Understanding thread lifts

Thread lifts are often marketed as a quick, minimally invasive, nonsurgical cosmetic procedure with little downtime and few risks. However, despite their popularity, thread lifts can lead to complications when not performed correctly, particularly when safety protocols are ignored or unsuitable techniques are used.

Common types of thread lift procedures include:

• Fox eye thread lifts: designed to lift and elongate the eye area.
• Neck thread lifts: used to tighten sagging skin around the neck and jawline.
• Nose thread lifts: intended to reshape or define the nose without surgery.
• Eyebrow thread lifts: used to raise and contour the brows for a more youthful appearance.

When a thread lift goes wrong, it can result in visible irregularities, nerve damage, infection, prolonged pain and emotional distress.

Can you fix a botched thread lift?

In many cases, the effects of a botched thread lift can be corrected, but it often requires further intervention from a skilled healthcare provider. The appropriate treatment depends on the specific issue.

• Thread removal: if threads are visible, migrating, causing pain or have led to infection, they may need to be surgically removed. This must be done carefully by an experienced practitioner to avoid further complications.
• Corrective procedures with dermal fillers: corrective filler treatment can help smooth irregularities, fill in dimples, and restore facial symmetry where the thread lift has distorted the skin’s appearance.
• Laser therapy: laser treatments may be used to reduce surface scarring or improve uneven skin texture caused by the initial procedure.
• Massage: in minor cases, a professional may recommend gentle massage to help smooth dimpling as the threads settle into the tissue.
• Antibiotics: if an infection is present, it must be treated with antibiotics before any other corrective measures are taken.

It is crucial to seek a second opinion from a reputable plastic surgeon or dermatologist to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

What are the risks and potential complications of a thread lift?

Thread lifts are often promoted as a minimally invasive, low-risk alternative to traditional facelift surgery. However, like all cosmetic procedures, they are not without risk. While many people undergo thread lifts without serious issues, some experience complications that may result from poor technique, substandard care or inadequate aftercare. It is important to distinguish between minor, short-term effects and more serious complications that could indicate a thread lift has gone wrong.

Common and temporary side effects

Minor side effects are relatively common following a thread lift and are generally considered part of the normal healing process. These usually resolve within one to two weeks and do not typically require medical intervention:

• Bruising, swelling, bleeding, and pain: it is normal to experience some bruising, swelling and tenderness at the thread insertion points. These side effects are generally mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and rest. They should gradually subside as the skin begins to heal.
• Dimpling or irregularities in the skin: skin puckering or dimpling may appear shortly after the procedure, especially in areas of frequent facial movement such as around the mouth or cheeks. This effect usually resolves on its own as the threads settle and the surrounding tissue adapts.
• Mild discomfort or sensitivity: it is also common to feel mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated areas, particularly when touched or during facial expressions. This is typically short-lived and improves without intervention.

Serious complications

While any cosmetic procedure carries some level of risk, serious complications from a thread lift are not part of a normal recovery that you should seek medical attention for:

• Infection: this is a recognised risk of any procedure involving skin penetration, including thread lifts. However, if an infection occurs due to unsanitary equipment, poor hygiene or inadequate aftercare advice, it may indicate negligence. It is also essential that any signs of infection are identified and acted upon promptly. A surgeon must be able to recognise early symptoms - such as increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, pus, unusual discharge or fever and respond appropriately by prescribing treatment or escalating care when necessary. Failing to do so could allow the infection to worsen, potentially resulting in tissue damage or avoidable scarring.
• Visible threads or thread migration: threads should be placed at an appropriate depth beneath the skin. If they are inserted too superficially, they may become visible or palpable, leading to aesthetic concerns. Threads may also move from their intended position, creating an uneven appearance or, in severe cases, extruding from the skin. These outcomes often suggest poor technique or lack of proper planning.
• Facial asymmetry: a balanced and symmetrical lift requires precise technique and careful pre-procedure planning. If threads are unevenly placed or pulled with unequal tension, one side of the face may appear higher or more lifted than the other. This can result in an unnatural or distorted appearance, often leading to emotional distress for the person affected.
• Nerve damage: thread lifts should avoid contact with facial nerves. If a surgeon inserts threads inappropriately or at the wrong depth, there is a risk of damaging nerves, which can lead to numbness, tingling, muscle weakness or even facial paralysis. Although rare, these complications can be long-term and may be considered negligent if avoidable errors were made.
• Severe pain or discomfort: mild discomfort is expected after a thread lift, but persistent pain, tenderness or difficulty moving facial muscles - particularly opening the mouth - may indicate that threads have been placed incorrectly, too deeply or near a sensitive area. Pain that interferes with daily life or fails to improve with time warrants medical review.
• Allergic reactions: thread lifts use materials such as polydioxanone (PDO) or polylactic acid (PLA), which are generally well tolerated. However, if an individual has an allergy to these substances and this was not identified beforehand, the resulting reaction could be the result of clinical negligence. A comprehensive patient history should be taken before any procedure, and known allergies must be taken seriously to avoid avoidable harm.
• Scarring: some degree of scarring at the entry points may be expected, but it should be minimal and in line with what the surgeon discussed prior to the procedure. If excessive or inappropriate scarring develops - especially if the threads were inserted incorrectly or if an infection was left untreated - may indicate poor technique or insufficient post-procedure care. Unexpected or disfiguring scarring can have a lasting psychological impact and may give grounds for a compensation claim.