Swelling 2 Weeks After Thread Lift: Is It Normal Or a Warning Sign?

Still swelling 2 weeks after thread lift? This is totally a normal thing. But it's important to differentiate between typical healing and potential complications.

Swelling is a natural immune response. It's a reflection of your body’s natural healing response, and it is mostly expected to subside within the first week. Nonetheless, some mild swelling, puffiness, firmness, or unevenness might persist due to ongoing tissue adjustment and collagen remodeling. However, how do you know if everything is okay or something is off? Let’s find out!

Understanding Swelling 2 Weeks After Thread Lift 

Still seeing mild swelling 2 weeks after thread lift around the treatment area? Don't worry, that’s usually totally normal. Most people see a big reduction of puffiness in the first week, but residual swelling, especially around insertion points, may stick around into the second week. 

That said, the swelling after 2 weeks should be less noticeable than those initial days. So, keep an eye on it. And if it worsens or gets hard, red, or painful, that’s when a check-in with your provider is important.

Now, the question is: Why would the swelling stick around longer than two weeks? We'll get into this! But before that, let's look at the PDO threads healing process to understand how swelling comes about.

PDO Thread Healing Process 

PDO thread lifting is among the considerably preferred skin enhancing treatments worldwide. In this procedure, specialists use resorbable sutures to uplift and tighten saggy skin. This is important in enhancing collagen synthesis for long lasting results. What's more? This cosmetic treatment is less invasive (it doesn't involve extensive incisions). 

The PDO threads healing process involves several stages. These include, the initial swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within a week, followed by gradual collagenesis and skin rejuvenation within several months.

The Stages of Healing 

The stages of PDO threads healing process are as follows:

● Immediately post-procedure: Expect some minimal swelling, bruises, and tenderness at the points of insertion. A slight pulling feel may also be noticeable as these threads begin to lift your skin.

● The first week: Swelling and bruising should start to diminish, and you may gradually resume light activities. Gentle cleansing and skincare can be introduced here, but avoid strenuous activities that might strain the treated area.

● The following weeks (2 to 4): Side effects (eg., swelling and tightness) should continue to fade away.

● 3 to 4 months: Full thread lift results become noticeable at this stage. Collagen production increases, causing a smooth, tight, and more young looking skin.

Remember: PDO threads trigger collagen production. And continues to enhance your skin's surface and firmness with time. And outcomes may last for up to several months, and maybe, even years. So, while generally safe, PDO thread lifting may come with some minor complications (eg., infection, asymmetry, or thread migration).

Is Swelling 2 Weeks After Thread Lift a Warning Sign? 

Sometimes, but that is only if it's accompanied by several warning signs, as you see in the table below: 

Normal Vs. Concerning Signs 

Why Swelling Sticks Around After a Thread Lift 

Thread lifting is a non surgical cosmetic treatment that “lifts and tightens” sagging skin. It  gives you a more youthful look without going through invasive surgical treatments. Once the PDO sutures are inserted into a treatment area, they trigger a biological healing response, which causes inflammation.

You'll see the swelling begin to show a few hours  after thread placement. And it may peak around 48 hours post-operation.

Swelling 2 weeks after thread lift happens for the following other reasons:

● Healing micro-trauma: The PDO threads create tiny tissue “micro-traumas.” It is natural for swelling to linger at those minor trauma spots.

● Lymphatic system reset: The procedure temporarily slows down drainage. So, the residual fluid may sit for longer until pathways fully recover.

● Body differences: Genetics, skin type, overall health, even how many threads were used all play a part in the duration of the swelling.

How long the swelling lasts, however, may vary from one person to the other. But this depends on several factors. For example:

● The skin's sensitivity.

● The treatment’s extent.

● Your body’s healing response.

Here's an overview of how long swelling lasts after getting a thread lift:

● 24 hours: Most swelling happens at this stage, as inflammation starts setting in.

● Day 2 to 4: Swelling peaks during the 2nd to 4th day. And, at this stage, you'll notice some bruising after PDO threads. But you can typically manage it with pain relievers, as prescribed by your specialist.

● Day 5 to 7: At this stage, swelling needs to be reduced. It is common for many patients to resume their daily activities after the 1st week.

● Day 15 to 30: The remaining swellings and bruising after PDO threads continue to subside at this stage. And the full thread lift results become more visible.

How Long Swelling Lasts After PDO Thread Lift

Getting a PDO thread lift is a personal choice, especially if you want to enhance the appearance of your face without surgery. Now, what may be a typical concern for you is the swelling.

That is why it's important to understand what to expect in terms of how long the swelling might last. These include ways of managing swelling and 2 weeks after thread lift pain caused to the tissues. This way, you'll significantly enhance comfort and accelerate the healing process.

Swelling is expected after PDO thread lift. But most people find that it subsides within one week. Some swelling 2 weeks after thread lift is expected. Your healing response differs from other people and it may be influenced by several factors.

Factors Influencing How Long Swelling Lasts 

Wishing to have a smooth healing after a thread lift? It's possible. However, you need to understand what influences the duration of swelling: 

1. Your Healing Response

Your body is unique and it reacts differently to some cosmetic treatments. And, several aspects may determine how fast and efficiently it heals and recovers from thread lifting treatments. For example:

● Age.

● Overall health.

● Genetic predisposition.

Are you younger? Or, maybe you're of good overall health? Well, good for you, if you're in this bracket. You're likely to experience less swelling unlike older adults and those who have some underlying medical conditions.

2. The Experience Or Technique Your Specialist Uses

When considering thread lifting, it's important to know whether the dermatologist is experienced or not. And also, understand the technique they'll use to address your skin concern. These can significantly influence the overall results and swelling.

