Swelling After Thread Lift: Actually, 'Tightness' Lasts Longer | A Physician Discusses the Full Picture of Downtime Without Hiding Anything

Analysis of 192 research papers. Explaining the conditions for who benefits from thread lifts and who doesn't, and how long results last.

"Thread liftand I didn't see much change" — have you heard such comments?In fact, there are clear differences in conditions between those who achieve results and those who don't.

  • Threadlift(Thread lift) — how long does the effect actually last?
  • What research reviews show about thread-lift efficacy and its limitations
  • Characteristics of those for whom results are harder to achieve, and what kind of thread to choose
  • Side effects, risks, and preparation to avoid failure

"I'm concerned about sagging, but I'm afraid of surgery" "I want shorter downtime" — surely many people are considering thread lifts for these reasons. However, undergoing treatment without accurate information can lead to regret. In this article, based on arecent systematic review analyzing multiple research papers carefully,we will honestly explain the effects of thread lifts and the conditions for success.

References

  1. Atiyeh B, Chahine F, Ghanem O. Percutaneous Thread Lift Facial Rejuvenation: Literature Review and Evidence-Based Analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2021 DOI
  2. Kwon H, Choi S, Park G, et al. Clinical Evaluations of a Novel Thread Lifting Regimen Using Barbed Polyglyconate Suture for Facial Rejuvenation: Analysis Using a 3-Dimensional Imaging System. Dermatologic Surgery. 2019 DOI

What Is Thread Lift (Thread Lift)? Explaining the Mechanism and Types of Thread

A thread lift is aprocedure in which absorbable or non-absorbable threads are inserted under the skin to physically lift sagging tissue.It is also called a lunch-breakFacelift,and is characterized by completion in a short time without using a scalpel.

There are broadly two types of threads used.

  • Absorbable threads(PDO = polydioxanone, etc.): are broken down and absorbed in the body. May promote collagen production
  • Non-absorbable threads(polypropylene-based, etc.): remain in the body. Long-term physical support can be expected, but risks differ

Thread shapes also vary widely, including barbed, cog-shaped, and smooth types. As a result,the type of thread used greatly changes how effects appear, how long results last, and the risk of side effects.

What research reviews show about thread-lift efficacy and its limitations

What many people want to know is the reality of thread-lift results. Various information circulates on social media and reviews, but how do medical papers evaluate it?

__RT_Thread lift__

According to asystematic review by Atiyeh et al.published in 2021 (Aesthetic Plastic Surgery journal),upon systematic analysis of thread-lift effects,the main points are as follows:

  • Short-term effects are confirmed: Most patients show relatively high satisfaction 1–6 months after treatment
  • Long-term data are sparse: Few follow-up studies extend beyond 1 year, and the duration of effects varies greatly among individuals
  • Level of evidence is low: Nearly all research is Level IV (mainly subjective evaluation). Rigorous controlled trials are extremely rare

That is, thread lifts do not lack effects. On the other hand,"we cannot definitively say results will last,"is the scientifically honest assessment. So let's now look more closely at what conditions create differences in results.

About the author of this article

Hiromitsu NakamuraPhysician

Zetith Beauty Clinic, Ginza, Osaka, Fukuoka

With a track record of research presentations at national and international conferences, he is also involved in technical guidance and education across Zetith Beauty Clinic. He specializes in precise rhinoplasty based on anatomical understanding, pursuing a natural finish tailored to each person's skeletal structure and tissues.

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