Within 3–4 days after thread lifting procedures, some patients claim that “the threads appear protruded.” Although the threads do not actually protrude, a surface of the skin looks elevated along the route of thread insertion while making specific facial expressions (e.g., smiling).

1 Things to Be Checked Through Examination

  • Whether folds are visible with no expression

  • Whether it aggravates with facial expressions (especially, when the pronunciation “ee” is made)

  • Whether it feels even with palpation

2 Causes and Solutions

  1. 1.

    When forward/reverse passing of a cannula or needle is overly repeated to insert one thread

    • Minimal swelling occurs along the route of the thread.

  • Solution

    • In this case, skin fold is occurred by temporary swelling and generally subsides spontaneously later.

  1. 2.

    When one of the many threads is pulled by too strong force

    • Especially, if four threads are inserted in each side, this side effect is usually claimed from the fourth (the most medial) thread. This is because the fourth thread passes the area that is closest to the orbital area and the skin in this area is thin.

  • Solution

    1. 1.

      Increase the number of threads (e.g., 4 → 6).

    2. 2.

      Pull each thread with the same force.

  1. 3.

    When a thread is inserted into the superficial subcutaneous layer or hypodermis

  • Solution

    • Insert thread into a deeper subcutaneous layer

  1. 4.

    When the number of threads is not sufficient to pull the fat tissue

    • When patients have much fat in his/her face, lots of lifting capacity are needed. But this can occur if the number of threads is not enough to hold the weight.

  • Solution

    1. 1.

      In case of short threads, increase the number of threads.

    2. 2.

      Insert more short threads additionally between long threads to play a supporting role.