Thread lifts have remained one of the most popular non-surgical treatments for people who wish to achieve a youthful appearance without facial surgery.
This relatively non-invasive method tightens the skin, reestablishes the contours, and produces new collagen without the extensive recovery time required (like one following a surgical facelift). However, this procedure still has risks — the worst of which is nerve pain.
Nerve pain may range from a mild tingling to a severe burning sensation, affecting quality of life. This guide will discuss why nerve pain may occur after the procedure, the traits of nerve pain, and what can be done about it.
Understanding Thread Lifts
A thread lift is a non-surgical treatment that aims to lift the skin after the insertion of biodegradable threads under it. These threads are either PDO (polydioxanone), PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid), or PCL (polycaprolactone). Once in place, the threads lift and support the skin, increasing collagen production in the long run.
Thread lifts can treat problems in several areas, such as the face, neck, and body. Non-surgical facelift solutions are mainly used for people wishing to achieve a slimmer facial appearance. For example, reshaping the jawline, propping up saggy cheeks, and firming the neck.
These are less invasive procedures that attract many because they offer instant results with less downtime, and are less noticeable. Though thread lifts are advertised as very safe, nerve pain after thread lift can be a side effect.
Why Nerve Pain Occurs After Thread Lift
Neuralgia or nerve pain after thread lift is a relatively rare complication but quite serious when it occurs. It can, therefore, stem from various causes, including using the wrong technique or the presence of other illnesses.
A brief examination of these causes is an excellent opportunity to understand why this complication happens and how to avoid it. Various reasons are attributed to nerve pain, including:
1. Improper technique
Thread lifts are delicate procedures that require the surgeon to understand facial structures. A beginner can suture the threads at the wrong angles or sheer depth, causing irritative or direct nerve damage.
This may be worse in the jawline or temple zones, where many nerves are tightly bundled. Improper technique may also apply extra stress to the threads, further inflaming the treated area.
2. Thread placement concerns
The other important aspect is the position of the threads. If the threads are positioned too close to essential nerves, they may exert pressure on them, resulting in localized or radiating pain sensations.
The face and neck area contain many network nerves. So, even a slight change in thread positioning can cause complications. For example, painful sensations in the neck area may be as a result of a neck thread lift gone wrong.
3. Swelling and inflammation
After thread lifts, redness and edema are often observed in the skin and face. As with most cosmetic procedures, certain levels of swelling are normal and, to some extent, desirable. However, prolonged inflammation will exert pressure on the nerves. This pressure can trigger tingling, numbing, or sharp pain after a thread lift session.
This occurs because the wrong placement of PDO threads causes swelling and inflammation, which can lead to nerve compression. This problem could also occur if an infection appears or if the body does not respond well to the threads.
4. Pre-existing medical conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions also come into play at this point. Patients with a history of neurological disorders, such as trigeminal neuralgia or chronic migraines, are vulnerable to nerve pains after a thread lift.
For this category of patients, even a slight stimulation of the nerves causes severe pain.Such conditions should be declared during the pre-procedure consultation to help the practitioner with decision making.
5. Infections or other complications
Lastly, infections are another rare yet severe explanation for nerve pain after thread lift procedure. Infections can produce inflammation in specific body regions, increasing sensitivity or irritation of tissues or nerves. If infection develops, the signs include increased redness, pain, and swelling within the treated area.
Recognizing and Addressing Nerve Pain
Identifying nerve pain after thread lift is crucial to controlling the extent of the problem. Though discomfort is expected after the thread lift procedure, nerve pain has different traits, making it stand out from other sessions felt during recovery.
Signs and symptoms
Some of the signs that patients complain of are usually a feeling of tingling like that of pricking pins and needles around the targeted nerves. In more severe cases, the pain may develop into what resembles shooting pain, which spreads through to neighboring parts of the body. For example, pain associated with a nerve in the cheek may radiate toward the jaw or ear.
Another early sign that may be evident is numbness. Paralysis or inability to move some facial muscles could also point to a nerve problem. For instance, a patient may struggle to smile or lift their eyebrows. Such symptoms usually manifest early, like in the first one to three days. Also, they may manifest more severely when they remain undetected or unreported.
In certain cases, nerve inflammation may not occur until 2 weeks after thread lift. This delay can happen when the threads settle in place and start to engage with other tissues. This is usually a critical time, and any changes noticed should warrant seeking medical attention because the pain may increase.
Other Thread Lift Complications
While it is good news that thread lifts are considered safe procedures, this does not mean potential risks cannot occur. These complications can be minor, but they also can be life-threatening. They include:
- Swelling and bruising: Mild pain and edema are typical and fade within one week. But if an area is very swollen, there could be an issue, such as a thread being put in the wrong spot.
- Thread migration: Ideally, threads can move from one site to another, making the conversation asymmetrical or may cause discomfort.
- Skin irregularities: Tight skin, improper anchoring of the threads, or too tight threads can lead to some dimpling of the skin or puckering.
Thread Lift Aftercare
For there to be minimal complications and maximum recovery of threads in the skin, good aftercare should be exercised. Some people experience mild swelling, bruising, or tightness in the area that has been treated after the procedure is done. Most of these symptoms are mild and disappear in one week. Here are some aftercare tips to note:
- Use ice packs as advised by your practitioner in the case of swelling.
- Avoid contact with the treated area or vigorous rubbing. This could shift the threads and lead to nerve inflammation.
