Are thread lifts dangerous? The honest answer
As a doctor specialized in aesthetic medicine with over 18 years of experience, my responsibility is to speak with total transparency. The question “Are thread lifts dangerous?” is one of the most frequent in my practice, and the answer is not a simple yes or no.
PDO thread lifts are a safe procedure when performed correctly, but like any medical intervention, they carry risks you should know before making an informed decision.
Important fact: According to scientific studies, the rate of serious complications with thread lifts is less than 1% when the procedure is performed by a trained doctor using certified materials.
Real dangers of thread lifts: What can go wrong?
1. Lumps and irregularities under the skin
The most common side effect that concerns patients most is lumps from thread lifts. These irregularities occur when:
- Placement too superficial: The thread is placed too close to the skin surface, becoming visible or palpable.
- Excessive tension: The tissue is gathered too much, creating visible folds.
- Inadequate threads for skin type: Using threads that are too thick for thin skin.
Can they be prevented? Yes, in expert hands. The microcannula technique and correct selection of thread type according to your anatomy drastically reduce this risk.
Is there a solution? Most lumps disappear on their own in 2-4 weeks. If they persist, they can be treated with specific massages or, in rare cases, by removing the thread.
2. Facial asymmetry
Asymmetry after treatment can occur due to:
- Incorrect design of the insertion pattern
- Uneven tension between both sides of the face
- Asymmetric inflammation during the first days
Reassurance: Inflammation-related asymmetry is temporary and resolves within the first 7-10 days. Real asymmetry from poor technique can be corrected with a touch-up.
3. Infection
Although extremely rare (less than 0.5% of cases), an infection can occur if:
- Sterility is not maintained during the procedure
- The patient doesn’t follow post-treatment care
- Non-certified materials are used
Prevention: In my practice, we use strict asepsis protocols and only INVIMA-registered materials, making the risk of infection practically zero.
4. Bruising
This is the most common side effect and completely normal. It appears in approximately 30-40% of patients and:
- Is more visible in people with very fair skin
- Lasts between 5-14 days
- Is minimized by using microcannulas instead of needles
5. Material reaction
Although PDO threads are hypoallergenic and biocompatible (they’ve been used in surgery for decades), in very exceptional cases there may be:
- Prolonged inflammatory reaction
- Sensitivity in the treated area
- Granulomas (inflammatory nodules)
Why do you see “bad results” on the internet?
If you’ve searched for information about thread lifts, you’ve probably seen images of disastrous results. Let me explain why they happen:
Main causes of bad results
| Cause | Explanation | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Poor technique | Professionals without adequate training | Verify medical certification |
| Low-quality materials | Non-certified, cheap threads | Ask about the brand and INVIMA registration |
| Unrealistic expectations | Seeking surgical results with threads | Honest consultation about what can be achieved |
| Prices too low | “Cheap becomes expensive” | Be wary of prices well below market |
| Lack of follow-up | No post-treatment controls | Choose professionals who offer follow-up |
90% of the “bad results” you see on the internet are due to poor technique, inadequate materials, or unrealistic expectations. In expert hands, it’s one of the safest procedures in aesthetic medicine. — Dr. Tatiana Leal
Thread lifts: Important contraindications
Not everyone is a candidate for this treatment. You should NOT get thread lifts if you have:
Absolute contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Not enough studies on safety during these stages.
- Active infections in the area to be treated: Severe acne, active cold sores, dental infections.
- Clotting disorders: Diseases that affect blood clotting capacity.
- Active autoimmune diseases: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis in active phase.
- Known allergy to thread materials (extremely rare).
Relative contraindications (require evaluation)
- Extremely thin skin: Risk of threads showing through.
- Severe sagging: Threads don’t have enough strength to lift excess skin.
- Unrealistic expectations: Seeking surgical facelift results.
- Recent previous treatments: Fillers or other procedures in the last 2-4 weeks.
How to dissolve thread lifts if something goes wrong?
One of the advantages of PDO threads is that they are absorbable and, if necessary, can be removed during the first weeks.
Options if you’re not satisfied
- Wait: Many minor irregularities resolve on their own in 2-4 weeks.
- Specific massages: Can help redistribute the tissue.
- Thread removal: Simple procedure performed in the office.
- Touch-up: Add or adjust threads to correct asymmetries.
Thread lift removal is a simple procedure performed under local anesthesia. However, it’s infrequent: the satisfaction rate with thread lifts exceeds 90% in expert hands.
Are thread lifts dangerous in the long term?
