PDO Threads
PDO Threads
When it comes to aesthetic treatments that physically lift the skin for instant results, no procedure does the job quite like PDO threads. A thread lift using PDO threads, comprised of absorbable suture materials, is a great alternative for those who don’t want to go under the knife yet still want to achieve a more lifted look.
PDO threads, commonly referred to as thread lifts or thread facelifts, work wonders for lifting loose and saggy skin on the face, particularly around the cheeks, eyes, lower face, and neck, while increasing collagen production for added volume. So, if you’re seeking a long-term solution to reinstate lost volume and ‘put everything back where it belongs,’ PDO threads may be right for you.
What are PDO Threads?
PDO (polydioxanone) threads are small, absorbable sutures that reposition loose skin for a subtle lift. PDO materials are the same as what is used in traditional surgical sutures, but PDO threads have a small cone or barb at the end that allows them to hook onto the tissue. During the treatment, the PDO thread is inserted under the skin through a tiny entry point, usually made with a cannula, and pulled up to give a lifting effect. Each suture (there are different types) relies on bi-directional cones that hook onto the underlying tissue to elevate it and the skin for a smoother, more lifted, tighter look.
PDO threads take about 45 minutes to insert and put into place from start to finish. They fall into one of three categories:
- Mono or smooth threads, which are smooth and help stimulate new collagen
- Cog or lifting threads, which have small barbs on them to lift the tissue and skin for added support
- Screw threads, which consist of two threads that are almost woven together to add volume in areas where it is deficient
At Skin Plus Beauty, we offer both PDO smooth and lifting threads. These options are far more advanced and safer than the first generation of threads.
Over time, the threads dissolve and are absorbed, and the collagen-stimulating effects start. That’s because PDO threads trigger new collagen due to the natural inflammatory process they create, which signals collagen creation as part of wound healing. Producing new collagen in the skin helps give it a natural plumpness and smoothness along with added structure, which is often lost as a result of normal aging.
PDO threads, which can provide results that last up to two years, are an excellent solution to smooth and lift areas of the face that are experiencing aging. They are often used in conjunction with other age-reversing aesthetic treatments like fillers, neurotoxins, and lasers since the threads don’t address skin texture changes or stop muscle-related wrinkles.
How do PDO Threads Work?
PDO threads, both the smoothing and lifting varieties, sit in a league all their own. Unlike other aesthetic procedures that stop wrinkle formation at the source or add back lost volume by drawing moisture to the area for a plumping effect, PDO threads physically lift falling tissue back to a more natural position for more youthful definition and redefined contours.
During the treatment, first, the area is numbed. Then, a cannula or small needle is used to insert the threads under the skin. With the threads in place (any extra material is cut), they are pulled up against the skin so that the cone or barb can latch onto the tissue and lift the treatment area.
The threads work as a two-fold treatment. First, they provide a lifting effect. Placing them under the skin allows them to hoist the tissue up and keep it there until the procedure’s effects disappear. Then, as the sutures dissolve, they trigger new collagen production in the skin for plumper-looking, smoother skin with added structure and increased volume.
With PDO threads, the initial lifting and tightening results can be seen immediately, plus there’s no major downtime save for some minimal bruising and swelling.
What Are the Benefits of PDO Threads?
Non-surgical PDO threads have several benefits, which is why patients love the treatment. One of the most significant advantages is the immediate improvement they provide, but other benefits of the treatment include:
Lifted skin that looks tighter
A smoothing effect with fewer noticeable lines and wrinkles
Increased volume
Collagen production
Minimal downtime
Natural-looking results
Various parts of the face can be targeted
Lifted skin that looks tighter
A smoothing effect with fewer noticeable lines and wrinkles
Increased volume
Collagen production
Minimal downtime
Natural-looking results
Various parts of the face can be targeted
The Results
With PDO threads, you can expect more lift in the face and tighter-looking skin. Immediately after the treatment, you’ll notice an improvement in the face, and over time, as new collagen is created.
For some patients, the results are even further enhanced with other non-invasive treatments, like fillers for an added plumping effect and IPL to improve skin tone and texture. A consultation will determine if other treatments are necessary to obtain your goals.
Who Are PDO Threads Good For?
Many of our patients make for good PDO thread candidates. The treatment works best if you want to improve common signs of aging without committing to surgery. We recommend PDO threads to patients who are experiencing the following:
- Minimal to moderate loose facial skin
- Age-related changes in the mid and lower face
- Initial signs of collagen loss
- Lost definition of certain facial features
- Skin that lacks tightness
PDO threads are also an effective treatment for both men and women who do not want to resort to more invasive surgical techniques to address these signs of aging.
Common FAQs
Like all elective cosmetic procedures and treatments, there are side effects, and the same holds for PDO threads. When threads are poorly inserted, placed too superficially, or if the skin is too thin to support them, the skin can appear bunched. Since threads are static, they can also interfere with normal facial expressions. Other potential side effects include headaches, discomfort, infection, reactions, skin puckering, and, in rare cases, the thread poking out of the skin. Minor complications occur in 15 to 20 percent of procedures but are usually easily corrected. Still, PDO thread lifts have a much lower risk of complications than facelift surgeries, with less risk of scarring, severe bruising, and bleeding when performed by a trained professional.
We recommend icing the area to prevent swelling and bruising. It’s also best to keep the head elevated, especially when sleeping, and avoid putting pressure on your face. Avoid washing your face and using your regular skincare products for the first 24 hours so the incision points can heal. Even though it may be hard not to touch your face, don’t, and especially don’t tug, rub, or massage the areas where the threads were inserted for the first few days, which may cause them to move.
To make the treatment more comfortable, we use topical and local anesthetics when placing the threads so you won’t feel much of anything. Post-treatment there may be some minimal soreness, which will subside over the coming days.
Still have a question?
With so many available aesthetic treatments today, it can be hard to determine where to start. At Skin Plus Beauty we have developed a unique treatment planner tool to help you begin (or continue) your journey into a beautiful you; simply select the body areas and concerns you want treated, and receive personalized treatment recommendations to help guide the process.
Skin Plus Beauty Med Spa stands as a leader in the aesthetic field, coupling cutting-edge technology with a team of seasoned providers, deeply devoted to customizing solutions that match your personal goals. Visit us and let’s get you started on your skin rejuvenation journey!
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