You may be considering getting a thread lift for quite a number of reasons. For example, you could be avoiding a full surgical facelift for medical reasons. It’s also possible that a thread lift is a more budget-friendly option or simply a less invasive cosmetic procedure to subtly reduce facial signs of aging.
However, there are lots of stories about thread lift gone wrong. If you’re holding back due to this, that’s a valid reason. Thread lifts can lead to some serious complications or side effects if not properly done. So we’ll be looking at some of the risks together and how you can ward against them.
What are Thread Lifts?
A thread lift is a procedure that uses medical-grade thread to pull and tighten the skin to make it smoother. The general idea is to “sculpt” the shape of your face and remove features like wrinkles by stitching and pulling up the skin.
Thread lifts are temporary procedures as the threads used for the sutures dissolve over time. The results of the lift can last for one to three years. After that, you can have another thread lift if you like.
Benefits of Thread Lifts
A thread lift won’t give you the same dramatic results as a surgical facelift. Still, lots of people choose a thread lift for some advantages.
- It is a low-risk procedure when performed properly, compared to a facelift.
- There is a quick recovery period, so you can return to your activities right away.
- The results are temporary, so you are not stuck with them if you are unhappy.
- It is cheaper than a facelift surgery.
Procedure for a Thread Lift
Before the thread lift, your surgeon will discuss with you what you should expect from the procedure. You will be awake during the procedure as thread lifts don’t require anesthesia to make the patient unconscious. Instead, plastic surgeons typically inject a local anesthetic to numb the pain. Here’s a breakdown of the full process;
- First, the surgeon marks out where exactly in the face or neck the threads will go.
- Afterward, the surgeon uses a thin needle or cannula to thread your skin. This entails inserting the threads into the layer of skin just beneath the surface that is, the subcutaneous tissue.
- The surgeon then pulls the threads until the skin is tightened and smooth. The lifting effect is the result of tiny barbs or cones in the medical-grade threads. This feature anchors them to the tissue creating a lifting effect when the surgeon pulls them.
- Lastly, the surgeon adjusts the threads for the desired result and cuts off the excess thread. The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
How Long Does a Thread Lift Take to Heal?
You can go home the same day you get the thread lift but it usually takes one or two weeks before you can resume most of your normal activities. There may be some bruising and swelling for a while as your skin heals. Overall, it differs among patients but the total healing period should span about 4 weeks. If your skin doesn't recover, that mat means thread lift gone wrong.
Can Thread Lifts Go Wrong?
Thread lifts have a reputation as a lower-risk option compared to facelift surgery. Despite that, the procedure still carries risks of complications, from mild to severe ones.
After you get a thread lift, you will very likely experience some pain, swelling, and bruising on the area of your skin where you had the procedure. If you experience any of this, don’t jump straight to thinking it’s a case of threading gone wrong. These are regular side effects and should disappear after a while, so you don’t need to worry.
However, there are some situations thread lift gone wrong that you need to watch out for.
- There is the risk of infection with thread lifts. If the thread lift is not properly administered in a clean environment and the instruments are not properly sterilized, you are open to the risk of getting infected if bacteria enter your skin through the incisions.
- You could also experience allergic reactions to some of the materials used for the procedure, especially the threads that are inserted into your skin. The reactions could be severe depending on the seriousness of your allergies.
- Another complication that could arise from your thread lift is a hematoma. A hematoma occurs when the surgeon accidentally injures the wall of a blood vessel causing blood to seep out into the surrounding area during the procedure. This can cause you to experience severe pain and swelling, and, in the worst case, lead to a life-threatening medical emergency.
- A common trend with thread lifts gone bad is dimpling or irregularities on the face. This happens when the thread is inserted wrongly and pulls a part of your skin inwards. It commonly occurs on the areas of your face where there might be excessive facial movements.
- Thread lifts can cause the face to become lumpy. This usually happens because of the protrusion or migration of the threads that were inserted into your skin. It then defeats the purpose of making your face look smooth and gives a deformed or lumpy shape.
