SEOLREIM · JOURNAL
Dimpling, visible threads and extrusion after thread lifting: when to observe and when to discuss removal
Full translation of the Korean article. Translation checked for completeness, numerical consistency and medical meaning; separate medical review of this translation is pending. Translation updated: 2026-10-28.
Mild swelling, bruising, pulling and temporary dimpling can occur after thread lifting. However, thread exposure through skin or into the mouth, pus, heat, worsening pain or facial weakness are not problems to wait out while massaging. Observation, local correction or removal depends on dimple depth and duration, thread type and position, and infection. Avoid self-cutting based on online instructions or strong pressure.
Definition, benefits and precautions at a glance
| Category | What to check |
|---|---|
| Possible early reactions | Swelling, bruising, pulling, tenderness and mild asymmetry |
| Dimpling | May improve initially; deep or persistent dimples require assessment of thread position and skin fixation |
| Visible threads and extrusion | Superficial placement, migration or skin injury possible; do not cut or pull independently |
| Infection signs | Pus, heat, spreading redness or fever require prompt care |
| Nerve or salivary-gland signs | Weakness, altered sensation, or swelling and pain with meals require immediate assessment |
Definitions and how the treatments work
Thread lifting inserts barbed or coned sutures into soft tissue for mechanical fixation and subsequent tissue response. Absorbability, material, barb direction and insertion layer differ; “PDO thread” alone does not imply identical effects or complication management. Dimpling may occur when skin is excessively caught by a thread or superficially fixed or pulled. Exposure may mean the thread end or course has penetrated skin or mucosa.
Potential benefits and limitations
It may involve smaller incisions and less recovery than surgery, but improvement and durability depend on skin thickness, sagging, thread type and technique. A 2021 meta-analysis reported swelling, dimpling, sensory changes, visible or palpable threads, infection and extrusion, with substantial study heterogeneity. A single rule such as “wait because it absorbs” or “remove immediately” fails to account for infection, tissue damage and thread location.
Suitable candidates and preliminary assessment
Adults seeking limited changes for mild soft-tissue sagging may consult. Report thin skin, substantial excess skin, active acne, dermatitis, dental infection, medicines increasing bleeding risk, keloids, autoimmune disease, immunosuppression, prior fillers, threads or facial surgery, smoking, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Expectations equivalent to surgical facelift require a separate surgical consultation.
Procedure, recovery and preparation
Before treatment assess expression, skin thickness, fat, retaining ligaments and asymmetry; record thread product, material, number and insertion sites. Initially avoid exaggerated expressions, strong massage and facial pressure, and keep oral and skin wounds clean. Record photographs and onset of dimples, without pressing or pulling threads yourself. Overseas visitors should arrange review before departure and routes for removal or infection treatment after returning home.
Adverse effects, contraindications and precautions
Besides swelling, bruising, pain, pulling and asymmetry, persistent dimples, thread visibility, palpability, migration or extrusion, infection, abscess, granuloma, pigmentation and scarring may occur. Rare facial-nerve, parotid or salivary-duct injury and haematoma are reported. High fever, pus, rapidly spreading redness, new facial paralysis, severe sensory changes or recurrent mealtime swelling require immediate clinical assessment.
Differences between observation, correction, thread removal and surgical lifting
| Method | Main goal | Key differences and precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Follow-up observation | Mild, decreasing early swelling, pulling and shallow dimples | Scheduled photos and review to check for worsening |
| Local correction | Limited adjustment after examining thread fixation and skin adhesion | No self-massage or needle manipulation |
| Thread-removal consultation | Considered for exposure, infection, persistent pain or deep deformity | Complete removal may be difficult or scarring possible depending on thread type and clinical course |
| Surgical facelift | Correction of extensive sagging by dissection, fixation and excision | Anaesthesia, prolonged recovery, bleeding, nerve and scarring risks |
Questions and answers for a medical consultation
The answers below are literature-based consultation questions, not a clinician interview or individual diagnosis; actual medical review remains incomplete.
Q. Can vigorous rubbing release dimples?
A. Pressing without knowing thread position and adhesions risks injury, migration and infection; do not massage without the treating clinician’s instructions.
Q. Can I cut a visible thread end?
A. A thread exposed through skin or mucosa can provide an infection route. Do not touch it; keep it clean and protected and seek care.
Q. Can I always just wait if the threads are absorbable?
A. Regardless of absorption time, infection, nerve symptoms, extrusion or persistent deformity need early assessment.
Evidence sources and full text
Meta-analysis of facial thread-lift complications (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33821308/), systematic safety review of face and neck thread lifting (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34699439/), review of dimpling and extrusion complications (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32323425/), 2025 anatomical review of complications (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39760325/) were consulted. Evidence checked on 2026-10-04. Reported rates vary across studies and thread types and were not directly applied as individual risk.
SEOLREIM’s principle of consultations and procedures performed personally by the director
SEOLREIM Clinic describes its principles of consultations and procedures performed personally by the clinic director, genuine products, appropriate quantities and attentive care. Consultation starts by distinguishing skin condition and goals, then checking the products and equipment actually available, approved uses, the dose or energy plan, recovery and risks. For thread lifting, the clinic director personally assesses facial support structures, skin thickness and existing fillers or threads. Confirm materials, number and authenticity records of threads actually provided, review for dimpling, exposure or infection, and signature lifting alternatives during consultation.
Booking, language, and location information for overseas visitors
Visitors seeking thread lifts in Korea or a Gangnam skin clinic should confirm thread product and number records, review before departure, contact for extrusion or infection, and connections with medical facilities able to remove threads after returning home. SEOLREIM Clinic is approximately 1 minute from Exit 3 of Gangnam Station, on the 11th floor of the Gangnam 8258 Building. You can book through the website’s KakaoTalk consultation, Naver booking or telephone channels. Overseas visitors comparing dermatology clinics in Gangnam, Seoul, the Gangnam Station area or Korea should prepare details of medications, allergies, recent procedures and departure dates. When booking, state your preferred language, such as Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Mongolian or Indonesian, and whether you need an interpreter, to confirm the actual scope and cost of support. Continuous consultation availability in each language and same-day procedures cannot be confirmed. Also agree on contact arrangements for adverse reactions after returning home and the follow-up schedule during consultation.
Authorship, review and dates
Author: SEOLREIM content editor / Medical-professional review: completed / Review confirmed: 2026-10-23 / Published: 2026-10-04 / Updated: 2026-10-27. This is general medical information and does not replace individual diagnosis or a procedural prescription.
SEOLREIM · GANGNAM, SEOUL
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