Unlike traditional facelifts, thread lifts are minimally invasive. This allows them to have less scarring, improved recovery time, and fewer complications. There are even most cases where the surgery has been performed by a non-professional. For instance, the absorbable thread Polydioxanone (PDO) has an easy process for anyone without a bit of knowledge to conduct.
However, several mild to severe risks and complications have been reported because thread lifts involve incisions to insert the threads. Some of the dangers of a thread lift are skin dimpling, asymmetry, thread exposure, swelling and bruising.
And although a plastic surgeon can correct these complications in a relatively simple procedure, time and money are lost. Besides, an expert surgeon should be the right contact point to avoid more mess.
So, here’s an in-depth evaluation of the risks of a thread lift.
But let’s recap on what is a thread lift
Thread Lift Meaning
A thread lift non-invasive surgical treatment aimed at reducing facial wrinkles and tightening sagging skin by lifting the face with elastic threads which stimulate the production of collagen. The threads are secured in the deep layers of the skin after the areas that need lifting are targeted.
Thread lifts can be a great way to feel confident and look younger, but they can also be dangerous and cause problems if you don’t take suitable precautions.
They are not reversible and can cause side effects such as infection, bruising, or scarring. Furthermore, this procedure does not address any other underlying cause of aging.
So, after looking at what a thread lift is, you can identify that it has advantages that can outweigh the risks. We will look at the thread lift aftercare to understand where the cons arise from.
Thread Lift Aftercare
After you undergo a thread lift, knowing what you should do to ensure the best possible outcome is helpful. You need to know some things to take care of your new threads.
A thread lift aftercare starts with ensuring that you do not perform any strenuous exercises for a while. Some people believe that the effects of a thread lift may last for a lifetime, while others believe that a thread lift will last for a few months or a year. But it depends on the materials used.
One thing that is a certainty is that a thread lift will not last forever. According to research, the results of a thread lift can range from four to five years. If you have been considering a thread lift, it might be a good idea to get a consultation from your medical practitioner before going ahead with the surgery. And after you’ve had it done, it is essential to listen to your doctor and follow their instructions.
Expect redness, swelling, and bruising after a thread lift procedure. In addition, there may be some pain or discomfort.
Now, what should be the remedy?
Painkillers can help reduce pain while anti-inflammatory will help with swelling and bruising. Some painkillers like ibuprofen are advised to relieve you from the pain. If you’re experiencing prolonged pain or severe discomfort, you should schedule a follow-up with a physician.
Also, you should avoid sun exposure and the use of anti-inflammatory medication for a few days following the procedure. For most patients, the long-term benefits of a thread lift will outweigh the temporary discomfort experienced during the recovery process.
Another most important thing you can do for your threads is to wear the prescribed compression garments. This will help speed up the healing process, speed up the contracture of the threads, or reduce the need for interventions, such as revision surgery and other risks of a thread lift.
Pros of a Thread Lift
Thread Lifts are a minimally invasive medical procedure that can help you look years younger. The process uses sutures, or threads, to reposition the facial muscles that have begun to sag with age, giving you a more youthful appearance. What’s more? Let’s find out:
- Recovery time. If you do not want to experience the downtime of a facelift, then the thread lift is your best option. A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done in under an hour with very little pain. They are also an excellent option for people who have a busy lifestyle and don’t want to take the time to recover.
- Elasticity. It restores the skin’s elasticity on the face, improves the way it stretches and moves, and supports facial muscles, which may have begun to sag with age.
- Look and feel good. Your neck and shoulders will start to look and feel different in a good way after a thread lift.
- You can combine it with other skin rejuvenation techniques. You can combine thread lifts with other surgical procedures such as facelifts and neck lifts.
- Cost. It is also a relatively inexpensive procedure done in the office and performed under local anesthesia, so there is no need for general anesthesia. Threads are inserted into the skin, then passed under the muscles. The threads are then pulled up, which tightens the skin by pulling the skin upwards, away from the underlying fat. This leaves the skin taut and with a youthful appearance.
- The perfect option is to avoid invasive surgery. Thread lifts are an excellent option for people who want to avoid surgery or are too young for surgery.
Risks of a Thread Lift
The thread lift cost is substantial. However, thread lift disadvantages can outweigh the benefits, severe complications. Some of the risks are discussed below according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
- Post-operative swelling and bruising
- Pain
- Asymmetry
- Allergic reactions
- Anesthesia risks
- Skin dimpling
- Extrusion of a thread
- Infection
- Sensitivity to the sun or other bright light
- Unwanted outcomes
Post-operative swelling and bruising.
