What causes regret with Thread lift? How to prevent 'less change than expected' before treatment

Regret with Thread lift tends to arise more from a gap in results—'less change than expected'—than from complications. In a Japanese study of 1,500 people, 3.4% returned due to insufficient effect, and this was more common in people aged 43 or older and those with more than 10 threads.[1]Knowing in advance how long the effect lasts and what range of sagging skin the threads can reach is a shortcut to avoiding regret.

Where does most regret come from?

The most common issue is that the result falls short of expectations. The study above counts returning due to 'insufficient effect' as a form of dissatisfaction.[1].

Adding more threads does not necessarily increase satisfaction. People with more threads often have stronger sagging to begin with, and results tend to feel less satisfying as a result, the author explains.[1].

How long does the effect last?

The effect is temporary. The Japanese Association for Aesthetic Surgery guidelines state that improvement with Thread lift is temporary, the effect is not large, the duration is short, and adequate explanation is necessary.[2]The recommendation level is 2 (weakly recommended).[2].

A large-scale report indicates the effect lasts about 6–12 months, varying depending on thread material and placement.[3]PDO threads are absorbed by the body in 6–8 months.[3].

Advertisements sometimes state 12–18 months, but research results are not that consistent.[4]A report showing that in half of cases sagging returned within 6 months is also cited.[4].

For whom is it worth comparing other methods?

People with strong sagging or those who are older in age may find value in considering other methods alongside Thread lift. The study authors note that for such people, combining treatment to add volume, treatment to refine skin surface, and surgical lifting may be more appropriate.[1].

The numbers 43 years old or 10 threads are not a line you must not cross. They are a benchmark to consider how far threads alone can reach in your situation.

What are the complications that tend to persist?

Most side effects are temporary and resolve naturally.[5]In a study compiling 59 papers and 14,222 people, the most common were asymmetry, swelling, and bruising.[5].

On the other hand, irregularities, injury to blood vessels or salivary glands, infection, and inflammation are listed as conditions that do not easily resolve on their own.[5]Cheek depression occurs from pulling threads too tightly or incorrect placement, and may be managed by massage or hyaluronic acid injection.[6].

Such complications arise from inadequate technique, poor candidate selection, and insufficient understanding of facial structure.[6]It is reassuring to ask in advance about the rationale for the layer and number of threads.

Can repeated treatments affect future surgery?

It can have an impact. In 10 people who underwent Facelift surgery after receiving Thread lift two or more times, tissue firmness (fibrosis) and deformation were found during surgery, according to a report.[7].

This is a report by one physician of only 10 people and cannot be said to apply to everyone. Nevertheless, if you may consider surgery in the future, it is wise to consult before repeating the procedure.

What should you confirm at your consultation to avoid regret?

You should confirm what degree of change you are aiming for, how long that change is expected to last, and why the thread count was decided that way. An explanation comparing Thread lift to other methods makes decision-making easier.

Whether your sagging skin falls within the reach of threads cannot be determined from an article alone. Have your face examined in person, and ask about what will happen if you see less change than expected or if complications develop.