VOV Thread lift swelling and bruising—how many days until improvement? PCL thread progression and when to seek care

After VOV Thread lift, swelling and bruising typically subside over several days to 1–2 weeks.[1][2]The most common complication with thread lifts is swelling, followed by skin depression.[3]Redness, heat, pus, or pain that worsens day by day are signs you should seek care without delay.[3].

When does swelling and bruising go away?

In most cases, swelling and bruising subside within several days to a week.[1]Bruising and swelling at the insertion site may persist for approximately 1–2 weeks.[2].

Swelling is the most commonly reported reaction following Thread lift.[3]Pain, significant swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth may occur.[4]If you have important plans, it is reassuring to allow approximately 2 weeks of recovery time.

Is the recovery course different with PCL thread?

VOV Lift uses dissolvable thread made of PCL (polycaprolactone). According to a large-scale report in Japan, thread made of PDO material is broken down in approximately 6–8 months, while PCL thread may persist somewhat longer, up to approximately 12 months.[5].

On the other hand, PCL thread tends to show a higher incidence of bruising and sensitivity when touched.[6]Barbed thread is also reported to have a higher rate of erythema, bruising, and infection compared to smooth thread.[6].

Note: We could not find any papers in the literature we reviewed that examined VOV Thread lift alone. The figures presented here are based on reports of thread lifts overall.

Is it okay to wait and see if there are indentations or the sensation of threads touching?

Skin indentations (dimple-like depressions) are the second most common complication after swelling.[3]In records from 342 patients at a Japanese clinic group, indentations occurred in 40 people (11.7%), thread sensation in 8 people (2.3%), and temporary asymmetry in 3 people (0.9%).[5].

Indentations occur in approximately 1 out of every 10 people and are not rare. If concerned, do not press on the area yourself; it is best to have the clinic where you received treatment examine it.

What are signs that warrant prompt consultation?

Infection, inflammation, pus accumulation (abscess), and extrusion of threads through the skin have also been reported as complications of thread lifts.[3]If you notice strong redness or warmth, drainage of pus, pain increasing day by day, or the thread tip becoming visible through the skin, contact the clinic promptly.

Sensory changes such as numbness, tightness, or itching have also been reported.[3]Though rare, injury to facial nerves or the salivary gland below the ear (parotid gland) has been noted.[3].

Problems can also arise years later. A case report documented a 61-year-old woman who experienced recurrent inflammation at the temples 4 years after thread lift, where a cyst-like formation (cyst) was found around the thread.[7].

Under what conditions do differences in recovery occur?

Older patients and those using non-absorbable threads tended to have more complications.[3]Absorbable threads are reported to have lower risk of numbness and thread extrusion compared with non-absorbable threads.[5].

Although VOV Thread lift uses absorbable threads, recovery varies depending on the number and placement of threads, skin thickness, and degree of sagging. Even with the same procedure, swelling can differ from person to person.

What should be confirmed during consultation before treatment?

Based on the article alone, you cannot determine how much swelling will occur or how many days off work are needed. Recovery expectations can only be determined after the doctor examines the number of threads, their placement, your age, and your degree of sagging.

During consultation, confirm the number of days you can take off work, what to do if bruising occurs, how to address any indentations, and the contact information for reporting concerning symptoms.