Quick answer: Thread lift side effects are usually mild and temporary. Most people have swelling, bruising and a tight feeling for one to two weeks. Small dimples and slight asymmetry are fairly common early on and usually settle as tissue relaxes. Less common risks include infection, visible or palpable threads and thread migration. An experienced doctor and good aftercare reduce these risks.
Key takeaways
- Swelling, bruising and tightness are normal in the first one to two weeks.
- Small dimples and mild asymmetry often improve on their own.
- Infection is uncommon but needs prompt treatment.
- Visible or palpable threads can usually be adjusted or removed.
- Technique, thread choice and aftercare all affect risk.
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift uses thin, dissolvable threads placed under the skin through small entry points. Barbed or coned threads hold the tissue and lift it, while the thread material stimulates collagen as it dissolves. Common materials include PDO, PLLA and PCL. In Korea, threads used in clinics are approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
What are the common side effects?
- Swelling: strongest in the first two to three days.
- Bruising: may appear at entry points and fade within one to two weeks.
- Tightness and tenderness: especially when smiling, chewing or yawning.
- Mild discomfort: usually manageable with medication your doctor suggests.
Why do dimples happen?
When threads lift and gather the tissue, the skin above them can bunch or pucker in small areas, creating dimples. This is more common in the first days and often smooths out within one to two weeks as the tissue settles. If a dimple persists, your doctor may gently massage the area or make a small adjustment.
Why might the face look uneven?
Swelling often differs between sides, which can make the face look uneven at first. As swelling settles, most asymmetry improves. True asymmetry from uneven thread placement or tension is less common. If unevenness remains after a few weeks, your doctor can assess whether a small correction is needed.
How common is infection?
Infection is uncommon when sterile technique is used and aftercare is followed. Signs include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, discharge from an entry point or fever. Infections usually respond to antibiotics. In some cases, the thread may need to be removed. Contact your clinic promptly if you notice these signs.
What about visible or palpable threads?
Sometimes a thread can be felt under the skin or, rarely, seen as a line, especially in thin skin. A thread end may occasionally poke through the skin near an entry point. These issues can usually be fixed by trimming, adjusting or removing the thread. They are less common with suitable thread choice and correct depth.
Other less common side effects
- Thread migration: a thread moving from its intended position.
- Nerve irritation: temporary numbness or tingling.
- Salivary gland irritation: rare, near the jaw angle.
- Prolonged pain: unusual, and should be checked.
How to reduce your risk
- Choose a doctor experienced in facial anatomy and thread techniques.
- Ask which thread type and how many threads will be used.
- Avoid wide mouth opening and facial massage for about two weeks.
- Avoid saunas, intense exercise and alcohol for the first week or so.
- Keep entry points clean and follow aftercare instructions.
Who should avoid a thread lift?
People with active skin infections, certain bleeding disorders, very thin skin with heavy sagging, or unrealistic expectations may not be good candidates. Pregnant people should wait. Your doctor will review your health and goals during consultation.
How common are side effects?
Korea treated about 2.01 million foreign patients in 2025, and around 63% came for dermatology, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Thread lifts are a popular non-surgical lifting option. Most people have only temporary swelling and bruising, and serious complications are uncommon in experienced hands.
Frequently asked questions
How long do dimples last after a thread lift?
Usually one to two weeks. Persistent dimples can often be corrected.
Can threads be removed if there is a problem?
Often yes, especially in the early weeks.
Is pain normal after a thread lift?
Mild pain and tightness are normal; severe or increasing pain should be checked.
Can I fly after a thread lift?
Usually after a few days, though swelling may make flights less comfortable.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea – 2025 foreign patient statistics (press release, 2026).
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Republic of Korea – medical device approval information (absorbable lifting threads).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration – absorbable suture device information.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified physician before any treatment.