Experienced specialists use advanced techniques, reducing tissue trauma. In turn, this causes less swelling and bruising after PDO threads, enhancing a smooth recovery.

3. The Treatment Areas

Areas with delicate skin; or, those with more vascularity (eg., around the eyes) swell more. But this is not so with the ones with thicker skin.

In practice, getting a thread lift treatment on the cheeks causes less swelling. And when it's done on the neck or jawline, there's more swelling. That’s why you need to know the anatomical variations of various treatment areas. This is helpful in setting realistic expectations, concerning the swelling duration.

4. PDO Thread Lift Procedure Aftercare

The secret to minimizing swelling and promoting sufficient healing after thread lift treatment or any other cosmetic procedure is following proper aftercare. So, it's generally advised that you follow the practitioner's aftercare guidelines. For example:

● Applying ice packs or cold compress.

● Avoiding engaging in any or all strenuous activities.

● Following specific aftercare instructions.

Note: It's important to adhere to these guidelines to significantly shorten and support the PDO threads healing process while reducing the severity of swelling.

5. Lifestyle Factors

Looking to get a PDO thread lift? Or, maybe you want to reduce the post-operative swelling. Here's the thing, you need to check on and adjust your lifestyle habits to enhance PDO threads healing process. These may include:

● Diet.

● Hydration.

● Nicotine consumption.

● Alcohol consumption, etc.

These factors may also influence how long swelling lasts. Especially swelling 2 weeks after thread lift. For instance, a diet with high salt levels increases swelling.

Stay well-hydrated. This is important in enhancing sufficient healing. And, it also reduces the swelling timeline.

Consumption of nicotine, (through smoking) on the other hand, inhibits blood flow, slowing down healing. This causes the swelling to be more persistent. So, it's important to make healthy lifestyle choices. These are ones that support faster healing and minimizes post-op swelling.

In other words, swelling 2 weeks after thread lift is expected if you are leading an unhealthy lifestyle.

Tips for Managing Swelling After Thread Lift 

Still experiencing some slight swelling 2 weeks after thread lift? There are several ways of reducing this concern. For example, you may:  

1. Use Cold Compresses

It's important to apply cold compress or ice packs on the treated area. This helps reduce swelling. So, apply this cold compress in 10 to 15 minute breaks, a couple of times in a day. This is also important in alleviating any discomforts as you heal.

2. Stay Elevated While Sleeping

When sleeping, after full face threading, it's important to elevate your head. This is helpful in reducing blood flowing to the treatment sites. What's more? It significantly reduces the swelling.

3. Avoid Strenuous Activities

Engaging in vigorous exercises or strenuous activities is also something you should avoid. This can exacerbate the post-operative swelling. In this case, it's important that you avoid heavy lifting, excessive workouts, and heat exposure (e.g., saunas or hot baths). Avoid it for at least 7 days after the facial threads are placed under the skin.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a balanced diet is important here. That is, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods. It plays a big role towards reducing post-op swelling. So, your diet should include:

● Fruits.

● Vegetables.

● Lean proteins.

And, remember to keep off excessive salt and processed foods.

5. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is important when managing swelling after undergoing a thread lift treatment. So, what to do in this case? Drinking a lot of water. It's important for overall healing. And, it can help reduce post-operative swelling. Aim for 8 glasses of water in a day. This is helpful in keeping your body well hydrated.

6. Follow Your Specialist's Aftercare Instructions

Now, this is a very important step. Your cosmetic specialist provides “specific after-care instructions” customized to your requirements. So, follow the aftercare instructions to the latter. This is important as it enhances optimal healing and minimizes swelling. But don’t fail to reach out to your cosmetic surgeon if you experience any unusual symptoms during the healing process.

Bruising After PDO Threads

Bruising after PDO threads is a common side effect and is usually normal. It's caused by the insertion of the threads into your skin and tissues beneath. Other things that may cause bruising after PDO threads include:

● Blood vessel damage: When blood vessels are damaged, blood may leak into the surrounding tissue, causing bruising (ecchymosis).

● Hematoma: In rare cases, a larger blood vessel may be damaged. This causes a hematoma (the accumulation of blood outside of the blood vessel).

● Some medications: For example blood thinners, and pre-existing conditions can increase the risk of bruising.

● Things like high-intensity exercise or sauna use: These increase blood flow and potentially exacerbate bruising after PDO threads are inserted.

Now, while some bruising after PDO threads are placed is expected, excessive or prolonged bruising may indicate deeper issues and should be addressed with your provider.

But there are several things you can do to reduce bruising after PDO threads. For example, as we've mentioned earlier:

● Head elevation.

● Cold compresses.

● Avoid blood thinners.

● Gentle handling.

● Over-the-counter pain relief.

● Topical treatments.

Most importantly: Follow your provider's instructions. Adhere to all post-procedure instructions provided by your practitioner, as they may have specific recommendations for your individual case.

Final Thoughts

Swelling 2 weeks after thread lift? This is totally fine. But, as long as it’s not excessive or accompanied by concerning symptoms. So, keep monitoring for any hardness, redness, or lingering heat, as those could be signs that there's something wrong.  

Always call your dermatologist if you’re uncertain. But if things look good and your face is settling into a refreshed new look, just keep up with the aftercare instructions as given by your specialist. This is the only and best way to ensure swelling doesn't cause a concern. And probably, you'll enjoy PDO thread lift results for a long time.

Partner With Diaminy Aesthetics Today and Glow with Confidence

Looking forward to taking that full face threading “after” selfie? Then, take good care of your skin after thread lifting treatments. Follow proper aftercare.

Want optimal cosmetic outcomes from your thread lift treatment? Well, here's what to do: Partner with Diaminy Aesthetics today for FDA-approved PDO threads. Contact us today to fine-tune your thread lift results and secure those long lasting, youthful benefits.