We inform patients getting anchoring threads that bruising, swelling and possible puckering can take up to 5 days to settle. Regardless, some people are back at work the next day whilst others will only feel comfortable after a full week or more.
You'll see instant results from the physical lift, but there is more to come since collagen takes 2-3 months to generate fully. You can expect a complete recovery from your thread lift in no more than two weeks.
Any direct pressure onto your face directly over the threads will be sore for about two weeks. It is common to feel some tugging as you move the treated area. This gradually diminishes and is usually minor by two weeks.
Instant and Lasting Results
A PDO thread lift can be expected to offer instant results that will actually improve over the span of two to three months after your treatment. Even as the threads fade, your results will keep going strong.
Following PDO thread lift, patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the suture sites. Over-the-counter medications can help these symptoms, which should resolve within about 3 – 5 days.
Swelling is a common side effect of many cosmetic procedures, including the popular thread lift. A thread lift is a non-invasive procedure that uses special threads to lift and tighten sagging skin. The procedure is minimally invasive, but swelling can occur, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
PDO thread lifts are an outpatient procedure that lets you return to your regular routine right after treatment. You may see some mild discoloration and swelling at the treatment sites, but these go away within 1 – 2 days.
A PDO thread lift will offer significant results straight away, and you'll notice a tightening and lifting of the skin. However, it will take around two weeks for the collagen production to start to get going, and this is when you will see an improvement of the skin's tone, texture and overall quality.
Myth #3: PDO Threads Don't Provide Long Term Results
PDO threads do dissolve after about 6 months, but the effects don't end once they have vanished. PDO threads can provide patients with great results for up to 18 months.
When a PDO thread snaps, patients can feel a sudden sharp pain, which is often accompanied by a popping or cracking sound. This occurs due to the sudden release of tension in the thread.
It is recommended to avoid touching, wetting and washing your face for a minimum of 12 hours after the treatment. Even after that, it is best not to scrub or massage the treated area for around three weeks post-treatment.
Sleeping on your side, or even on your stomach, results in pressure on your face. You need to avoid this for about a week after your thread lift procedure. Try to sleep on your back with your head propped up on a pillow to minimize swelling after a thread lift.
Skin puckering or dimpling
This happens due to the superficial placement of the thread e.g. the anchors catching on the superficial layers of the skin. If it is mild, it will settle on its own along with the natural movement of the skin.
To lessen the normal post-treatment pain and swelling, you might have to avoid exerting too much pressure by smiling, laughing, or talking excessively for 2 weeks. After coping with the swelling and a few days of rest, your natural smile should slowly loosen the dermal threads.
Lumps and/or bumps may temporarily occur at/or along treatment sit(s). These will resolve with time and are seldom a cause of concern 3. Asymmetry and irregularity of the tissues treated is common post treatment and usually resolves itself.
Fortunately, because the threads placed under the skin during a thread lift are so small, the patient will not feel any of this happening. Most people cannot feel their sutures at all once the skin has healed around them.
PDO threads can be difficult to remove due their fragility. The possible need for surgical removal of the threads should be considered when selecting areas for application.
The lifting results are instantaneous. However, the best results are obtained after 3 months as PDO threads also stimulate the production of collagen, which help to tighten and lift the skin.
You will probably see some initial firming and lifting right after your procedure, with your thread lift face results continuing to take shape over the next three weeks or so. As your body begins to naturally generate collagen, your tightened, lifted outcomes should continue to improve for the next few months.
An average of 10 threads per area (cheek or jawline, for example) are used.
ICE: Gently apply cold packs immediately after your treatment to help reduce swelling and bruising. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be taken in case of pain/tenderness. Avoid, if possible, aspirin and NSAIDs (Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen) for 3 days post procedure.
Most thread lifts last 18 months or longer, and once the effects wear off, you can schedule another treatment to maintain beautiful, youthful skin.
It's possible that the threads were not placed correctly or that they did not provide enough lift or tightening for your individual needs. Additionally, it's important to consider factors such as age, skin quality, and lifestyle habits that may impact the effectiveness of the treatment.