What are PDO Threads?
A thread lift is a procedure that uses a dissolvable suture to tighten and lift your skin. It’s a less invasive procedure than facelift surgery and can often be performed in under 45 minutes without needing to go under a scalpel.
Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lifts use a biodegradable polyester suture. They’re best suited for rejuvenating your skin while some newer types of thread lifts are better at lifting sagging skin.
PDO threads are one of three types of sutures commonly used in thread lift procedures. The other two types are made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA).
They have been around the longest of the three and have been used in surgeries since the 1980s. They’re made from a colorless polyester that breaks down in your body after about 6 months.
First, it mechanically results in instant skin lifting. Second, it contracts fat tissue to result in instant skin tightening. Third, it promotes collagen production and neovascularization to renew your skin at the cellular level. All of this works together to give you enhanced skin texture, fewer fine lines and wrinkles and more elastic skin.
What areas of the face can a PDO thread lift treat?
A thread lift can treat most parts of your face that are experiencing signs of aging. The areas around your:
- Neck
- Jowls
- Jawline
- Nasojugal folds
- Nasolabial folds
- Crow’s feet
- Under eye area
- Eyebrows
- Cheeks
- Marionette lines
are among the most commonly treated areas.
Because the results of thread lifts aren’t as drastic as the results of facelift surgeries, thread lifts are commonly used together with other anti-aging procedures such as ultherapy or dermal fillers.
How Long Do the Threads Last?
How long the PDO threads last depends on a number of factors, including the thickness of the threads, the quality of the threads and your body’s rate of metabolism. However, most of our clients find that the threads have dissolved within six to nine months.
How Soon Will I See Results?
Some results of the treatment, such as skin lifting and some of the contouring effects, are visible immediately after treatment. In fact, your skin may look tighter when you walk out of our office than it will a week later.
When Will I See the Final Results?
The final results of your PDO thread lift will be seen within one to two months of your treatment. How long it takes you personally depends a lot on your age. Your age is one of the leading factors in how quickly your body produces new, healthy collagen. Collagen is the protein responsible for plumping up your cheeks, filling in fine lines and smoothing out wrinkles.
Pre Treatment Instructions:
- Do NOT take aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aleve, Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba, fish oil, St. John’s Wort, garlic pills, or other anti-inflammatory medications for 1-2 weeks if okay with your primary physician. These medications can increase the risk of bruising. For mild pain or headaches Tylenol is preferred.
- DO consider taking over the counter Arnica supplements (available at our office and most supplement stores) starting 2 days before your treatment as they have been shown to decrease bruising. Arnica will also help with any swelling.
- DO inform your nurse or physician if you have a history of medication allergies, history of anaphylaxis, and any other medical problems
- The ideal time to schedule this procedure is at LEAST 2 weeks before a big event. The effects of a PDO Thread Lift will settle into place over a 2-4 week period; however, at two weeks, any swelling or bruising that may occur will have subsided.
Post Treatment Instructions:
- No high impact exercise / yoga for two weeks.
- You may use ice packs on the treated areas to help with swelling and discomfort.
- Treated areas may be red, swollen, and bruised for the first 2-7 days.
- If bruising occurs, you may continue Arnica supplements, DO apply topical Arnica gel, drink fresh pineapple juice, and/or take Bromelain supplements to help bruising resolve faster.
- The skin may appear to have an exaggerated lift with slight puckering of the skin. This will resolve on its own within a two week period.
- No laser / IPL/BBL / Radio Frequency treatments for one month. Results last on average 8 – 15 months.
Risks:
PDO thread lifts have a much lower risk of complications than facelift surgeries. There’s less risk of scarring, severe bruising, or bleeding when performed by a trained professional.
- Visible sutures (especially in people with thin skin)
- Pain
- Minor bruising
- Infection
- Snapping of threads
- Accumulation of blood (hematoma)
- Inflammation
- Dimpling (orange peel-like skin texture)
- Hair loss
- Inflammation
- Salivary gland injury
Contraindications:
- Acute inflammatory processes or skin diseases in the area of intervention;
- Acute respiratory viral infection;
Any chronic diseases in their acute phase;
Arterial hypertension;
HIV infection, viral hepatitis; - Autoimmune and somatic diseases;
- Hemophilia (bleeding disorders)
- Propensity to form keloid scars;
- Polyvalent allergy;
- Oncological diseases;
- Reception of anticoagulants, antiaggregants;
- Mental and neurotic disorders;
- Pregnancy, lactation;
- Previously introduced non-biodegradable injection materials, implants in the area of the procedure;
- Any other contraindications as decided by your doctor.
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