Threadlift gone wrong? What do I do? Wedding coming up (Photo)

Question

I am a 45 year old woman who had four PDO threads put in to remedy my prejowls and nasolabial folds. The doctor told me these visible threads will resolve soon but I am getting married in ten days. What do I do?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I am really sorry that you are experiencing this, especially so close to your wedding.  I am concerned that any effort to remove the threads at this time would lead to swelling and tissue changes that are unlikely to resolve in time for the wedding. The use of an appropriate HA filler to elevate and smooth the dents is a very reasonable course and would very likely permit makeup to cover more efficiently and evenly. By no later than next week (to allow for any edema from the threadlift to go down, you would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist.

For the benefit of other readers of this answer who are considering threadlifting, I have taken the liberty of copying and pasting in a cautionary answer I gave to another reader who was considering threadlift, which entailed the development of precisely some of the adverse reactions seen in the photos here..
"I was one of the first to adopt threads when they originally came out in the early 1990s. I even appeared on network television performing a facial threadlift. At that time, the only threads available were permanent (non-dissolving) threads and the promise was that the results would be long-lasting to permanent. Threadlifting was and still is an invasive procedure that is relatively expensive and engenders a significant post-procedure period of downtime. Unfortunately, the promise of the permanent threads was not realized and the results did not seem to last much longer than those more quickly and cheaply obtained with fillers. So, I quickly ceased performing threadlifts and have never resumed--especially since newer and more robust HA fillers came on the scene that offered results lasting up to 1.5 years or more--the same durations as the permanent threads proved to be.  Frankly, it is inconceivable that today's dissolving threads can promise to last longer than the aforementioned permanent threads. Besides, there has been an unacceptably high chance for adverse reactions with threads, such as infection, spitting out of the threads, skin dimpling and puckering, etc--often necessitating an additional procedure to remove them. And, finally, even if threads were ever to prove to give long-lasting results and didn't have the adverse reactions that they in fact do, the need for later cosmetic work would still not be avoided simply because shrinkage of the underlying fat pads, bone, muscle, etc. with the passage of time; gravitational effects; along with changes in the overlying skin from sun and chronologic aging will very likely make further cosmetic interventions necessary down the road. So, exercise a healthy dose of buyer beware when considering threadlifts. For early interventions now, consider fillers, whose regular, periodic use early on (prejuvenation) is currently believed to be able to forestall the need for later expensive, aggressive, and invasive surgical facelifts, necklifts, etc. Hope this helps."

Nadir Qazi, DO · Answer

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I understand that having visible PDO threads can be concerning, especially for a special occasion like a wedding. However, it's important to keep in mind that PDO threads are designed to dissolve naturally over time, typically within 6 to 12 months.
In the short term, there are a few things you can do to minimize the appearance of the threads. One option is to apply makeup to the area to help conceal the threads. Using a concealer that matches your skin tone can help to blend the threads into your skin and make them less noticeable.
Another option is to speak with your dermatologist or the doctor who performed the procedure. They may be able to adjust or trim the threads to make them less visible. However, keep in mind that manipulating the threads in any way can increase the risk of complications or side effects, so it's important to have this done by a qualified professional.
It's important to remember that while having visible threads can be frustrating, they are a temporary side effect of the procedure. In the long term, the threads will dissolve naturally and you should see an improvement in the appearance of your prejowls and nasolabial folds.
In conclusion, having visible PDO threads can be concerning, especially for a special occasion like a wedding. However, there are steps you can take to minimize their appearance, such as using makeup or speaking with your dermatologist or doctor. Keep in mind that the threads are designed to dissolve naturally over time and will improve the appearance of your prejowls and nasolabial folds in the long term.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Leiasm! Due to your circumstances, I would recommend returning to your practitioner to remove the threads. It appears that the threads may have been placed too superficially. I wish you the best of luck and congratulations on your wedding!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Your posted photos demonstrate why Threading is so risky. Plus you waited to close to your big date! Now might try removal ASAP or inject HA fillers to camoflogue the irregularties. Best to seek in person help ASAP.

Threadlift gone wrong? What do I do? Wedding coming up (Photo)

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Answer: Threadlift gone wrong? What do I do? Wedding coming up

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Threadlift gone wrong? What do I do? Wedding coming up (Photo)

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Answer: Threadlift gone wrong? What do I do? Wedding coming up

Answer: Threadlift gone wrong? What do I do? Wedding coming up

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