Thread Lift Downtime: Swelling 2-4 Weeks, Bruising 1-3 Weeks

How long do swelling and bruising last after a thread lift?

Studies reported that after a thread lift, swelling mostly settled within 2 to 4 weeks and bruising within 1 to 3 weeks, generally without treatment.

A meta-analysis pooling 26 studies (2,827 people) reported swelling in 34% and bruising in 26%, making them common reactions. Another meta-analysis also found swelling to be the most common reaction and reported a higher risk of complications with non-absorbable threads and in people aged 50 or older.

The degree of swelling and bruising depends on the type of thread, the treatment area and the condition of an individual's skin and blood vessels. Studies reported that barbed threads, PCL threads and midface treatment were more associated with swelling and bruising.

Are dimple-like indentations a concern?

CELITA Clinic explains that dimple-like indentations after a thread lift usually become natural as the swelling goes down.

Skin dimpling was reported in 7% in one meta-analysis and 10% in another. Because early swelling can hide dimpling, checking progress 1 to 2 days after treatment is described as important, and a slightly raised look at the outer corners of the eyes is described as becoming natural within 2 to 3 days as swelling goes down.

However, visible threads, skin dimpling and thread migration that remain after 4 weeks are classed as late complications. In this case, rather than waiting for them to improve on their own, it is a good idea to let the clinic know and have them checked.

What should I be careful about in daily life after a thread lift?

According to CELITA Clinic's guidance, do not open your mouth wide or laugh broadly for 2 weeks, and avoid alcohol, smoking, saunas, swimming and strenuous exercise for 1 week.

Opening the mouth wide can also happen when yawning, eating hard or large foods, or during dental treatment, so it helps to think ahead about your schedule and meals for the 2 weeks. Face washing and makeup can be done lightly from 2 to 3 hours after treatment, without rubbing the treated area.

CELITA Clinic recommends that treatments that can cause bruising or swelling, such as a thread lift, be done on the last day of a trip so they interfere less with your travel plans. People under 19 (international age) cannot have a thread lift.

Which symptoms mean I should contact the clinic?

Signs of infection, threads coming out through the skin, contours that remain bumpy, and inflammatory reactions may not resolve on their own, so contact the clinic.

One meta-analysis reported infection and thread extrusion at 2% each and abnormal sensation at 6%. Granuloma, thread migration, nerve injury and salivary gland injury are rare but reported complications.

If the treated area becomes more and more swollen and hot, pus appears, or pain gets worse instead of easing, treat this as outside the expected course and contact the clinic at 051-928-0409 or through the messenger channel you used to book.

• Signs of possible infection such as worsening swelling, heat or pus
• Thread ends that can be felt or seen outside the skin
• Dimpling, asymmetry or bumpy contours that remain after 4 weeks
• Long-lasting tingling or abnormal sensation

Step by step

1. For 2 to 3 hours after treatment, do not touch the treated area and put off washing and makeup.
2. After 2 to 3 hours, wash gently without rubbing.
3. For 2 weeks, avoid opening your mouth wide or laughing broadly.
4. For 1 week, avoid alcohol, smoking, saunas, swimming and strenuous exercise.
5. Watch how dimple-like indentations change as the swelling goes down.
6. If you suspect infection, see a thread coming out, or have dimpling beyond 4 weeks, contact the clinic.