WHAT TO EXPECT

Your first appointment focuses on understanding what you have noticed and what you would like to change. You do not need to decide that a thread treatment is right for you before attending.

We will ask about your concerns and the degree of change you expect. This helps us determine whether your goals are realistic for a non-surgical procedure. When threads are unlikely to address the main cause of your concern, we may discuss another treatment or explain why no procedure is currently recommended.

Your practitioner will review relevant parts of your medical history. This may include:

• Your ongoing medications and supplement routine

• Your allergies and previous treatment reactions

• Health considerations that may affect your recovery process

• Previous cosmetic procedures

• Previous facial surgery or threads

• Current concerns affecting the proposed treatment area

Please provide accurate information, even when a previous treatment was completed at another clinic. This helps the practitioner assess potential risks and plan your care.

We will also assess your facial anatomy and tissue distribution. The assessment may consider:

• The position and degree of tissue laxity

• Your skin quality and tissue condition

• Your facial proportions and volume characteristics

• Facial balance and side-to-side differences

• Previous treatment changes

• Whether the concern is mainly related to laxity, volume or structure

Two people with a similar concern may need different treatment plans. Their facial anatomy, previous procedures and expectations may not be the same.

When a PDO thread lift may be appropriate, we will explain the proposed treatment areas and the type of change that may be realistic. We will also discuss temporary effects, possible complications, recovery, aftercare and treatment costs.

You will be able to clarify any concerns before proceeding with treatment. There is no obligation to have treatment after your consultation.

We plan the procedure around your anatomy and treatment area. Preparation, appointment length and comfort can vary between patients.

Before treatment, we will confirm your plan and consent. Clinical photographs may be taken with your permission to support planning and follow-up. The treatment area is then cleaned and may be marked according to the intended thread placement.

Your practitioner will explain the comfort measures available. Each patient may experience sensations differently. You may notice pressure, pulling, tightness or discomfort while the threads are being positioned.

The threads are placed beneath the skin along directions selected for your facial anatomy and treatment goals. The number of threads is not fixed for every patient. More threads do not automatically produce a more suitable or longer-lasting result.

The time required for your appointment depends on:

• The area being addressed

• The number and type of threads

• Preparation requirements

• The individual treatment plan

• The need for any additional clinical evaluation

We will provide a more relevant time estimate after assessing you.

Temporary effects

Temporary effects can include:

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness or discomfort

• A feeling of tightness

• Dimpling or skin irregularity

• Temporary asymmetry

• Threads that feel noticeable beneath the skin

These effects do not occur in the same way for every patient. Some may improve while the area settles. Others may need assessment or further management.

Possible treatment risks and considerations

Thread lifting is a more complex non-surgical cosmetic procedure. During your consultation, we will explain the possible complications, expected recovery and signs that require prompt review.

Potential treatment-related concerns may include:

• Persistent dimpling or contour irregularity

• Ongoing pain or tenderness

• Visible or palpable threads

• Thread movement or exposure

• Potential infection or inflammatory complications

• Bleeding or haematoma

• Persistent asymmetry

• Altered sensation

• Results that do not align with desired outcomes

• The need for corrective treatment or thread removal

• Potential injury to surrounding facial structures

Your practitioner will explain the risks relevant to your proposed treatment. We will also tell you which symptoms can occur during recovery and which require prompt review.

Recovery after a thread lift varies between individuals. You may notice swelling, bruising, tightness or temporary irregularity while the area settles. These effects may influence work, exercise or social plans.

The appearance immediately after treatment may not represent the settled outcome. Swelling and tissue tightness can change during the early recovery period. Follow the instructions provided for your procedure rather than comparing your recovery with another person’s experience.

On the day of treatment

We will explain how to care for the treated area before you leave the clinic. Your instructions may include:

• Keep the treatment area clean as directed

• Avoid pressing or pulling the treated tissue

• Do not massage the area unless we advise you to

• Use only recommended skincare or medication

• Follow the sleeping position discussed with your practitioner

• Contact TAEGA if you are uncertain about a symptom

Do not attempt to reposition a thread or correct dimpling yourself. Contact the clinic so the area can be assessed.

During early recovery

Your practitioner may ask you to temporarily avoid activities that place pressure, heat or repeated movement on the treatment area. These may include:

• Strenuous exercise

• Facial massage

• Gua sha

• At-home facial devices

• Sauna use and high-temperature environments

• Selected cosmetic or skin treatments

You may also need to adjust your sleeping position and reduce pressure on the treated side of your face. The restrictions and their duration depend on your treatment area and how you recover.

Before arranging dental work, facial massage, laser treatment or another cosmetic procedure, ask us when it may be appropriate to proceed. Your practitioner can provide advice based on your treatment and recovery.

When to contact TAEGA

Seek prompt assistance if you develop any of the following:

• Pain, redness or swelling that is becoming worse

• A noticeable increase in treatment area warmth

• Discharge or signs of potential infection

• A thread becoming visible or exposed

• Worsening asymmetry or contour irregularity

• Unusual changes in skin tone or colour

• Ongoing numbness or altered feeling

• A severe, unusual or concerning symptom

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop a severe or rapidly worsening symptom. Your practitioner will explain the relevant contact and emergency instructions as part of your treatment planning.

Ongoing follow-up plays an important role in your care. We may arrange a review to assess healing, discuss any concerns and determine whether further management is required.