I had a bad thread lift and hate the shape it left me with. How hard is it to remove the threads in a mini face lift? (photos)

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan. It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

So sorry to hear about your difficulties. I've seen many patients with problems after threads and some can be easily fixed and others are more complicated. A personal evaluation would be necessary to determine the best treatment necessary to get you back where you want to be. Sometimes a more involved for of facelift is necessary to get to the other end of the tread so it can be removed without injuring the tissue too much. By chance are these threads dissolvable? If they are, then maybe just a minilift and let the threads dissolve. If they are permanent threads, then an evaluation with a specialist would be recommended.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa

havw22Sorry you are having this issue and I have never been a fan of threads in the face. Depending on the type of threads, it may be in your best interest to allow dissolvable threads to dissolve, which takes about four months. They can create significant scar tissue, making dissection for even a mini facelift difficult. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to explore the best options for you. Good luck.

I'm sorry to hear your experience with the threads. These have come and gone several times as "fads" in cosmetic medicine. The problem is that now even nurses are performing this procedure on patients that borders on surgery in my opinion. That just shouldn't be allowed. Yes, they can be removed, but it's not as easy as you might assume. I'd suggest getting into see a trusted plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.

 Hi, It depends on what type of threads wee used (dissolvable versus permanent) and where and how deep they were placed.  Non smiling, resting photos of your face from the front and side would help in the evaluation along with any information regarding thread type, number placed and their general location.     I have had occasion to perform lower facelifts on many patients who had thread lifts performed elsewhere.  The general rule is that if the threads are not causing some aesthetic issue, then they are not removed unless encountered during the typical facelift dissection.  In other words, you don't dissect further or deeper into facial tissues looking for the threads.  If however, the threads are causing tissue pull or distortion that will not be corrected during the facelift dissection, the anchor points of the threads can be located and cut...thereby releasing their tension and adverse effects.  I have performed many SMAS facelifts for over 30 years and have performed many minimally, invasive SMAS facelifts.  The reality is, there are many different ways to perform a facelift from incision length, incision placement, level of tissue dissection (skin only, SMAS, Deep Plane, Subperiosteal), different degrees of tissue undermining, how to lift and support (imbrication versus plication of the SMAS layer), how much excess skin to trim, is excess fat going to be reduced and finally will the overall shape of the face be made more feminine or masculine (while avoiding the over pulled, windswept appearance).  Price is determined by the reputation, location and experience of the Facelift Surgeon.
 In my humble opinion however, there are some basic requirements that must be met in order for a facelift to be "effective", yielding "aesthetic pleasing" and "naturally attractive" results.  These include: 
 1. Some type of incision either curved around the front (preferred) or straight in front of the ear.  This is how excess skin is removed which is not possible with an incision behind the ear alone.  If you have so little excess skin on the face that "none" needs to be removed you are not a candidate for a facelift in the first place.
2. The facelift must address correction and softening of the "jowls" using a long lasting and effective technique.  If you have "jowls” these are sagging facial tissues and the main indication for some form of a SMAS facelift.  The underlying SMAS layer, of the face, must be dissected, lifted, trimmed and re-sutured (not merely folded or suspended with threads or sutures that will not last).  The excess skin is then removed and the facelift incisions closed.
3. Facial shaping must be combined to properly shape the cheeks, chin, jaw line and lips for feminizing or masculinizing the face as the case may be.
 If you have "jowls” these are sagging facial tissues and the main indication for some form of a SMAS facelift.  The underlying SMAS layer, of the face, must be dissected, lifted, trimmed and re-sutured (not merely folded or suspended with threads or sutures that will not last).  The excess skin is then removed and the facelift incisions closed.
 My most popular SMAS facelift is the minimally invasive, short incision SMAS facelift that has all the benefits of more invasive facelifts (traditional, mid-face, deep plane, cheek lift and subperiosteal facelifts) but with these added benefits:
very small incisions and no incisions extend or are placed within the hair.
minimal tissue dissection less bruising and swelling rapid recovery ( several days instead of weeks or months with the more invasive type facelifts mentioned)
can be performed in 90 minutes or less, with or without general anesthesia
proper SMAS Imbrication technique
no incisions within the hair no hair loss
excess fat can be removed from the face and neck
excess skin removed from the face and neck
cheeks, chin and jaw line can be augmented with dermal fillers (I prefer Restylane Lyft) or facial implants
most patients fly back home to parts all over the world in as little as 3 days post-op
I combine facial shaping with every facelift procedure.  When jowls are present, these should be done in concert and not alone or separately in order to create a naturally, more attractive face.
Hope this helps. 

Threads can be removed if they are permanent threads, however, there may be scar tissue around the threads.  The procedure can be performed with success in the right hands.   I would suggest a formal in person examination/evaluation with a facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in mini-facelifting surgery.  Make sure you see numerous before and after photos with results you like and seek.  Have your operative reports handy during the consultation and discuss exactly what your concerns are with the thread lift result.Best wishes,Dr. S