What to expect from day 1 to week 6 — when the bruising fades, when threads anchor, when results peak.
Day 0 to 2 (immediate)
Some swelling and bruising at thread entry points. Mild discomfort with chewing or wide smiling. Skin pulled, slightly tight feeling at insertion sites. Sleep elevated, ice as directed, soft foods recommended.
Day 3 to 7
Bruising starts fading. Swelling continues to drop. The pulled-skin tightness softens but doesn’t fully release — this is normal and means the threads are anchoring. Avoid aggressive facial expressions, no facials or massage. Most patients return to work after day 5 with light makeup over any residual bruising.
Week 2
Visible bruising and swelling fully resolved for most patients. Skin tightness from threads still noticeable. The mechanical “lift” effect is at its strongest visible point — patients see their lifted contour clearly. Resume normal activity but continue to avoid: dental work, facials, vigorous massage, sleeping face-down.
Week 3 to 4
Threads have fully anchored. Skin tightness eases as tissue settles. The lift looks less dramatic than week 2 but more natural. This is the “settled” appearance most patients live with for the lifespan of the threads.
Week 5 to 6
Collagen stimulation kicks in noticeably. Skin quality improves alongside the structural lift. Tighter texture, better tone. Resume all normal activity including facials and dental work.
Months 3 to 12
Threads continue to dissolve while collagen rebuilds underneath. Visible result remains stable through 6 to 12 months for PDO, 8 to 12 months for Aptos. Most patients book a second session at the 12-month mark to maintain.
Red flags to call us about
Visible thread protrusion, extending hard lumps past week 4, asymmetry that worsens rather than improves, or any sign of infection (warmth, redness, pus). Uncommon but actionable.
Book your free consultation
Speak with a licensed Bar Beauty injector or laser tech. We’ll review your goals, walk through options, and give you a clear plan — zero pressure.
46 Fort York Blvd, Toronto · 416-923-1200 · Open 7 days
Written by the Bar Beauty Medical clinical team. We’re a medical aesthetics clinic at 46 Fort York Blvd, Toronto. All treatments are performed by licensed nurses, doctors, or laser technicians. Information here is general; for advice specific to your skin and goals, book a free consultation.