What to Expect After a Thread-lift Procedure
If you have recently undergone a Thread-lift Procedure or are considering one, it is important to know what to expect during the recovery process.
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging facial skin using dissolvable sutures. While the results are immediate, the full effect takes time to develop as collagen production is stimulated and the skin adjusts to the threads.
1. Uneven Skin Surface: A Temporary Phase
After a thread lift, it is common for the skin to appear slightly uneven, with small lumps or irregularities at the surface. This occurs because the threads are placed beneath the skin to create the lifting effect, and the surrounding tissue needs time to settle.
These irregularities typically resolve on their own within two to eight weeks. If any unevenness persists beyond this period, a gentle hand massage by your doctor at eight to ten weeks can help smooth out the skin.
However, frequent or aggressive massaging may weaken the threads’ strength, so it should only be done only if it is absolutely necessary.
Patience is key, as the skin will naturally adjust and improve over time.
2. Bruising and Swelling: A Normal Part of Healing
Like any aesthetic procedure, a thread lift can cause bruising and swelling, though the severity varies from patient to patient. Here’s what to expect:
- Bruising usually resolves within one to two weeks.
- Swelling improves significantly in the first one to two weeks, but a small amount (10-20%) may persist for up to three months.
During your post-operative review, we will assess your healing progress and check for any signs of hematoma – a more severe form of bruising that requires immediate attention.
To minimise swelling and bruising, patients should:
- Apply a cold compress for the first 24-48 hours.
- Keep the head elevated while sleeping.
- Avoid strenuous activities and excessive facial movements in the first few weeks.
3. Pain: Mild and Temporary
Pain after a thread lift is generally mild and improves over time. Common experiences include:
- Discomfort when opening the mouth widely, such as when yawning or eating.
- A low-grade, persistent ache in the treated areas.
- These symptoms typically subside within two to three weeks. However, if the pain becomes severe or worsens instead of improving, it is important to return for a review to rule out infection or other complications.
4. Risk of Infection: Rare but Treatable
While infection after a thread lift is extremely rare (approximately 1 in 500 patients), it can happen. To reduce this risk:
- Patients are prescribed oral antibiotics for the first week as a precaution.
- Any signs of infection, such as redness, increasing pain, swelling, warmth, or pus, should be reported immediately.
- If an infection does occur, it is typically treated with antibiotics.
- In rare cases where the infection does not resolve, removal of the threads may be necessary, though this is a last resort.
Final Thoughts
A thread lift is a safe and effective way to achieve a more youthful, lifted appearance without going under the knife. While the recovery process involves some temporary side effects such as uneven skin, bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort, these are all part of the normal healing process and will improve with time.
Attending your post-procedure review is essential to monitor healing and address any concerns early. If you experience any unusual symptoms, contact me or my team at Alaxis Aesthetics as soon as possible.
With proper aftercare and patience, your results will continue to improve, leaving you with a naturally lifted and rejuvenated look.
Contact Us
If you are keen to know more about our thread lift procedures, drop us a WhatsApp message at +65 81257655 to schedule an appointment.
