What are the potential risks of facial thread lifting?

Thread lifting is a facial rejuvenation procedure that improves facial wrinkles by implanting specialized sutures beneath the skin. While thread lifting delivers excellent aesthetic results, it also carries certain risks and potential complications postoperatively—such as localized infection, foreign-body reaction (rejection), suture extrusion, and suboptimal outcomes—making it essential to understand these associated hazards. Below is a detailed overview of the potential risks of thread lifting!

What Are the Risks of Facial Thread Lifting?

1. Localized Infection

Thread lifting may cause localized infection as a side effect. During the procedure, extremely fine cannula needles are used to insert lifting threads into the facial tissues. If the threads or instruments are not adequately sterilized—or if the treatment facility lacks proper disinfection protocols—the patient may develop post-procedural infection. Common signs include redness, itching, swelling, and tenderness. Should any of these symptoms occur, immediate consultation with a physician is essential.

2. Foreign-Body Reaction (Rejection)

Some individuals may experience a foreign-body reaction following thread lifting, often related to the type of suture material used. Reputable hospitals typically use PDO (polydioxanone), PDS (polydioxanone), or PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) threads—materials that have been safely employed for decades in general surgery and orthopedics as absorbable sutures. Provided strict aseptic technique is followed and early adverse reactions are promptly managed, significant rejection responses are rare.

3. Suture Extrusion

Choosing an unqualified clinic or undergoing thread lifting performed by an inexperienced or nonstandardized practitioner increases the risk of suture extrusion—where threads pierce through the skin surface or even protrude inside the oral cavity. This complication arises primarily because the threads used in lifting procedures possess relatively high tensile strength and rigidity, while insufficiently trained practitioners may fail to identify optimal anatomical anchoring points on the skin. Such misplacement can lead to skin breakdown or ulceration. Immediate follow-up evaluation is mandatory upon noticing suture extrusion to prevent further complications.

4. Lack of Noticeable Effect

After complete absorption of the threads (typically within several months), the induced fibrotic tissue gradually softens over the subsequent six months, ultimately returning the treated area to its pre-procedure appearance. Thus, while thread lifting itself does not cause lasting harm, its aesthetic benefits are transient. To ensure both safety and efficacy, patients must seek treatment exclusively at accredited tertiary hospitals and consult board-certified, experienced specialists.

The above outlines the primary risks associated with facial thread lifting. We hope this information proves helpful to you.