levels for both downtime and risks like puckering before going for treatments like thread lifts.
