Precautions and Effects Before and After Thread Lifting

Thread lifting is a procedure recommended when a certain degree of skin elasticity remains. Because the threads work by lifting the tissue, the results are much more natural and longer-lasting when some elasticity remains than when elasticity has significantly decreased. From the mid-to-late 30s, collagen begins to decrease noticeably. If you start to notice changes such as sagging cheeks or a less defined jawline, it may be a good time to consider the procedure.

Above all, thread lifting is also meaningful from a preventive perspective. When performed before sagging becomes severe, the desired effect can be achieved with fewer threads, and the results tend to look more natural. On the other hand, if it is performed after sagging has progressed significantly, the treatment area may become broader and the results may not meet expectations. Your current skin condition, rather than your age, should be the main 기준, and if you have begun to notice changes, we recommend consulting a medical professional to determine whether now is the right time.

Why do some people say that thread lifting had no effect?

When looking for information about thread lifting, you may come across reviews saying, “It had no effect” or “I quickly returned to how I looked before.” Why can the results differ so much for the same procedure? In fact, there are clear reasons for this difference.

The biggest reason is receiving a procedure that does not suit the individual’s condition. When sagging has already progressed significantly or skin elasticity has greatly decreased, it can be difficult to achieve the desired effect with thread lifting alone. In such cases, a more intensive method, such as a facelift, may be needed. However, if thread lifting is chosen without a thorough diagnosis, the results may inevitably fall short of expectations. The problem is that a procedure unsuitable for the individual’s condition was selected from the beginning, and this often leads to the misconception that “thread lifting is ineffective.”

The second reason is the treatment design. If the insertion location, depth, and direction of the threads do not suit your facial structure, the effect may be limited. The areas where sagging begins, skin thickness, and degree of elasticity all differ from person to person. If these factors are not taken into account and the procedure is performed in a standardized manner, the desired areas may remain unchanged, leaving disappointing results. Thread lifting is a procedure in which the practitioner’s experience and understanding of facial anatomy greatly influence the outcome. This is why you should check the medical professional’s experience and diagnostic ability before considering price or the number of reviews.

The third reason is inadequate post-procedure care. Applying strong stimulation before the threads have sufficiently settled into the tissue or being exposed to high temperatures may weaken the threads’ fixation and cause the effect to diminish early. This is why aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself.

Questions to ask during a thread-lifting consultation

Many people feel unsure about what to ask before a consultation. We strongly recommend confirming the following two points.

“Is thread lifting suitable for my skin condition, or would another method be better?” If the clinic carefully examines your face and provides a well-founded explanation, it may be considered trustworthy. A truly good medical professional will honestly tell you when a method does not suit your condition. Be cautious of clinics that respond only with assurances that “it will definitely work.”

“Which threads will be inserted, in which locations, and how many will be used?” Check whether the clinic explains the treatment plan in specific terms. A clinic that explains the type of threads used, whether they are certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, as well as the insertion locations and the basis for the plan, may be capable of providing a customized procedure. At clinics that use only a predetermined method without customized planning, it is difficult to expect results optimized for your face.

We recommend evaluating the clinic based on how specific and honest the answers to these two questions are. A good consultation is also a process of identifying your condition and realistically adjusting your expectations.

How should you prepare on the day of a thread-lifting procedure?

Preparing on the day of the procedure is not complicated. However, knowing a few things in advance can help the procedure proceed much more smoothly.

First, it is advisable to avoid strong skincare products or makeup that may irritate the treatment area from the morning of the procedure. After cleansing, it is appropriate to arrive with only a light application of basic skincare products. Alcohol, which excessively promotes blood circulation, should be avoided from at least three days before the procedure. If you are taking medication that affects blood clotting, such as aspirin or an antiplatelet drug, you must inform the medical professional in advance. Poor hemostasis may cause severe bruising or prolong recovery.

The procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour, but including the time needed to apply and wait for the numbing cream to take effect, it is advisable to allow approximately one and a half to two hours for your visit. We recommend not scheduling important appointments or demanding activities immediately afterward and leaving your schedule open so that you can get sufficient rest that day.

Things you should never do after thread lifting

Post-procedure care directly affects the results. In particular, the first two weeks, while the threads are settling into the tissue, are the most important period.

Avoid saunas, Korean-style heated rooms, and hot baths for one to two weeks. High-temperature environments may weaken the threads’ fixation and cause swelling to persist longer. For the same reason, it is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise that raises your body temperature.

Never rub or massage the treatment area vigorously. Applying strong stimulation before the threads have settled may cause them to shift, reducing the effect or resulting in side effects such as an uneven appearance. Even when cleansing your face, it is safest to wash gently with water only.

In addition, it is advisable to limit excessive facial expressions and actions that require opening your mouth wide during the first few days. You may feel a pulling sensation when yawning or laughing broadly, but this is a natural reaction as the threads settle, so there is no need to worry excessively. Immediately after the procedure, the results may not be clearly visible because of swelling, but the actual effect can be assessed after approximately two to four weeks, once the swelling has subsided.

Thread lifting produces the desired results only when timing, diagnosis, treatment design, and aftercare all align. It is not at all too early to take an interest in it from your 30s, and there are usually reasons behind reviews claiming that it had no effect. Before undergoing the procedure, learn enough about it, consult carefully to determine whether it suits your condition, and then make your decision.

| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1–15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry the risk of side effects and complications, which may vary from person to person. Before treatment, be sure to have a sufficient consultation with a medical professional with extensive experience before making a decision. |