Mild vs Serious Risks

Thread lift is known to be a minimally invasive procedure for facial rejuvenation. The main target layer of threads is subcutaneous layer. How to design thread numbers, positions, depth, and vector is an art.

The satisfaction level of thread lift from patients and surgeons increased over time. Recent research results show that thread lift for facial rejuvenation was safe, effective, and has fewer complications.

1 Initial use of nonabsorbable threads produced side effects and had a frequent complication and revision rate. Newer published methods using absorbable sutures have shown safer and more effective.

You will have to weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals with the risks and potential complications of a thread lift. Only you can make that decision for yourself.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Possible thread lift risks include:

• 1. Anesthesia risks
• 2. Difficulty opening your mouth (usually temporary)
• 3. Extrusion of a thread
• 4. Infection
• 5. Pain, which could persist
• 6. Sensitivity to sun or other bright light
• 7. Swelling and bruising (haematoma)
• 8. Unfavorable result
• 9. Suture palpability
• 10. Visible dermal pinching

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your doctor.

Who Should Avoid

Thread lifts are therefore best suited to patients who are dealing with mild to moderate, rather than severe, signs of skin laxity.

The ideal thread lift candidate is usually in his or her late thirties to early fifties, whereas most patients over the age of about 55 will benefit more profoundly from facelift surgery. Thread lifts can, however, provide a facelift alternative for older patients who are unable to have surgery for medical reasons.

Because thread lifts can be performed under local anesthesia, many people who have age-related conditions that make them ineligible for surgery (like high blood pressure, type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease) can safely have this treatment. If you have any outstanding health conditions, make sure to talk to your doctor about whether or not a thread lift might be right for you.

Contraindications for Threadlift:

• 1. People with uncontrolled autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis)

• 2. Active Infections/Skin Conditions: Active acne, cold sores, or skin infections in the treatment area.
• 3. Scarring Predisposition: Individuals prone to keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
• 4. Blood Disorders/Medications: Those with hemophilia, bleeding disorders, or taking anticoagulants (blood thinners).
• 5. Severe Skin Laxity: People with excessive, sagging, or paper-thin skin, for whom a surgical facelift might be necessary.
• 6. Allergies: Known allergies to thread materials (e.g., polydioxanone/PDO)

Role of Doctors and Clinic

Choosing the right clinic for a thread lift is critical because the procedure is not “one-size-fits-all” and relies heavily on a deep understanding of facial anatomy to achieve safe, natural, and lasting results.  An experienced clinic ensures precise placement of threads relative to nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments, which is essential to minimize risks like asymmetry, scarring, nerve damage, or thread visibility.

Medical References

• 1. Rezaee Khiabanloo S, Jebreili R, Aalipour E, Saljoughi N, Shahidi A. Outcomes in thread lift for face and neck: a study performed with silhouette soft and promo happy lift double needle, innovative and classic techniques. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18:84‐93.none [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• 2. Tong LX, Rieder EA. Thread‐lifts: a double‐edged suture? A comprehensive review of the literature. Dermatol Surg. 2019;45:931‐940.none [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• 3. de Benito J, Pizzamiglio R, Theodorou D, Arvas L. Facial rejuvenation and improvement of malar projection using sutures with absorbable cones: surgical technique and case series. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2011;35:248‐253.none [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• 4. Kang SH, Byun EJ, Kim HS. Vertical lifting: a new optimal thread lifting technique for asians. Dermatol Surg. 2017;43:1263‐1270.none [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• 5. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/thread-lift/safety