Threadlifts - Procedure

This procedure may involve the use general anaesthesia (GA), but is usually done under IV sedation and local anesthesia (LA).

The operation lasts approximately one to three hours, depending on the areas that need to be addressed and the number of threads that are needed.

Most people who have this type of procedure may need to stay in hospital for a few hours, possibly up to one day.

The operated area will feel a little tight and sore for a few days. If you have had external skin tapes, these will usually be removed after two to three days. There may be a certain amount of bruising and swelling visible in the skin.

After this procedure, you will be given instructions on what you should eat and drink. You should be on a soft diet for at least one week, and eat only small bites with a teaspoon.

When you return home, you should take life very slowly and be extra careful for the first week. Thereafter you should avoid any lifting, stretching or strenuous exercise for three weeks. You should not make any exaggerated facial gestures for at least one week. Male patients should not shave for the first three days, thereafter shaving is permitted but in an upwards direction.

Complications

A minor complication has little risk to the patient's life. The causes for minor complications include unpredictable factors such as a patient's wound healing ability, failure to follow instructions, or just bad luck such as an unexpected allergic reaction to a drug. Ultimately any result that produces an unhappy patient is a complication.

Irregularities and depressions of the skin are a frequent complaint. Mild dimpling or furrows can occur after threadlifts. These usually settle down in a few days and may require a little massage.

After the operation, the skin may feel numb but usually this improves after six weeks or so. Very rarely, numbness may be permanent.

Some amount of swelling and bruising does occur following threadlifts. This is usually mild and settles down on its own in a few days.

If you make vigorous movements in the immediate postoperative period, the barbs on the threads may disengage, and may lead to a slight asymmetry . Please follow your doctor's advice faithfully.

Complications caused by threads are rare. The threads are removable, replaceable, and repeatable. The threads can break, become exposed at the tip, dislodged, or infected. They can be treated symptomatically or removed to be replaced at a later time. The newer absorbable threads eventually dissolve, reducing these possible complications.