Save Face reveals rising thread complaints

Research from national aesthetic practitioner register Save Face has revealed that complaints regarding thread lift procedures performed by non-qualified practitioners tripled in 2022 compared to the previous year. Ashton Collins, founder and director of Save Face, has stated that in 2022, the organisation received 118 complaints following thread lifting procedures – a 30% increase from 2021.

Practitioners require a Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration to perform a thread lift as it is classed as an invasive medical procedure, so registered medical practitioners can only administer them in certain settings to avoid serious complications including blood vessel injuries, nerve damage, infection, facial asymmetry, dimpling or protrusion/migration of the thread. Following this rise in complaints, Save Face has established the Thread Bare campaign in collaboration with aesthetic practitioner and thread specialist Dr Mahsa Saleki to raise public and industry awareness of what makes a thread lift procedure safe and how to find a reputable practitioner. The campaign also emphasises the importance of in-depth training before thread lift procedures are performed. Collins commented, “Every year we are receiving more complaints regarding thread lifts being administered by non-healthcare professionals. As the treatment increases in popularity, we feel compelled to work with the industry and key thread practitioners to help educate the public and encourage consumers to do their due diligence and research before choosing a clinic or practitioner for this treatment.”