A common concern is whether thread lifts have negative long-term effects. Scientific evidence tells us:
What we DO know
- PDO threads are completely absorbed in 6-8 months
- They don’t leave permanent residues in the body
- The collagen generated remains, improving skin quality
- There’s no evidence of negative long-term effects
What they DON’T cause
- No “dependence” or worsening of sagging afterward
- No prevention of future treatments or surgeries
- No permanent “cords” under the skin
How to minimize risks: Guide for patients
If you’re considering thread lifts, follow these steps to ensure a safe procedure:
Before treatment
- Research the professional: Verify they are a doctor with training in aesthetic medicine
- Ask about materials: Request information about the thread brand and its certification
- Be honest with your medical history: Inform about medications, allergies, and medical conditions
- Have realistic expectations: A good professional will tell you what you can and cannot expect
During the consultation
- Ask about specific experience with thread lifts
- Request to see real before and after cases
- Ask about the post-treatment follow-up protocol
- Clarify all involved costs
After treatment
- Follow all care instructions
- Attend scheduled check-ups
- Report any abnormalities immediately
- Be patient: final results are seen at 4-6 weeks
Frequently asked questions about thread lift dangers
Are thread lifts dangerous to health?
No, when applied by a trained doctor with certified materials. PDO threads have been used in surgery for over 50 years with an excellent safety profile.
What happens if a thread lift breaks?
It’s very rare, but if it happens, the thread simply absorbs without causing problems. There’s no risk of migration to other parts of the body.
Can thread lifts damage facial nerves?
In expert hands, the risk of nerve injury is extremely low. Correct technique avoids areas of greatest anatomical risk.
Is it normal to have lumps after thread lifts?
Small irregularities are normal during the first 2-3 weeks. If they persist longer or are very visible, consult your doctor for evaluation.
Do thread lifts leave scars?
No. The microcannula technique uses minimal entry points (like a pinprick) that don’t leave visible scars.
What should I do if I have bad results from thread lifts?
First, contact the professional who performed the procedure. Most minor complications resolve with time or simple treatments. If you don’t get a response, seek a second opinion with a certified specialist.
Conclusion: Is it worth the risk?
Thread lifts are a safe procedure when performed under the right conditions:
- ✅ Certified doctor with demonstrable experience
- ✅ Materials with INVIMA registration
- ✅ Strict asepsis protocols
- ✅ Realistic expectations
- ✅ Post-treatment follow-up
The real danger is not in the procedure itself, but in choosing unqualified professionals or dubious materials to save money.
If you’re considering thread lifts in Bogotá, I invite you to a consultation where I’ll evaluate your specific case, answer all your questions, and give you honest information about what you can expect.
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This article is for informational purposes and does not replace consultation with a medical professional. Each case is unique and requires personalized evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Temporary bruising, swelling, and mild tenderness at insertion points are the most frequently reported side effects, typically resolving within 5 to 10 days. Mild puckering or dimpling of the skin immediately after the procedure is normal and usually flattens within 1 to 2 weeks as the tissue adjusts to the threads.
Normal inflammation is symmetrical, peaks at 24–48 hours, and improves progressively each day without fever or discharge. A complication should be suspected if redness and swelling increase after the third day, if there is localized warmth, pus, a palpable lump that worsens, or if the skin shows visible thread extrusion.
A broken thread typically causes no immediate harm since PDO is bioabsorbable and will dissolve naturally; however, it may result in asymmetry or reduced lifting effect on one side. In some cases the broken segment can be felt as a small lump under the skin, and if it causes discomfort or is visible, a specialist can remove it through a small incision.
You should confirm that the provider holds a valid medical license with postgraduate training in aesthetic medicine or plastic surgery, has documented experience specifically with thread procedures, and performs treatments in a clinical setting—not in a home studio or spa. Asking to see before-and-after photos from their own patients and verifying they use CE- or FDA-cleared thread materials is equally important.
Most minor complications such as asymmetry, visible skin puckering, or palpable threads can be corrected by repositioning or removing the threads within the first few days, while absorption has not yet begun. Infections are treated with antibiotics and, if necessary, early thread removal; permanent scarring is rare when complications are identified and managed promptly by an experienced practitioner.
Yes, threads from unverified suppliers may not meet sterility standards or may contain impurities in the polymer that increase the risk of inflammatory reactions, granulomas, or infection. Only threads with documented CE marking (Europe) or FDA clearance (USA) should be used, and patients should feel entitled to ask their practitioner about the specific brand and its regulatory status.