What to Expect After a Thread Lift at Luminate
So—you’ve had your thread lift (or you’re getting close to booking one). First of all, congratulations! You just took a huge step toward aging on your terms—with no surgery, no scars, and little to no downtime.
Now let’s talk aftercare.
As someone who’s performed countless thread lifts here at Luminate Clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I’ll be the first to say: your results aren’t just about what happens in the treatment room. What you do in the days and weeks after your thread lift plays a big role in how well you heal—and how long your results last.
Before We Dive In…
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our full guide:
👉 What to Know Before Your Thread Lift
What’s Normal After a Thread Lift?
Before we get into the do’s and don’ts, let’s set some expectations. Here’s what you might experience right after your treatment:
- Mild to moderate swelling (especially in the cheeks and jaw)
- Tenderness or tightness when smiling or talking
- Small puckering or dimpling at entry points (usually resolves quickly)
- Bruising (sometimes right away, sometimes shows up the next day)
- A tugging sensation—this is totally normal and will relax as the threads settle
Most of this improves in just a few days, and most of our clients are “camera-ready” in under two weeks.
First 24–48 Hours: Protect the Lift
- 🧊 Cold compresses only—gently placed (don’t press) on the treated areas to reduce swelling.
- 🤐 Minimize talking, laughing, and excessive facial movement. I know it’s hard—but the less you move those facial muscles early on, the better the threads stay in place.
- 😴 Sleep on your back, elevated with 2 pillows to avoid pressure on your face.
- 🍽️ Stick to soft, warm foods—especially if we treated your jawline or lip area. This limits wide mouth movements and promotes healing.
- 🚫 No alcohol, no smoking, and no straws. These all affect your circulation and healing. You’ve invested in your face—treat it gently!
- And If you have ever wanted to do a juice or soup cleanse, now is that time! Your mouth will be sore and you will not want to open wide a chew steak or tough foods.
Days 3–7: Keep Things Chill
- 🛁 You can shower and wash your face, just do so carefully. Avoid rubbing, stretching, or splashing water directly on the threads.
- 💄 Skip makeup for at least 3–5 days, or until any puncture points have fully closed.
- 🏃♀️ Avoid strenuous workouts, yoga inversions, or anything that makes your face flush or strain. Gentle walking is fine!
- 😬 Hold your face gently if you sneeze, cough, cry, or laugh hard—this reduces facial tension and keeps those threads where we want them.
Week 2 and Beyond: Healing and Maintenance
- 💆♀️ No facials, massages, or waxing on the face for 3 weeks.
- 🧖♀️ Hair coloring? Wait at least 3 weeks if you had threads placed near the hairline or scalp.
- 🧼 You can resume shaving with a new, gentle razor around Day 10—but avoid any tugging or excessive movement until after 4 weeks.
- 💪 You may resume regular exercise around Day 14—but always check with us if you’re unsure.
Red Flags: When to Contact Us
At Luminate, we’re here for you every step of the way. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right, reach out to us at 918-340-7090. Specifically, let us know if you experience:
- Sudden or significant asymmetry in the face
- A bump or nodule where a thread was trimmed
- Any signs of infection (redness, heat, pus, or increasing pain)
Long-Term Care: Protect the Glow
Once you’re healed, threads continue to stimulate collagen over time. That’s why many of our patients notice even better results at the 2–3 month mark.
Here’s how to maintain those results long-term:
- Pair your threads with treatments like microneedling, Scarlet RF, or Sculptra for collagen support.
- Use a medical-grade skincare routine that includes vitamin C, retinoids, peptides, and SPF 50 daily.
- Ask us about our Longevity Memberships, where we can build you a plan to support skin health from the inside out—including nutrition, hormone balance, and wellness support.
From Dr. Erin Lucie
Thread lifts are one of my favorite treatments because they deliver such a natural, lifted result—with minimal interruption to your life. But remember: this is a partnership. You show up for yourself before and after, and we show up with expertise, safety, and support.
Looking for a natural thread lift in Tulsa, Oklahoma? Schedule a consultation and let’s create a treatment plan that works for your features, your skin, and your lifestyle.