A PDO Thread Lift is a less invasive treatment that tightens and lifts the skin without needing to go under a scalpel. PDO (Polydioxanone) thread lifts use a biodegradable polyester suture. They’re best suited for rejuvenating the skin, while some newer thread lifts are better at lifting sagging skin.
In fact, the PDO Thread Lift procedure can benefit patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and people who wish to avoid surgical procedures. However, some conditions are not advised for PDO threading. That said, here are good candidates for the said procedure:
- Those who want to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- People who want to improve the skin laxity
- People who don’t want to undergo surgical procedures
- Those who want to enjoy the benefits for a long time
- Those who wish to improve their overall facial appearance
How Do PDO Threads Work?
PDO Threads are sutures that can either be cone anchors or mini barbs, which hold the skin and deeper tissue more youthful. The body fully dissolves it within four to six months. The presence of this PDO material in the skin stimulates collagen, and this newly produced collagen will maintain its hold for another 12 to 15 months.
What Are The Benefits Of PDO Threading?
This non-surgical facelift uses monofilament fibers that dissolve over time to lift, reposition, and accentuate the skin and cheeks, as well as diminish the jowls and tighten the jawline. In fact, PDO thread lift can be combined with Botox, dermal fillers, and other injectables for maximum results.
The benefits of PDO threads include the following:
- New collagen stimulation
- Increased skin rejuvenation
- Skin lifting and brightened skin tone
- Instant and sustained increase in volume
- Improvement in skin wrinkles for 12 to 18 months
- No surgery and minimal downtime
What To Expect From The Procedure?
At least 5 days before, the patient will likely be advised to avoid drinking alcohol and using tobacco, along with other things that may increase the possible bleeding or bruising, such as:
- Advil and ibuprofen
- aspirin
- omega-3 fatty acids
- green tea or green tea extracts
On the day of the PDO thread lift procedure, the doctor will talk about the potential complications and advise about recovery. The exact procedure the practitioner will follow can vary. Generally, it will probably look something like this:
- As the patient sits in a reclined seat, the practitioner will disinfect the face with alcohol. A local anesthetic will be applied with a needle under the skin.
- A small incision is made by the practitioner with another needle, and then insert a device called a cannula will go into the small hole.
- Next, the practitioner will anchor the thread into place and pull out the cannula.
- They’ll finish by cutting the thread and making sure it’s secure in place.
Shortly after the procedure, the patient will be free to go home.
Is The Procedure Painful?
There may be a little pain when the doctor puts in the microbeads, but it usually feels like a pin or mosquito bite. Most people don’t even realize that they have been implanted when the process is done. This procedure takes some time to complete, so make sure not to have appointments or other things to do immediately after the procedure is completed.
What Are PDO Thread lift Recovery And Aftercare?
There is only minimal recovery from a PDO thread lift. There may be some swelling and bruising for the first 24 to 48 hours, but patients can immediately return to most of their daily routines.
After the procedure, the patient should avoid rubbing the face as much as possible the week to prevent accidentally dislodging the thread. They will also likely be advised to avoid pursing their lips, smoking and drinking through a straw for the first several weeks.
Other activities to avoid for 1 to 2 weeks include sleeping on the side, intense exercise, and visiting saunas. Sleeping with the head propped on a pillow can help prevent accidentally rolling onto the face during the middle of the night.
What Are Possible Side Effects Of PDO Thread Lift?
Unlike facelift surgeries, PDO thread lifts have a much lower risk of complications. When performed by a trained professional, there’s less risk of scarring, severe bruising, or bleeding.
In fact, only 15-20 % of minor complications occur during this procedure but are easily corrected. Nonetheless, potential complications are as follows:
- minor bruising
- pain
- infection
- snapping of threads
- accumulation of blood (hematoma)
- inflammation
- dimpling (orange peel-like skin texture)
- hair loss
- inflammation
- visible sutures (for people with thin skin)
- salivary gland injury
Who Should Not Receive The PDO Threads?
The following are not a candidate for the service and need to cancel/reschedule:
- Lidocaine allergy-this injectable anesthetic may be used with thread insertion
- Chemotherapy
- Active cold sores/rash, including active acne
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Blood thinners (such as but not limited to Coumadin etc.)
- Unable to risk bruising for the next week
- Current illness/cold
How Long Does Thread Lift Result Last?
According to ASPS or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, thread lift results should last 1-3 years, depending on the material. Compared to PDO, PPLA threads take longer to dissolve. In fact, a 2019 review in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal of 160 patients who received PDO threads found that results declined sharply after six months and were completely absent by one year.
Some doctors say results only last a few months, regardless of the material. Advancements in development include threads coated in hyaluronic acid that can stimulate more collagen production and help the lifting last even longer after the threads dissolve.
The Bottom Line
PDO thread lift is an effective and safe treatment that can rejuvenate the skin and address wrinkles, fine lines, saggy skin, sunken face, and other aging signs. The Spa at Aestique offers NovaThreads made of small, fully absorbable sutures made of polydioxanone (PDO), a synthetic biocompatible material long used in surgical settings. Ultimately, this innovative procedure can lift drooping brows, restore volume to the cheeks, tighten the skin on and around the neck, and reduce the appearance of marionette lines and jowls.
