Cases where problems occur with thread lifts: failure patterns seen in research data
For those concerned about facial sagging and wrinkles,thread liftwhile it draws attention, complications such as post-operative asymmetry,tightening (unevenness of the skin), palpability or exposure of the threads, and prolonged swelling or bruising can occur, and there are cases that are unsatisfactory.
In reviews, you see voices like "it looks unnatural" or "the effect disappeared quickly." Such dissatisfaction tends to occur from mismatches between the procedure and the conditions—indication (degree of sagging, skin thickness), thread type, misplacement of the insertion layer, and how anchoring points are taken.
Threads—lifteven so, not every procedure brings the same result. For example,Savoia et al.'s study (Savoia A et al., 2014) showed the success rate of a procedure using Happy Lift™, confirming it is effective under specific conditions—but that does not apply to all situations.
Below, we explain the complications reported in the literature and the conditions under which they tend to occur.
1. What are the risks to avoid?
Regret tends to arise when one undergoes the procedure while mistakenly believing that "threads alone can sufficiently improve the cause of sagging (excess skin / amount of fat / bone structure)." Since a thread lift aims not only at "lifting" but at fixation and support, when it is outside its indication, you tend to feel a lack of effect; conversely, entering a layer where the indication doesn't fit tends to lead to the aforementioned complications.
2. The "three common points" to keep in mind
Common point 1: Misjudging the limit of the effect tends to lead to "insufficient effect"
A thread lift is not a treatment that, like surgicalfacelift, widely dissects and fixes the skin and SMAS, so in cases of severe sagging there is a limit to the "amount of lift." As a result, at the stage when the swelling subsides after surgery, you tend to feel "it didn't change as much as I thought" or "it relapsed quickly." It is important to confirm before surgery, by area (cheek, facial line, mouth, etc.), "how much improvement can be expected."
Common point 2: Missing the indication selection tends to cause complications
Tong et al.'s study (Tong L, Rieder E, 2019) is a review on thread lifts; because it spans multiple procedures and thread types, it is not a context for presenting a single, generalized satisfaction rate (e.g., 95%). Rather, it discusses the importance of selecting patients and procedures on the premise of carefully judging the indication (degree of sagging, skin thickness, tissue characteristics, etc.) and the various events reported as complications.
Common point 3: The thread's "insertion layer" and "how anchoring is taken" determine cosmetic problems
Garvey et al.'s study (Garvey P et al., 2009) is a report dealing with the older-generation threads of the time (barbed sutures / Contour Thread, etc.), which are not identical in material, design, or technique to current absorbable cog threads. However, what is important as a suggestion is that if the insertion layer, vector design, or the approach to anchoring points is inappropriate, "problems that directly affect appearance" can occur after surgery. Even with current technology, selecting the layer according to anatomy and adjusting tension determine the result.
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3. Summary (checkpoints for reducing regret)
To reduce regret, there are four points you want to confirm: (1) whether a thread lift is indicated for the cause of your sagging (are there conditions that make insufficient effect likely?), (2) the possible post-operative complications and how they will be handled, (3) the type and design of the threads used, and (4) whether the explanation of symptoms that can occur during downtime (swelling, bruising, discomfort) is concrete. Consider the procedure after clarifying these in a consultation.
*Treatment has results and risks that vary by individual, so please decide after thoroughly consulting a doctor.
About the author
Hiromitsu Nakamura Physician
Zetith Beauty Clinic Ginza, Osaka, Fukuoka
He has a track record of presenting research at academic conferences in Japan and internationally, and is also involved in technical guidance and education across all Zetith Beauty Clinic locations. He specializes in precise rhinoplasty grounded in anatomical evidence, pursuing natural results tailored to each individual's bone structure and tissue.
References
- Savoia A, Accardo C, Vannini F, et al. Outcomes in Thread Lift for Facial Rejuvenation: a Study Performed with Happy Lift™ Revitalizing. Dermatology and Therapy. 2014 DOI
- Tong L, Rieder E. Thread-Lifts: A Double-Edged Suture? A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Dermatologic Surgery. 2019 DOI
- Garvey P, Ricciardelli E, Gampper T. Outcomes in Threadlift for Facial Rejuvenation. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2009 DOI
- Savoia A, Accardo C, Vannini F, et al. Outcomes in Thread Lift for Facial Rejuvenation: a Study Performed with Happy Lift™ Revitalizing. Dermatology and Therapy. 2014 DOI