What should I do if my skin dimples after a thread lift?

Dimpling after a thread lift usually happens when the thread's barbs catch a layer close to the skin's surface. Mild dimples may smooth out on their own within a few days as swelling goes down. Don't rub them hard yourself; first let the clinic that treated you know, with a photo.

Why Dimpling Happens

The threads used in a thread lift have tiny barbs that grip tissue. If a thread runs too close to the skin, or the pulling force is concentrated in one spot, the skin's surface gets drawn inward. Because it can look like the dimple you get when you smile, it's often called dimpling.

Thicker threads, larger barbs and shallower placement all make dimpling more likely. How much tension is left on the thread when it's trimmed also plays a role.

(Evidence: thread lift complications review, 2025)

How Common It Is

After swelling, dimpling is the most frequently reported reaction. In an analysis pooling 26 studies, it came to about 10%, and it was reported more often in people aged 50 and over than in younger patients.

(Evidence: meta-analysis 2021, 16% aged 50 and over vs. 5.6% under 50)

In other words, the thinner and less elastic the skin, the more easily a thread's pull shows on the surface. That's why, from your 50s on, the depth of placement and the pulling force need to be set with extra care.

When It Resolves on Its Own

Mild dimpling seen right after treatment often smooths out as swelling goes down.

• In a study of 148 patients, dimpling and irregularities resolved on their own within 3–7 days in all but one patient.
• Dimpling can be hidden by swelling at first and only show as the swelling fades.
• That's why a check-up within 1–2 days of treatment is recommended.

(Evidence: retrospective study of 148 patients 2018, review 2025)

What the Clinic Can Do

If a dimple is still there after a few days, your doctor will examine it and decide on the approach. Reported options, in order:

• Manual release, where the doctor works the tissue in the opposite direction to the thread
• Injecting saline into the dimple to help the barbs come away from the skin
• A soft filler to even out the surface
• For long-standing cases, a needle procedure to release the tissue attached under the skin
• Removing the thread if it shows through or pokes out

If barbs stay attached to tissue for a long time, the area can firm up and become harder to release. The sooner you let us know, the more likely a simple fix will be enough.

(Evidence: review 2025, case report 2020)

What Not to Do Yourself

• Pushing or rubbing the dimple hard while looking in the mirror
• Pulling on the end of a thread you can feel
• Copying massage techniques you've seen online

DAYONE advises avoiding massage and pressure for one month after a thread lift. Whether manual release is needed is for your doctor to decide, based on the direction of the threads.