A thread lift recovery will involve a period of adjustment, as your body responds to the threads and begins to heal.
Although the procedure is not considered to be as invasive as others, it still places changes within the tissue that require time and care. Understanding what to expect day by day and week by week can help you prepare for how your routine may need to adjust while you recover.
In this blog, we’ll explain what you can typically expect throughout a thread lift recovery period, including how long it may take.
What happens in the first few days after a thread lift?
Straight after the thread lift, swelling, tenderness, and some bruising are all common to experience. These are early side effects of the body’s natural healing process, and the expected natural reaction to the threads being positioned under the skin. A sense of tightness is also possible as the tissues adapt.
During this time, it’s important that you avoid heavy movements, putting any pressure on the treated areas, or anything that might disturb the positioning of the threads. Light walking is okay, but you should wait a little longer to resume any strenuous activity. Sleep position also matters in these first few days – most surgeons recommend lying on your back with your head slightly raised, to help reduce swelling.
How long does swelling and tenderness last?
Swelling usually reduces within the first week, but for some patients, it can sometimes extend into the second week. Bruising follows a similar timeline, often fading after the first seven to 10 days. Tenderness in the treated areas may last a little longer.
Cold compresses can help in the first day or two, but they should always be applied gently and without pressing on the treated skin. The tissues need time to adjust to the threads, so anything that increases pressure or strain can interfere with healing.
When can I resume my normal daily activities?
Many daily activities can be resumed quite soon, but some adjustments will be needed. Desk work or other light duties are usually okay within a couple of days, but exercise and more physically demanding should be avoided for longer.
Strain, sweating, and repetitive movements can affect the treated areas, so it’s generally advised that you wait at least two weeks before gradually returning to these activities. Your surgeon may adjust this timeline, depending on the specifics of your procedure.
How long before the threads feel stable?
By around four to six weeks, you may notice that the treated areas feel less noticeable and more comfortable. This doesn’t mean that healing stops at this point, but rather that the initial adjustment phase has completed.
Under the surface, the body gradually builds new collagen around the threads, which is part of their intended effect. While this is a slower process, it doesn’t typically interfere with your recovery once the early stages have passed.
When is it possible to exercise again?
Light movement, like gentle walking, is usually fine straight away. Exercise that raises your heart rate or places physical strain on the face and neck should wait until the tissues have healed further. This is usually after the two-week point, though in some cases your surgeon may advise you to wait longer.
Returning too quickly can risk disrupting the threads before they have stabilised. The best approach is to start gently and gradually increase intensity.
How should I sleep during recovery?
Sleeping on your back with your head elevated is recommended in the early stages. This reduces swelling and avoids placing pressure on the treated areas. Side or stomach sleeping can press against the threads, which is why it’s best avoided for at least the first week. Using extra pillows or a travel pillow can help keep you in position through the night.
How long does a thread lift recovery usually take?
Thread lift recovery generally spans a few weeks. The first stage, involving swelling, bruising, and tenderness, usually lasts one to two weeks. By the third to fourth week, most people can return to their usual routine, with only minor adjustments still needed.
That being said, it can vary from patient to patient, as everyone’s body – as well as its healing process – can be different.
The body’s interaction with the threads continues over the longer term, but this is generally separate from the recovery period itself. From a practical perspective, you can usually consider your recovery complete within a month, but small differences in comfort or sensation can still be noticed for longer.
What should be avoided during recovery?
Activities that involve heavy strain, wide mouth movements, or pressure on the face should be avoided in the early stages. Dental work, saunas, and direct massage of the treated areas are also best delayed until the tissues have settled down.
Even if you notice irregularities, such as a small bump or tightness under the skin, it’s important not to press or adjust the area yourself. These feelings often improve on their own as the tissue adapts around the threads.
When will my results be visible?
Initial results can be noticed straight away, but they are not considered final during the first few weeks. Swelling and bruising can mask the treated areas, and tightness from the threads can also affect how the results appear. By around one month, the area usually feels and looks more stable. Longer-term changes from collagen development continue gradually, but this is not necessarily considered as part of the recovery period.
Since every patient is different, the timeline of results can also vary. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon can help monitor your healing progress and ensure that your results are progressing well.
Meet with Dr Hunt in Sydney for personalised thread lift information
Booking a consultation is the most helpful way to ensure that you can receive personalised advice, including on your suitability for the treatment and what to expect for recovery.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Sydney-based registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon, with experience performing both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
To learn more or to schedule your consultation with Dr Hunt, please get in touch with our team.
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