Can Thread Lift Damage Nerves? An Expert's Perspective

Thread lift technology has been around for more than 30 years, and it has become one of the most sought-after non-surgical procedures due to its low-risk and minimally invasive nature. It offers little to no downtime and immediate, more natural results compared to fillers. However, there are potential risks associated with thread lift procedures, such as visible protrusion of small mono- or spiral threads of the skin, damage to blood vessels, and damage to facial nerves resulting in facial paralysis. In a study of 5 cases of incomplete facial paralysis, it was found that three of the cases had one-sided eyebrows weakened, and the temporal branch of the facial nerve was damaged.

One patient experienced unilateral closed eyes caused by a lesion of the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve, while another patient suffered a unilateral lesion of multiple branches of the facial nerve. After treatment with oral dexamethasone or intravenous methylprednisolone drip, four cases recovered completely after 3 to 10 weeks, while the remaining patient still experienced mild facial paralysis 2 months after thread lift. During a follow-up period of 3 to 6 months, all patients recovered completely from facial paralysis. In addition to facial paralysis, other complications include infection (8.9%), dissatisfaction with the postoperative facial contour (23%), paraesthesia (19.7%), dimples and irregularities (16.4%), subcutaneous induration (13.1%), thread extrusion (4.9%) and facial nerve injury (3.3%).

To reduce the risk and degree of hematoma, it is important to avoid a violent operation during the thread lift procedure. It is also essential that a professional sets realistic expectations with the patient during the consultation and helps them understand the limits of thread stretching. To ensure a successful thread lift procedure with minimal risks, it is important to choose an experienced professional who can perform the procedure correctly and safely. If any complications arise, it is their responsibility to rectify it as soon as possible. With proper care and attention, thread lifts can be a safe and effective way to achieve desired results.