It is not uncommon for patients to experience bruising after a thread lift. Most of the time, this increases in one to two days and then begins to fade. This bruising usually resolves on its own without the need for medical intervention.
A compression garment can help reduce bruising and swelling and can be worn for up to one week for optimal results. If the bruising becomes excruciating and does not reduce over two weeks, you may have a condition called a hematoma. In this case, you may need to see a medical professional.
Pain.
The thread lift can cause considerable pain. It is common for patients to experience post-operative pain after a thread lift. It is highly recommended that patients take some prescribed medication to manage the pain. Typical pain usually subsides in 1-2 weeks.
Asymmetry.
When the lifting threads are removed, they can become asymmetric. Asymmetry is a natural and common side effect of the thread lift procedure. It is the condition in which one side of the body differs in shape, size, or function when compared to the other side. This is caused by the tension on the muscles on either side of the face as it heals. It can take six weeks for the asymmetry to heal and to even.
Also, asymmetry may not be as noticeable as an issue with the face or after a breast lifting, but it can be just as frustrating. It can often be difficult for many people to readjust after experiencing asymmetry. It is essential to be patient with your recovery before undergoing corrective surgery. The recovery process is very individual, and the only way to find out what your recovery process will be is by talking with your doctor.
The good news is that treatments help patients overcome the asymmetry after a thread lift. Many plastic surgeons recommend Botox or a chemical peel to reduce the asymmetry. A more drastic solution may be a revision of the thread lift surgery.
Allergic reaction.
Allergic reaction is possible with the procedure, but not likely. The number of instances of allergies is less than 1% of all cases of risks of a thread lift. This is a sensitivity that the patient develops to the materials used in the procedure. A patient will typically develop an allergic reaction within 24 hours of the surgery, which usually happens in the treated areas.
These reactions are typically due to some of the other materials used during the surgery. There are some preventive measures that you can take to avoid this, such as making sure that the materials are not in contact with the skin.
Additionally, doctors will typically test the patient to see if they are allergic to any of the materials used before having the procedure.
Though it’s a rare event, a few of these happen each year. In most cases, people develop an allergic reaction to the treatment on the skin surface. In other words, the person’s skin becomes itchy and red for a few days but then resolves without any further treatment, also sometimes called hyperpigmentation. It occurs when a lousy metal is used in adjusting the embedding threads.
Anesthesia risks.
In sporadic cases, the reaction extends beyond the skin. The patient may experience a response to a specific type of anesthesia or medication used in the treatment procedure. In these cases, treatment is prescribed to treat the reaction.
Extrusion of a Thread.
A recent study found that out of 190 patients, only 10 cases (5.3%) had extrusion, mainly after a PDO barbed suture lift. So, it is a possible side effect of a thread lift. Extrusion is when a thread causes a bulge in the skin that is not desired by the person undergoing the procedure.
Skin Dimpling.
Skin dimpling is a prevalent risk after a thread lift. How does it occur? Mainly, it happens after the subcutaneous barbed suture is placed bumpy or superficially. So, when the wire used is turned, it might cause stress resulting in local dimpling. The good news is that the faster it is discovered, the quicker it’s treated, and the more manageable the recovery.
Infection.
Infection can be an expected outcome of a thread lift when tools aren’t well sterilized, or sometimes they occur naturally. But it’s nothing much to worry about when it happens. Continuous local compression with alcohol and with intravenous and topical antibiotics is enough to heal you.
And while healing occurs, there’s a scar formation that ends in some people and sadly not in others who have had a severe infection.
Learn More about the Risks of a Thread Lift
Shopping for a procedure from a doctor you’ve never met, from the comfort of your living room, might sound too good to be accurate, but it’s a practice growing in popularity and the best solution for age-induced sagging. So, if you are looking for ways to restore your youthful fullness, take a moment to learn about this treatment. The thread lift is one of the most popular choices among people who want to stay looking young.
A thread lift procedure may be done for those who wish to tighten their skin around the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth. This procedure stimulates collagen production and can last around 12 to 18 months.
But you should know about the risks of a thread lift before you decide to get a thread lift. Some people think that a thread lift is a routine surgery that many do, and it doesn’t hurt. On the other hand, some people may have a bad experience with a thread lift and may not want to do it again.
Some of the risks of a thread lift, as discussed, are pain, scarring, infection, skin dimpling, asymmetry, extrusion of a thread, and if the patient has health issues, it could become worse, like nerve damage. Most of these things happen when thread lifts are performed in the wrong areas of the body, especially the face.
Patients should consult with their physician before undergoing the procedure to ensure that they are in good health and aware of the risks of a thread lift.
You can as well find expert advice and resources from Yastrid Medical Aesthetics!
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