Thread Lift Singapore Gone Wrong: How to Fix Common Issues
Choosing to go for a thread lift in Singapore might be the best decision if you’re looking for a minimally invasive procedure to lift and tighten the skin on your face. The best part about getting a thread lift is that the procedure offers quicker recovery times than traditional facelifts.
Here’s the twist; as with any other aesthetic procedure, results can sometimes fall short of expectations. In extreme cases, it can even lead to complications.
Knowing how to recognize when a thread lift has gone wrong and what steps to take to address complications can save not just your face but also your life. On this page, we will explain what thread lifts are used for, who makes a good candidate, and how to identify and manage potential complications if something does go wrong. Let’s begin!
What are Thread Lifts and What are they used for?
A thread lift is a non-surgical procedure for subtly lifting sagging facial areas. It involves inserting thin, dissolvable threads beneath the skin. These threads have small barbs that hook into the skin tissue to gently pull it upward for a firmer appearance.
Thread lifts can target various areas, including the cheeks, jawline, neck, and brows. They are commonly used to address mild to moderate sagging.
Thread lifts also promote collagen production. The threads gradually dissolve over months, but their presence stimulates the body’s natural healing response, a process which boosts collagen levels.
These changes lead to smoother, firmer skin over time. Results from thread lifts typically last for about 12 to 36 months.
Who Should Get a Thread Lift?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a thread lift in Singapore. Ideally, you may only be cleared to get a thread lift in Singapore if you meet these conditions;
- Have Mild to Moderate Skin Sagging: Thread lifts are best for persons with mild sagging. Those with severe sagging may not achieve their desired outcome and might benefit more from surgical options like a traditional facelift.
- Best Age and Skin Elasticity: Typically, those aged 30-55 see the best results from thread lifts. Younger patients have enough skin elasticity for the threads to be effective. Older patients may experience limited improvements.
- Good Overall Health: You must be in good health to be approved for thread lift in Singapore. Being in good health here typically means not having any serious medical conditions that could interfere with healing. Examples include autoimmune disorders and blood clotting issues.
- Having Realistic Expectations: It is also imperative that you have realistic expectations regarding the results. While a thread lift can offer noticeable improvement, it’s not a substitute for more extensive procedures. Done correctly, it will only provide a subtle, natural enhancement rather than dramatic changes.
What Are the Signs of a Thread Lift Gone Wrong?
While thread lifts are generally safe when performed by qualified practitioners, complications can still occur. Here are some common signs that indicate a thread lift may have gone wrong:
- Excessive Pain or Discomfort: Some mild discomfort is expected after a thread lift. However, if pain is intense or persists beyond a few days, it could indicate an issue. This might be a sign of improper placement or nerve irritation.
- Allergic Reactions: Thread materials are usually biocompatible. However, allergic reactions can still occur but in rare cases. Swelling, itching, and redness that worsen rather than improve could signal an allergy to the threads.
- Mobility Issues: If facial expressions feel restricted or movements seem unnatural, it could mean that the threads were placed incorrectly. It could also indicate that too much tension was applied which is making the skin to feel tight.
- Unnatural Appearance: A thread lift should result in a natural, refreshed look. If the skin appears uneven, overly tight, or has noticeable dimpling, it could indicate that the threads were inserted improperly or the wrong type was used.
- Infection: Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, and pus around the insertion points. Infection needs prompt medical attention, as untreated infections can lead to more severe complications.
- Nerve Damage: While rare, nerve damage is possible if a thread lift is not performed correctly. Persistent numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation could indicate nerve involvement, and a healthcare provider should evaluate this immediately.
How to Fix a Thread Lift Gone Wrong
Experiencing complications from a thread lift can be distressing. Luckily, there are several options to address and correct the issues. Here are six things you could do if your thread lift has gone wrong.
- Consult with a Specialist: The first step in addressing any problem is to consult the practitioner who performed the procedure or another qualified aesthetic doctor. They can assess the problem’s severity and recommend the best corrective action.
- Pain and Discomfort: For pain that persists beyond the typical recovery period, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to help with the discomfort. In severe cases, the doctor might consider removing or repositioning the threads to relieve pressure on sensitive areas.
- Dealing with Allergic Reactions: If an allergic reaction is confirmed, the doctor might remove the threads. Medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids could also be used to manage symptoms. Allergies to threads are rare, but it’s essential to seek prompt treatment to avoid worsening symptoms.
- Addressing Mobility and Appearance Issues: If you’re experiencing facial movement restrictions or an unnatural appearance, adjustments can often be made to improve the outcome. In some cases, additional threads may be required to balance the effect. In others, the provider may reposition or dissolve certain threads to restore a natural look and feel.
- Treating Infections: Infections require immediate attention. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics, and in severe cases, the infected threads may need to be removed. Please follow the prescribed treatment plan, including proper wound care and any medication regimen to ensure complete recovery.
- Managing Nerve Damage: Persistent numbness or tingling may require a consultation with a neurologist to assess the extent of any nerve involvement. Most nerve issues resolve over time. However, a specialist can guide specific treatments, such as nerve stimulation or physiotherapy, to aid recovery.
- Removing Threads: When complications cannot be managed conservatively, thread removal may be the best option. This is usually a simple outpatient procedure, and although it requires minor downtime, it can effectively eliminate problematic threads. Recovery following removal varies, but most patients experience improvement within a few days to weeks.
In Closing
A thread lift can offer a non-surgical way to rejuvenate the skin, but complications are possible if the procedure goes wrong. To ensure that you achieve safe, natural-looking results, keep in touch with your provider and alert them promptly if you experience changes or symptoms that are bothering you. If you’re in Singapore, find a board-certified provider below;
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic – Dr Edwin Lim
#02-12/13, Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Central 1,
Singapore 486038
By appointment only:
#05-51, Lucky Plaza
304 Orchard Road
Singapore 238863
+65690042218
+6596372218 (WhatsApp)