How to Avoid Complications with Your Thread Lift
Given the aforementioned complications, asking “Is a thread lift dangerous” is not at all unwarranted. However, now that you’re aware of some of the potential complications, you need to know how best to avoid them. To make sure that you don’t experience any complications after, you need to prepare well before the procedure and also take proper care of yourself after the procedure.
Before the procedure
You can have a thread lift without experiencing a number of these complications if it is properly performed. As such, the most important factor for avoiding complications is getting a well-qualified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. Conduct thorough research to ensure that your surgeon has all the appropriate certifications and licensing. You want to make sure an experienced professional is performing the procedure. Also, ensure that their center and equipment are hygienic and safe.
You need to have full confidence in your doctor so that you can properly consult them and follow any specific instructions that they give you before the procedure to ensure the most effective outcome and avoid complications. You also need to inform your doctor of any medications you’re using before your procedure.
There is some other generally known advice that you should take if you’re planning on getting a thread lift.
- Avoid any form of alcohol at least a day before your procedure and also quit smoking as well (if you do) around two weeks beforehand.
- You should stop using aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen at least a week before your procedure because they may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Reduce (or completely stop, if you can) your consumption of foods that usually cause inflammation for you as you approach the day of the lift.
- You should also ensure to relax and avoid stress the night before your appointment.
After the Procedure
After the procedure, be sure to consistently follow your doctor’s instructions as well so that you don’t accidentally cause any severe side effects. Your doctor may advise you to avoid rubbing your face too hard or sleeping with your face touching the bed for a few weeks. They may also prescribe that you use antibiotic ointment near the entry points.
When the procedure is still fresh, exposing the skin to water does more harm than good because the excess moisture can cause facial swelling and inflammation. Swimming pools and lakes are red flags as they can be breeding grounds for bacteria which can cause infections. You should also avoid saunas or places with too much steam in general as excessive steam could cause complications.
The best thing to do is consult your doctor before using a sauna or Jacuzzi (or just getting into water) again after your procedure. It is usually okay to shower after 48 hours but you should avoid high water temperatures and too much steam.
You must diligently protect your treatment area from harsh sunlight until the healing process is complete. Also, try to avoid strenuous activity or even making exaggerated facial expressions. Essentially, steer clear of anything that can disrupt the threads for the following few weeks.
What Can You Do If Thread Lift Gone Wrong?
The number one thing to do if you experience complications with your thread lift is to contact your surgeon right away. You may experience some symptoms after your procedure which should alert you to the situation such as fever and recurring headaches, intense swelling for over 48 hours, and discharge at the area of the procedure (may be black, brown, red, or greenish).
You have to follow the prescriptions of your doctor for dealing with the complications after they have identified the problem. For instance, your doctor may prescribe you some antibiotics in the case of an infection.
You can also decide to seek medical advice from another medical practitioner to get an outside opinion. But the best scenario is to be completely sure that the surgeon performing your thread lift is competent and reliable.
Can You Reverse a Thread Lift?
Here’s a ray of light if your thread lift didn’t work out like you expected, the process is reversible. This is yet another reason people often opt for threading rather than committing to facelift. Whether it’s a face or a neck thread lift gone wrong, be sure to let your provider know if you would like to remove the thread. Thread removal takes a minor surgical procedure but it is usually only necessary in extreme situations.
Conclusion
Getting a thread lift can be a good way to refresh your appearance without going through an invasive surgery. But like any cosmetic procedure, it can go awry in ways you need to consider.
One step you should prioritize is choosing a qualified surgeon with lots of experience. You can also take precautions by being well-informed and following pre- and post-procedure instructions to the letter to avoid thread lift gone wrong.
Whatever the case may be for you, whether you’re trying to reverse your aging appearance or just looking for a subtle enhancement, a thread lift is a good choice—just make sure to take the right steps for the best possible results.
Diaminy Threads is here to supply you with any of our absorbable and easy-to-insert threads for your thread lifts.
