Side effects of facial thread lifts include common, temporary issues like swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, and skin puckering/tightness, while less common but more serious risks involve infection, asymmetry, thread migration, nerve damage, visible threads (extrusion), and lumpiness or scarring. These risks are often minimized by choosing an experienced provider, following aftercare (like avoiding exercise and facial massage), and being aware of potential long-term issues.
The most common complication was skin dimpling and irregularity. The other complications were ecchymosis, suture extrusion, pain, hematoma, infection, and suture migration. Guida et al published a study about poly‐l‐lactic acid traction thread treatment for mild‐moderate degree of skin laxity of jawline and neck angle.
Disadvantages of a thread lift
One research study found that over 30% of patients experienced an infection after a thread lift. There is also the possibility of threads snapping or migrating, where the sutures break or shift out of place, creating an uneven appearance.
PDO threads can become displaced from their anchoring position within the subcutaneous tissue. Thread displacement may lead to skin erosion, chronic extrusion of the foreign body, skin dimpling, skin necrosis, and asymmetry.
Many people don't realize that there can be potential unwanted side effects with threading such as acne-like breakouts, infections and darkening of the skin. While threading has been around since ancient times, it may just not the best modern-day solution for you to get rid of your unwanted hair!
There is a reason the vast majority of board-certified facial plastic surgeons, myself included, do not offer threads and generally are opposed to their use. Simply, they don't work as advertised.
Each fiber type has its own lifespan when stored properly: Cotton thread: About 5–10 years (up to 12 with great storage). Polyester thread: 20–50 years—this one's the winner for durability. Silk thread: 10–20 years, but requires special care.
CONCLUSIONS. Three rounds of facial threading reduced skin roughness by 26.74% and removed vellus hairs. Facial threading also improved the subjective feel of the skin and its color by one level.
Thin or Excessive Skin Laxity: Those with very thin skin or significant sagging may not achieve the desired lift with PDO threads alone. Current Illness or Infections: Active skin infections, cold sores, or recent illness may increase the risk of complications.
This means that new wrinkles may form, and some degree of sagging can reoccur. On average, patients may begin to notice the effects of aging again about 10 to 15 years after their initial facelift. This timeline can vary depending on individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits.
The thread lift method is particularly effective for initial-stage deformities. Therefore, the target demographic is typically considered to be individuals aged 35-50.
The most gentle and mainstream treatments available, injectable treatments are a great option for many patients. Dermal fillers and Botox are the most popular procedures in the United States for a number of reasons. They're safe, effective, affordable, and offer little to no downtime.
Most patients do not feel the threads once they have been placed under the skin. Some patients may experience a mild sensation or tightness immediately following the procedure, but this typically subsides as the treated area heals.
Week 1: Most visible swelling subsides; facial contours begin to take shape. Week 2–3: Skin starts healing around threads; mild residual swelling may remain. Month 1–2: Threads fully integrate; collagen production enhances lifting effect. Month 3–6: Maximum result achieved; skin looks firmer and more defined.
What is the 3-Thread Rule? The 3-thread rule ensures that a bolt or stud extends at least three full threads beyond the nut to guarantee full engagement. This prevents improper fastening, which could lead to loosening or joint failure.
Threads aren't that hard under these conditions. The main problem with threads is that they're non-composable: the set of locks that a thread holds is basically an implicit dynamically-scoped global variable that can affect the correctness of the program.
To use Threads, users need to be 13 years of age or older. Under 13, the parent or guardian (or manager) should state in the account bio that they are handling the account. Everyone who is under 16 (or under 18 in certain countries) will be defaulted into a private profile when they join Threads.
For those who want to return immediately to their busy, active lifestyles, BOTOX injections may be the best bet. For clients who are seeking a longer-lasting solution for facial aging, a thread lift is a more appropriate procedure.
Celebrities often choose alternatives like vampire facials and micro-needling. They also like LED light therapy, chemical peels, and face yoga. Tailor-made skincare, cryotherapy, facial acupuncture, and advanced laser treatments are popular too. They sometimes go for injections like Xeomin and Dysport.
8 Ways to Get Rid of Unwanted Facial Hair
Threading, in particular, is often favored for facial hair removal because it is precise and gentle on the skin. One of the key advantages of threading over waxing is its precision. Threading allows for more control, making it ideal for shaping eyebrows or removing hair in specific areas like the upper lip or chin.
THE CONS. You can't do a thread facelift everywhere on the face. Small areas of the face aren't suitable for a thread facelift because the needle can't get into hard-to-reach crevices. That's why most thread facelifts are done on the mid-face or lower face.
Typically, a thread lift costs around $2,500, offering a middle ground between non-invasive procedures and traditional surgery. This in-office procedure is perfect for individuals who experience mild to moderate sagging.
Thread can go bad over time, and old thread may not be up to pressure of sewing on a machine. Sometimes, even though the thread you have might look just fine, it can turn out to be too old to do the job. As a result, it will lead to uneven coloring and breakage.
However, it's important to note that there isn't a strict limit on the number of times you can have a PDO thread lift over your lifetime. Many patients safely undergo multiple treatments over the years to maintain their desired look. That being said, we always emphasise the importance of a personalised approach.