Will Removing Threads 4 Years Post Thread Lift Cause Jowl to Sag?

Sounds like you are one of the lucky few that had a good experience with the threadlift. A recent study showed that the threads and the lift lasted no more than 3-4 months in most comers. I disagree that the scar tissue has had an effect. In my experience the only way to have an enduring lift is to lift and tighten the SMAS. Go ahead and let your docotr remove the threads!

After several months the threads which repositioned the jowls and deeper structures have done their job. Scar tissue has secured these structures in their new position and are not needed any more.

The best person to assess if the threads should be removed is the surgeon that is examining you. Thread lifts are able to have an effective hold for about one to two years so after this time there should not be any drooping or loss of support by removing them. It would probably be a good time to remove them so they do not become visible or palpable in the future.

It is difficult to know for sure but usually thread lift longevity is not more than 2 years. The reason why is the tissue that the threads suspend weakens or the threads pull through. Removing these threads at this point will USUALLY not cause significant changes in the way you look. You should have a clear discussion with your plastic surgeon and be prepared that, while unikely, there may be changes after the threads are removed.

If you have any doubts about what your surgeon is telling you then you need to get a second opinion. If he/she feels the threads can and should be removed then that is your best guide. Having done a few of these procedures over the years, I can tell you the reason they are no longer available is that the lift only lasted a few months at best. Therefore, if should make little difference if they are removed four years later. With that said, I would not have a surgery simply to remove them... more

It is unlikely for anything to change if the threads are removed 4 years after the original procedure. I would agree with the other physicians though about the necessity for their removal. In most cases, the threads are only removed due to persistent pain or extrusion of the threads through the skin.

If you had threads placed a few years ago and the jowls are improved then likely you have enough scar tissue that will limit recurrence of the jowls. It is unlikely that removing the threads at this point will cause the jowls to return anytime soon. If your surgeon is performing a neck lift, and he notices the jowls are still present, he can possibly correct them at the same time.

Having performed hundreds of threadlifts and mini lifts, I hardly reccomend removing threads unless they are causing discomfort, or have broken and migrated. Since you are having an additional surgical procedure, removal will not likely cause your jowl to sag, although you make experience more bruising and swelling as a result of removing the threads. You should discuss this further with your surgeon.