Thread Lift Gone Wrong: Photos, Tips and How to Fix

Thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to tighten and lift the sagging skin on the neck and face. In this procedure, needles are used to insert biodegradable threads into the skin, which are anchored to the surrounding tissues to create a lift. 

These threads stimulate the tissues and cause enhanced collagen production for better elasticity and firmness. Thread lifts have been used for decades and have seen many rises and falls in popularity. The procedure's noninvasive and nonsurgical nature has raised interest, and the current market for thread lifts is in the hundreds of millions of dollars (125.62 Million USD in 2024). 

It is expected to increase more in the coming years. Thread lifts are available in many sizes and shapes and are used on the body and face. Nevertheless, the concept of thread lifts is still controversial, and experts are divided about how reliable and effective they are. In 2022 alone, Face Save (the national register for accredited aesthetic practitioners) received 118 complaints about the procedure, 30% more than the previous year. 

There are many disadvantages to this procedure. Here, we will explain what to do if the procedure goes wrong and its pros and cons. We will also discuss its pro tips and how to fix the issues. Stay tuned for more information.

What are the thread lifts? 

As mentioned earlier, it is a procedure that uses multiple threads or sutures on the skin to reposition or lift the sagging skin and stimulate collagen production. The sutures are made of different materials, such as a polyglycolic acid (PGA) blend, poly-L-lactic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, or polydioxanone. 

The suture materials are easily dissolvable, FDA-approved, and slowly absorbed by the body. Thread lifts are becoming popular as a nonsurgical method of lifting tissues. They are also quick and easy, performed under local anaesthesia, and take less than an hour to complete. Their excellent results with minimal side effects make them even more impressive.

Loose and sagging skin around the neck is another issue experienced during ageing, and it is known as Turkey neck. We have summed up everything about Turkey's neck in an article titled, 'Turkey Neck: Best Ways to Get Rid of It'. Visit us to read it. 

The breast region has a different anatomy than the face, so separate methods are used to treat it. We have summed up this issue in another article titled ‘13 Non-Surgical Breast Lift Options for Natural Enhancement.’ Visit our page to read it.

Disadvantages of thread lifts 

Thread lift techniques are often used as direct facelift substitutes but are hardly equivalent. This is important due to the multifactorial nature of the ageing process, with many factors involved that make it much more than just sagging skin. Other factors related to facial skin during ageing that need consideration are bone loss, sagging fat, and volume loss. 

Unlike surgical methods, threading techniques cannot do everything to the skin and don't remove saggy skin. So, it is not a great method for those with severe laxity. It just incrementally improves the skin sagging and doesn't cause the removal or cutting of the skin. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the results of nonsurgical methods of sagging correction are not permanent and last mostly for just nine months. The benefits of collagen stimulation last somewhat longer, at just 1.5 years. 

So, it is necessary to avoid saggy skin. Visit us to read 'How to avoid loose skin after weight loss?' and have a review of our skincare collections for alternative ways to tighten the skin.

What are the factors that go wrong with thread lifts? 

Many factors cause the procedure to go wrong. The major factors are;

Dimpling and skin extrusion

Dimpling and skin extrusion (where the thread comes out of the skin) are two common issues with thread lift. Skin extrusion results from improper skin placement. Visible bumps, lumps, or dumplings occur when a thread is placed in an area without many other threads around it. 

Thread migration

It is also a factor, although it mostly occurs because the threads don't have a barb or anchoring cone to hook into the tissues. Sometimes, it happens with the thicker barbed threads. It mostly occurs because there is more skin that needs lifting. These threads are less pliable and soft than the thinner threads and conform poorly to the facial contour. Just the daily muscle movements start dislodging them. 

Asymmetry

Asymmetry occurs due to the wrong number of threads used on the facial sides or improper placement. The damage to the parotid glands (salivary glands near the eyes) and nerve damage are also additional problems. 

Due to the blind performance of thread lifts, there is also the risk that a barbed hook can go through the gland and nerve, particularly if the suture is not at the correct spot. The risk of infection is always there, although it is the least likely pitfall according to the experts. The absorbable sutures are less likely to cause infections than the permanent ones. 

Our Facial Skincare collections include numerous products suitable for those with concerns about the safety of thread lift. Please have a review to choose the best ones. 

How to correct the thread lift that goes wrong? 

There is good news.  As thread lift is non-permanent, if there is any issue or someone is not happy with it, the problem resolves itself as the thread dissolves. Most of the time, as there is puckering, migration, or extrusion, healthcare professionals just cut the unwanted threads and wait for them to resolve on their own. 

Threads are removed only if there is a serious issue. However, removing the threads, particularly the barbed ones, is complicated. Threads are also removed or added to address problems, e.g., asymmetry.

Getting the best out of the thread lift

The golden rule for cosmetic procedures is to consult a well-versed, experienced healthcare provider who handles this technique. Most people follow the standard diagram for thread placement, but such an approach doesn't work in all situations. Everyone has a different face and needs a healthcare provider who deeply understands the facial anatomy and allows the best possible results with this technique. 

So, it is suggested that you consult a healthcare provider who has performed many thread lifts, is familiar with them, and suggests various alternative facial rejuvenation methods. Ask the doctor about it, frankly. Another important point is that everyone is not an ideal candidate for thread lifts. It is a great choice only for those experiencing the early signs of ageing and with minimal laxity. It is also advised to keep expectations in check and be okay with the non-permanent results. 

In the end, it is important to remember that although thread lift results are variable, they also depend upon where the procedure is being performed. The best approach is to target the laxity around the jaw and neck and address laugh lines and marionette. Some thread lifts, e.g., Brow ones, are not always effective due to the lack of soft tissues and are mostly effective in thinning the skin and larger muscles on the forehead. Some other areas, e.g., the nose, are trickier regions and have the potential for asymmetry.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

What are the methods to remove a bad thread lift? 

If there is any unevenness or imbalance, it is necessary to consult the thread lift care provider to discuss corrective measures according to personal needs. Noninvasive options, such as repositioning and PDO thread removal, can improve symmetry. 

Is it possible to undo a thread lift? 

If someone is unsatisfied with the results, a cosmetic or plastic surgeon can help remove the threads. Recovery is quick, and it is easy to return to normal life. Threads can be partially or completely removed after three months of the procedure. 

Does the face become normal after a thread lift? 

The results of a thread lift are not permanent, and the success lasts for approximately 1-3 years. Like dissolvable dermal fillers, the threads used in this process are easily absorbed into the tissues. Then, a person can return to normal life. 

What are the major methods to repair the damaged thread? 

There are many methods for repairing and restoring the damaged thread. These methods include threaded inserts, mechanical thread restoration, specific chemicals, and specific tools. Consult the care providers about these methods.

How can a thread lift last longer? 

Avoiding massaging or rubbing the face after the procedure is advised for a better outcome. Rubbing the face compromises the results by forcing the threads out of their normal place. 

What are the side effects associated with thread lift? 

The procedure causes potential complications, such as visible sutures in people with very thin skin. Other possible complications include ecchymosis, facial asymmetry, and tumefaction/oedema. Consult healthcare professionals in case of these complications.  

Bottom-line  

If a thread lift results in unsatisfactory outcomes, discomfort, or irregularities, it's important to remember that it's not the end of the road. There are numerous treatment options available. However, in case of complications, it's crucial to seek immediate medical consultation to address issues such as infections and asymmetries. 

In most cases, automatic thread dissolution or minor adjustments are enough to correct the condition. A thorough understanding of the technique and the choice of an experienced healthcare provider help prevent such mishaps. For the procedure to be successful, realistic expectations and proper aftercare are essential.