- Generally, reduce physical activity to a minimum (do not exercise for at least a week). Exercise further puts pressure on the treated regions.
- Elevate your head. This helps reduce inflammation and minimize pressure after the face thread lift.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and hot showers in the first stage of healing/rehabilitation.
Specific Tips for Handling Nerve Pain After Thread Lift
If nerve pain is felt, it is essential to visit the doctor to determine if the problem will worsen. The initial step is to meet the practitioner to assess the severity of the issue and determine the next appropriate action.
In moderate cases, they can take regular analgesics and anti-inflammatories to help relieve the pain.
However, for more chronic or higher-level pain, other measures can be required. Standard conservative therapies, such as physical therapy, may enhance nerve recovery and alleviate pain progressively.
If the threads are in direct contact with the nerves, they may have to be removed because they will cause a problem.
Nerve blocks, which involve injecting a local anesthetic into the affected area, may also be advised by a neurologist or cosmetic surgeon. This can only offer short-term solutions and help manage the situation until the root cause is addressed.
However, these measures should only be undertaken by qualified professionals in the health sector.
Preventing Nerve Pain and Other Complications
It is advisable to seek treatment to help prevent nerve pain after thread lift.
Select a skilled and experienced practitioner. A specialist who knows the facial structure deeply will minimize the chances of putting the threads in the wrong place or affecting a nerve.
Another component includes the pre-procedure assessments. You have to disclose all medical history of any previous nerve conditions, allergies, and cosmetic surgeries done in the past. This will enable the practitioner to better address your needs during the treatment, thus minimizing likely risks.
Aftercare is as crucial as the actual surgery and should be followed strictly. After the operation, it is recommended that the patient limit yourself from any rigorous physical activity during the first few weeks of the threads settling down to prevent thread migration and general strain.
Avoid hot water on the face and use a cold compress to reduce severe swelling after PDO threads. Following all recommended aftercare measures by your practitioner will help your body recover as expected.
How can patients ensure they choose a qualified practitioner to minimize the risks of nerve pain after thread lift?
Choosing a good professional remains the primary step to avoiding the negative effects of thread lifts, like nerve injuries. That’s why the skills of your practitioner fully determine this procedure’s safety, accuracy, or even the outcomes. Here’s how you can ensure you make the right choice:
1. Proof of credentials and certifications
Board credentials and certifications are the first to check when deciding on a competent practitioner. Choose providers specialized in aesthetic medicine/cosmetic surgery.
Certifications show that the practitioner has undergone a professional learning program and is bound by ethical codes and practices, assuring you of their competence.
2. Assess their experience
It is now clear that experience counts greatly when it comes to thread lift procedures. A practitioner with several years of experience is more equipped with specific knowledge of facial structures and ways of working out the procedure and avoiding nerves.
Seek to know how many thread lift procedures the practitioner has done and the number of successful cases they have handled. Highly qualified professionals will answer your questions correctly if you have any.
3. Review patient feedback
Word-of-mouth sources such as patients’ testimonials and information posted on the Internet are irreplaceable means of evaluating a practitioner’s proficiency.
Check for references showing that they pay attention to detail, communicate well, and satisfy the patient's needs. The tests and reviews mentioning safety and success can eventually assist you in making the right decision.
4. Organize a detailed meeting
An assessment is your chance to make a preliminary judgment of the practitioner’s expertise and conduct. In this session, ask specifics about the thread lift process, all associated risks, and how the practitioner will prevent such risks as nerve pain.
Engage a knowledgeable practitioner who will take time to listen to your worries. They will take adequate time to listen to your concerns, explain the entire process, and ensure you are comfortable with the treatment.
5. Assess the clinic’s standard
The circumstances in which the procedure is undertaken are as important as the practitioner's skills. Ensure the clinic is legal, clean, hygienic, and safe for patients' treatment. Keeping the environment clean and simplistic shows the practitioner's heavily vested effort towards the patient's well-being.
6. Trust your instincts
Finally, it comes down to trusting your gut feeling as much as possible. Pick one who you like, listens to your goals, and cares more about your safety than profit. Stay away from practitioners who force you to make an instant decision and those who make unrealistic promises.
Recovery Expectations and Long-Term Outlook
Recovery from a thread lift is usually quite smooth and knowing what to expect can make you feel more confident.
Some swelling and mild discomfort are common but will often subside after one week. However, you should never ignore such symptoms if they persist or worsen.
Most patients start to realize the full effects of the thread lift after a few weeks as the threads settle in place and the production of collagen increases.
In cases of complications such as nerve pain, the time may change based on the severity of the particular problem and the effectiveness of any treatments applied.
While nerve pain can be distressing, it is not necessarily permanent. Most patients recover fully with proper intervention and care.
Conclusion
Though infrequent, nerve pain after thread lift is a severe complication that may impact physical comfort and patient satisfaction.
While various factors can lead to this complication, from poor technique to excessive swelling, prevention and the experience of practitioners will help reduce the risk of it occurring.
If you're considering a thread facelift, educate yourself about the procedure, choose a qualified practitioner, and follow all the aftercare instructions.
Choose Quality, Choose Confidence with Diaminy
For anyone thinking about a thread lift, it is essential to understand that the type of threads used in your procedure will determine the outcome and avoidable complications such as nerve pain.
Go one step further toward a safer and more fulfilling thread lift procedure. Contact us today to learn more on how we can assist you in enhancing your appearance.
